CBD oil is becoming more popular as more research of both CBD and medical

marijuana surfaces. CBD oil was originally used in humans with successful outcome with

conditions such as PTSD, OCD, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and

generalized anxiety disorder (1). Researches in canine patients have show that they too

can metabolize cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have shown to react with the CB1 and CB2

receptors in dogs, binding loosely but for an extended period of time. This means that the

positive therapeutic effects are long lasting. Once CBD is completely processed, they can

safely pass through the dogs’ liver and digestive system.

“Scylla” an 18th month old Australian Cattle Dog mix presented for severe

separation anxiety (barking, whining, destructive behavior) and aggression after the loss

of her canine companion in August. No other medical history, up to date on vaccines and

preventative care. Upon exam, her FAS score was 4/5, whining, pacing, barking at the

doctor when they walked into the room. Handling and any type of restraint was

impossible, a muzzle was needed. It was decided to start Trazodone at 50mg PO q12 and

Fluoxetine at 10mg PO q24h, along with behavior modification.

Trazodone is a serotonin 2A antagonist/reuptake inhibitor, an antidepressant used

for treatment in behavioral disorders. It is inexpensive but not much research in

veterinary medicine has been completed. The adverse side effects seen with Trazodone

include sedation, lethargy, ataxia, increased anxiety and aggression. Fluoxetine is a

Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) that is used in behavior disorders such as

OCD, aggression and anxiety. The adverse side effects seen with Fluoxetine include GI

effects, irritability, insomnia, lethargy, panting, weight loss, and hyper-salivation.

 At “Scylla’s” six month follow up, the owner noticed little change in behavior and

anxiety with both medications. Owner implemented a strict schedule, obedience and

agility classes. Owner has elected to add transdermal CBD oil for behavior problems after

extensive research. The transdermal gel had 50 1 mg doses; one pump was 1 dose that

was applied to the ear pinna every 24 hours. This is to be started in conjunction with

other medications for two weeks. Behavior started to improve.

There is a stigma that CBD comes from the marijuana plant and has THC in it.

Although that is true, there are two different forms. Most CBD oils come from industrial

hemp which the “FDA of the United States considers hemp oil (and its derivative CBD)

to be a dietary supplement (not a medication), since they are made from industrial hemp

plants. If you live in the US, this means that you don’t need a prescription and can legally

purchase and consume cannabioil in any state. Cannabidoil from industrial hemp also has

the added benefit of having virtually no THC. This is why it’s not possible to get

‘high’…there simply isn’t enough THC” (2). “Hemp is known as one of the most

durable, naturally growing fibers in the world. The plant has been grown in America

since the colonial era and used to produces a wide variety of products such as textiles,

fuel, food and paper. The hemp industry was a gold mine for the state of Minnesota until

1957” (4). In 2014, the Farm Bill was signed in the US that allowed research to be done

on industrial hemp. This research allowed for consumers in Minnesota and other states to

have access to CBD. “In 2016, The Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S

Department of Justice approved a commercial hemp licensing program in

Minnesota…shortly after the legalization of industrial hemp, Minnesota began to work on

bringing hemp industry back to its original roots” (4).

 CBD oil works by activating the TRPV-1 receptor which inhibits the FAAH

enzyme which activates the CB-1 receptor. This reduces the psychoactive effects and

allows the mediation of pain management, inflammation and body temperature. The

adenosine receptor is also activated which gives the anti-anxiety property. Dr. Tim Shu,

founder and CEO of VETCBD, says that the interaction of cannabioil with the

endocannabinoid system in dogs can provide relief from a wide variety of physiological

and neurological conditions, by ‘modulating the chemical components’ responsible for

nausea, stress, anxiety, pain and even gastrointestinal conditions brought on by infection.

“CBD oil for dogs is also increasingly being used to mollify overly-aggressive dogs, or

easily frightened/skittish dogs that are sent into panic modes by things like loud noises,

mailmen, or their owner’s roommates” (3).

