Does CBD Cause Diarrhea in Pets? Understanding CBD’s Effects on Pet’s Digestive System

Let’s face it, nobody likes talking about diarrhea, especially when it comes to furry friends. But as CBD oil gains popularity for its potential to help pets with various health issues, it’s a question many pet owners are asking: does CBD cause diarrhea?  

The short answer is yes, it’s possible. But don’t worry, this article explores the reasons behind this, offers solutions to manage it, and helps pet parents navigate the world of pet CBD with confidence.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. This means a pet won’t get “high” from it. Instead, CBD interacts with a pet’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network that helps regulate various bodily functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, and inflammation.  

Potential Benefits of CBD for Pets

CBD oil is gaining popularity among pet owners for its potential to help manage various conditions. It’s like a natural support system, working with a pet’s body to promote balance and well-being. Some of the ways CBD benefits a furry friend are listed below.

Easing Anxiety

Many pet owners turn to CBD for its calming effects on anxiety and stress. Whether it’s separation anxiety, noise phobia, or anxiety related to travel or vet visits, CBD helps promote a sense of calm and relaxation (Hunt, A., et al., 2023; Corsetti, S., et al., 2021).

Managing Pain

CBD is known for its potential pain-relieving properties. It helps manage discomfort associated with conditions like arthritis, injuries, or post-surgical recovery. A case report concluded that “Subcutaneous liposomal CBD injection improved pain scores and increased activity scores in a dog with severe cervical pain,” (Shilo-Benjamini, Y., et al., 2022). A separate study on animal trials showed that “CBD, especially liposomal formulations, shows potential in relieving canine osteoarthritis pain and increasing mobility without significant adverse effects,” (Mejia, S., et al., 2021).

Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a common factor in many health issues. CBD is being explored for its anti-inflammatory effects, which help provide relief for conditions like allergies, skin irritations, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Supporting Neurological Health

Research suggests that CBD has neuroprotective properties, meaning it helps protect the nervous system. A study published on Frontiers in Neurology concluded that “CBD shows potential as a neuroprotective treatment for traumatic brain injury due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiepileptic properties,” (Aychman, M., Goldman, D., & Kaplan, J., 2023). This is particularly relevant for pets with conditions like seizures or epilepsy.

Improving Appetite and Nausea

CBD helps stimulate appetite in pets who are experiencing a loss of appetite due to illness or medication (Legare, C., Raup-Konsavage, W., & Vrana, K., 2022). It also helps reduce nausea and vomiting (Parker, L., Rock, E., & Limebeer, C., 2011).

A study on the endocannabinoid control of food intake and energy balance showed that “Endocannabinoids play a multifaceted role in regulating energy balance and food intake, with potential applications in treating eating disorders and metabolic syndromes,” (Marzo, V., & Matias, I., 2005). It’s important to note that while there’s growing evidence supporting the potential benefits of CBD for pets, more research is still needed. Always consult the pet’s veterinarian before starting a pet on CBD, especially if they have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. 

CBD and the Digestive System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body including the digestive system. Think of the ECS as an internal regulator, helping to keep things running smoothly from appetite to digestion. Interestingly, the ECS has receptors throughout the digestive tract (Hasenoehrl, C., et al., 2016), and CBD indirectly influences these receptors. This interaction between CBD and the ECS in the gut has both positive and negative effects on digestion. It depends on a few key factors like dosage, individual sensitivity, and any underlying conditions.

How CBD Impacts Digestion

Just like any medication or supplement, the right dosage is crucial, as too much CBD overwhelms the digestive system and leads to issues like diarrhea. Every pet is unique, and some are more sensitive to CBD than others, influencing how their digestive system responds. If a pet has any existing digestive issues, CBD exacerbates them or causes unexpected reactions.

Potential Benefits for Digestion

Despite the possibility of diarrhea, CBD also offers potential benefits for digestive health. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the gut and reduce inflammation associated with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CBD helps reduce nausea and vomiting, which is beneficial for pets experiencing digestive upset. Additionally, it helps stimulate appetite in pets who are not eating well.

