CBD for Dogs 101: A Complete Guide

This article is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment of any condition, symptom, or disease. Please consult with your veterinarian before using hemp oil products on your pet.

At Lolahemp, we prioritize helping our customers with knowledge about CBD oil for dogs and its potential health benefits before it's time to make a purchase.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide to understanding this natural product, its mechanisms, and the scientific research backing products like oils, topicals, and chews with CBD for dogs.

The Basics of CBD for Dogs

 

The Short Answer:

• CBD grows naturally in the hemp plant. 
• Hemp products are not psychoactive and are generally considered safe for pets.
• CBD engages with your dog's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which monitors many of your dog's most important bodily systems.
• When CBD engages with your dog's ECS, it can influence the way your dog's body manages things like emotional regulation, pain perception, and the inflammatory response. 
• If your dog is receptive to CBD, it has the potential to have a very powerful impact on their overall wellbeing.

The Long Answer:

CBD, short for cannabidiol, represents one of over 80 "cannabinoids" present in the cannabis family. CBD for pets is specifically derived from the hemp plant, a subset of cannabis strains legally mandated to contain less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

For pet owners, the low THC content in hemp is crucial. THC is the psychoactive compound abundant in medical and recreational marijuana, responsible for the associated "high."

Interestingly, our furry friends exhibit heightened sensitivity to elevated THC levels. Research suggests this may be due to an increased number of endocannabinoid receptors in the brain.
 

 

In contrast, substantial amounts of CBD do not induce psychoactive effects. Decades of research have focused on exploring the potential health and wellness benefits of CBD. Notably, CBD is deemed safe to include in your dog's diet.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a pivotal role in balancing numerous natural processes within the body, influencing aspects such as mood, sleep, immune system function, digestion, skin health, pain, inflammation responses, and more.  

As illustrated in the chart below, there are three distinct classes of cannabinoids. Among them are endocannabinoids, which the body produces as part of its endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Next, we have pythocannabinoids, which occur naturally in the hemp plant. Finally, we have synthetic cannabinoids which are developed in a lab to mimic the action of natural cannabinoids.

Giving Your Dog CBD for The First Time?

If you're giving your dog CBD for the first time, be sure to stick to dosage guidelines and monitor your dog's response after using it. Look out for any signs of a poor reaction to the oil. 

CBD is well-tolerated by most dogs, but all products are different so it's important to keep an eye on them to make sure everything is going well. 

If they respond well, continue using the oil twice daily at the same dosage. Expect results anywhere from 1-3 weeks after starting, and note that not all dogs will benefit. 

If your dog shows slight improvement but could benefit more after a few weeks, you can increase the dosage marginally and repeat that process until you see the results you're looking for.

The same is true if you're planning to use CBD oil for your cat.

The Difference Between CBD and Hemp Oil

The Short Answer:

• CBD oil and hemp oil are often the same thing marketed with different names.
• CBD oil sometimes contains "CBD isolate," which is an extracted form of CBD that doesn't contain other natural compounds.
• Full-spectrum CBD oil, and full-spectrum hemp oil are the same thing, and they contain the full range of natural compounds found in the hemp plant.
• Full spectrum products tend to be more effective.
• Lolahemp's CBD products contain full-spectrum hemp oil with naturally occurring CBD.

The Long Answer:

The distinction between CBD and hemp oil sometimes lies in their composition, extraction methods, and primary uses. It's always important to look into the fine details of these products, however, because CBD oil and hemp oil are often the exact same thing.

Let's take a look at both to get a better idea of their differences.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is typically produced to feature cannabidiol as the sole active ingredient. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant, although the CBD is synthesized out in most cases. It is then mixed with other ingredients such as carrier oils and possibly flavoring agents.

These additional ingredients are important to understand when choosing a product for your pet. It's a good idea to have your veterinarian take a look at the ingredients before you make a selection.

Composition

CBD oil is derived from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant, specifically cultivated for high CBD content. It contains cannabidiol (CBD) as the primary active ingredient.

Extraction Method 

CBD extraction involves various methods such as CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction, focusing on isolating CBD from other cannabinoids and compounds.

Primary Uses 

CBD is valued for its potential therapeutic benefits and is commonly used for supporting pets with conditions like anxiety, pain, inflammation, and certain neurological disorders, although it's important to note that the FDA has not approved CBD oil to treat any of these ailments in pets.

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is produced from hemp plants grown to be high in CBD and low in THC. By law, hemp plants cannot contain more than 0.3% THC or else they fall into another category and cannot be sold as "hemp."

