CBD for Pet Weight Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners

Pet owners usually seem to struggle with keeping their pets at a healthy weight. It’s easy for those extra pounds to sneak on, especially with a little extra love in the form of treats. However carrying extra weight is tough on the pet’s body, potentially leading to problems like joint pain, difficulty breathing, and even an increased risk of serious conditions like heart disease.

Some people are turning to CBD oil to help their pets lose weight. CBD oil is a natural product that potentially helps with weight management, pain, and anxiety in pets. 

So, how exactly does CBD oil help a pet achieve a healthy weight? Take a closer look at the potential benefits of this natural remedy and learn how it helps a furry friend live a longer, healthier life.

Understanding Pet Obesity

When talking about obesity in pets, it is not just talking about being a little chunky. It’s a serious health issue. Clinically obese dogs have a body weight at least 15% above ideal, and obesity predisposes or exacerbates serious medical conditions. (Gossellin, J., Wren, J., & Sunderland, S., 2007). A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association concluded that “Morphometric measurements and the body fat index (BFI) are more accurate than the 5-point BCS method for estimating body fat percentage in overweight and obese dogs,” (Witzel, A., et al., 2014).

Identifying whether a dog or cat is overweight is challenging for many pet owners. While they appear cuddly and cute, it’s important to determine if they are entering unhealthy weight ranges. Begin by visually assessing their shape, but for a more precise evaluation, consult a veterinarian to calculate their Body Condition Score (BCS). This score serves as a pet equivalent to human BMI, aiding pet parents in assessing their pet’s body fat and overall health.

But what leads to weight gain in the first place? Some common factors are discussed below.

• Overfeeding: Many pet parents spoil their pets (guilty as charged!) with too many treats or oversized portions. If a pet is eating more calories than they burn, it leads to weight gain.
• Feeding the Wrong Foods: Giving pets frequent human food (the scraps from the dinner table) is a big culprit. These foods are often loaded with fats, sugars, and calories that aren’t doing their BCS any favors.
• Lack of Exercise: A lethargic lifestyle turns an energetic puppy into a couch potato. Pets need regular exercise to stay fit, but it’s often reduced due to busy schedules, limited space, or underlying health issues like joint pain or arthritis.
• Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism and other metabolic disorders lead to weight problems (Panciera, D., 2001). Conditions like Cushing’s disease or joint pain also contribute by reducing a pet’s activity level.
• Age and Surgery: Older pets naturally slow down, and hormonal changes after spaying or neutering affect appetite and energy levels (Iwazaki, E., et al., 2019).

Excess Weight on A Pet’s Health

What happens when a pet carries too much weight? Simply put their quality of life takes a major hit. Excess weight isn’t just cosmetic; it causes serious health problems.

• Decreased mobility: It’s tough for pets to run, jump, or even walk when they’re carrying extra baggage. “Overweight dogs exercise less frequently and for shorter periods, with frequency and duration negatively associated with overweight status,” (German, A., et al., 2017).
• Chronic joint pain and arthritis: More weight means more pressure on their joints, leading to conditions like arthritis and long-term pain management (Marshall, W., et al., 2009).
• Respiratory issues: Being overweight makes it harder to breathe, and that puts even more pressure on the heart and lungs. “Obesity in dogs leads to changes in respiratory parameters, increased bronchoreactivity, and a blunted response to respiratory stimulation,” (Manens, J., et al., 2012). 
• Heart disease and diabetes: Excess fat increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes, two major health issues in pets (Tropf, M., et al., 2017).
• Grooming difficulties: Overweight pets often struggle to clean themselves properly, leading to skin problems and matting (Burns, K., 2013).

So, how does CBD oil help address these weight problems? 

How CBD Oil Helps Manage A Pet’s Weight

CBD oil, extracted from the hemp plant, has been gaining traction as a natural remedy for a wide range of pet health issues, including weight management. While more CBD studies are needed, early research and anecdotal evidence show some pretty promising signs.

