Taking care of our dogs means more than just giving them food, exercise, and attention. These loyal companions bring joy to our homes with every tail wag, happy bark, and cuddle on the couch. Naturally, we want to give them the best life possible and support their overall well-being in every way we can.
For a growing number of pet owners, adding CBD to their dog’s daily routine has made a noticeable difference. Many report positive changes in their pets, including improved mood and behavior in certain situations. But with so much attention on CBD for pets, is it really as beneficial as people claim?
Evidence Suggests CBD May Help Reduce Car Ride Stress
While a drive around town might be relaxing for us, with music playing and our favorite drink in hand, the same experience can be stressful for some dogs. Even when the destination is somewhere exciting like the park, certain dogs experience anxiety and discomfort during car rides.
A study published in early 2024 by the Journal of Animal Science explored this issue by monitoring dogs given daily servings of CBD over a six-month period. Twenty dogs participated in the study, each receiving a daily dose of CBD adjusted to their weight. The CBD was administered orally to maximize absorption.
The study found that car rides successfully triggered signs of stress in the dogs. However, the results also showed that dogs receiving CBD displayed noticeable improvements in stress responses. The researchers concluded that daily CBD dosing at 4 mg per kilogram of body weight appeared to have a mild calming effect on dogs when traveling by car.
Randomized Study Finds Evidence of Anti-Inflammatory Benefits for Dogs with OA
Seeing our pets deal with the challenges of aging is never easy. It’s especially difficult when they begin to suffer from conditions like osteoarthritis. Certain breeds, including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Boxers, are known to be at higher risk for developing this painful condition compared to others.
Research released in 2020 presented findings that CBD’s anti-inflammatory benefits could help manage the discomfort caused by canine osteoarthritis. During a four-week animal study, researchers noted that CBD significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in a dose-dependent manner in animals with confirmed cases of osteoarthritis.
The Bottom Line
CBD’s properties have been shown in the studies above to have potential benefits for our four-legged friends. However, pet owners should do their due diligence when it comes to selecting a CBD product for their pet. Not all products are made with the same quality and care, so knowing what to look for is essential.
When it comes to buying dog-friendly CBD, pet parents should be sure they are buying a quality product from a reputable brand. A few items to look for include;
- Ingredient lists with dog-friendly ingredients.
- Contact information for the brand in case of questions or concerns
- A certificate of Analysis (also known as a COA) to ensure quality and legality
A reputable brand will make sure it fulfills all of these requirements, as well as providing educational information and other aspects that promote brand transparency. They offer tools that help pet parents do their homework to find the perfect product for their furry friend’s needs, whether that is a topical, an edible, or a tincture.
At the end of the day, current research is showing positive trends when it comes to CBD for dogs. Studies like the ones discussed above may be preliminary, but they offer valuable insight that can help pet owners make informed decisions about CBD products. After all, we all want the best for our four-legged fur babies. Could CBD be the right fit for your dog?