CBD for Dogs: What Clinical Trials or Scientific Studies Have Been Performed Recently?

CBD (cannabidiol) for dogs has become one of the most talked-about natural supplements in recent years. And while anecdotal success stories are abundant, what actual scientific studies have been done to confirm the safety and efficacy of CBD?

Much work has still to be done on CBD in both humans and animals, but the results we have so far been promising. In this article, we’ll cover some of the more significant research in both dogs, and other animals. 

Clinical Study #1: Increased Activity and Decreased Inflammation in Arthritic Dogs (Cornell University)

Cornell University researchers found CBD increased 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 CBD twice daily can decrease inflammation and increase activity in dogs with decreased mobility. See below for the link to the clinical study.

Clinical Study #2: Significant Improvement in Mobility and Functional Performance (Liberty Leaf)

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

Clinical Study #3: Reduction of Pain & 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 chronic pain due to osteoarthritis. The 90-day study was overseen by Robin Downing DVM and included 32 dogs that had suffered from chronic arthritic pain for a minimum of 3 months. The study found that the addition of a Full-Spectrum Hemp (CBD) oil resulted in notable benefits (decreased pain scores, improvements in mobility) for 94% of the study dogs. See below for the link to the clinical study.

Clinical Study #4: 89% Reduction in Seizures for Epileptic Dogs (Colorado State University)

A group of researchers from Colorado State University are focused on learning more about CBD oil as a viable treatment for epilepsy in dogs. For 24 weeks, dogs that experience at least two seizures a month will receive either CBD oil treatment or a placebo. Preliminary results released in July of 2018 have shown that a surprising 89% of the dogs studied showed a drop in regular seizures. The study is a double blind, placebo controlled test. See below for the link to the clinical study.

Clinical Study #5: CBD Safety & Delivery Method (Colorado State University)

In 2016, Colorado State University completed work on a pharmacokinetic & safety study of CBD in healthy dogs which could be measurable in the blood. The study suggests that CBD usage in dogs is safe enough to warrant studies in a clinical population. For the study 30 healthy dogs were given 2 different dosages of CBD in 3 different methods of delivery: capsules, oil tincture, and a cream applied on the skin. The results showed that CBD given orally in an oil tincture was most absorbed and bioavailable to the body. See below for the link to the clinical study.

Clinical Study #6: CBD Shows Improvement of Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms (CannaPal Animal Therapeutics)

A study by CannaPal Animal Therapeutics in July of 2020 tested 13 dogs suffering from skin allergies (atopic dermatitis). After the 56 days, Dermatology Specialist Veterinarians assessed the results. Using the CADESI-4 model, they looked at skin lesions and certain areas of the body that are typically affected by atopic dermatitis. The study concluded that dogs using CBD were more likely to see a significant decrease in atopic dermatitis symptoms. The dogs on the CBD formulas had a 51% decrease in CADESI-4 scores, meaning fewer symptoms were present after the study. See below for the link to the clinical study.

Additional Non-Canine Studies on CBD & It’s Effects

CBD for Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome - Human Studies

Multiple studies have shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel syndrome in humans. Other studies have suggested CBD can slow the course of the disease, improve symptoms, and increase the efficacy of available drugs for the treatment of disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. 

CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy - Human Studies

Scientists surveyed a group of parents who were interested in sharing information about their children’s experiences with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Nineteen individuals who used cannabidiol-enriched cannabis to treat their children participated. It was found that 84% of the children experienced fewer seizures after taking CBD.

CBD Helps Mice With Acute Pancreatitis

Mice showed evidence that cannabidiol treatment successfully reduces enzyme activity within the pancreas organ tissue. CBD showed anti-inflammatory properties that lead to “improved pathological changes.”

Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder - Human Studies

Researchers administered doses of either CBD oil or a placebo drug to people with a generalized social anxiety disorder to determine possible anxiolytic properties of CBD. They measured cerebral blood flow before and after treatment and found CBD oil to be associated with decreased subjective anxiety.

Self Reported Survey Results on CBD in Dogs: April 2018, 349 Respondents

In April of 2018, iHeartDogs conducted a self-reported survey to 349 respondents who reported to have given CBD to their dogs. The following survey results represent the reasons why CBD was given:

The next question addresses whether the respondents felt CBD helped the condition for which it was given.

In summary, 75.3% of respondents reported that CBD was “Very effective” or “Somewhat effective” at helping their dog’s condition for which is was given.

In conclusion, both the scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests CBD may be a very promising tool in maintaining health and wellness in dogs. If you’d like to learn more about CBD, please visit the resources below.

Citations

Westword: Colorado State University Leading the Way in Veterinary CBD Treatment 

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Efficacy of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Efficacy of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

National Center for Biotechnology Information: Anti-Inflammatory Role of Cannabidiol in Acute Pancreatitis in Mice

National Center for Biotechnology Information: Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Use in Pediatric Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy

National Center for Biotechnology Information: Neural Basis of Anxiolytic Effects of CBD in Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder

Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs

CBD for Pet Allergies? First, what should you know….

Suffering from allergies is enough to get even the happiest pet down. Allergic reactions can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching and digestive issues. First, it is important to have your pet visit a veterinarian if your pet has diarrhea, is vomiting, or has skin rashes. These issues are urgent and must be immediately addressed by a doctor.

First, what allergies do most pets suffer from?

Allergies are a reaction to their environment or exposure to something and are placed in two categories. Food allergens and environment allergens.

