If you’ve got a dog that’s dealing with arthritis and you’re on the search for natural supplements to help them manage it, you’ve probably come across hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
But is CBD actually beneficial for dogs with arthritis?
Research suggests CBD potentially has anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties in dogs, so it may help dogs with arthritis. However, it’s not a treatment for arthritis in dogs, nor is it a substitute for the medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Still, CBD may be a helpful natural supplement.
In this article, we’re going to look at the benefits of CBD for dogs with arthritis and talk about how it compares to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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Causes & Treatments of Arthritis in Dogs
In dogs, osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that involves the inflammation and degradation of one or more joints. Dogs with OA experience pain and inflammation in various joints that interfere with the activities of daily living.
OA is commonly caused by abnormal joint development and injuries, both of which place great amounts of strain on a dog’s joints in the course of their everyday life.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, there are five main routes of treatment for OA in dogs:
- Nutrition: Normalizing your dog’s body condition is critical to treating OA, so veterinarians often prescribe a specific diet to accomplish this goal. Research has determined a nutrient profile that can support the joints while helping to normalize body weight and condition.
- Pain medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally used as the first line of defense against pain caused by OA. Less commonly, corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentin, tramadol, amantadine, or acetaminophen are prescribed.
- Nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals are nutritional supplements with medicinal effects. There are many of these products on the market, many labeled for use with joint disease. Some commonly used products include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans.
- Physical medicine: Medical acupuncture can provide pain relief for many dogs with OA. Likewise, other types of physical medicine like chiropractic work or medical massage may help. Physical rehabilitation is a discipline that translates physical therapy techniques from human medicine for application to animal patients. These techniques include (but are not limited to) therapeutic laser, therapeutic exercise, joint mobilization, and hydrotherapy using an underwater treadmill.
- Surgery: In extreme cases of OA in dogs, some surgical procedures can alleviate the associated pain. Total hip replacements and femoral head/neck ostectomy (FHO) can be done with good results, as well as some joint arthrodesis (fusion) procedures. In select patients, elbow or knee replacements may be considered.
As you can see, medications are only part of the picture when it comes to treating arthritis in dogs.
The best treatment plans tend to combine many different elements; if CBD is a good option for your dog, it will likely be just one of many things your veterinarian will recommend to help your dog live more comfortably.
Can CBD Help Dogs With Arthritis?
CBD is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant. Research suggests that CBD has therapeutic potential for inflammation and pain in dogs, which indicates it may be useful for canine arthritis in some cases.
However, CBD isn’t a proven treatment for arthritis in dogs, and it shouldn’t be used to replace veterinarian-prescribed medications unless directed by your vet.
That being said, early research indicates that CBD is a promising natural supplement for dogs with this condition.
A 2023 review of five studies found that CBD oil reduced pain scores in dogs with osteoarthritis, although the authors stated that further research on this subject is needed [1].
A 2020 study out of the Baylor College of Medicine found that CBD significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in animals with OA [2].
While more studies are needed, this early research indicates that CBD has therapeutic promise for dogs with arthritis.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Arthritis in Dogs, According to Research
In addition to the research that directly looks at the impact of CBD on dogs with arthritis, there are also studies indicating CBD’s potential benefits for arthritis-related use cases, such as pain and sleep problems.
Pain & inflammation
Research suggests CBD may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties in dogs, which indicates that it may be beneficial for dogs with arthritis.
In a 2018 study, dogs were given either CBD oil or placebo oil every 12 hours for 4 weeks. The researchers found that, across two tests, dogs who were given CBD oil showed a significant decrease in pain and increase in activity [3].
A 2023 research review identified five different studies in which CBD “significantly reduced pain and increased activity in dogs”, thereby improving their quality of life [4].
Another study found that CBD had anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties in dogs [5].
Anxiety
Research suggests CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties in dogs. Arthritis and other painful conditions can create anxiety in animals. By promoting mental relaxation in dogs, CBD may help.
In a 2023 study, researchers tested the effects of CBD for dogs with separation anxiety and travel anxiety.
The dogs underwent two tests: being left alone in a familiar room, or going on a short car journey. The researchers gave some of the dogs CBD, while they gave others a placebo.
