CBD Oil for Dogs Studies

Pain & Arthritis studies:

  1. The use of CBD-rich hemp oil extract to treat canine osteoarthritis-related pain, a pilot study
  2. Pharmacokinetics, safety, & clinical efficacy of cannabidiol treatment in osteoarthritic dogs
  3. Oral transmucosal CBD: Effects on pain relief & quality of life in dogs with spontaneous osteoarthritis
  4. The effect of a mixed cannabidiol & cannabidiolic acid oil on client owned dogs with atopic dermatitis

Anxiety studies:

  1. A single dose of CBD positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation & car travel

Seizure studies:

  1. Safety & efficacy of CBD-CBDa rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs
  2. Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy

Cancer studies:

  1. Combination therapy with cannabidiol & chemotherapeutics in canine urothelial carcinoma cells

Safety & dosage studies:

  1. Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol following single oral & oral transmucosal administration in dogs
  2. Randomized, placebo-controlled, 28-day safety evaluation of repeated CBD in healthy dogs
  3. Long-term daily feeding of cannabidiol is well-tolerated by healthy dogs
  4. Preliminary investigation of the safety of escalating cannabinoid doses in healthy dogs
  5. Single-dose pharmacokinetics & preliminary safety assessment with use of CBD in healthy dogs & cats
  6. Pharmacokinetics of CBD administered by 3 delivery methods at 2 different dosages to healthy dogs

Study review: The use of cannabidiol-rich hemp oil extract to treat canine osteoarthritis-related pain, a pilot study

Date: March 2020
Publication: AHVMA
Authors: Lori Kogan, Peter Hellyer, and Robin Downing
Location: Colorado State University
Using: full-spectrum CBD oil

What happened

  • Researchers at Colorado University’s specialty clinic for animal pain management wanted to see if full-spectrum CBD oil could do a better job than NSAIDs at reducing pain caused by osteoarthritis in dogs.
  • Instead of giving 37 dogs their usual treatment of NSAIDs, they gave them a twice-daily dose of full-spectrum CBD oil (in various amounts between 0.3 and 4.12 mg/kg) for 90 days. A vet examined each dog before CBD treatment began, and then every two weeks throughout the study.

Results

  • 32 dogs completed the study, and 30 showed reduced pain. CBD was so effective for 21 of the dogs, they were able to stop or reduce their dose of gabapentin, which they were also taking for their arthritis.
Table 2. Starting and Ending Numeric Rating Score, CBD Dose, and Gabapentin Doses in a Clinical Trial of Dogs Receiving CBD for the Treatment of Chronic Pain

(image source: researchgate.net/publication/339698157_The_Use_of_Cannabidiol-Rich_Hemp_Oil_Extract_to_Treat_Canine_Osteoarthritis-Related_Pain_A_Pilot_Study)

Table 2. Starting and ending numeric rating score, CBD dose, and Gabapentin doses in a clinical trial of dogs receiving CBD for the treatment of chronic pain

Study review: Pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of cannabidiol treatment in osteoarthritic dogs

Date: 23 July 2018
Publication: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Authors: Lauri-Jo Gamble, Jordyn Boesch, Christopher Frye, Wayne Schwark, Sabine Mann, Lisa Wolfe, Holly Brown, Erin Berthelsen, and Joseph Wakshlag
Location: Cornell University
Using: twice daily 2 mg/kg doses of full-spectrum CBD oil over 4 weeks

What happened

  • Researchers wanted to find the best dose of CBD for dogs with arthritis. They gave 16 dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis at Cornell University Hospital for Animals a treatment plan of either two mg/kg of full-spectrum CBD or a placebo oil, every twelve hours for four weeks.
  • Veterinary assessment and owner questionnaires were completed before, after, and halfway through the treatment. The study found that dogs didn’t experience any side effects and CBD’s effects lasted about four hours at both doses. Although, When taking CBD, dogs showed higher levels of alkaline phosphatase, which is an enzyme associated with increased liver activity,
  • When the dogs were given CBD oil, they experienced less pain and became more active. The study concluded that “2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with OA.”

Results

When dogs with osteoarthritis are given at least 2 mg/kg of pet-friendly full-spectrum CBD oil two times a day over several weeks, they are likely to experience less pain and become more mobile, with no serious side effects.

Canine-Brief-Pain-Inventory-Pain-and-Activity-questions-and-Hudson-Scale-mean-and-standard-deviation-lameness-weight-bearing-and-pain-scores-median-and-ranges-at-each-time-for-CBD-and-placebo-oil

(image source: frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full)

Canine Brief Pain Inventory (Pain and Activity questions) and Hudson Scale mean and standard deviation; lameness, weight-bearing and pain scores median and ranges at each time for cannabidiol (CBD) and placebo oils.

