What is CBD Oil for Dogs & Cats, and Does It Work?

Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, there has been an explosion of cannabis-based pet products. CBD oil for dogs and cats is typically extracted from the hemp plant and contains cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound found in both cannabis and hemp.

Anecdotally, pet owners use:

• CBD for dog anxiety and stress relief
• CBD for dog arthritis and joint pain management
• CBD for dog seizures
• CBD for dog cancer and other anti-inflammatory issues including digestive issues

As a responsible pet owner, understanding the benefits of CBD oil in Canada is crucial. Research suggests that CBD oil can improve mobility in arthritic dogs and help with separation anxiety, which is especially beneficial for rescue dogs or those with fear reactivity.

With so many pet CBD products available, how do you choose the best one? What is the appropriate dosage? Is CBD oil safe?

Let’s explore the answers to these questions while optimizing for pet owners looking for the best natural CBD supplements to support their dog’s health alongside a raw pet food diet.

Does CBD Oil Make Your Dog or Cat High?

One common concern is whether CBD oil will make pets high. The short answer is no—as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC.

THC also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive component of cannabis, which can be toxic to pets. High TCH can result in pets in emergency clinic. Both THC and CBD can be extracted from cannabis.

CBD oil specifically formulated for pets comes from hemp, not marijuana, ensuring that it does not cause any intoxicating effects. Note that to be classified as hemp, it has to have “no more than 0.3 percent (by dry weight) of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).”¹

When choosing CBD for your dog or cat, make sure it’s derived from high-quality hemp and tested for safety.

How is CBD Oil Extracted from Hemp?

Based on updated info from Health Canada in 2021, processes like CO2 extraction are not encouraged. This is because phytocannabinoids such as cbd, cbg cannot be labelled as it would breach the Cannabis Act. The extraction method that producers of pet CBD oil are currently using is a heat pressed then chilled and filtered method, which is all organic.

CBD products often contain carrier oils such as hemp seed oil, coconut MCT oil, or pumpkin seed oil to enhance absorption.

Full-Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Isolate: Which is Better?

Full-spectrum CBD is recommended because it contains additional cannabinoids and terpenes that enhance its effectiveness. Studies indicate that full-spectrum CBD offers greater benefits than CBD isolate due to the “entourage effect,” where plant compounds work together synergistically. A study conducted on this found “plant constituents improve the dose-response are supported by some recent reports showing that CBD in a standardized Cannabis sativa extract is more potent or efficacious than pure CBD. “The higher efficiency of plant extract might be explained by additive or synergistic interactions between CBD and minor phytocannabinoids or non-canna- binoids presented in the extracts”²

In Canada, full-spectrum CBD for pets may be labeled as “hemp terpenes” rather than explicitly stating cannabinoids due to regulations. Paw Plus is an approved Health Canada cannabis oil for dogs and cats. Prior to Paw Plus, Creating Brighter Days Spectrum was another with great reviews by customers.

When would you use a full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs and cats? We’d use the official approved cannabis oil for pets for acute cases eg. cancer in dogs/ cats, severe arthritis or anxiety . However, if all you can find is a CBD isolate, that could work.

Is CBD Oil Legal in Canada? Do Vets Recommend It?

CBD is legal in Canada under the Cannabis Act. However, Canadian veterinarians cannot prescribe it due to regulatory restrictions.

In the USA, CBD derived from hemp is legal based on the 2018 Farm Bill. It is also illegal to market CBD in the USA. It has to be approved by the FDA. Cannabis is still illegal in the USA. However, despite CBD oil being legal, there are limited studies on the impact on companion animals as CBD was illegal. This is because hemp and cannabis had been illegal in the US and that stifled research into pet CBD oils.

Before you utilize CBD oil for your cat or dog, we’d recommend you have a discussion with your vet. Despite, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) not favouring CBD oil for pets, most vets will have a candid conversation with you as they have your pet’s interest at heart.

How Does CBD Oil Affect Dogs & Cats?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, pain, appetite, and inflammation. Many pet owners report positive results in managing dog arthritis, joint pain, and dog anxiety. Basically, CBD acts indirectly on receptors in the brain and throughout the body of the dog or cat. Combining CBD oil as part of an anti-inflammatory protocol might aid your cat or dog.

What are the Benefits or Risks of CBD Oil for Pets?

Pet owners want to know how will CBD oil help my dog. Anecdotally, CBD has so many health benefits for dogs and cats. Some of the reported benefits of CBD oil by pet owners as helping the following conditions:

• Anxiety, noise phobia
• Cancer
• Pain / Inflammation & joint pain
• Nausea/ Loss of appetite / Digestive issues
• Epilepsy & seizures
  A 2019 study entitled “Canadian dog owners’ use and perceptions of cannabis products” collected data on what pet owners are using cannabinoids.

