How to Use Rick Simpson Oil for Dogs

As loving pet parents, we want to give our dogs the best lives possible. When our dogs are in pain, it can literally make us feel sick inside.

Although many prefer to stick to traditional routes of treatment, there are natural methods you can consider if you're open to them. Rick Simpson oil, commonly referred to as RSO for those of us in the medical scene, is one of the options.

RSO hasn't been heavily discussed in the dog world yet, and, although it's quite controversial, there are some benefits (and potential side effects) to consider if you're looking for natural remedies.

Disclaimer: Consulting a holistic vet prior to adding any supplements to your dog's regimen is recommended.

RSO Oil for Dogs

RSO is a cannabis oil extract containing highly concentrated levels of cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), from the marijuana plant rather than industrial hemp. CBD has become popular in the pet industry, but RSO still raises concerns among both pet parents and pet professionals.

That being said, there are numerous scientific studies that have highlighted the benefits of CBD for dogs, including calmness, lower inflammation, and reduced pain.

The side effects of CBD oil are generally low, with the most severe often being diarrhea if the dog is given too much (no overdose of CBD has been reported, ever). But THC is still being studied.

How Rick Simpson Oil Works

Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, work by interacting with an organ system in your dog's body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is found in all mammals, including yourself (discovered in the 1990's!).

The ECS is responsible for regulating several physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain levels, immune function, cardiovascular wellness, and apoptosis (cell suicide), among others.

Our dogs' bodies make their own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, that help regulate the ECS, but we can also add external cannabinoids, like those found in the cannabis or hemp plant, to give it an extra boost.

Many studies have shown full-spectrum CBD (that includes THC) can benefit our dogs (and us), and CBD is one of the main compounds in RSO.

RELATED: What is the Endocannabinoid System?

Unlike many cannabis/hemp extracts that remove trichomes from the buds using solvents, RSO uses the full spectrum of the cannabis plant.

Potential Benefits of RSO Oil for Dogs

While research on RSO oil for dogs is still limited, research has found RSO may help with:

Pain Management

According to Dr. Robert Silver, "although there are few pain studies in veterinary species for cannabis, objective evidence and anecdotal reports from the field support that the nonintoxicating fractions of the cannabis plant serve well as part of a multimodal approach to pain management."

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

By reacting with CB1 receptors from the endocannabinoid system, cannabidiol and other compounds found in the cannabis plant may help reduce inflammation in dogs, thereby reducing their pain and improving their overall comfort and mobility.

RELATED: CBD and Inflammation

Epilepsy and Seizure Management

Preliminary research has indicated that CBD may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs with epilepsy.

RSO for Dogs with Cancer

Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that CBD may have anti-tumor properties and may help alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as nausea and pain.

RELATED: Full-Spectrum CBD For Dogs with Cancer

Potential Side Effects of RSO for Dogs

Like any substance, Rick Simpson oil (RSO), could potentially cause side effects. Side effects may include lethargy (weakness), disorientation, increased heart rate, dry mouth, GI upset, or sedation.

If you provide your dog with RSO, it's important to monitor them after it's given and reach out to your veterinarian should any concerning symptoms arise.

You may want to search for a holistic or integrative vet to contact. Most traditional vets haven't studied medical cannabis for dogs. Click HERE to find a holistic vet near you.

Choosing the Right RSO Product

Pet owners should choose an RSO product similar to the way they would choose a cannabis product containing THC. Here's what you should look for:

Transparency

A reputable organization selling RSO will be open to telling you everything about their product. One of the ways they can do so is by posting (or being willing to provide) a third-party analysis of their product(s), often called a certificate of analysis or lab report. The COA will tell you just how pure their product is and that it contains what they claim.

How It's Extracted

Look for Rick Simpson oil that comes from organic and responsibly cultivated cannabis plants. The oil should be free from any harmful pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that could harm your dog's health and negatively impact their quality of life.

Reviews and Referrals

Type the company's name into Google and see if there are any reviews posted. If there are reviews available, be sure to read as many as you can to see how other pet parents' dogs reacted to their product and if there are any concerns or complaints.

Do More Research On Your Own

We have barely scratched the surface here, but we'd be writing a book if we explained everything there is to know. Ultimately, it's your responsibility to discuss this option with a veterinary cannabis expert and your holistic vet to see if it would be a good option for your pup.

For further reading, we recommend:

https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00058-0

https://www.dvm360.com/view/veterinary-cannabis-for-pain-management-the-endocannabinoidome

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9848446/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10540436/

https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-020-00045-x