Can CBD Help Dogs with IVDD?

As your canine companion continues to age or face common genetic inflammatory predispositions, conditions such as Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) can disrupt their quality of life.

In addition to your dog’s current prescribed medication, you and your veterinarian could also discuss CBD for dogs. For a while now, many dog owners have cited CBD’s entourage effects and potential benefits for their dogs.

In this article, we will explore how CBD use may support IVDD management in dogs, providing a comprehensive guide for pet owners navigating this complex terrain.

We'll start by explaining the fundamentals of IVDD in dogs, its symptoms, and conventional treatments. Then, we'll look into CBD, discussing its potential benefits, various forms, and how it interacts with a dog's endocannabinoid system.

As we examine both scientific research and anecdotal evidence, we aim to provide you with a balanced view of CBD's potential role in managing IVDD in dogs.

Understanding IVDD in Dogs
- Type I IVDD
- Type II IVDD
Conventional Treatments for IVDD in Dogs
- Conservative Treatment
The Potential of CBD for IVDD Dogs
- Supporting a Healthy Inflammatory Response
- Promoting Comfort and Mobility
Available Forms of CBD for Dogs
CBD Recommended Dosage for Dogs
CBD for IVDD in Dogs – Frequently Asked Questions

<p>As your canine companion continues to age or face <a href="https://lolahemp.com/blogs/dog-health/hip-issues-in-dogs" title="This article discusses the most common joint issues in dogs.">common genetic inflammatory predispositions</a>, conditions such as Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) can disrupt their quality of life.</p>
<p>In addition to your dog’s current prescribed medication, you and your veterinarian could also discuss CBD for dogs. For a while now, many dog owners have cited CBD’s entourage effects and potential benefits for their dogs.</p>
<p>In this article, we will explore how CBD use may support IVDD management in dogs, providing a comprehensive guide for pet owners navigating this complex terrain.</p>
<p>We'll start by explaining the fundamentals of IVDD in dogs, its symptoms, and conventional treatments. Then, we'll look into CBD, discussing its potential benefits, various forms, and how it interacts with a dog's endocannabinoid system.</p>
<p>As we examine both scientific research and anecdotal evidence, we aim to provide you with a balanced view of CBD's potential role in managing IVDD in dogs.</p>

<h2>Understanding IVDD in Dogs</h2>
<p>Intervertebral disks are spongy pads found between the vertebrae in the dog's spine. Vertebrae are bones that form the dog's spine, and the spinal cord is found inside the spine. The spinal cord is made of nerves that link the brain to the local nerves which control the limbs' movement among other functions.</p>
<p>The intervertebral disks in dogs are found underneath the dog’s spinal cord. Their functions include:</p>

<ul>
<li>Absorbing shocks for the dog's spine</li>
<li>Their flexibility allows the dog's spine to bend</li>
<li>They help protect the spinal nerves in the dog's spine</li>
<li>They cushion the vertebrae from shock</li>
</ul>

<p>IVDD is <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.588338/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="This page discusses the nature of IVDD in dogs"><u>mainly caused when the intervertebral disks are stressed</u></a>, causing a spinal injury. There are two main ways in which IVDD can occur:</p>

<h3>Type I IVDD</h3>
<p>Type I IVDD happens when the disk’s soft center bursts out through the outer layer; it's commonly referred to as a slipped disk or herniated disk.</p>
<p>The disks degenerate over time and become brittle. This degeneration occurs mostly in dogs that have short legs and long backs—features found in breeds such as Dachshunds, Beagles, and Shih Tzus.</p>
<p>When the weakened disks are suddenly stressed, they can burst. Triggers can include:</p>

<ul>
<li>Jumping off furniture</li>
<li>Running up stairs</li>
<li>Playing roughly</li>
<li>Even just turning quickly</li>
</ul>

<h3>Type II IVDD</h3>
<p>Type II is a result of a dog's natural aging process. As dogs get older, the disks lose their water content and flexibility, causing the outer layer to slowly weaken and bulge under normal pressure.</p>
<p>Type II generally affects dogs over 5 years old and is more common in larger breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers.</p>

<p>IVDD early stage symptoms may include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pain in the hind legs or neck pain</li>
<li>Urinary or fecal incontinence</li>
<li>Limp tail</li>
<li>Head held low</li>
</ul>

<p>Both types of IVDD can cause similar symptoms, but Type I often has a sudden onset and can be more life-threatening. Type II progresses slowly, giving owners more time to intervene.</p>

<h2>Conventional Treatments for IVDD in Dogs</h2>
<p>IVDD in dogs <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7593405/" target="_blank" title="This article discusses the treatment of IVDD in dogs"><u>requires prompt and appropriate treatment to manage pain</u></a>, prevent further damage, and restore function while IVDD is still in its early stages.</p>

