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CBD oil for IVDD dogs helps with pain, inflammation, and anxiety while exerting its potent neuroprotective features.
Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD in dogs, is a degenerative spinal condition characterized by slipped, bulged, herniated, or ruptured discs. IVDD is age-related and genetic in some dogs but is triggered by trauma. All dogs are able to develop IVDD, but Beagles, Basset Hounds, Lucas Terriers, Dachshunds, and dogs with long backs are short legs are more susceptible to IVDD.
The traditional treatment for IVDD in dogs depends on the severity and includes pain control and cage rest or surgery. Adding pet CBD products to intervertebral disc disease in dogs treatment is beneficial for pain control, supporting damaged neurons, and inflammation relief.
Dogs with IVDD panting, yelping, or screaming are a clear sign of pain, and pet owners often ask, “How to make a dog with a slipped disc comfortable.” The answer is with CBD oils and treats for dogs. The top 3 best CBD oils for dogs with IVDD are:
- Honest Paws
- Penelope’s Bloom CBD
- NuLeaf Naturals CBD
1. Honest Paws
The Honest Paws Well CBD Oil Tincture is a daily CBD supplement that supports natural health and well-being, from allergy relief to immune support to improved mobility.
The Honest Paws Well CBD Oil Tincture is full-spectrum, 100% natural, soy-free, and contains no genetically modified organisms or (GMOs). The product is USDA-certified and features organic medium-chain triglyceride or MCT oil as a carrier.
The Honest Paws Well CBD Oil Tincture comes in a user-friendly bottle dropper, thus being easy to dose and administer. One bottle equals a 30-day supply.
Honest Paws CBD Oil Tincture is suitable for dogs of all ages, and the organic ingredients and full-spectrum CBD properties help with the symptoms of IVDD in dogs. The oils reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety and protect neurons in dogs with IVDD.
The CBD product comes in bottles in four strengths for dogs of different sizes: 125 mg for dogs under 25 pounds, 250 mg for dogs between 25 and 50 pounds of body weight, 500 mg for dogs between 50 and 74 pounds of body weight, and 1000 mg for dogs over 75 pounds of body weight. The Honest Paws brand recommends one full dropper as a daily CBD dose for dogs with IVDD.
The top pros of the Honest Paws CBD Oil Tincture are the organic ingredients, full-spectrum extract, and lack of artificial additives. The main con is the lack of flavors that make the oil less palatable for picky eaters.
The Honest Paws Well CBD Oil Tincture changes between $39.95 to $99.95 per bottle based on the dog’s size.
Customers say the Honest Paws Well CBD Oil Tincture makes dogs more mobile and comfortable. Pet owners love how easy it is to use the product and how even fussy dogs seem to like the supplement.
“I bought this oil to see if it helped my 11.5-year-old, 110 lb. Great Pyr mix feel better. Her name is Scout. My subjective assessment is she seems “brighter,” she is resting more peacefully, and is smiling again. I bought the concentrated oil and am still adjusting dosage, but am pleased and will continue to use to support Scout as long as I can see that it helps her feel better.”
2. Penelope’s Bloom CBD
Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil is a high-quality product made with full-spectrum CBD, MCT oil, and chamomile oil.
Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil is fast-acting and promotes natural health. The product is all-natural, non-GMO, and vegan. All Penelope’s Bloom CBD supplements are made in the USA and pet-approved.
Penelope’s Bloom CBD oil comes in a wide range and selection of strengths. The oil is packed in an easy-use dropper for simple dosing and administration.
Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil supports overall health and helps dogs with IVDD by reducing pain, inflammation, and anxiety. The oil is suitable for dogs of all ages and safe for daily use.
The main pros of the oil are the full-spectrum formula, affordable pricing, easy digestibility, and fast-acting features. The only con is the lack of flavors.
Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil comes in four different strengths (250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg per bottle) for dogs of different body weights. The recommended dose for dogs with IVDD is one full dropper a day or as needed.
Pet owners say the CBD oil works in 15 to 20 minutes and seems to help dogs move better. Customers recommend the product and describe it to be of high quality.
Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil changes between $34.95 to $79.99 depending on the dog’s weight.
“My pup has been on this product for about 2-3 weeks, it has definitely made an impact on his everyday life. Overall the pup is in a better mood and more willing to go on walks. Thank you so much for improving my pups quality of life.”
3. NuLeaf Naturals CBD
The NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil is a whole-plant extract featuring full-spectrum oil for optimal health support.