They found that 79.8% of respondents had purchased CBD products for their dogs. “The most common use of canine products was for pain relief (72.3%). This was followed by reduction of inflammation (47.0%) and relief from anxiety (39.8%).”³

For more info see “Perceived efficacy of hemp or marijuana products for pet health conditions, as compared to conventional medications.” Is there any scientific evidence of the efficacy of CBD oil for these conditions?

Scientific Research Summary on CBD Oil for Pets

CBD for Dog Arthritis & Joint Pain: A Cornell University study found that over 80% of arthritic dogs experienced pain relief and improved mobility with CBD oil.

CBD for Dog Cancer: Research suggests CBD may slow tumor growth and alleviate cancer-related symptoms.

CBD for Dog Seizures: Studies indicate CBD can reduce seizure frequency in epileptic dogs when combined with conventional medications.

CBD for Dog Anxiety & Fear Reactivity: CBD has been shown to help dogs with noise phobias, separation anxiety, and general stress.

CBD Oil for Dogs Cancer/ Cat Cancer. Does it work?

Cancer in pets does not seem to be very well reported in pets. However, it seems to be more common to hear of someone you know having a pet pass away from cancer.

At Moonlight Natural Pet Store we’d guestimate that 3 out of our 5 older dog customers pass away from cancer.

CBD for Dog Arthritis. Does it work?

We all get old and our pets are no different. When dog / cat arthritis or joint pain hits, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) tend to be the primary option that vets prescribe. A common NSAID would be Meloxicam. There are quite a few risks to using NSAIDs. For example, “more than one dose of meloxicam in cats can cause kidney failure or death.”⁶

Note that NSAIDs side effects range from vomiting, diarrhea, to stomach and intestinal ulcers, “kidney failure, liver failure and death.” ⁶

A study on osteoarthritic dogs found that CBD was perceived to make the dogs more comfortable and active. They found that “no significant difference was noted in BUN, creatinine, or phosphorus between dogs treated with the CBD oil vs. the placebo oil, while NSAID treatment resulted in a higher creatinine concentration.”⁷

However, another note was that the liver enzymes (especially ALP) seemed to rise for dogs on CBD. Besides the side effects of NSAIDs this may not seem to be much but is a good thing to check for.

“Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat.”

A Cornell University study found that “more than 80% of the dogs with oseteoarthritis experienced a decrease in pain, allowing them to be more comfortable and active.”

CBD for Dog seizures. Is it effective?

For dogs with seizures, Gabapentin is used as a form of treatment. NSAIDs or opioids are sometimes prescribed with Gabapentin, which help with pain management as well. Note that Gabapentin is not FDA approved for dogs but has been used by vets in treatment of dog seizures and chronic pain.

There are quite a few side effects related to Gabapentin, as the drug is eliminated through the kidneys. There is also a recent FDA warning about severe breathing difficulty in humans due to Gabapentin.

CBD has been studied as an option for reducing dog seizures. “Dogs in the CBD group had a significant (median change, 33%) reduction in seizure frequency, compared with the placebo group.”⁸ Basically, the study found that dog seizures were reduced with CBD oil. Note that the Colorado State University study combined CBD oil with antiepileptic treatment and they stated that more research is required.

CBD for Dog Separation Anxiety, Noise Phobia and Digestive Issues?

A study in 2014 found that CBD oil could decrease cat or dog anxiety. Dogs on CBD had less anxiety and we’ve heard from owners about the positive impact on dogs with fear reactivity.

There is still more research that needs to be done for CBD oil in pets.

For information on pet owners’ perception on the impact of how CBD can also help manage other conditions, see here. 

Does CBD oil work for dog skin issues and itching?

A study out of Australia by a company called CannPal is “showing 65% of the CBD dogs having at least a 50% decrease in itching and chewing. Of those dogs, half recovered from all signs of itchiness while being treated.”

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Dogs/ Cats in Canada

Here are a few tips to consider when you are buying CBD oil for dogs and cats.

• Make sure it is derived from hemp not cannabis
• Opt for full spectrum CBD oil for pets over isolates
• Ensure third-party lab testing for potency and purity by obtaining certificates of analysis from the CBD oil manufacturer
• Purchase CBD for pets derived from organic hemp can be full of pesticides or toxins from the soil.
• Choose liquid CBD oil over treats as you can adjust the dosage.
• Check for side effects such as dry mouth / excessive drinking, vomiting, impaired mental function, dizziness, overactive appetite. And if you use long-term, check the liver enzymes by getting blood work done.