Food allergens … are often misdiagnosed since they share the same symptoms as environmental allergies. It can be particularly confusing when dogs can develop allergies to foods they’ve been eating their whole lives. As pets age, food allergies can develop and a good indicator that your dog is allergic to food rather than something they’ve come into contact with is they will have patches of dry and flaky skin all over their body including the inside of their ears. The next time your pet is itch’s, check to see if the skin is dry and flaky. Dogs with food allergies might also vomit, have diarrhea or have a foul smell in their ears.

Environmental allergens … are a reaction to insects, mites, fragranced detergents, pollen, hair products or even grass. Some of these types of allergies may occur at certain times of the year. The usual symptoms include red inflamed itchy areas of your pet's arms, legs, paws, face, and stomach. This symptom can be all over their body if a hair product such as shampoo was used or if they are frequently wrapped in a favorite blanket that was washed using fragranced detergent.

Most common allergies include: Beef, Dairy, Egg, Poultry, Wheat, Fleas, Pollen, Grass, Insects, Mites, and Dander.

Skin and Stomach issues ... Allergens can cause areas of a dog’s skin to become inflamed and itchy. Your pet will scratch a certain location which can become bloody and infected if left untreated. Vomiting or diarrhea that can’t be explained can be a sign that your dog has an allergy to a food item. Other common symptoms include hives, swelling around the eyes, runny eyes and nose, sneezing when outside, and excessive licking.

How may CBD Oil help with allergies?

CBD oil may provide comfort to experiencing skin pets in a few different ways. A study in 2012 found that CBD oil helps to decrease itchiness in dogs. In 2019. a study found that inflammation was reduced in pets taking CBD oil who had been diagnosed with joint disease. Since a pet can't understand why they're experiencing this discomfort they may become restless or aggressive. Topical and ingested CBD may decrease skin irritation and redness and provide additional calmness to pets. An E-collar may be useful in cases where pets will not stop itching or licking the irritated skin. CBD should be used at add-on therapy to any treatment your pet is currently using.

Now you know all this information, what should you do next?

First learn and decide if CBD may be a good option for your pet. Look for clinical trials, as these resources are often unbiased. If you are uncertain if CBD may interact with current medications or if your pet has certain medical condition contact your veterinarian or a reputable store that can provide guidance from a licensed veterinary professional.

FYI - The 4 most popular products sold on WildLifeRx for pets with skin irritations are:

1. Canna Care CBD by Pet Releaf – A topical product made with Ucuuba butter which encourages the healing of epidermal tissue, Calendula Flower extract which increases healthy cell growth and CBD.

2. Receptra CBD Oil - High potency unflavored extract for picky cats and dogs. A favored product amongst pet CBD users.

3. HolistaPet Calming Chews for Dogs – A 5 mg CBD peanut butter chew to be used throughout the day to increase rest and decrease a pet’s discomfort.

4. Charlottes Web Canine Infused Balm - A topical product made with Tacuma Seed Butter which encourages the repairing of epidermal tissue, Himalayan cedarwood which is a natural insect repellant, and CBD.

Resources:

Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065210

Palmieri B, Laurino C, Vadalà M. A therapeutic effect of CBD-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. Clin Ter. 2019 Mar-Apr;170

Petrosino S, Verde R, Vaia M, et al. Anti-inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychotropic Cannabinoid, in Experimental Allergic Contact Dermatitis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2018 Jun;365(3):652-663

The Five Most Common CBD Questions Asked To Veterinarians

1 - Is CBD safe? It is safe if the CBD itself is safe for Veterinary use. Not all CBD manufacturers use strict standards regarding pesticide and chemical use. Not all products are laboratory tested and some products could be made with ingredients that may be harmful to pets. A Certificate of Analysis will state the potency of CBD vrs THC, and if there any detectible pesticides or heavy metals. Unless your pet has elevated liver enzymes, is on blood thinners or heart medication, or is allergic to CBD, CBD is safe for use in all animals.

2 - Will CBD get my pet high? CBD used within the Veterinary industry is made from Hemp and Hemp has under 0.3% THC. THC is the chemical that produces the psycho-active, ‘high’ behavior. The THC in marijuana ranges from 10-40%. Too much CBD at once may produce drowsiness which may be interpreted as ‘high’, this side effect can last up to 6 hours and there has been no known overdosing of CBD when used for pets.

3 - Is CBD scientifically proven? Yes. There have been many human and several veterinary clinical trials that have proven that CBD does have an effect on certain conditions. The FDA has approved 3 CBD derived human medications for seizures associated with epilepsy and additional clinical trials involving humans and pet patients have been conducted and are currently underway. Learn more about previous and current trials in the 'Learn" section in this website.

4 - Is CBD legal? Only CBD made from Hemp is legal and CBD from hemp is used in veterinary medicine. In 2018 the Federal government made all hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, legal in all 50 states. All states allow for the possession of hemp products as long as the person is over the required age for that state.

5 - Is using a product with 0.3% THC safe to use on animals? Limited research indicates that THC in extremely small amounts is well-tolerated in healthy pets that do not have liver disease. CBD from hemp must contain less than (0.3% or less) THC. There have been liver toxicity studies involving marijuana containing 10-40% THC. One of the earliest studies investigating the effect of cannabis on the liver was published in The Lancet in 1971; abnormal liver enzymes and hepatic dysfunction were found in young consumers (human) who were chronic marijuana users. More definitive research in the areas of hemp is needed.

Resources

How to talk to you Vet about CBD?

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/

CBD for Dogs and Cats What’s new?

https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/cbd-for-dogs-and-cats-whats-new/

CBD Oil For Dogs. What you need to know.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/