<h3>Conservative Treatment</h3>
<p>For mild cases where a dog experiences pain but can still walk, conservative care is often the first step. It includes:</p>

<strong>1. Strict Crate Rest</strong>
<p>Dogs remain confined for 4–6 weeks to allow disk healing and prevent further herniation.</p>

<strong>2. Pain Management</strong>
<p>NSAIDs like Carprofen or Meloxicam help reduce inflammation and pain.</p>

<strong>3. Muscle Relaxants</strong>
<p>Medications like Methocarbamol or Diazepam reduce spasms associated with IVDD.</p>

<strong>4. Gabapentin</strong>
<p>Used for neuropathic pain by modulating calcium channels.</p>

<strong>5. Physical Therapy</strong>
<p>After acute pain subsides, gentle exercises and hydrotherapy help restore mobility.</p>

<strong>6. Acupuncture</strong>
<p>Some veterinarians use acupuncture to support recovery and pain reduction.</p>

<h4>7. Surgical Intervention</h4>
<p>For severe neurological impairment or paralysis, surgery may be necessary. MRI imaging helps determine the extent of injury.</p>

<strong>8. Hemilaminectomy</strong>
<p>Removes vertebral bone to relieve spinal cord pressure.</p>

<strong>9. Ventral Slot Procedure</strong>
<p>Used for cervical disk herniations.</p>

<strong>10. Fenestration</strong>
<p>Removes degenerated material to reduce future herniation risk.</p>

<h2>The Potential of CBD for IVDD Dogs</h2>
<p>Dogs have a <a href="https://lolahemp.com/blogs/pet-cbd/endocannabinoid-system-and-cbd" target="_blank">network of receptors and neurotransmitters</a> that regulates mood, sleep, immune function, and inflammation. This is known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).</p>

<ul>
<li>Endocannabinoids</li>
<li>Receptors (CB1, CB2)</li>
<li>Enzymes that break down endocannabinoids</li>
</ul>

<p>CBD may influence this system to support dogs with IVDD.</p>

<h3>Supporting a Healthy Inflammatory Response</h3>
<p>Inflammation surrounding damaged disks is common. Research suggests CBD may influence inflammatory pathways.</p>

<strong>1. Cytokine Modulation</strong>
<p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8473042/" title="Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response"><u>CBD may modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines</u></a>, potentially supporting IL-10 production.</p>

<strong>2. Immune Cell Function</strong>
<p>CBD may interact with immune cells like T-cells and macrophages, supporting a healthier inflammatory response.</p>

<strong>3. Oxidative Stress</strong>
<p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7023045/" target="_blank" title="This study looks into the antioxidant properties of CBD.">CBD has antioxidant properties</a> that may help reduce oxidative stress.</p>

<h3>Promoting Comfort and Mobility</h3>
<p>CBD may influence receptors involved in discomfort and nerve signaling.</p>

<strong>1. Vanilloid Receptors (TRPV1)</strong>
<p>May support natural discomfort management.</p>

<strong>2. Adenosine Receptors</strong>
<p>May support sleep regulation by influencing adenosine signaling.</p>

<strong>3. Serotonin Receptors</strong>
<p>CBD may influence 5-HT1A receptors, supporting mood and pain perception.</p>

<h2>Available Forms of CBD for Dogs</h2>
<p>CBD for dogs comes in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate forms.</p>

<h3>Oils and Tinctures</h3>
<p>These allow precise dosing and fast absorption when given sublingually.</p>

<h3>Treats and Chews</h3>
<p>Pre-measured and flavored for convenience.</p>

<h3>Topical Applications</h3>
<p>Used for localized relief in cases of muscle tension.</p>

<h2>CBD Recommended Dosage for Dogs</h2>
<p>Dosing depends on weight, severity, and product concentration. Always consult a veterinarian familiar with <a href="https://www.lolahemp.com/collections/dog-cbd" title="This page lists all of Lolahemp's CBD products for dogs.">CBD products for dogs</a>.</p>

<h2>CBD for IVDD in Dogs – Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

<div class="faq-section">
<h3>Can CBD help dogs with IVDD?</h3>
<p>CBD may support inflammation management, comfort, and mobility by interacting with the ECS and related receptors.</p>

<h3>Is CBD safe for dogs with IVDD?</h3>
<p>CBD is generally considered safe when using dog-formulated products and correct dosing. Consult your veterinarian first.</p>

<h3>How long does it take for CBD to work for IVDD?</h3>
<p>Some dogs may experience effects within 30–60 minutes, while long-term support may require consistent daily use.</p>

<h3>What form of CBD is best for dogs with IVDD?</h3>
<p>CBD oils allow precise dosing and fast absorption, but treats can be easier for daily use.</p>
</div>

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Understanding IVDD in Dogs

Intervertebral disks are spongy pads found between the vertebrae in the dog's spine. Vertebrae are bones that form the dog's spine, and the spinal cord is found inside the spine. The spinal cord is made of nerves that link the brain to the local nerves which control the limbs' movement among other functions.