Here’s how CBD oil gives a pet the boost they need to reach a healthier weight:

Appetite Regulation

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in various bodily functions, including appetite control. A recent study showed that “CB2 receptors play a crucial role in modulating food intake and regulating energy balance in animals,” (Rodríguez-Serrano, L., & Chávez-Hernández, M., 2023). When a pet takes CBD, it potentially helps regulate their hunger by interacting with CB2 receptors in the body.

Metabolism Boost

CBD products alter canine metabolome. A study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that “Three weeks of 4.5 mg CBD/kg body weight/d supplementation altered the canine metabolome, including changes in metabolites related to amino acids, glucose, vitamins, nucleotides, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives,” (Morris, E., et al., 2021). 

Pain Management and Mobility

One of the biggest reasons pets gain weight is because of limited mobility due to chronic pain, often caused by conditions like arthritis. A study showed that “CBD, especially liposomal formulations, shows potential in reducing pain and increasing mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis, with no significant adverse effects observed,” (Halpert, M., et al., 2020). The more active a pet is, the easier it becomes to burn off that extra weight.

Mood Regulation

A happier pet is a more active pet. CBD helps pets feel more playful and energetic by alleviating stress and anxiety (Corsetti, S., et al., 2021). When pets aren’t bogged down by stress, they’re more likely to get up and move, contributing to better weight management.

CBD Products for Weight Management

Curious about how CBD fits into a pet’s weight loss journey? There’s a whole world of CBD products designed with pets in mind, each with its own unique advantages. Some of the most popular options are listed below.

CBD Oils and Tinctures

CBD oils and tinctures are a favorite among pet parents because they offer incredible flexibility when it comes to dosing. Easily add a few drops to the pet’s food or, if a furry friend is cooperative, administer it directly to their gums. This allows pet parents to fine-tune the amount of CBD a pet receives, ensuring they get just the right amount to meet their needs.  

CBD Treats

For pets who gobble up treats with enthusiasm, CBD-infused treats are a fantastic option. These tasty morsels make administering CBD a breeze, turning a health routine into a delightful experience for a pet. Just remember to factor in the extra calories and choose treats that are low in calories and offer a full-spectrum CBD experience for maximum benefit.

CBD Soft Chews

Similar to treats, CBD soft chews offer a delicious way to give a pet CBD. However, their soft texture makes them a perfect choice for senior pets or those with dental issues who have difficulty chewing harder treats. They provide the same potential benefits of CBD in a form that’s gentle on aging mouths.  

Topical CBD Products for Pets

If a pet is dealing with localized pain, such as joint discomfort or pressure sores, topical CBD products offer targeted relief. These creams, balms, and salves are applied directly to the affected area, providing comfort without adding any extra calories to a pet’s diet. This makes them an excellent complement to other weight management efforts.

How Much CBD Oil To Give A Pet?

When it comes to administering CBD to a pet, it’s always best to start small and build up. Don’t overdo it—after all, just like us, every pet’s tolerance is different.

A good rule of thumb? Start with 0.20mg/lb of body weight and gradually increase. Keep an eye on how a pet responds, and if necessary, gradually go up taking note of the maximum dose of 2.3 mg/lb of body weight per day. The pet’s attending veterinarian is the go-to resource for figuring out the best CBD dosage based on the pet’s health status, size, and needs.

Is CBD Safe for Pets?

In general, CBD use is considered safe for pets when administered correctly. However, it’s crucial to choose high-quality products and consult the pet’s veterinarian, especially if a pet is on other medications. Some pets experience mild side effects like lethargy or changes in liver enzymes, so always start with a low dose and monitor the pet closely.

Choosing the Right CBD Product for A Pet

Not all CBD products are created equal. Listed below are what to look for when purchasing CBD oil for a pet.

Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Full-spectrum products contain not just CBD but also other beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, which provide additional health benefits.

Third-Party Testing: Always buy from a company that uses third-party testing to ensure quality, potency, and safety.

Extraction Method: Opt for CBD oil that has been extracted using CO2 extraction, as it’s considered the safest and most effective method for preserving all the good stuff without harmful residues.

Pet-Specific Formulas: Look for CBD products that are specifically formulated for pets. Human-grade CBD sometimes contains ingredients that aren’t safe for pets, like xylitol.