How Much Does CBD Oil for Dogs/ Cats Cost?

CBD oil prices vary by potency:

• 250 mg isolate (30 ml) – $42 to $50
• 500 mg full-spectrum (30 ml) – $60 to $70

How Much CBD Oil Should You Give to a Dog or Cat?

Dosing for full spectrum CBD oil or isolates are typically based on weight and what issue you are dealing with. Based on information from Paw Plus, under official Canadian rules, processes like CO2 extraction are not encouraged. This is because phytocannabinoids such as cbd cbg should not be identified on bottles labels or they would breach the Cannabis Act. Thus, the dosages can be quite vague and depend on each company.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs and Cats?

A lot has been said about CBD being natural and as such there is an assumption that it cannot hurt. That is not the case.

Although, CBD is a derivative that is extracted, it is not in its natural form of hemp. You could overdo pet CBD Oil and as we said above, check for side effects.

Side effects of CBD oil for pets include dry mouth / excessive drinking, vomiting, impaired mental function, dizziness, overactive appetite. And if you use long-term, check the liver enzymes by getting blood work done. Make sure you talk to your vet about potential drug interactions if your pet is taking another medication.

What is the Best CBD Oil for Dogs Online?

We tend to like Creating Brighter Days and Paw Plus CBD oil as they are transparent about their sourcing and testing information. Although they are classified as hemp oils, this is due to regulations on advertising CBD. Both brands have a Full spectrum hemp extract CBD oil.

Creating Brighter Days also has CBD dog treats as an alternative version.

Enhancements/ Alternatives to CBD oil for Dogs/ Cats

Potential treatments to Dog / Cat Anxiety along with or without CBD:

1. For dogs, you could focus on training with a positive enhancement dog trainer or try a new sport such as “nose work”.
2. Also, ensure that you are giving your dog the appropriate amount of exercise based on its breed and temperament.
3. For both dogs and cats, you can try calming pheromone sprays or supplements such as Adaptil or Feliway. Examples of potential alternatives to CBD oil can include Naturpet Be Calm, which is a herbal formulation for pet anxiety or stress. 

Potential aid to Dog Arthritis or joint pain along with or without CBD:

1. Work to help mobility issues by placing no slip surfaces on floors lacking traction, or else try dog socks for arthritic dogs
2. Help your pet stretch to prevent stiffness in joints. This can be done as preventive medicine. You could stretch the hip flexors and shoulder flexors gently and slowly.
3. Naturpet also makes a herbal formulation called NaturPet Joint Care, which is helpful for easing joint inflammation.
4. For long-term management, you might want to consider Fluid Recoverex-Plus aimed at arthritic dogs and with green lipped mussel.

Conclusion

CBD oil for dogs and cats in Canada will surely become even more popular as more studies get underway and Health Canada approves certain formulations. What is known now based on the research studies above looks promising. Always remember to do your research or consult a veterinarian when in doubt.

Please comment to let us know what you think about this guide? Is there something you would have liked us to include in this guide? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

References

1. https://phys.org/news/2019-02-hemp-marijuana.html
2. Overcoming the Bell-Shaped Dose-Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol PP> Vol.6 No.2, February 2015 Ruth Gallily, Zhannah Yekhtin, Lumír Ondřej Hanuš https://www.scirp.org/html/5-2500582_53912.htm
3. Canadian dog owners’ use and perceptions of cannabis products.  The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, 30 Jun 2019, 60(7):749-Kogan LR, Hellyer PW, Silcox S, Schoenfeld-Tacher R  755https://europepmc.org/article/med/31281193#id576926
4. Causes of Cancer https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/cancer-and-tumors/causes-of-cancer.
5. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of non-psychoactive cannabidiol in neuroblastoma>Pediatric Oncology Vol 23 (2016) > https://current-oncology.com/index.php/oncology/article/view/2893/2085
6. Get the Facts about Pain Relievers for Pets https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets#Effects.
7. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs Lauri-Jo Gamble, Jordyn M. Boesch, Christopher W. Frye, Wayne S. Schwark, Sabine Mann, Lisa Wolfe, Holly Brown, Erin S. Berthelsen and Joseph J. Wakshlag https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
8. 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 by Stephanie McGrath, Lisa R. Bartner, Sangeeta Rao, Rebecca A. Packer, and Daniel L. Gustafson. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, June 1, 2019, Vol. 254, No. 11, Pages 1301-1308 https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/full/10.2460/javma.254.11.1301
9. Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: a chemical compound of Cannabis sativa. http://www.eurekaselect.com/122699/article