Dogs who received a 4 mg/kg dose of CBD showed fewer signs of stress than those who didn’t, with the researchers noting that in some tests, the dogs who were given CBD experienced “a significant reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group” [6].
Sleep
Research has found CBD to promote restful sleep in rats, and anecdotal evidence suggests many of these same benefits also apply to dogs. Dogs with arthritis may struggle to sleep due to the discomfort.
In a 2013 study on rats, the total percentage of sleep significantly increased in the rats that were given doses of 10 or 40mg/kg of CBD, as compared to the placebo group [7].
How CBD Works for Dogs
To understand how CBD renders benefits for dogs, you need to start with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a receptor system in the bodies of humans and animals (including dogs) that helps to regulate their vital functions. Among other things, it plays a large role in regulating emotions, mood, the pain and inflammatory responses, and the sleep-wake cycle.
CBD works by interacting with the ECS in ways that allow it to maintain regular, normal mental and physical sensations.
Unlike many cannabinoids, CBD doesn’t bind strongly to the CB1 or CB2 receptors in the ECS.
Instead, it renders its benefits by exerting a general supportive effect on the ECS in dogs. CBD doesn’t create overtly positive sensations; rather, it restores mental and physical balance.
More research is needed on the exact mechanisms by which CBD works on the ECS in dogs and thereby creates the benefits discovered by the studies above.
However, what we know so far indicates that CBD promotes canine health through a variety of mechanisms. By contrast, most pharmaceutical drugs for dogs target a single process in the body.
CBD for Dogs with Arthritis: Side Effects & Safety
CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in dogs. However, it may cause some side effects.
Potential side effects of CBD in dogs include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Diarrhea
To ensure your dog doesn’t experience these side effects, be sure to start them off with small doses of CBD (more on this below).
CBD vs. NSAIDs for Arthritis in Dogs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most commonly-prescribed medications for dogs with an OA diagnosis.
But due to their potential side effects, many pet parents don’t like giving their dogs NSAIDs, leading them to research natural alternatives such as CBD.
To help you see how the two options compare, we’re going to look at the benefits and side effects of each.
Benefits
There is more research supporting the effectiveness of NSAIDs than there is research in support of CBD’s benefits.
NSAIDs have long been regarded as the go-to option for osteoarthritis in dogs and have been shown in many studies to be effective at reducing pain [8].
CBD, on the other hand, is a relatively new option and there isn’t yet robust evidence to prove that it reliably reduces pain in dogs with OA.
While early studies indicate that CBD has a positive impact in this area, more studies are needed to verify that CBD consistently has these benefits across larger sample sizes.
Both options are science-backed, but CBD doesn’t have the same proven reliability that NSAIDs do. Because of this, it should be used to supplement NSAIDs rather than replace them.
Side effects
According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, side effects of NSAIDs may include:
- Decrease or increase in appetite
- Vomiting
- Change in bowel movement
- Change in behavior (change in activity level, incoordination, seizure, or aggression)
- Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)
- Change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell)
- Skin changes (redness, scabs, or scratching)
CBD tends to be far easier on dogs. Side effects of CBD include dry mouth, drowsiness, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, and diarrhea.
While the ideal scenario is that your pup experiences no side effects at all, CBD is the better option when it comes to minimizing adverse effects.
Types of CBD Products for Dogs
You can give your dog human CBD products, however, sticking with products designed specifically for pets ensures the product is low-THC and designed to be appealing to dogs.
Here’s a bit about the different types of CBD products for dogs:
CBD Oil
CBD oil for dogs typically consists of carrier oil, hemp extract, and added terpenes (hemp compounds with additional benefits). Our oils also include flavoring, such as bacon or peanut butter, to make them more appealing to dogs.
The benefit of choosing oil-based CBD delivery for your dog is that you can measure very precise doses.
Therapeutic situations, such as arthritis, typically require you to give your dog very specific doses of CBD. CBD oil is the easiest delivery method for this.
Additionally, CBD oil is versatile in that you can administer it to your dog directly or add it to their food (the latter option is far easier, our experience).
