While allopathic medicine is still the most common form of treatment for canine ailments, many dog owners are considering more holistic options for their pets. With the progressive legalization of marijuana, and varying legal requirements for CBD and hemp products in the United States and elsewhere, scientists have faced obstacles to effectively study its medicinal uses, benefits and drawbacks. However, the research that has been accomplished shows promising results.
In a 2019 study, researchers found that Veterinarians located in states that legalized recreational marijuana were more likely to recommend CBD products while recent veterinary school graduates were less likely to recommend CBD. Of the patients who inquired about CBD from their vets, 93.1% were related to pain management, 69.1% for anxiety, and 56.1% for seizures. There has been some evidence suggesting CBD can help reduce each of these ailments in dogs.
Research has expanded more into CBD as a possible treatment for pain management, especially for old dogs with osteoarthritis. Despite small sample sizes, evidence suggests that CBD oil can increase comfort and activity of dogs with osteoarthritis and decrease their pain, based on numbers from the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and Hudson Activity Scales. Biologically, inflammation is an underlying driver of symptoms caused by arthritis and cancer. When CBD botanical drug substances are given orally at a dose of 60 mg/kg, it has shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation in mice. Of course, every dog is different and may need a modified dosage.
Other medicinal uses for CBD have been observed in studies on cancer treatments in canines. CBD has been determined to not only reduce the viability, but also to cause cell death in urothelial carcinoma cells (cancer cells) in an isolated environment. The evidence also suggests that combining CBD with other treatments like chemotherapeutic agents can lead to increased survival rates. Many CBD cancer-related studies are based on human studies, with the understanding that similar results would likely be seen in dogs as well. For example, CBD and THC have been known to benefit cancer patients by increasing appetite and reducing nausea. With lung cancer specifically, studies have seen potential for CBD to help reduce metastasis, which is the spreading of cancer to other parts of the body beyond its original site.
Since the endocannabinoid system plays an active role in stress response, research has suggested that CBD may assist in decreasing anxiety-related behavior. Stress downregulates CB1 and CB2 receptors, which in turn lead to the progression of a stress response in the body. As a result, CBD holds great potential to treat a variety of ailments. Do not be afraid to discuss the possible benefits with your Veterinarian.