Study review: Oral transmucosal cannabidiol oil formulation as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen: Effects on pain relief and quality of life improvement in dogs affected by spontaneous osteoarthritis

Date: 26 August 2020
Publication: Animals
Authors: Brioschi, Federica Alessandra, Federica Di Cesare, Daniela Gioeni, Vanessa Rabbogliatti, Francesco Ferrari, Elisa Silvia D’Urso, Martina Amari, and Giuliano Ravasio
Location: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano
Using: twice daily 1 mg/kg doses of full-spectrum CBD oil over 12 weeks

What happened

Researchers studied the effects of CBD oil on a group of 21 dogs with osteoarthritis who were already on treatment plans for their condition.

“Management of osteoarthritic pain includes treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs; non-steroidal (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids.” While these treatments are regularly prescribed to dogs and do work to reduce inflammation, they also come with the risk of short and long-term side effects and are known to have low effectiveness at treating pain.

There are additional options for treating canine pain related to arthritis the most common being Gabapentin. However, this drug can cause sedation.

Because of this, researchers wanted to see if CBD could help reduce the pain they were experiencing, which their current medications were not adequately treating.

Results

Pain Severity and Interference scores were significantly lower for dogs who added CBD to their treatment plan – and quality of life for dogs taking CBD was judged to have increased.

Study review: The effect of a mixed cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid based oil on client owned dogs with atopic dermatitis

Date: 29 May 2022
Publication: Veterinary Dermatology
Authors: Loewinger M, Wakshlag JJ, Bowden D, Peters-Kennedy J, Rosenberg A.
Using: two daily doses ranging from 1.9 to 3 mg/kg CBD, averaging 2.4 mg/kg of full-spectrum CBD in capsule form for 4 weeks

Introduction

Researchers wanted to find out if CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties mean it can reduce discomfort and symptoms related to allergen-induced dermatitis in dogs. That means symptoms like itchy skin and lesions in dogs who are sensitive to things like pollen and soap.

The researchers randomly split 29 dogs into two groups, one receiving twice-daily doses of CBD, the other getting a placebo, for 28 days.

Results

The study found that CBD helped reduce skin itchiness and irritation. Dogs in the CBD group showed significantly lower symptoms than the control group, plus a decrease in symptoms since beginning CBD supplementation. 10 out of 17 owners of dogs in the CBD group agreed that their pet’s symptoms had improved.

Study review: A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel

Date: 22 February 2023
Publication: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Authors: Alysia Hunt, Hannah Flint, Darren Logan, Tammie Kin
Purpose: Research the effectiveness of CBD oil dog anxiety
Using: a single 4 mg/kg dose of broad-spectrum CBD oil for dogs

What happened

  • Researchers gave dogs a 4 mg/kg dose of broad-spectrum CBD oil, and other dogs a placebo oil containing no CBD during two separate stressful situations.
  • They observed the dogs’ stress hormones, heart rates, and overall behavior while being left alone in a room for 45 minutes, and taken on a 10-minute car ride.
  • Dogs who were given CBD oil showed fewer stress behaviors, seemed less agitated, and had bigger reductions in the stress hormone cortisol.

Results

Based on factors like stress hormone levels and stress-related behaviors, the researchers found that CBD did “significantly” reduce canine stress, especially during car journeys.

A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel study - two dogs during testing

(image source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604/full)
Figure 2. (A) Separation test room setup showing position of vet bedding (center, with a dog on top), then clockwise from top: cardboard box, water bowl, dog bed, crate, and toys. (B) Car test setup showing metal crate secured in rear of the car. Video cameras were positioned at the front and rear of the crate.

Study review: Safety and efficacy of cannabidiol-cannabidiolic acid rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs

Date: 29 June 2022
Publication: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Authors: Garcia Gabriel A., Kube Stephanie, Carrera-Justiz Sheila, Tittle David, Wakshlag Joseph J.
Location: Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
Using: two daily doses of 2 mg/kg of full-spectrum CBD in capsule form for 24 weeks

Introduction

CBD and CBD-A have both shown anti-convulsive properties in numerous studies and are now commonly used in treating epilepsy in children. So, researchers wanted to know if these cannabis compounds are also beneficial for dogs who experience epileptic seizures.

Over 24 weeks, they gave 14 dogs diagnosed with epilepsy a twice-daily 2 mg/kg of full-spectrum CBD oil rich in CBDA – or placebo oil.

The researchers analyzed the dogs’ blood at three intervals throughout the study and observed the animals to see if they experienced fewer seizures.

Results

“The major finding of our study is the statistically significant reduction in epileptic seizure frequency, as well as the number of epileptic seizure days, as assessed through diaries kept by owners.”

Study review: Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy

Date: 01 June 2019
Publication: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Authors: Stephanie McGrath, Lisa R Bartner, Sangeeta Rao, Rebecca A Packer, Daniel L Gustafson
Location: Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University
Using: two daily doses of 2.5 mg/kg of full-spectrum CBD oil for 12 weeks

Introduction

  • Current recommended treatments for epilepsy include phenobarbital and potassium bromide. While sometimes effective, these medications fail to reduce seizures in as many as 30% of dogs, and can produce undesirable side effects.
  • So researchers wanted to know if a twice-daily dose of full-spectrum CBD oil would reduce the number of seizures that dogs with epilepsy experienced.
  • They tested their hypothesis on 16 dogs of various ages and breeds who were already on Epilepsy treatment plans, which included prescription drugs like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, and zonisamide.
  • The CBD for canine seizures used in the study was a full-spectrum extract infused in hemp seed oil. The placebo contained only hemp seed oil.