The hemp used for the product is organic, and the oil is extracted using a supercritical CO2 extraction method for maximum purity. The oil contains less than 0.3% THC.
The NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil suits dogs, cats, and horses. The oil has three strengths (300 mg, 900 mg, and 1800 mg). Apply the CBD oil directly into the dog’s mouth, mix it with food, or pour it over a porous dog treat.
The NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil helps with anxiety relief, boosts pain control, and offers mobility support for dogs with IVDD. The product is safe for daily use and suits dogs of all ages.
The main pros of the oil are the full-spectrum extract boosted by terpenes, the availability of different potency options, and the affordable price tag. The only con is the lack of flavors for better palatability.
The recommended dosage by the NuLeaf Naturals manufacturer is two drops (6mg) per 25 pounds, daily or as needed.
The NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil changes between $49.00 to $89.00 depending on the dog’s weight.
Customers highly recommend CBD oil. They say the oil makes pets happier and act more like their normal selves when used on a regular basis.
“I have 2 senior dogs with arthritis and CCD (dementia). nuleaf CBD oil has kept them comfortable for years without having to expose them to harmful pharmaceuticals.”
4. Batch CBD
The Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture is a health-boosting hemp extract, available in two different dog-friendly flavors, bacon and salmon.
The hemp used for the oil is organic and grown in Wisconsin. The product is non-GMO, third-party tested, and contains less than 0.3% THC, meaning it does not make pets high.
The Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture features a purified hemp extract with three cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC).
The Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture supports overall health and is excellent for dogs with IVDD because it helps with the main symptoms, like pain, inflammation, and anxiety. The product is safe and fit for dogs of all ages.
The top two pros of the oil are the non-GMO organic hemp sourcing and two flavor options. The only con is the use of three cannabinoids instead of a wider specter of healthy CBDs.
The Batch brand’s dosage recommendation is between 3 and 5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds.
The Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture changes between $64.99 to $71.24 per bottle.
Pet owners say CBD oil makes pets more mobile and less stressed. Customers are satisfied with the product’s fast shipping and money-back guarantee.
“My dog is experiencing a great deal less pain & is happier & more playful since we started giving him Batch pet cbd oil.”
5. CBDistillery
The CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture is a full-spectrum oil featuring healthy cannabinoids, hemp seed oil as a carrier, and less than 0.3% THC.
The oil is sourced from US-grown industrial hemp with 100% clean ingredients. The product is vegan and non-GMO.
The CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture is third-party lab tested, and the Certificate of Analysis is available on the brand’s official website. The CBD oil comes in a user-friendly dropper bottle.
The CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture helps with pain, inflammation, and anxiety as common IVDD symptoms and promotes overall wellness. The product is suited for daily use in dogs of all ages.
The main pros of the oil are the full-spectrum extract and the inclusion of hemp seed oil. The cons include sourcing from industrial instead of organic hemp and the product’s frequent unavailability on online platforms.
The CBDistillery brand recommends giving 0.5 ml of CBD oil for dogs less than 25 pounds, 1 ml of CBD oil for dogs between 25 and 75 pounds, and 2 ml of CBD oil for dogs over 75 pounds.
The CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture is available at a price of $44.00.
Customers say the CBD oil works safely and well. Pet owners notice an improvement in the dogs’ ability to get up and sit down with consistent use of the CBD product.
“My black Airedale is 12 yrs. old, having trouble getting up and walking steadily. Seems the oil helps her get around more easily.”
6. CBDfx
The CBDfx Pet Tincture is a vegan, human-grade, and broad-spectrum CBD oil formulated specifically for pets.
The CBD oil is extracted from organic and non-GMO hemp and features coconut-derived MCT oil as a carrier. The product is solvent-free and made in the USA.
The CBDfx Pet Tincture comes in four potencies and two different flavors. The flavor options include bacon and chicken, which are dog-friendly and easy to use.
The CBDfx Pet Tincture promotes overall health, helps ease joint problems and IVDD symptoms, and supports natural relaxation. The oil is recommended for dogs of all ages and is safe for regular use.
The main pro of the oil is the availability of two dog-friendly flavors making the product simple and straightforward to use. The only con is the broad instead of full-spectrum extract formulation.
The CBDfx CBD oil comes in four different strengths (250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 2000 mg per bottle) for dogs of different sizes. The brand recommends one full dropper a day or as needed.
The CBDfx Pet Tincture changes between $29.99 and 99.99 per bottle.
Verified buyers say they noticed a difference in dogs’ behavior following consistent CBD use. Pet owners are satisfied with the product’s quality and price.
