Back in April of 2019, I wrote an article titled CBD Products and your Pet. Since then several companies and pet influencers have jumped on this growing trend in the pet health industry. Being that it has been over 3 years since I researched this topic and there have been numerous studies done in that time to examine the efficacy of CBD’s effectiveness on dogs and cats. I wanted to update my previous article with the newest information to help anyone reading this make a more informed decision about using CBD. I will link all the studies I reference as well as the veterinarian that helped me in my research, Dr. Robert Silver.

Dr. Robert Silver is a veterinarian with over 38 years of experience and he established the first holistic veterinary practice in Boulder Colorado. Dr. Silver’s first tip is to look for CBD products that companies have provided a certificate of analysis. A certificate of analysis is given to a CBD product that has been tested by a third-party laboratory and examined for quality. When looking at a products certificate of analysis make sure you look for the name of the laboratory that ran the tests, ensure the batch number is the same as the products batch number, look at the cannabinoid and terpene profile, look at the heavy metal analysis as well as the pesticide analysis. Click here for more information about a products certificate of analysis.

Several studies have shown the efficacy of CBD in pain management for epilepsy, cancer, and arthritis within canines. Anxiety in dogs is another area that studies have shown improved with the use of CBD. Dr. Silver says hemp or CBD products should not be a stand-alone treatment they are meant to be a part of a regimen in conjunction with other therapies and medicine to help these issues. CBD and hemp are not a cure by any means they aid in health issues without the possible exposure to toxins that may be in further medical protocols. 

Since CBD is an anti-inflammatory it has also been shown to help dogs with IBS or IBD and chronic diarrhea. It’s important to keep in mind that every dog is different. Dr. Silva recommends that you use a lower dosage 2x a day. He also recommends taking the dosage right before a meal. Studies have shown it is 4x as effective when consumed this way. 

When figuring out what dosage to give your dog you have to think about if your dog is overweight and since over 90 percent of pet owners with obese animals don’t know their animal is obese, please consult your veterinarian. Also, he says veterinarians are finding lower dosages of CBD for anxiety are more effective than higher dosages. Start with a 1/4 mg per pound twice daily. Give this dosage for 7-10 days and see if you notice any improvement.

As with any holistic or alternative medication source, always consult your veterinarian and monitor your dog's behavior carefully. This article is just to provide information and always speak with your veterinarian when thinking about adding any treatment to your dog's health regimen.