CBD oil comes in many forms and dosages. There are treats, gels, balms

and drops that can be given to pets. It is important, though, to make sure the product

actually contains CBD. Products that say “hemp infused” do not have CBD oil in them

and therefore will not have the medical benefits that you may be looking for. See

following page for product examples.

After 3 months of CBD oil use, the owner notices great improvement in

“Scylla’s” behavior. She has been slowly transitioned off of the Fluoxetine and

Trazodone. Owner notices a five to ten minute effect time after application with a full day

effect. Patient is a much happier dog, anxiety is seemingly under control.

CBD oil is something that can be purchased online and used for your pet. This is

not something that is often discussed in the veterinary practice but it has been proven to

be effective in the treatment and management of many different disease and behavioral
processes. In Scylla’s case, the owner saw a very marked improvement in her behavior

and has been able to purchase this all natural oil online at her own convenience. It is

relatively inexpensive when it compared to some drugs used in clinic and it appears to

have less harmful side effects.

Figure 1
Figure 2 Figure 3

Figure 4
Figure 5 Figure 6

Figure 7
 References

Figure 1 https://healthyhempoil.com/shop/true-leaf-pet/hemp-oil-for-dogs/

Figure 2 https://healthyhempoil.com/shop/herbal-renewals/cbd-for-pets/

Figure 3 https://cbdvapejuice.net/cbd-drip/premium-hemp-cbd-dogs-bacon-flavor/

Figure 4 https://cbdvapejuice.net/cbd-drip/pet-cbd-food-cats/

Figure 5 https://cbdvapejuice.net/cbd-drip/koi-health-bites-pet-treats/

Figure 6 https://www.greenwellnesslife.com/product/therabis-hemp-cbd-pets-

calm-quiet/

Figure 7 https://maryswholepet.com/product/marys-whole-pet-gel-pen/

▶ Henriques, J. (2018). Cannabis For Your Dog: How It Can Help. (2018,

February 08). Retrieved from:

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cannabis-dog-can-help/

▶ Welty, T. E. (2014). “Cannabidiol: Promise and Pitfalls.” Epilepsy Currents, vol.

14, no. 5, 2014, pp. 250–252., doi:10.5698/1535-7597-14.5.250.

▶ Blessing, E. M., et al. “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety

Disorders.”Neurotherapeutics, vol. 12, no. 4, 2015, pp. 825–836.,

doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1.

▶ Calvo, A. (2018). “How Does CBD Work? Learn about Cannabidiol & Effects of

CBD.”Elixinol, Published by Elixinol, 20 Feb. 2018,

elixinol.com/blog/how-does-cannabidiol-cbd-work/

▶ “The Endocannabinoid System (ECS).” Canna-Pet®, 21 Dec. 2017, canna-

pet.com/the-endocannabinoid-system-ecs/.
▶ Siver, R.J. (2017). “Veterinary Cannabinoid Therapeutics”. Tarleton State

University Library Resource; Veterinary Cannabinoid Therapeutics

▶ Drury, A. (2018). What is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and what does it do?.

https://hightimes.com/health/science/thc-tetrahydrocannabinol/

▶ “10 Things You Didn't Know About CBD Oil For Dogs.” Dogs Naturally

Magazine, 15 Feb. 2018, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cbd-oil-for-

dogs/.

▶ Bonn-Miller, Marcel O., et al. “Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold

Online.” Jama, vol. 318, no. 17, 2017, p. 1708.,

doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909.

▶ “Is CBD Oil Legal? (Find Out Here) Mail, Purchase, Import.” Healthy Hemp Oil,

healthyhempoil.com/cannabidiol-legal-status/.

▶ “CBD Hemp Oil For Dogs In Minnesota.” Hemp CBD Oil Pet Treats,

cbdpettreats.us/cbd-hemp-oil-for-dogs-in-minnesota/.

▶ “CBD Oil in Minnesota - Is It Legal? | CBD Oil MN.” Green Roads World - CBD

Oil and CBD Products Manufacturer in USA,

www.greenroadsworld.com/pages/cbd-oil-minnesota/.

▶ “PetMD.” PetMD, www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/cannabis-oil-dogs-

everything-you-need-know.