“My dog absolutely loves this & I can definitely see an overall improvement. Makes my older dog feel like a pup!”
“Within a week my of giving to my dog, he was no longer limping and hasn’t limped since. Customer for life.”
7. Four Leaf Rover CBD
The Four Leaf Rover CBD is an organic, full-spectrum CBD oil available in two strengths, 500 mg, and 1000 mg.
The CBD oil is extracted from US-grown hemp using CO2 extraction. The product is free from herbicides, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals and contains less than 0.3% THC.
The Four Leaf Rover CBD comes in a user-friendly dropper bottle. One CBD bottle provides a 30-day supply.
The Four Leaf Rover CBD is good for the dog’s overall health and helps with IVDD issues, such as chronic and acute pain, anxiety, and inflammation. The oil is safe, fit for regular use, and suited for dogs of all ages.
The top three pros of the oil are organic sourcing, use of full-spectrum CBD, and availability in two strengths. The main con is the heftier price tag compared to similar products.
The Four Leaf Rover brand recommends giving dogs one full dropper (1 milliliter) of the 1000 mg strength bottle daily for joint and mobility issues.
The Four Leaf Rover CBD changes between $69.99 and 109.99 per bottle.
Satisfied customers say the CBD oil keeps pets happy, comfortable, and mobile. Pet owners are happy with the product’s quality and highly recommend it to other potential buyers.
“My 14-year-old Giant Schnauzer gets this CBD before bed. She’s in pretty good shape for a big, old dog (now down to 73 lbs), but she’s in some pain, and seems dismayed about other health issues too. She still gets around well and enjoys short(er) walks. I give her 75-80% of a full squeeze of 1000 Four Leaf Rover CBD. It reduces her discomfort and has her sleeping all night. Expensive, and totally worth it for a great dog in twilight year(s).”
8. Holistapet
The Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs is a vegan, high-quality, broad-spectrum CBD oil concentrated in a convenient dropper bottle.
The CBD oil is formulated specifically for pets and contains less than 0.3% THC. The product features 100% natural ingredients and is free from gluten, GMO, dairy, additives, and preservatives.
The Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs is manufactured in the USA and available in five different potency options. The oil is easy to drop directly into the dog’s mouth or mix with food/water.
The Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs helps ease the symptoms of IVDD in dogs and promotes overall wellness. The oil is safe for daily use and fit for dogs of all ages.
The main pro of the oil is the cost-efficacy of the product. The only con worth mentioning is the use of broad instead of full-spectrum CBD extract.
The Holistapet brand recommends a dose of 0.25mg of CBD per pound of body weight. The manufacturer offers CBD oils with five different strengths (150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 3000 mg) for dogs of various body weights.
The Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs changes between an affordable price of $24.95 and 124.95 per bottle based on strength.
Buyers say dogs run like puppies when supplemented with CBD oil. Customers are satisfied with the product’s quality, price, and fast shipping.
“I like the easy ordering and shipment is usually quick. The CBD oil seems to keep my dogs calmer and help the arthritis..thanks for a great product.”
What is IVDD for Dogs?
IVDD, or intervertebral disc disease, for dogs is a degenerative spinal condition in which a disc herniates and pressures the spinal cord. IVDD is age-related, but chondrodystrophic at-risk dog breeds like Corgis, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Poodles develop intervertebral disc disease earlier in life.
The dog’s spine is made of small bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are divided by discs. The discs have a gelatinous center and a thick outer shell. The role of the discs is to cushion the vertebrae and protect the spinal cord.
Dog IVDD occurs when a disc fails to “cushion.” Discs lose their shock-absorbing abilities due to degeneration and herniation, causing spinal cord pressure and pain.
There are five stages of dog IVDD based on severity. Stage 1 is the most benign, while stage 5 is the most advanced form of intervertebral disc disease. Early signs of IVDD in dogs include IVDD panting, crying, whimpering, trembling, shaking, and reluctance to go about daily life. CBD oil helps dogs with IVDD.
How Does CBD Help Dogs with IVDD?
CBD helps dogs with IVDD by inhibiting neuron loss and damage because through its neuroprotective features that reduce IVDD-associated pain, inflammation and anxiety.
Understanding how CBD helps dogs with IVDD starts by answering the popular question, “What is CBD.” CBD, or cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid derived from the Cannabis sativa plant.
CBD for pets is sourced from hemp and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. Cannabidiol interacts with the dog’s endocannabinoid system, supporting natural health and wellness.
What are the Causes of IVDD for Dogs?
The causes of IVDD for dogs are listed below.
- Genetic: IVDD is hereditary in certain chondrodysplastic dog breeds, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Lucas Terriers, and Shih Tzus.
- Old Age: IVDD is a degenerative, age-related condition in dogs. The discs lose their ability to hold water and become dehydrated as dogs get older. The more dehydrated the discs, the more likely they are to herniate.
- Hansen Type-I Disc Disease: Hansen type-I occurs when the gelatinous substance inside the disc hardens, eventually tearing the shell.
- Hansen Type-II Disc Disease: Hansen type-II disc disease occurs when there is a bulge in the disc shell. The bulge eventually tears, and a fragment finds its way into the spinal canal and pressures the spinal cord.
- Hansen Type-III Disc Disease: A third type, Hansen type-III disc disease, occurs when a disc bursts due to acute trauma.
What are the Symptoms of IVDD for Dogs?
The main symptoms of IVDD in dogs are pain and mobility issues. The walking issue ranges from a shaky and unstable walk to paralysis. The exact clinical picture of dog IVDD varies based on the location of the slipped disc.
The symptoms of neck (cervical) IVDD in dogs are listed below.
- Low-Held Head: The pressure in the neck region prevents the normal position of the head and makes the dog keep the head low.
- Arched Back: Scientifically known as kyphosis, an arched back is a sign of spinal or abdominal pain in dogs.
- Reluctance to Move: The dog refuses to be physically active and prefers staying in a specific position.
- Knuckling of all Four Paws: Walking on the tip of the toes on all four legs instead of regular walking on the paws.
- Inability to Stand and Walk Properly: Dogs with cervical IVDD are not able to properly stand and walk due to pressure in the neck.
- Pain and Crying: Crying, whining, and yelping are a sign of pain and are often present in dogs with cervical IVDD.
The symptoms of back (thoracolumbar) IVDD in dogs are listed below.
- Hind Legs Weakness: Uncoordinated movements and loss of balance in the hind legs are telltale signs of hind leg weakness in dogs.
- Knuckling of Back Paws: Walking on the tip of the toes in the hind legs instead of regular walking on the paws.
- Inability to Feel the Back Legs: Dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD often lose the ability to feel the back legs, or the feeling threshold is reduced.
- Dragging the Hind Legs: A dog with IVDD drags its hind legs in some situations, instead of walking.
- Tense Belly: A firm abdomen on palpation, which in some cases is painful and with a dough-like consistency.
- Muscle Spasms: Involuntary, sudden, and often painful contractions of large muscle groups.
- Pain and Crying: Thoracolumbar IVDD often results in pain and causes the dog to cry, whine, or yelp.
The symptoms of the lower back (lumbosacral) IVDD in dogs are listed below.
- Pain and Crying: Pain is a common lumbosacral IVDD symptom in dogs, and it usually manifests with crying, whining, or yelping.
- Dilated Anus: The muscles keeping the anus closed become loose and make it gape open in a dilated state.
- Limp Tail: The tail droops or hangs without being able to move, which is more striking in dog breeds with long and powerful tails.
- Inability or Difficulty Jumping: Dogs with IVDD suffer from impaired mobility and are incapable of jumping or jumping with difficulties.
- Fecal Incontinence: An inability to control bowel movements resulting in uncontrolled defecating at random times and places.
- Urinary Incontinence: An involuntary loss of bladder control resulting in uncontrolled urinating in the form of small leaks or large urine amounts.
The early signs of IVDD in dogs include sensitivity to touch, a low-hanging head, crying, yelping, and reluctance to jump or go about daily life. Contacting the veterinarian during the early phases of intervertebral disc disease allows for non-invasive treatment in some cases.
What is the Treatment for Dog’s IVDD?
The treatment for dog’s IVDD are conservative and surgical.
Treating intervertebral disc disease conservatively is an option for dogs with mild and early IVDD. The conservative treatment is symptomatic and based on the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and strict cage rest.
Dogs with advanced IVDD require surgery. The goal of the surgical procedure is to remove the slipped disc, which relieves the spinal cord pressure. Most dogs need physical therapy, following surgery.
CBD for IVDD dogs is a safe and beneficial addition to conservative and surgical treatment strategies.
CBD’s anti-pain, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotective features are helpful regardless of the traditional treatment approach.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs with IVDD?
The benefits of CBD oil for dogs with IVDD are listed and explained below.
- Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is a significant aspect of IVDD in dogs. CBD has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Freances R. Henshaw and two scientists wrote a paper, “The Effects of Cannabinoids on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies,” in 2021. The paper explained that CBD has potent anti-inflammatory properties. CBD is safe with NSAIDs, the medication for dogs with intervertebral disc disease. Long-term use of NSAIDs comes with side effects, and CBD helps reduce their doses. Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that dogs supplemented with CBD need lower NSAID doses to experience significant pain relief than dogs not using CBD.
- Pain Relief: Pain is the earliest sign of IVDD in dogs. CBD helps manage pain, increasing comfort and mobility. Frontiers in Veterinary Science published a study titled “The role of cannabinoids in pain modulation in companion animals” in 2022. The study found that CBD is effective for pain control. CBD helps with various types of pain, including neuropathic, which is the main aspect in dogs with IVDD. Behavioral Pharmacology published a paper titled “Antinociceptive effects of minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in Cannabis” in 2022. The paper stated that “CBD helps with five types of pain, including “acute, inflammatory, neuropathic, muscle, and orofacial pain.” The study was done on humans, but similar effects are postulated in animals.
- Neuroprotective: Intervertebral disc disease is a spinal condition linked to neural damage. CBD has neuroprotective features, reducing damage and supporting neural regeneration. Nature Magazine published a study, “Neuroprotective Effects of the Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoid Cannabidiol in Hypoxic-Ischemic Newborn Piglets.” The study results showed that CBD has neuroprotective features. The National Library of Medicine, in its mice study, “Protective Effects of Cannabidiol on Lesion-Induced Intervertebral Disc Degeneration,” found that CBD “improved locomotor functional recovery and reduced injury extent.”
- Anxiety Control: The walking impairment and pain caused by IVDD make dogs anxious. CBD relieves anxiety and promotes relaxation. Frontiers in Veterinary Science published a study titled “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel” in 2023. The study found that CBD for dogs helps relieve stress. Cornell University says that CBD supplementation in dogs results in a “decrease in stress or anxiety-related behaviors.”
What are the Side-Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs with IVDD?
The side effects of CBD oil for dogs with IVDD are listed below.
- Dry Mouth: Pet CBD reduces the production of saliva, causing xerostomia or dry mouth
- Vomiting: Vomiting is triggered by the product’s CBD content, its natural bitter flavor, or the presence of a carrier oil like hemp seed oil, MCT, or coconut oil.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a very common side effect of new foods, medications, and supplements.
- Stomach Upset: CBD for pets, like all new supplements, is irritating to the stomach.
- Lowered Blood Pressure: CBD causes a temporary and dose-dependent blood pressure drop or hypotension.
- Dizziness: Dizziness (losing balance, falling down) is a sign of low-quality CBD and marijuana-sourced products that contain more than 0.3% THC.
- Lethargy: Lethargy or excess relaxation occurs when a dog is given a higher amount of CBD.
- Decreased Liver Enzymes: CBD inhibits some of the liver enzymes, which alters the metabolism of certain drugs.
- Increased Tremors: Animal CBD increases the severity of tremors in rare cases.
- Itchiness: Increased itchiness is among the rare side effects of CBD to animals and is associated with high doses.
How is Dosing of CBD for Dogs with IVDD?
The recommended dose of CBD for IVDD is between 1 and 5 milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight. The exact amount depends on the dog’s weight and the severity of the dog’s slipped disc symptoms.
Disc disease in dogs is painful, and higher CBD doses are often necessary. Start with a lower dose, between 0.1 and 0.2 mg of CBD per pound, to allow the dog to get used to cannabis supplementation.
Gradually increase the dose if necessary. Finding the right CBD dose takes time and experimentation. Measure and modulate the dose until the desired effect is achieved without causing side effects.
Do not worry in case of accidental miscalculations and giving high CBD doses. Dogs do not overdose on hemp CBD; the worst-case scenario is lethargy and sleeping through the CBD effects.
Use a CBD dosage calculator to measure the best starting dose for dogs. The calculator is easy to use and practical.
Can CBD Cure Dog’s IVDD?
No, CBD cannot cure a dog’s IVDD. CBD interacts with the dog’s endocannabinoid system, helping with IVDD-related issues such as pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
CBD for IVDD dogs is safe to use with other anti-pain medications. CBD boosts their efficacy, combined with NSAIDs and opioids.
Is IVDD for Dogs Genetic Disease?
Yes, IVDD for dogs is a genetic disease, but it is not a simple genetic condition. Dog IVDD develops under the influence of multiple gene mutations combined with various lifestyle and environmental factors.
