Key takeaways

  • CBD may offer benefits for dogs, including relief from pain, anxiety, seizures, and mobility impairments. However, more research is necessary to fully understand these effects.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently approve any CBD products for dogs. Available products may feature misleading claims about effects and CBD content.
  • Anyone who wants to try CBD for their dog can speak with a veterinarian for more information and help choosing a high quality product with the correct dosage.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a type of chemical naturally found in cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s nonpsychoactive, which means it won’t produce a “high.”

It’s important to understand that just because these products are for sale doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe or beneficial for pets.

Anecdotal evidence suggests CBD may offer some benefits for dogs, including reducing anxiety and pain. However, more research is necessary to determine its effectiveness and safety.

This article provides information about medications for pets. Do not use human medications for pets, or pet medications for humans, as dosages, strengths, and ingredients may be different and can lead to serious harm. Always use medications under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian or doctor.

Manufacturers may market CBD pet products as a natural way to treat certain conditions in dogs, making pet caregivers curious.

Although research is ongoing, in humans CBD may:

  • help other drugs treat chronic pain more effectively
  • relieve seizures that do not respond to other treatments
  • help with conditions of the nervous system, such as anxiety

Currently, there are no CBD products with FDA approval for use in animals — as a drug or as food. It’s also important to remember that drugs may not affect humans and animals in the same way.

Despite that, many dog caregivers are still eager to try, particularly if there’s a chance CBD may help where other treatments haven’t. Below are some ways CBD may affect dogs.

Pain relief

A 2020 study on osteoarthritis in dogs suggests that high doses of CBD led to significant improvements in quality of life scores when assessed by pet caregivers and veterinarians.

A 2023 review also states that while CBD may reduce pain associated with canine osteoarthritis, more research is necessary to understand its clinical effectiveness.

Mobility improvements

A 2024 study analyzed the effects of CBD with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on 39 dogs with mobility impairments. The researchers found that dogs who had CBD showed some improvements in mobility.

However, dogs receiving CBD treatment also showed increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. ALP is an enzyme. High levels may indicate liver damage.

Seizure management

A small 2019 study found that epileptic dogs given CBD and seizure medication had significantly fewer seizures than those who received seizure medication and a placebo.

However, similar numbers of dogs in both the CBD group and the placebo group responded to treatment and had decreases in seizure activity. The authors recommended further testing before reaching any definitive conclusions.

Anxiety

A small 2024 study of 19 dogs suggests that CBD treatment over 6 months led to a significant reduction in canine stress markers during car rides.

However, the authors note that further research is necessary to fully understand CBD’s effects.

Although the FDA must approve claims of safety and effectiveness for CBD products before manufacturers can legally sell them, many available CBD pet products still contain misleading or inaccurate claims about:

  • health benefits
  • manufacturing practices
  • CBD and THC levels

There is a lack of voluntary quality control for pet CBD products. As well as inaccurate labelling, CBD products may contain contaminants and impurities such as THC, heavy metals, and residual solvents, which could put your dog at risk.

Since research is ongoing, information on product labels about the best CBD dosage for dogs may also be inaccurate.

CBD may affect how other drugs work in your dog’s body, including their effect on the liver. Always speak with a veterinarian first before giving your dog CBD if they are taking other medications.

More research is necessary on the long term effects of CBD for dogs.

CBD toxicity

It is important to note that THC has significantly different effects from CBD. Research highlights that THC can be toxic to animals, so people should never use products containing THC on their dog.

Signs of toxicity from CBD products may include:

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • restlessness
  • rapid breathing
  • changes in heart rate
  • pale gums
  • difficulty standing or walking
  • trembling
  • incontinence

See a veterinarian straight away if your dog consumes CBD and shows the above signs of toxicity.

In most states, veterinarians can talk about CBD when someone asks about it, but the rules aren’t always clear and some boards discourage it.

Even in states where medicinal cannabis is legal, the existing laws only allow for a human healthcare professional to prescribe cannabis to people. No veterinarian can legally prescribe cannabis or CBD products for pets.

A 2023 article suggests that while veterinarians generally have positive opinions on CBD, many feel that they need a greater understanding of CBD toxicity and clinical effects.

For the various conditions that CBD may help with, there are usually medications with proven safety and effectiveness at managing symptoms. Veterinarians may be more likely to discuss the pros and cons of these medications, instead of CBD.

CBD for pets comes in many forms, like treats, oils, and creams. But research on the efficacy of each method is sparse.

CBD absorption rates may vary significantly depending on the form of consumption. And, since there are no FDA-approved dog CBD products available, it’s important to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog CBD.

Since CBD for pets isn’t regulated, there’s no way to tell how much is safe and effective to give a dog. More research is necessary to learn the best dose, but dosage can depend on things such as:

  • the condition you’re treating
  • your dog’s size and weight
  • other medications your dog is taking
  • the strength of the product

Ultimately, it’s always best to work with your veterinarian when giving your dog a CBD product. Your veterinarian can determine the safest, most effective dose and monitor your dog for side effects.

Every dog will respond differently, which is why your veterinarian may recommend starting with a small dose, monitoring your pet’s results, and adjusting from there.

Most products will offer dosing suggestions, but keep in mind that these are developed by the manufacturer, not a veterinarian who knows your dog’s circumstances.

Because the FDA doesn’t currently regulate CBD, there’s a lot of variability in products on the market. That means that certain CBD products for humans and pets are more effective than others.

You can look on the product’s website for “certificates of analysis” and other evidence of third-party testing. These certificates tell you things like whether products are free from pesticides and heavy metals, and if the quality is as advertised.

You may also want to consider whether a product contains THC in addition to CBD. Avoid products with THC, as this is toxic to animals.

Make sure you research each brand before purchasing, and consult a veterinarian about the side effects and toxicities that these products may cause in your pet before use.

If you give your dog CBD, watch for signs of a positive or negative reaction. Negative effects may include:

  • excessive panting
  • lethargy
  • vomiting
  • dribbling urine
  • loss of balance

If your pet shows any of these symptoms, they may have CBD toxicity. It’s best to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. They’ll be able to help you regardless of whether they’re willing to discuss CBD with you.

Overall, it’s important to recognize that research on CBD in pets is sparse. CBD isn’t currently regulated by the FDA, so there may be safety issues if products are inaccurately labeled.

Anecdotal evidence and some preliminary studies suggest that CBD may be useful in treating certain conditions in animals. However, more research is necessary before veterinarians can routinely recommend it.

If you decide to try CBD for your dog, talk with your veterinarian first. Start with a small dose and carefully monitor your dog for positive or negative effects.

Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.

Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

Alexa Peters is a freelance writer who covers music, culture, travel, and wellness topics. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Paste, the Seattle Times, Seattle Magazine, and Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls.