Top 10 Benefits of CBD for Dogs
CBD usage for pets, including dogs, continues to rise given its potential to help manage daily challenges including anxiety, mobility, digestion and more. With more and more people looking for natural alternatives for their pet’s daily wellness routine, the question of what the top 10 benefits of CBD for dogs are often comes up as pet parents look to better understand it.
For a quick refresher on what CBD is, CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant, more specifically hemp, and is one of over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. But unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn't cause the "high" commonly associated with cannabis use.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate various bodily functions, including mood, stress, and sleep. In the next section we will look at the top benefits of CBD for dogs and examine the pro’s con’s of using CBD for your dog’s health.
Top 10 Benefits of CBD
Pain Relief
CBD may help alleviate chronic pain, including joint pain, arthritis, and neuropathy, by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates pain perception. While CBD is not approved by the FDA, there is a lot of ongoing research on its effectiveness in helping to manage pain and inflammation. Keep in mind that it is important to look for products that are 3rd party tested for purity and potency to ensure you are buying from a reputable brand.
Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5690292/
Anxiety Reduction
Many dog owners report that CBD helps their pets stay calm without causing drowsiness or a sedative effect. For more information on CBD and anxiety, read our blog here, where we discuss products like CBD Dog Calming Chews that are specifically designed to help soothe anxious dogs.
Improved Sleep
By helping manage stress and pain, some pet parents report improvement in sleep. In addition, in some studies with other animals, CBD has shown potential to regulate sleep-wake cycles, which could benefit dogs with irregular sleeping patterns. However, more scientific evidence is needed to fully understand the impact of CBD on sleep quality.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis, autoimmune diseases, or injuries.
Seizure Management
Studies indicate CBD may reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs with epilepsy, offering a natural alternative to traditional medications.
Digestive Health
CBD may help alleviate issues like nausea, vomiting, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by regulating gut health and calming the stomach. As with any supplements, it is always best to consult with a vet before usage and follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions.
Consuming more CBD than recommended may cause your dog to have an upset stomach and diarrhea. However, CBD chews with probiotics may be just what your dog’s gut health needs.
Skin and Coat Health
A very common problem is having a dog with itchy skin. CBD for dogs’ itchy skin may help with skin conditions such as dermatitis and promote a healthier coat by reducing inflammation and irritation.
Mobility Support
By potentially reducing pain and inflammation in joints, CBD can improve mobility in older dogs or those recovering from injuries. For people with senior pets who are looking to help keep their dog moving well into their senior years, CBD has the potential to help calm their joints and support mobility. Most dog supplement manufacturers may CBD dog chews for hip and joint mobility, which are okay and encouraged to be used daily.
Boosting Appetite
CBD can stimulate appetite and help dogs that experience nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite due to illness or treatment.
Overall Wellness
Regular, appropriate use of CBD may promote homeostasis, helping dogs feel more balanced and less stressed, improving their quality of life.
Benefits of CBD for Senior Dogs
Many conditions become more pronounced as our pets age, including mobility, anxiety, pain and other issues related to aging. CBD offers the potential to help senior dogs manage these various conditions.
Much of the evidence is anecdotal, but early research is promising and has many people putting their pups on a daily wellness routine that includes CBD. Given that CBD is natural, safe and non-toxic, it offers a low-risk option for people looking to help sooth their senior dogs' aches and pains.
Best CBD Products for Dogs by Kradle
Kradle is a manufacturer of CBD products for dogs that are effective, easy to use and 3rd party tested for quality and safety. A leader in CBD dog treats, Kradle makes products designed for calming, mobility and skin health. Below of 5 of Kradle’s most popular CBD products.
FAQs
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How can CBD help my senior dog?
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CBD may be effective in helping senior dogs manage normal stress and pain and inflammation that can effect mobility. With proper use and guidance, CBD can be a supportive tool in enhancing the quality of life for senior dogs which can keep them moving better, calmer and improve general wellness.
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For anxiety specifically, senior dogs often experience anxiety due to changes in their environment, loss of senses, or cognitive decline. CBD may have calming effects that help manage anxiety and stress.
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What are the benefits of CBD for my dog’s anxiety?
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CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate various bodily functions, including mood, stress, and sleep. When dogs are given CBD, it may help balance the ECS, promoting a state of calmness and relaxation, which is particularly useful for managing anxiety.
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Can CBD help with my dog’s seizures?
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CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating neurological functions. Studies in humans and animals suggest CBD may reduce seizure frequency and severity, but research is still preliminary.
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Studies in Dogs, such as a 2019 study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, showed that CBD reduced seizure frequency in some dogs with epilepsy when used alongside traditional anticonvulsant medications .
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What is the best CBD dosage for dogs?
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While there is not necessarily a “best” CBD dosage for dogs, we suggest the following milligram guidelines by dog size:
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For small dogs (5-25 lbs) 10mg-20mg a day
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For medium dogs (26-50 lbs) 15mg-30mg a day
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For large dogs (51-74 lbs) 20mg – 40mg a day
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For extra-large dogs (75+ lbs) 25mg – 50mg a day
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