Important Considerations

It’s important to remember that research on CBD’s effects on the digestive system is still ongoing. While there’s promising evidence, more studies are needed to fully understand its impact. Always consult the pet’s veterinarian before giving a pet CBD, especially if they have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Does CBD Oil Trigger Diarrhea?

While CBD is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware that it sometimes leads to digestive issues in pets.

Introducing any new substance, even a natural one, potentially upset a pet’s stomach. This is especially true if the substance is given in excess. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach CBD with caution and awareness, just like with any new food or supplement in a pet’s diet. Finding the right approach and dosage is key to ensuring a pet has a positive experience with CBD.

Managing CBD-Induced Diarrhea

If a pet experiences diarrhea after taking CBD, don’t despair! There are several things to do. 

Dosage Adjustment

Start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase it until the optimal amount for a pet is determined. This “start low and go slow” approach helps avoid overwhelming a pet’s system and allows pet parents to observe how the pets respond to different dosages.

Administration

Giving CBD with food helps with absorption and minimizes digestive upset. Consider dividing the daily dose into smaller, more frequent doses throughout the day (ideally after meals), rather than giving it all at once.

Product Selection

The type of chosen CBD product also makes a difference. Try switching to a full-spectrum CBD isolate product. These contain fewer plant compounds that irritate a pet’s digestive system compared to full-spectrum products.

Dietary Changes

Sometimes, simple dietary changes help soothe a pet’s digestive tract. Consider a bland diet or adding just enough fiber-rich foods to their meals. Note that too much fiber also leads to diarrhea.

Supplements

Certain supplements support gut health and help reduce diarrhea. Probiotics help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, while slippery elm soothes the digestive tract due to its aminosalicylates, which are potentially therapeutic for inflammatory bowel disease (Langmead, L., et al., 2002).

When to Be Concerned

Most cases of CBD-induced diarrhea are mild and resolve with simple adjustments. However, it’s important to be vigilant for signs of a more serious issue.

Signs of Serious Issues:

• Blood in stool
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Dehydration

If a pet has prolonged diarrhea, watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or loss of skin elasticity.  

When to Contact a Vet

If diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact the dog’s veterinarian immediately. They help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Importance of Consulting a Vet

Veterinarians provide personalized advice on the best options for a pet’s specific needs.

The Bottom Line

CBD oil is a valuable tool for supporting a pet’s health, but like any supplement, it’s important to use it responsibly. By understanding the potential for diarrhea and taking steps to manage it, pet parents help their furry friends enjoy the benefits of CBD safely and comfortably.

References

• Aychman, M., Goldman, D., & Kaplan, J. (2023). Cannabidiol’s neuroprotective properties and potential treatment of traumatic brain injuries. Frontiers in Neurology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2023.1087011.
• 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.
• Hasenoehrl, C., Taschler, U., Storr, M., & Schicho, R. (2016). The gastrointestinal tract – a central organ of cannabinoid signaling in health and disease. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 28. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.12931.
• Hunt, A., Flint, H., Logan, D., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604.
• Langmead, L., Dawson, C., Hawkins, C., Banna, N., Loo, S., & Rampton, D. (2002). Antioxidant effects of herbal therapies used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an in vitro study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 16. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01157.x.
• Legare, C., Raup-Konsavage, W., & Vrana, K. (2022). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis, Cannabidiol, and Cannabinoid-Based Pharmaceuticals. Pharmacology, 107, 131 – 149. https://doi.org/10.1159/000521683.
• Marzo, V., & Matias, I. (2005). Endocannabinoid control of food intake and energy balance. Nature Neuroscience, 8, 585-589. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1457.
• Mejia, S., Duerr, F., Griffenhagen, G., & McGrath, S. (2021). Evaluation of the Effect of Cannabidiol on Naturally Occurring Osteoarthritis-Associated Pain: A Pilot Study in Dogs.. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7119.
• Parker, L., Rock, E., & Limebeer, C. (2011). Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01176.x.
• Shilo-Benjamini, Y., Cern, A., Zilbersheid, D., Hod, A., Lavy, E., Barasch, D., & Barenholz, Y. (2022). A Case Report of Subcutaneously Injected Liposomal Cannabidiol Formulation Used as a Compassion Therapy for Pain Management in a Dog. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.892306.