CBD Treats
Since your dog is probably already used to treats, they likely won’t have a hard time with a CBD-infused pet treat. Treats are also a convenient CBD delivery method if you’re traveling with your dog, as the administration is very straightforward.
CBD treats offer a fixed-dose delivery method, making it easy to deliver the same dose of CBD to your dog each time. The downside is that it’s harder to break treats into multiple pieces to get more exacting doses.
CBD Bones
If your dog loves bones, a CBD dog bone is a great way for them to engage in an activity they enjoy while also soaking up the benefits of CBD.
However, if you’re using CBD therapeutically with your dog for specific reasons, bones aren’t as reliable a delivery method.
This is because most bones don’t contain enough CBD to render strong therapeutic benefits from a single chewing session. It’s also difficult to measure how much CBD your dog is getting from the bone each time they chew on it.
How Much CBD Should You Give Your Dog for Arthritis?
We recommend you use a weight-based formula to calculate your dog’s CBD dosage for arthritis, as the amount they’ll need will depend on how small or large they are.
Starting out, you can use this formula:
(0.4) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = your dog’s daily CBD dosage in mg.
This formula will give a higher-strength dosage of CBD, which is necessary when it comes to physical discomfort.
Once you’ve given your dog this dose daily for a week, increase or decrease it as needed until the desired result is achieved.
For more, see our CBD dosage guide for dogs.
Conclusion: Speak to Your Veterinarian First
Research indicates that CBD has significant therapeutic potential for dogs struggling with osteoarthritis (OA).
However, CBD isn’t yet a proven treatment, and it should be regarded as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, NSAIDs and other traditional OA treatments.
Before giving your dog CBD for OA, speak to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to determine if CBD is right for your dog, and if so, how it should be integrated into their treatment plan for the best results.
CBD for Dogs with Arthritis: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBD for dogs with arthritis.
Do vets recommend CBD for dogs?
Yes, many veterinarians recommend CBD as a supplement for dogs. However, some veterinarians do not recommend it, citing a lack of research, or are not permitted to recommend it due to state laws.
Is CBD oil better than glucosamine for dogs?
While research indicates that CBD oil may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-reducing) properties, as glucosamine does, there hasn’t been any research done that compares the efficacy of the two options.
What is the best CBD for dog pain?
Full-spectrum CBD oil is the best type of CBD product for dog pain. Full-spectrum blends contain small amounts of additional cannabinoids and terpenes that render greater therapeutic benefits than CBD alone, and the oil-based delivery allows for precise dosing.
How much CBD should I give my dog for joint pain?
Starting out, we recommend you use the following formula to calculate your dog’s CBD dosage for joint pain: (0.4) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = their daily dose of CBD in mg. For most dogs, this translates to 4-12mg of CBD.
Sources
[1] Patikorn, C., Nerapusee, O., Soontornvipart, K., Lawonyawut, K., Musikpodok, K., Waleethanaphan, K., & Anantachoti, P. (2023). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal intervention studies. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1248417. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1248417
[2] Verrico, C. D., Wesson, S., Konduri, V., Hofferek, C. J., Vazquez-Perez, J., Blair, E., Dunner, K., Jr, Salimpour, P., Decker, W. K., & Halpert, M. M. (2020). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain. Pain, 161(9), 2191–2202. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001896
[3] Gamble, Lauri-Jo et al. “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 5 165. 23 Jul. 2018, doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00165
[4] Di Salvo, Alessandra et al. “Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1204526. 30 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1204526
[5] Gugliandolo, Enrico et al. “Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood.” Veterinary sciences vol. 8,9 185. 4 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/vetsci8090185
[6] Hunt, Alysia B G et al. “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1112604. 22 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604
[7] Chagas, M. H., Crippa, J. A., Zuardi, A. W., Hallak, J. E., Machado-de-Sousa, J. P., Hirotsu, C., Maia, L., Tufik, S., & Andersen, M. L. (2013). Effects of acute systemic administration of cannabidiol on sleep-wake cycle in rats. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 27(3), 312–316. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881112474524
[8] KuKanich, B., Bidgood, T., & Knesl, O. (2012). Clinical pharmacology of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs. Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia, 39(1), 69–90. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2995.2011.00675.x
