In recent years, the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) has exploded in the field of human health as well as animal welfare.

Indeed, more and more dog and cat owners, powerless in the face of their companion’s pain and distress, are now looking for alternative solutions to traditional drug treatments, which are sometimes aggressive or ineffective.

Among these more natural and gentle solutions, CBD!

This natural product , extracted from hemp, has already proven itself in the scientific community. Calming and soothing, it appears to be a choice option in the management of stress but also discomfort.

Moreover, new research-based data is emerging every day, offering very promising prospects for this hemp-based compound .

Considering CBD for your dog’s pain relief ?

Here’s what science, veterinarians, and pet owners say about it.

 

What is CBD?

Before presenting the benefits of CBD in cases of pain in dogs, let’s start at the beginning!

CBD or cannabidiol is a natural product derived from the hemp plant.

Often confused with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is found in recreational cannabis for its psychotropic effect, CBD is safe, without side effects and without risk of addiction , as concluded by the WHO .

CBD can come in different forms in the field of animal health.

CBD oil is the most common version to get in spray form for more convenience. CBD treats have the advantage of making it easier for greedy dogs to take.

Finally, some brands like Botaneo are innovating with CBD balms to relieve and protect dogs’ skin, while providing a soothing massage.

 

CBD for Pain in Dogs: What Does the Science Say?

Clinical trials have recently produced promising results for humans as well as dogs and cats:

Cornell University

Reduced Osteoarthritis Pain in Dogs: Researchers at Cornell University found that CBD improved comfort and activity in dogs with joint pain, according to a study published in July 2018. This clinical study suggests that 2 mg/kg of CBD administered twice daily may help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Liberty Leaf

Research on CBD and Pain Management in Dogs: In August 2018, results from a clinical trial showed that dogs with osteoarthritis given a daily dose of CBD for 4 weeks experienced significant reductions in pain and increased ease of movement.

LR Kogan and R. Downing

Use of hemp oil extract rich in cannabidiol to treat dogs – Pain related to osteoarthritis: in 2020, a study involved 9 dogs suffering from osteoarthritis pain who were offered a dose of 2mg/kg of CBD twice a day. It showed the synergistic effect of CBD with NSAIDs in these dogs as highlighted by Dr. Thierry Poitte , veterinarian, in his article . He specifies that a study was then carried out in September 2020, on 20 dogs suffering from osteoarthritis with a significant reduction in pain in the animals tested.

 

How successful is CBD in pain management in dogs?

Recently iHeartDogs conducted a survey of 455 people who had given CBD to their dogs. The following data represents the responses from dog owners who had administered CBD for pain management:

 

CBD Effectiveness for Pain Management: Veterinarians’ Opinions

Dr. Thierry Poitte – France

Doctor of veterinary medicine at the Veterinary Clinic of La Flotte-en-Ré (17) and speaker within the Cap Douleur Network, Dr. Poitte calls for recognition of the therapeutic properties of CBD.

He states: “from an ancestral empirical use to a societal search for an activator of well-being, there is probably a therapeutic place for a reasoned and individualized prescription of cannabidiol, supported by scientific evidence and numerous clinical observations in the field” (” Perspectives of therapeutic indications of cannabidiol in analgesia “).

Dr Thierry Bedossa – France

Doctor of veterinary medicine at the Clinique vétérinaire du Pont de Neuilly (92) and behavioral physician at the CHU/veterinary school of Alfort, Dr. Thierry Bedossa uses CBD in his daily practice.

He expresses himself regarding the absence of danger of the product: “the potential toxic effects of CBD have also been studied extensively and their level has been assessed as relatively low, even at high doses (10 mg of CBD/kg).

He also specifies that CBD can be combined with medical treatment: “no significant drug interaction in a clinical context when CBD-based products are used in combination with NSAIDs or anticonvulsant treatment” (“ Cannabidiol – An interest in behavioral medicine ”).

Dr. Bedossa discusses the positive effects of CBD on the nervous system of animals, particularly in the treatment of anxiety and epilepsy. He states: “in veterinary medicine, positive feedback is also reported for various conditions or situations, particularly cases of anxiety, sleep disorders, hyperactivity, aggression, senile disorders or confusional syndrome in dogs and cats.”

Dr. Robert Silver – Colorado

Dr. Silver, Chief Veterinarian at Rx Vitamins and a small animal veterinarian in Colorado, explains that “lower doses of CBD are generally adequate for neuropathic pain, but higher doses are often needed for conditions that cause chronic pain and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.”

He also advises starting with a lower dose than recommended, as support for one or another form of discomfort, and increasing the dose depending on the effect.

Furthermore, he states that ” NSAIDs and cannabinoids can act synergistically , so dual use may reduce the necessary dose of one or the other.”

He adds that starting with this lower dose can not only yield good results , but also reduce the cost and amount of hemp extract that needs to be administered ( CBD: Does it work on veterinary patients? ).

To illustrate the effectiveness of CBD on neurological manifestations in dogs, here is finally a short sequence showing a dog suffering from parasitic tremors , before and after administration of CBD.