CBD (cannabidiol) for dogs has become one of the most talked about natural supplements in recent years. A 3rd clinical trial was released in April of 2020 demonstrating the supplement’s effectiveness on aging dogs with joint discomfort.

In this article, we’ll cover the 3 studies to-date on CBD effectiveness for chronic discomfort:

Study #1: Increased Comfort & Activity in Immobile Dogs (Cornell University/Ellevet Sciences)

Cornell University researchers found CBD supplied from ElleVet Sciences increased comfort and the activity of dogs suffering from joint discomfort, according to a study published in July of 2018 in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. This clinical study suggests that 2 mg/kg of the CBD in the test given twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs struggling with mobility. ²³

 

Study #2: Significant Reduced Discomfort & Improve Functional Performance (Liberty Leaf)

Released in August of 2018, results from this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that dogs with joint discomfort receiving a daily dose of only 0.3 mg per kg of proprietary CBD-infused oil formulation for four weeks showed significantly reduced discomfort and improved functional performance.

 

Study #3: Reduction of  Discomfort & Improved Mobility (Colorado State University)

An April 2020 Colorado State University clinical trial studied the impact of their hemp-derived Cannabidiol (CBD) product on dogs suffering with discomfort due to joint discomfort. The 90-day study was overseen by Robin Downing, DVM and included 32 dogs that had suffered from joint discomfort for a minimum of 3 months. The study found that the addition of  Full-spectrum Hemp (CBD) oil resulted in notable benefits (decreased discomfort scores, improvements in mobility, and improved quality of life) for 94% of the study dogs.

 

 

3 Tips for Choosing a Safe CBD Product for Your Dog

Ready to make the plunge into canine CBD? Here’s 3 things you need to look for:

#1 – Never Purchase a CBD Oil Product Without Looking at a CURRENT Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A certificate of analysis (abbreviated COA) contains laboratory testing results of your CBD oil. Ideally, the certificate should show high amounts of CBD and zero THC. If you cannot find a COA on the website of the CBD seller you’re considering, move on.  You can view examples of CBD COAs here.

#2 – Choose a Product With Zero THC

While all CBD from hemp should contain low THC (under .3%) we strongly recommend purchasing a product that contains zero detectable THC on the certificate of analysis. Dogs react much differently to THC than humans, and although under .3% would never make human “high”, even trace amounts of THC can have negative effects on small animals.

#3 – Choose Full-Spectrum Instead of CBD Isolate

You may come across the term “full-spectrum CBD oil” or “CBD isolate”. A full spectrum product uses the many cannabinoids and terpenes found naturally in hemp, while a CBD isolate product contains only CBD. We believe nature knows best, and using a product that more closely mirrors what nature designed is ideal.

Next Up: 8 Things To Consider Before Buying CBD Oil for Your Dog

 

Additional Resources

• CBD for Dogs Buyer’s Guide: Things To Know Before Purchasing
• The Ultimate Guide to CBD for Dogs
• How CBD May Help Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
• How CBD May Help Your Dog’s Joint Discomfort

Citations

16. Westword: Colorado State University Leading the Way in Veterinary CBD Treatment17. Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Efficacy of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs
18. Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Efficacy of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
19. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Anti-Inflammatory Role of Cannabidiol in Acute Pancreatitis in Mice
20. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Use in Pediatric Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy
21. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Neural Basis of Anxiolytic Effects of CBD in Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder
22. Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
23. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.