CBD and Your Dog

Curious about whether CBD is right for your dog? What exactly is CBD, anyways? We address the most common CBD questions, including dosage and what canine conditions CBD can treat.
 

1. What is CBD, anyway?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. CBD is a naturally occurring compound derived from the hemp plant. It does not cause a high and is not addictive.
 

2. Is CBD safe for dogs?
“The number of cannabis studies in dogs, cats, and horses is growing exponentially,” says Dr. Katherine Kramer, an integrative veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness. “While there is still so much to discover about this amazing plant, studies to date suggest that CBD is safe and well tolerated by dogs.”
 

3. Can CBD get your dog high?
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you or your dog high. That is because CBD produced under legal guidelines in the United States and Canada contains no more than 0.3% THC. (THC is the chemical compound in marijuana responsible for intoxication. By contrast, marijuana commonly contains 20% THC.)
 

4. How does CBD work?
CBD works by altering the functioning of your body’s own Endocannabinoid System. Cannabinoids “naturally interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance,” explains Dr. Kramer. This interaction has an impact on things like pain, stress, anxiety, hunger, and more.
 

5. What are the most common issues CBD can be used to treat?
CBD has been shown to benefit numerous conditions, including chronic pain, osteoarthritis, inflammation, skin disorders, anxiety, seizures, and more. “In my practice, I recommend it primarily for pain/inflammation, anxiety and cognitive decline, seizure disorders, and cancer,” says Dr. Kramer, who notes that results vary depending on the individual. “Some patients have had amazing responses while others have had little to no benefit. Overall, most dogs with arthritis appear to have great responses.”
 

6. How much CBD does my dog need?
CBD remains an experimental drug and specific dosing guidelines have not been established, notes Dr. Kramer. “At this point, dosing depends on the patient, the condition being treated, the specific CBD product, and the pet's other medications,” she says. “It’s important, to discuss giving CBD to your pet with your veterinarian to determine a starting dose, the best product to use, and to make sure there won't be any interactions with any other medications or supplements.
 

7. Can CBD benefit dogs with cancer?
“Many studies are underway looking at how CBD may have a synergistic effect with many chemotherapy drugs,” says Dr. Kramer. It would be amazing to have more options to treat cancer in dogs!”
 

8. Can CBD interact with other medications?
CBD can affect how some medications are metabolized, possibly changing performance and how much is absorbed. It’s paramount to talk with your vet before giving your dog CBD.
 

Bottom line?
CBD appears to be safe and well tolerated by dogs and shows definitive promise in treating a variety of issues, most notably arthritis/chronic pain. If you decide to try CBD, make sure you are getting it from a reputable source. And talk with your vet to make sure that it won't affect any other medicines your dog takes. 
 

OUR PICKS
Treats and tinctures formulated especially for dogs
 

CBD TINCTURE
Genie's full-spectrum Hemp Signature Blend is a USDA certified organic tincture crafted with a unique blend of CBD, CBDA, and CBG to promote skin and joint health, relieve discomfort, reduce stress, and increase mobility. ($90, geniestherapeutics.com)

CBD CHEWS
Suzie’s CBD Soft Chews contain 2 mg of full-spectrum, human-grade, organic CBD oil from their USDA organic farm. Available in Chicken and Turmeric, Beef Bone Broth, and Peanut Butter Carob, they deliver the benefits of CBD in flavours your pup will love! ($25, suziespettreats.com)

CBD BALM
Relieve discomfort from hot spots, insect bites, and more with Colorado Hemp Honey’s Calming CBD Balm—just apply this Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD and beeswax balm directly to your dog’s skin. ($15, coloradohemphoney.com)
 

CBD DROPS
That’ll Do pet CBD tincture from Orso Farms is made from certified organic CBD hemp and extracted through a solvent-free process to aid in a sense of calm, support physical comfort, and increase your pet’s agility. Available for small, medium, and large dogs. (from $40, thatlldopets.com)

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!