The intervertebral disks in dogs are found underneath the dog’s spinal cord. Their functions include:

Absorbing shocks for the dog's spine
Their flexibility allows the dog's spine to bend
They help protect the spinal nerves in the dog's spine
They cushion the vertebrae from shock

IVDD is mainly caused when the intervertebral disks are stressed, causing a spinal injury. There are two main ways in which IVDD can occur:

Type I IVDD
Type II IVDD

Type I IVDD

Type I IVDD happens when the disk’s soft center bursts out through the outer layer; it's commonly referred to as a slipped disk or herniated disk.

The disks degenerate over time and become brittle. This degeneration occurs mostly in dogs that have short legs and long backs—features found in breeds such as Dachshunds, Beagles, and Shih Tzus.

When the weakened disks are suddenly stressed, they can burst. Triggers can include:

Jumping off furniture
Running up stairs
Playing roughly
Even just turning quickly

Type II IVDD

Type II is a result of a dog's natural aging process. As dogs get older, the disks lose their water content and flexibility, causing the outer layer to slowly weaken and bulge under normal pressure.

Type II generally affects dogs over 5 years old and is more common in larger breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers.

IVDD early stage symptoms may include:

Pain in the hind legs or neck pain
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Limp tail
Head held low

Both types of IVDD can cause similar symptoms, but Type I often has a sudden onset and can be more life-threatening. Type II progresses slowly, giving owners more time to intervene.

Conventional Treatments for IVDD in Dogs

IVDD in dogs requires prompt and appropriate treatment to manage pain, prevent further damage, and restore function while IVDD is still in its early stages.

Conservative Treatment

For mild cases where a dog experiences pain but can still walk, conservative care is often the first step. It includes:

1. Strict Crate Rest

Dogs remain confined for 4–6 weeks to allow disk healing and prevent further herniation.

2. Pain Management

NSAIDs like Carprofen or Meloxicam help reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Muscle Relaxants

Medications like Methocarbamol or Diazepam reduce spasms associated with IVDD.

4. Gabapentin

Used for neuropathic pain by modulating calcium channels.

5. Physical Therapy

After acute pain subsides, gentle exercises and hydrotherapy help restore mobility.

6. Acupuncture

Some veterinarians use acupuncture to support recovery and pain reduction.

7. Surgical Intervention

For severe neurological impairment or paralysis, surgery may be necessary. MRI imaging helps determine the extent of injury.

8. Hemilaminectomy

Removes vertebral bone to relieve spinal cord pressure.

9. Ventral Slot Procedure

Used for cervical disk herniations.

10. Fenestration

Removes degenerated material to reduce future herniation risk.

The Potential of CBD for IVDD Dogs

Dogs have a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that regulates mood, sleep, immune function, and inflammation. This is known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Endocannabinoids
Receptors (CB1, CB2)
Enzymes that break down endocannabinoids

CBD may influence this system to support dogs with IVDD.

Supporting a Healthy Inflammatory Response

Inflammation surrounding damaged disks is common. Research suggests CBD may influence inflammatory pathways.

1. Cytokine Modulation

CBD may modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially supporting IL-10 production.

2. Immune Cell Function

CBD may interact with immune cells like T-cells and macrophages, supporting a healthier inflammatory response.

3. Oxidative Stress

CBD has antioxidant properties that may help reduce oxidative stress.

Promoting Comfort and Mobility

CBD may influence receptors involved in discomfort and nerve signaling.

1. Vanilloid Receptors (TRPV1)

May support natural discomfort management.

2. Adenosine Receptors

May support sleep regulation by influencing adenosine signaling.

3. Serotonin Receptors

CBD may influence 5-HT1A receptors, supporting mood and pain perception.

Available Forms of CBD for Dogs

CBD for dogs comes in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate forms.

Oils and Tinctures

These allow precise dosing and fast absorption when given sublingually.

Treats and Chews

Pre-measured and flavored for convenience.

Topical Applications

Used for localized relief in cases of muscle tension.

CBD Recommended Dosage for Dogs

Dosing depends on weight, severity, and product concentration. Always consult a veterinarian familiar with CBD products for dogs.

CBD for IVDD in Dogs – Frequently Asked Questions