Results

  • Researchers did observe that a “significant reduction in seizure frequency was achieved in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy receiving CBD-infused oil.”
  • That seems like a great result, and could suggest that CBD is able to improve outcomes when added to dogs’ epilepsy treatment plants.
Characteristics of dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy table following CBD treatment study

(image source: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/254/11/javma.254.11.1301.xml)

Table 1. Characteristics of dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy table following CBD treatment study

Study review: Combination therapy with cannabidiol and chemotherapeutics in canine urothelial carcinoma cells

Date: 05 August 2021
Publication: PLOS ONE
Authors: Inkol JM, Hocker SE, Mutsaers AJ
Using: In-vitro lab study on canine cancer cells

Introduction

Bladder cancer is a deadly disease in dogs. With chemotherapy often proving unsuccessful, most dogs diagnosed with bladder cancer will die within a year.

Studies on humans with other types of cancer have suggested that CBD “induced apoptosis, reduced cell migration, and acted as a chemotherapy sensitizer in various human tumor types.”

So, researchers wanted to know – does CBD have any positive effect on bladder cancer in dogs? To find out, they exposed canine urothelial carcinoma cells to CBD in a lab test.

Results

“CBD treatment reduced viability and induced cell death in canine urothelial carcinoma cells in vitro.”

CBD also seems to work well in combination with the chemotherapy drugs mitoxantrone and vinblastine. The researchers noted that CBD enhances chemotherapy “in a synergistic manner.”

Summaries: Studies on the safety of CBD for dogs

Study review: Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol following single oral and oral transmucosal administration in dogs

Date: 06 January 2023
Publication: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Authors: Rocca Giorgia, Paoletti Fabiola, Conti Maria Beatrice, Galarini Roberta, Chiaradia Elisabetta, Sforna Monica, Dall’Aglio Cecilia, Polisca Angela, Di Salvo Alessandra
Location: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Using: a single dose of 1 mg/kg of isolate CBD oil

Introduction

When CBD is taken orally, the effects of the “first-pass metabolism” during digestion mean that a significant amount of CBD is not absorbed into the body.

Because of this, researchers wanted to find out if there is any extra benefit to giving dogs CBD transmucosally, which means rubbing it into their gums, over standard oral administration.

Results

For both administration methods, CBD was detectable in some of the dogs’ blood within 15 minutes, most of them within 30 minutes, and all of them within an hour.

Also for both groups, the maximum concentration of CBD in the dogs’ blood occurred between one and four hours after taking CBD.

Contrary to some advice, the researchers found that massaging CBD into dogs’ gums did not increase its bioavailability compared to dropping it onto food.

Study review: Randomized, placebo-controlled, 28-day safety and pharmacokinetics evaluation of repeated oral cannabidiol administration in healthy dogs

  • Researchers gave the dogs a single dose of full spectrum CBD per day for 28 days. Doses of various strengths were tested in different dogs, up to a maximum dosage of 12 mg/kg
  • “CBD administration was well tolerated by dogs, with no clinically important changes in measured safety outcomes.”
  • At higher doses, researchers observed mild side effects from CBD, including “gastrointestinal adverse events (mainly hypersalivation) and significantly higher serum alkaline phosphatase activity.”

Study review: Long-term daily feeding of cannabidiol is well-tolerated by healthy dogs

  • 40 dogs were given a daily capsule containing 4 mg/kg of CBD, for a 6-month period, with regular vet checkups and blood tests throughout the study
  • There were no other side effects observed, so the study concluded that long-term CBD supplementation and the recommended dosage is safe for dogs

Study review: Preliminary investigation of the safety of escalating cannabinoid doses in healthy dogs

  • Researchers gave 20 beagles one of three types of cannabis oil from Tweed Inc. One type was a full-spectrum CBD oil, the second was THC oil, and the third contained a 60/40 blend of CBD and THC
  • After giving the dogs different dosages of the three oils over several days and monitoring the dogs’ health, researchers found that CBD oil was as well tolerated as a placebo oil, even in huge doses as high as 62 mg/kg
  • The researchers also found that cannabis oils containing above-trace amounts of THC are likely to cause adverse neurological effects

Study review: Single-dose pharmacokinetics and preliminary safety assessment with use of CBD-rich hemp nutraceutical in healthy dogs and cats

  • Given 2 mg/kg of full-spectrum CBD treats twice per day for 12 weeks
  • “Fortunately, there were no changes in physical examination and few changes in the CBC and serum chemistry parameters suggesting the relative safety of oral supplementation over 12 weeks…CBD-rich hemp nutraceuticals appear to be safe in healthy adult dogs.”

Study review: Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol administered by 3 delivery methods at 2 different dosages to healthy dogs

  • Over six weeks, this study gave 30 young male beagles either 150 mg or 300 mg of CBD oil per day in two doses (which worked out to about 10 and 20 mg/kg)
  • All dogs finished the study and no serious side effects were reported