Many pet owners seek holistic, alternative treatments beyond traditional medicine for their four-legged family members.
CBD is becoming a popular holistic option for pet parents due to its wide range of therapeutic benefits and availability in both online and brick-and-mortar pet stores.
In this article, you’ll learn how CBD affects pets, explore its potential benefits, review current research findings, understand possible side effects, and find out how to choose and dose CBD products safely for your pet.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive type of cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis and hemp plants.
Dogs and cats, like humans, rely on their endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including mood, appetite, immune function, and other physiological processes. The ECS also helps maintain a natural balance in your pet’s body.
Researchers believe that CBD interacts with the ECS by increasing endocannabinoids throughout the body. Endocannabinoids then influence type 1 and 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), as well as many other targets outside the ECS. The ECS communicates with these receptors using endocannabinoids produced by the body.
The ECS is present in nearly all animals. When a pet consumes CBD, it stimulates both the ECS and endocannabinoidome (eCBome), made of cannabinoid-sensitive targets outside the ECS. This leads to an interaction between the body’s endocannabinoids and the cannabinoids from cannabis.
While CBD does subtly affect an animal’s mood, unlike the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not cause intoxication or a “high.” This is because CBD is not binding to CB1 and CB2 directly, as THC does.
CBD also usually comes in droplets, oils, or pet treats. Meanwhile, THC is available in many different forms for humans, but THC isn’t safe for animals because of its direct CB1 activity, which can be toxic for them in several ways (e.g., brain, heart, breathing, etc.).
Because CBD indirectly affects a pet’s ECS and eCBome, it has the potential to improve the quality of life for pets in numerous ways. That’s because it’s known to regulate pain, inflammation, immune function, bone growth, anxiety, and more.
To date, there aren’t any FDA-approved cannabis vet medicines, nor licensed CBD medicines for animals. But CBD pet products are registered as medicines in the EU and UK already. In the US, CBD products can only be marketed as supplements and can’t make health claims.
Nevertheless, early vet science suggests CBD may offer animals a variety of benefits, including:
Because cannabinoid receptors mainly exist in the brain, potential side effects and diseases involving the nervous system are the primary focus of CBD studies and their potential effects. CBD has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of other medications in controlling pain, especially for chronic conditions. For example, studies have shown that adding CBD to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like carprofen, can improve pain management in dogs with osteoarthritis.
While further studies are needed to continue discovering the benefits and potential side effects of CBD for pets, current research indicates significant improvements in various health conditions in dogs and cats.
Atopy in Dogs:
A study at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine tested CBD on dogs with atopy, a common condition that causes itching and chewing due to allergies. The results showed that 65% of the dogs receiving CBD experienced a reduction of at least 50% in their symptoms.
Anxiety in Dogs:
The same Cornell University study found that 83% of dogs given CBD chews before a stressful event showed a decrease in stress and anxiety-related behaviors.
Seizure Frequency in Dogs: Some studies suggest that CBD, when used as an adjunctive treatment, resulted in a 24.1% decrease in seizure days in dogs receiving CBD. Liver enzymes increased, so it’s important for vets to monitor labs for such CBD-drug interactions with common anticonvulsant meds, as human doctors also do.
Osteoarthritis in Dogs:
Cumulative evidence indicates that CBD may help alleviate chronic osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
Stress in Dogs:
A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science demonstrated that a single oral dose of CBD (4 mg/kg) significantly reduces stress in dogs during car travel or in response to separation anxiety.
FCGS in Cats:
A study on feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) revealed that CBD, as an adjunctive treatment, was both beneficial and safe for managing pain. Cats exhibited a significantly higher level of comfort and activity, as perceived by their owners, when given CBD.
Appetite Stimulation and Nausea Relief: CBD may stimulate appetite and relieve nausea, offering helpful support for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or for pets with other medical conditions.
Unfortunately, researchers have not yet gathered sufficient information to definitively determine whether CBD is safe for pets in the long term. The risk of contamination in unlicensed and unregulated CBD products also cannot be understated for humans and animals alike, emphasizing quality, third-party lab testing (CoAs), and transparency for safety.
It’s essential to be aware of possible toxicity or adverse reactions and closely monitor your pet after giving CBD. Especially if it’s possible that the product is THC-contaminated, which is never safe in pets. Still, some dogs or cats may experience side effects from using CBD oil, including:
Researchers only recently began exploring the long-term safety of CBD in pets. One study found that most cats effectively absorbed CBD and tolerated it, with no clinically significant differences in health measures observed between the CBD and placebo groups over six months. Another study of the long-term effects of CBD on healthy cats reported mild side effects, such as increased liver enzymes and gastrointestinal issues, with prolonged use.
In dogs, studies have shown that CBD is also well-tolerated at a dose of 4 mg/kg once daily for 6.5 months. However, it may cause mild adverse effects, such as an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. ALP levels indicate the amount of the liver enzyme present in the blood and may be a sign of liver damage or drug interactions..
