CBD and Dermatitis in Dogs: Veterinary Evidence Summary

Research Summary

CBD and Dermatitis in Dogs

There are a few studies looking at CBD use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs, and results are positive. Studies are summarised below:

Clinical research pattern

Across the studies summarised below, CBD or CBD/CBDA-rich supplementation was generally evaluated as an adjunct or supplement in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis or scratching behaviour. Findings included reductions in pruritus or scratching in several study designs, with alkaline phosphatase elevations noted in some treatment dogs.

Mogi et al. 2022 [1]


Design: Retrospective case series
Sample: 8 dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) were diagnosed by veterinary dermatologists certified by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Dermatology

Method

The medical records of dogs supplemented with CBD were evaluated re signalment, physical examination, plasma C-reactive protein concentrations, pharmacologic management, the CAD Extent and Severity Index and the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale.

Findings

  • CBD used as a supplement in combination with other drugs, was well-tolerated over a wide dose range and decreased the occurrence of pruritus in dogs with CAD when ingested twice a day.
  • the use of CBD in combination with current CAD treatments suggested the possibility of reducing the dose of concomitant medications while increasing their efficacy.

Loewinger et al. 2022 [2]


Design: Prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
Sample: 32 privately owned dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (cAD)

Method

  • Treatment dogs – received 2 mg/kg of an equal mix of CBD/CBDA
  • Control – received a placebo
  • Dosed twice daily with food for 28 days

Findings

  • Over 65% of the dogs participating in the study had a substantial improvement in skin itchiness
  • There was no significant difference in groups in terms of Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index.
  • Elevated ALP was observed in 4/17 treatment dogs.

Mogi et al. 2022 [3]


Design: Randomized complete block design
Sample: 24 dogs of various mixed breeds, research animals

Method

Treatments targeted at 0 and 2.5mg (LOW) and at 5.0mg (HIGH) CBD/kg BW per day split between two treats administered after twice-daily exercise

Findings

  • CBD tended (P = 0.071) to reduce total daily scratching compared with the control.
  • CBD reduced scratching compared with control (P = 0.030).