Combining CBD with a Holistic Weight Management Plan

While CBD oil potentially helps a pet shed some pounds, it works best when combined with other healthy habits. Shown below is how pet parents create a holistic weight management plan for a pet.

Balanced Diet: Switch to a high-quality, low-calorie pet food designed for weight loss or management. Work with the pet’s veterinarian to ensure the pet’s diet is aligned with their health needs.

Exercise: Get the pet moving! Whether it’s longer walks, play sessions, or even agility training, regular physical activity is key to helping them lose weight.

Regular Checkups: Keep a veterinarian in the loop. Regular visits help monitor a pet’s progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Address Underlying Health Issues: If a pet has conditions like hypothyroidism or arthritis, treating these significantly improves their ability to lose weight.

Final Thoughts

CBD oil is an exciting tool in the arsenal for pet weight management, but it’s not a magic pill. It works best as part of a comprehensive plan that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and ongoing veterinary care. With potential benefits like pain management, appetite control, and improved metabolism, CBD has a high potential to help a pet start moving towards a healthier weight.

References

• Burns, K. (2013). Confronting the problem of overweight pets. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 243 3, 300-4. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.243.3.300.\
• Corsetti, S., Borruso, S., Malandrucco, L., Spallucci, V., Maragliano, L., Perino, R., D’Agostino, P., & Natoli, E. (2021). Cannabis sativa L. may reduce aggressive behaviour towards humans in shelter dogs. Scientific Reports, 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82439-2.
• German, A., Blackwell, E., Evans, M., & Westgarth, C. (2017). Overweight dogs exercise less frequently and for shorter periods: results of a large online survey of dog owners from the UK. Journal of Nutritional Science, 6. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2017.6.
• Gossellin, J., Wren, J., & Sunderland, S. (2007). Canine obesity: an overview.. Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, 30 Suppl 1, 1-10.
• Halpert, M., Verrico, C., Wesson, S., Konduri, V., Hofferek, C., Vazquez-Perez, J., Blair, E., Dunner, K., Salimpour, P., & Decker, W. (2020). A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Daily Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Canine Osteoarthritis. The Journal of Immunology. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.67.11.
• Iwazaki, E., Lee, A., Phungviwatnikul, T., Valentine, H., & Swanson, K. (2019). PSIII-40 Dietary effects on food intake, body weight, body composition and metabolism of adult female cats after spay surgery. Journal of Animal Science, 97, 280-281. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.568.
• Marchi, P. H., Vendramini, T. H. A., Perini, M. P., Zafalon, R. V. A., Amaral, A. R., Ochamotto, V. A., Da Silveira, J. C., Dagli, M. L. Z., & Brunetto, M. A. (2022). Obesity, inflammation, and cancer in dogs: Review and perspectives. Frontiers in veterinary science, 9, 1004122. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.1004122
• Marshall, W., Bockstahler, B., Hulse, D., & Carmichael, S. (2009). A review of osteoarthritis and obesity: current understanding of the relationship and benefit of obesity treatment and prevention in the dog. Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 22, 339 – 345. https://doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-08-08-0069.
• Morris, E., Kitts-Morgan, S., Spangler, D., Ogunade, I., McLeod, K., & Harmon, D. (2021). Alteration of the Canine Metabolome After a 3-Week Supplementation of Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats: An Exploratory Study of Healthy Animals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.685606.
• Panciera, D. (2001). Conditions associated with canine hypothyroidism. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 31 5, 935-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0195-5616(01)50006-6.
• Rodríguez-Serrano, L., & Chávez-Hernández, M. (2023). Role of the CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor in the Regulation of Food Intake: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417516.
• Tropf, M., Nelson, O., Lee, P., & Weng, H. (2017). Cardiac and Metabolic Variables in Obese Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 31, 1000 – 1007. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14775.
• Witzel, A., Kirk, C., Henry, G., Toll, P., Brejda, J., & Paetau‐Robinson, I. (2014). Use of a novel morphometric method and body fat index system for estimation of body composition in overweight and obese dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 244 11, 1279-84. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.244.11.1279.