Can I use CBD oil for dogs with arthritis?

Original Question: How do you feel about treating joint pain with CBD oil and elk antlers? My dog Tucker is having problems with stairs and lying down. - Debbie

Jul 12, 2018

Hi Debbie,

Thanks for your question.

I first need to tell you that veterinarians have no ability to offer a prescription or recommend the use of CBD (Cannabidiol) oil. I am not opposed to the use of it as I will always support any product that could provide support and therapy to a patient. The problem is that we have absolutely no studies or understanding of the product. We can’t prescribe it and we can’t even obtain it. We have no research trials on dose, usage, side effects and therapeutic benefits of it. If I were to even reference the use of it, I can be held accountable for any adverse results and risk my license. Beyond that and more importantly, I simply don’t know how to use it.

Having said that, I have had clients tell me they use it. In human medicine, CBD has medical benefits without the common intoxicating effects. Some clients say it has helped their pets but I have no ability to confirm it. I tell my clients that they are solely responsible for the use, dose, handling and resulting physical effects it has on their pets. I tell them I can’t get involved but at the same time, I encourage them to do what they feel is best to improve the health and quality of life of their pet, it’s just that I have no training, understanding or legal ability to guide them in their use of it.

CBD has been known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Being a natural product, it is also very safe. So a logical thought would be that if you use it, the worst that could happen is that it won’t work. There are so many companies producing it right now and they all use a different active ingredient, claiming theirs is the one that will have the greatest effect. They have written instructions on how to use it but keep in mind, none of them has been backed up by research trials. It’s essentially trial and error. If you feel comfortable enough with this and take on the responsibility for the results, then it is your choice to use this or not.

I would also look into other methods of controlling arthritic pain both from a natural sense and a medical sense. I encourage you to watch our video that discusses signs of arthritis in cats and dogs and to learn more about all the things you could be doing to improve the scenario.

I want you to know that I support your efforts to treat your pet with a seemingly more desirable alternative to a traditional manufactured chemical compound known to have negative side effects, but I’m disappointed I can’t provide more specific treatment information because of the lack of clinical research into this pharmaceutical agent.