I foster and adopt senior Chihuahuas, and I’ve cared for two with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), also known as doggy dementia.  With my first dog with CCD, I knew very little about the disease or how to manage it, and the general veterinarians I consulted weren’t well-versed in this area.  When my second dog, Bonnie, began showing severe CCD symptoms, veterinarians recommended medications like Trazodone or Gabapentin.  Unfortunately, these caused negative side effects, heavily sedating her or completely knocking her out.  They also suggested supplements like melatonin and Senilife, which had no noticeable effect. 

I remember the day I called Lap of Love to discuss saying goodbye to Bonnie.  Then it occurred to me to consult a holistic veterinarian.  That vet recommended CBD oil, and it made a remarkable difference- Bonnie’s symptoms subsided, and I was gifted another precious year with her.  Bonnie passed away in June 2024, and I promised her I’d do everything I could to help other pet parents facing CCD.

I’m not an expert, and I can’t promise that CBD oil will work the same way for your dog as it did for Bonnie.  I can only share what I’ve learned from my experience, including how to identify reputable CBD brands and how to administer the oil.  I’ll provide links to the brand I used, as well as some others, so you can make an informed choice.  If you scroll to the bottom of the page, I've also included some general CCD resources.  

Before starting CBD oil, consult your veterinarian to ensure it won’t interact with any supplements or medications your dog is taking.  CBD oil is not appropriate for every dog.

Some things to look for when choosing a brand of CBD oil:

• Full-spectrum (avoid broad or isolate) with no additives other than a carrier oil such as coconut.  

• Lab results from 3rd party testing shared on their website.

• NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) certified.  

• A veterinarian on staff.

This website has a lot of great information with more things to look for when choosing a brand and about CBD oil in general: Best Friends Pet Care

Giving the oil:

I was advised to give the oil with food or treats rather than dropping it directly into my dog’s mouth or rubbing it on her gums.  Administering it with food not only improves efficacy but is also gentler on the stomach.  I was also told to give it daily, every 8 hours.

If the oil had a sedative effect, the dose was likely too high.  If there was no effect, the dose might have been too low.  It took about a week or two working with my vet to find the correct dose, and another week or so to notice improvement in Bonnie's CCD symptoms.

It’s important to note that dogs do not get 'stoned' from CBD oil.  The THC content is minimal- less than 0.3% in the US and less than 0.2% in other countries.