Especially if your pet has a history of liver problems or seizures, consult a veterinarian before giving them CBD. CBD can affect dogs’ liver enzymes, which help metabolize medications, so it may interfere with your pet’s medication or cause unwanted side effects.
Remember never to give pets THC, as it causes serious issues in cats and dogs, like:
READ: What Happens if Your Pet Accidentally Consumes Cannabis
Veterinarians’ views on CBD vary. While some hesitate due to limited knowledge, legal issues, or reliance on traditional pharmaceuticals, more vets who have seen its medical benefits now recommend it.
While veterinarians may not call hemp a cure-all, many now include CBD in treatment plans for pets with chronic illnesses or inflammatory disorders. These vets have typically seen the benefits of full-spectrum hemp oil in pets suffering from arthritis, cognitive decline, anxiety, and even cancer.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that federal and some state laws prohibit veterinarians from administering, dispensing, prescribing, or recommending cannabis products for animals. However, pet owners can try to discuss the potential risks and benefits of creating their treatment plan with CBD oil, which is legal to buy and use in all 50 states. Laws like California’s AB-2215, which protect vets from disciplinary action for discussing cannabis treatments, are helping secure CBD’s place in veterinary medicine.
Always consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on CBD, especially if your pet is already taking prescription medications.
The quality and the CBD milligrams per milliliter are vital when choosing a hemp product for pets. The properties of a CBD product’s concentration, purity, and formulation can range widely. Generally, pet-specific CBD products contain lower concentrations of CBD than those made for humans.
Unfortunately, some CBD products marketed for pets contain very little to no CBD, such as only 2 milligrams per milliliter, making these products ineffective. A practical CBD concentration should range between 25 and 75 milligrams per milliliter.
As with children, pets are dosed by weight in mg/kg, with the cited literature above supporting a target dose of around 4 mg/kg in dogs and cats. Your vet may make a more specific recommendation. Practically speaking, choosing a more concentrated CBD oil or treat means less squeezing in medicine by mouth until the desired dose is achieved according to their weight and CBD concentration.
Products may also be ineffective if they contain isolated cannabinoids instead of full- or broad-spectrum CBD, which is the recommended form for accessing the full benefits. Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD includes multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and more, with CBD being the most concentrated.
When combined, cannabinoids work more efficiently together, creating the entourage effect. While full-spectrum products may contain 0.3% or less THC, this trace amount is not reported to be enough to cause adverse effects or intoxication in pets.
A pet’s CBD dose can vary widely based on their age, size, weight, individual response, and the condition being treated. The basic dosing rules for cats and dogs is giving 1–5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. Since CBD potencies vary by product, read the label carefully to determine the actual milligram amount of CBD to give (total mg), rather than relying on the product’s volume (mL) or concentration (mg/mL).
Some dogs or cats may refuse to eat food prepared with CBD, although they may accept it if the product is flavored. This preference may depend on the pet’s level of finickiness. If so, CBD-infused treats or tincture CBD products given orally by dropper or syringe are likely better options.
CBD offers a promising holistic option for dogs and cats by supporting their endocannabinoid system, potentially helping with pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures, and more. While many pets benefit from CBD, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum product with an effective concentration and to monitor your pet for any potential side effects closely.
Always consult your veterinarian before starting CBD, especially if your pet has underlying health conditions or takes prescription medications. Careful product selection and responsible dosing are crucial to ensure your pet’s safety and maximize the potential benefits of CBD.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound from cannabis and hemp plants. It interacts with your pet’s endocannabinoid system to help maintain balance in various bodily functions, influencing pain, mood, immunity, and other aspects of their well-being.
No, CBD does not cause a “high” in pets because it is non-psychoactive, unlike THC. Be sure to check any CBD or cannabis product for a certificate of analysis (CoA) to reduce the risk of contamination.
Research suggests that CBD is generally well-tolerated in pets, although mild and temporary side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, and changes in heart rate can occur. Constantly monitor your pet closely and consult a veterinarian before starting CBD. Recall that THC is not safe for pets, so keep your THC products out of reach from them and children.
CBD may help manage pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures, gastrointestinal issues, immune and cardiovascular system support, and symptoms related to cancer and allergic diseases (atopy).
The general rule is 1–5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. Since concentrations vary by product, always check the label for accurate dosing information based on CBD content, not product volume. Always follow your vet’s advice first for exact dosing and other prescription considerations.
You may start to notice effects in your pet within 30–60 minutes after administration. However, for chronic conditions, it may take days or weeks of consistent use to see the full benefits.
Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, pale gums, rapid breathing, and changes in heart rate. Pets with liver issues or those on medications may be at higher risk of complications, so veterinary guidance is recommended. Meanwhile, THC may cause serious side effects affecting the brain, breathing, heart rate, urinary incontinence, and more.
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