Hemp oil contains CBD in addition to a host of other potentially beneficial non-psychoactive cannabinoids. The presence of these additional compounds contributes to what is known as "the entourage effect," which suggests that multiple cannabinoids work together to produce more significant results.

Composition 

Lolahemp's full-spectrum hemp oil is made from the whole hemp plant. It contains negligible amounts of THC, but significant amounts of CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids.

Extraction Method

Hemp oil extraction typically involves a process where seeds are cold pressed to extract the oil while preserving its nutritional and phytocannabic profiles.

Primary Uses

Hemp oil is primarily used in pets for the same purposes as CBD oil. Hemp oil is also rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 (gamma-linolenic acid), vitamins, and minerals. 

Please also note that hemp seed oil and hemp oil are different when making a purchase for your pet. 

How Does CBD Work?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions.

The Short Answer:

• CBD binds to receptors in the ECS
• As a result, the production of important internal compounds adjusts and influences how the ECS functions.
• This can lead to things like reduced discomfort, emotional stability, a healthy inflammatory response, and more, although it is not guaranteed to do so.

The Long Answer:

Here's how CBD works in dogs, along with relevant links to veterinary research on each subject.
 

 

1. Promoting Relaxation: CBD helps promote relaxation by influencing serotonin receptors in the ECS, which can help reduce emotional discomfort in your furry friend. Studies have shown up to 83% of dogs showing a measurable benefit.

2. Skin Conditions: CBD has properties that may help relieve symptoms associated with uncomfortable skin conditions like itching, redness, dry nose, and atopic dermatitis.

3. Inflammatory Response: CBD interacts with receptors in the ECS to help throughout the body, which may be beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions and issues with their gut health. (2)

4. Joint Discomfort: CBD's support for the inflammatory response may help alleviate occasional joint discomfort and improve mobility health in dogs with various conditions.

5. Overall Health: CBD may be beneficial for managing a variety of health issues in dogs, including chronic discomfort, imbalanced inflammatory response, and cognitive struggles. The range of support offered by these products has the potential to lift the overall health of your pet.

6. Potential Seizure Support: Early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD oil could help reduce the severity and frequency of seizures in dogs under the guidance of your veterinarian.

Is CBD Legal?

Yes. The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and hemp products legal in all 50 states. And, CBD for pets is available without a prescription. 

That being said, there are strict regulations on the legal classification of hemp, farming, and labeling of hemp-based products. Many of these regulations are still being worked out as states transition from the prohibition of all cannabis products to the federal legalization of hemp, a special class of cannabis with less than .3% of the psychoactive compound THC.  

What Does “Full-Spectrum” Mean?

The Short Answer:

• Full-spectrum hemp products contain all of the compounds that grow naturally in the hemp plant.
• This includes CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, and less than 0.3% THC content.
• CBD isolates contain only CBD and other ingredients added by the manufacturer.

The Long Answer:

When it comes to dogs and CBD, there are two main classifications: Full spectrum and CBD Isolate. 

CBD Isolate

Unless a CBD product is labeled as full-spectrum, it's usually based on a CBD isolate formula. During extraction, chemical and mechanical processes are used to refine and isolate the specific compound CBD, usually into a powder, before adding this purified powder to tinctures, edibles, and topicals. 

Products based on CBD isolate usually contain zero THC. This is often used as a selling point. However, critics of CBD isolate products point out that they lack the supportive healing effects of a whole plant cannabinoid profile, known by researchers as “The Entourage Effect.”

Full-Spectrum CBD

On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD products carefully refine the whole hemp plant with gentle methods to preserve the delicate balance of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in hemp.

Broad spectrum is the same as full spectrum in most cases, although some companies might use the term “broad spectrum” if they've removed one or two compounds from their product.

There is research to support the idea that full-spectrum oils are more effective because, even in trace amounts, the other compounds found in hemp seed oil have a synergistic healing effect.

That said, not all full-spectrum products are the same. Be sure to view a third-party lab's examination of any CBD before you buy. Here at Lolahemp, our hemp seed oil for dogs is a robust full-spectrum oil that contains a wide range of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes that are naturally occurring in the hemp plant. 

Want to be sure? Check out our third party Lab Tests

Are CBD and Hemp Oil Safe for Dogs?

The Short Answer:

• The use of CBD is considered generally safe for dogs.
• The effects of high doses, or overdoses, are generally mild and not medically significant in otherwise healthy dogs.
• Be sure to discuss any other medications your dog is taking with your veterinarian to see if mixing them with CBD oil is safe.
• In appropriate dosages, CBD has shown to be very well tolerated in the vast majority of dogs who use it.

The Long Answer:

CBD and hemp seed oil are generally considered safe for dogs when used appropriately and in moderation. However, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian before administering any new supplement or treatment to your furry friend, especially if your pet has pre-existing health conditions or is currently taking medications.

That being said, major longitudinal clinical tests are still lacking. Many vets and pet parents alike need to weigh the risks and benefits in context. For example, many commonly prescribed veterinary medications have known side effects, some debilitating and severe (see table below). 

In addition, CBD can interact with other medications, similar to other foods and medications classed as CYP450 metabolic pathway inhibitors. 

Can CBD interact with other medications?

Yes. CBD can interact with pet medications.

If your pet is taking other medications, you must discuss using CBD with your vet first.

CBD, like many other foods and medications, is known as a CYP450 metabolic pathway inhibitor. That is, it can interfere with the metabolism of pharmaceuticals that use the Cytochrome P450 family of enzymes found in the liver. 

For example, if you take heart medications, you may have been told by your doctor to avoid eating grapefruit within a few hours of taking your medications. This is the same kind of interaction we need to be aware of with CBD for dogs. 

To understand more about CBD and drug interactions, be sure to check out our full article on the subject here: CBD Oil for Dogs: Potential Drug Interactions.

We go into greater detail in our article CBD Oil for Dogs: Potential Drug Interactions.

How Do I Give Lolahemp CBD To My Dog?

CBD can be administered both topically or orally. 

For example, if you purchase a CBD oil tincture then you can place the drops directly into your dog's cheek, under their tongue, or just into their mouth in general. 

The cheek has the highest concentration of blood vessels to absorb the CBD, so the inner-cheek is the most effective method. That said, dropping onto food or directly into the mouth can be very effective as well.

CBD chews, on the other hand, are designed to be eaten and ingested. Our Lolahemp soft chews are made to be delicious and effective for dogs.

You can also administer tinctures or specially formulated CBD topicals directly to the skin to possibly reduce inflammation from allergies or hot spots. 

A Quick Look at CBD Topicals

At Lolahemp, we want only the best for your pet. Our CBD-infused balm starts with our full-spectrum organic hemp seed oil with the following natural ingredients added to boost the skin healing support:

• Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
• Beeswax
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
• Shea Butter
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

What if My Vet Won't Discuss CBD with Me?

The Short Answer:

• Veterinarians may or may not recommend CBD for their clients, even if they believe that it could be a great option.
• This is due to the current laws surrounding CBD and its lack of approval from the FDA.
• You should still be able to discuss the impacts of CBD for your pet, even if your vet can't recommend it specifically.

The Long Answer:

If your veterinarian is unwilling to discuss CBD with you, there are several steps you can take:

1. Seek a Second Opinion: Consider seeking a second opinion from another veterinarian who may be more open to discussing CBD as a potential treatment option for your pet.

2. Consult a Holistic Veterinarian: Some veterinarians specialize in holistic or alternative medicine and may have more experience or openness to discussing CBD and other natural remedies such as nutraceuticals.

3. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about CBD and its potential benefits and risks for pets. Look for reputable sources of information, such as scientific studies and veterinary resources, to better understand how CBD may impact your pet's health.

4. Respect Your Veterinarian's Decision: It's important to respect your veterinarian's decision if they are not comfortable discussing CBD with you. Remember that they have your pet's best interests in mind and may have concerns about the lack of regulation and research surrounding CBD for pets.

Reach Out to Lolahemp

We hope to have answered all of your questions about CBD for dogs in this comprehensive guide. However, we are here if you still have some questions left unanswered. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions. We are here to help!

References

1. Río, C. D., Millán, E., García, V., Appendino, G., DeMesa, J., & Muñoz, E. (2018). The endocannabinoid system of the skin. A potential approach for the treatment of skin disorders. Biochemical pharmacology, 157, 122–133. 

2. Gamble, L. J., Boesch, J. M., Frye, C. W., Schwark, W. S., Mann, S., Wolfe, L., Brown, H., Berthelsen, E. S., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2018). Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 5, 165. 

3. Izzo, A.A., Muccioli, G.G., Ruggieri, M.R., Schicho, R. (2015). Endocannabinoids and the Digestive Tract and Bladder in Health and Disease. In: Pertwee, R. (eds) Endocannabinoids. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 231. Springer, Cham. 

4. Petrosino, S., Verde, R., Vaia, M., Allarà, M., Iuvone, T., & Di Marzo, V. (2018). Endocannabinoids and related lipids: From medicinal chemistry to physiological role in systems and diseases. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 365(3), 652-663. 

5. Azzollini, M. (2021, May 11). What Are Nutraceuticals?