We all want the best for our dogs. These lovable companions bring joy, wagging tails, and even a little extra fur to our lives. It only makes sense that we’d want to help them live their happiest, healthiest lives possible.
For many pet owners, adding CBD to their pet’s daily routine has been a noticeable improvement. Many have shared stories about how this small addition seems to make a big difference in different aspects of their dogs’ wellbeing. But does CBD really live up to all the attention it’s getting?
Study Suggests CBD May Reduce Travel-Related Stress in Dogs
While car rides are often an enjoyable part of our day—complete with our favorite playlist and drink in hand—our dogs may not share the same excitement. For some dogs, car rides can trigger stress or anxiety, even if the destination is somewhere fun like the park.
A study published in early 2024 by the Journal of Animal Science explored this very issue. Researchers followed 20 dogs over a six-month period, providing each dog with a daily serving of CBD based on its body weight. This serving was given orally to ensure proper absorption and consistency.
The results showed that the car rides successfully induced stress in the dogs, as expected. However, the data also revealed that dogs receiving the daily CBD dosage showed signs of reduced stress across several tests. According to the study, a dosage of 4 mg per kilogram of body weight appeared to have a mild calming effect on dogs experiencing the stress of car travel.
Randomized Study Finds Evidence of Anti-Inflammatory Benefits for Dogs with OA
Caring for our pets as they age can be heartbreaking, especially when they start showing signs of painful conditions like osteoarthritis. No one wants to see their dog suffer, but unfortunately, some breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Boxers are more likely to experience arthritis as they grow older.
Research published in 2020 provides promising insights into how CBD might help manage this discomfort. The study highlighted CBD’s anti-inflammatory potential in easing the symptoms of canine osteoarthritis. Throughout a four-week trial, researchers found that CBD noticeably reduced pain levels and improved mobility in dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis, with the effects increasing according to the dosage given.
The Bottom Line
The research highlighted above shows that CBD may offer promising benefits for our canine companions. That being said, pet owners need to approach the selection process with care and attention. Not all CBD products are created equally, which makes it important to understand what to look for when choosing one for your dog.
Finding a trustworthy brand is key to making sure your dog gets a quality product. Responsible companies provide clear ingredient information to confirm the product is safe for dogs. They make their contact details easy to find so you can reach out if you have questions or concerns. They also provide a certificate of analysis, or COA, to verify the product’s quality and legal compliance. Brands that care about transparency go the extra mile to educate pet owners and offer helpful tools that make choosing the right product easier. Whether you’re looking for a topical, an edible, or a tincture, doing your research will help you feel confident in your choice.
While the studies discussed are still in the early stages, they offer useful insight into how CBD may support canine wellness. Continued research will reveal even more in the future, but the existing information gives pet owners a starting point for making informed decisions. Every pet parent wants to support their dog’s health and happiness. Could CBD be a helpful addition to your dog’s routine?