CBD Benefits & Side Effects for Dogs: What to Know

While hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) isn’t a cure for any condition your dog might have, early research suggests it has quite a few benefits for dogs. 

Many pet parents with anxious or aching pups have turned to CBD, but in addition to pain, inflammation, and anxiety, research suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for fear of loud noises, sleep, skin health, epilepsy, immune health, and appetite. 

In this article, we’re going to show you the research on the benefits of CBD for dogs and answer your questions related to how this cannabinoid works, what side effects it has, and the different types of CBD products available for pets. 

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the hemp plant. Hemp is a type of cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. This is purely a legal definition; in practice, it’s the same plant with the same benefits, minus the high THC concentration in raw form.

Research suggests CBD has a variety of benefits in humans, but it’s also been studied for its therapeutic potential in animals, particularly, dogs and cats. 

Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means it won’t create any sort of a ‘high’ effect for your dog. Instead, CBD creates mental and physical balance without being inebriating.

How Does CBD Affect Dogs?

When you give your dog CBD, they will feel mentally and physically calm. CBD is non-psychoactive and will not get dogs high. In larger doses, CBD may be slightly sedative, but in most cases, it won’t have this effect. 

In people, the effects of CBD are characterized by the negative sensations not felt, rather than overt positive sensations that are felt. A similar effect is likely present in dogs, as CBD is able to promote a better quality of life without creating a head effect. 

Potential Benefits & Uses of CBD for Dogs

Preliminary research suggests CBD has benefits for dogs in a variety of areas. Here’s a look at some of the research on each use.

Pain, inflammation, and arthritis

Research suggests CBD may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties in dogs.

In a 2018 study, dogs were given either CBD oil or placebo oil every 12 hours for 4 weeks. The researchers found that, across two tests, the dogs who were given CBD oil showed a significant decrease in pain and increase in activity [1].

Additionally, a 2023 research review identified five different studies in which CBD “significantly reduced pain and increased activity in dogs”, thereby improving their quality of life [2].

Another study found that CBD had anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties in dogs [3].

Anxiety

Research suggests CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties in dogs.

In a 2023 study, researchers tested the effects of CBD for dogs with separation anxiety and travel anxiety.

The dogs underwent two tests: being left alone in a familiar room, or going on a short car journey. The researchers gave some of the dogs CBD, while they gave others a placebo.

Dogs who received a 4 mg/kg dose of CBD showed fewer signs of stress than those who didn’t, with the researchers noting that in some tests, the dogs who were given CBD experienced “a significant reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group” [4].

Aggression

Many pet parents have turned to CBD for dog aggression because they find that CBD’s calming properties also apply to aggression in dogs.

Anecdotal evidence suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for aggression toward other dogs as well as toward humans.

CBD isn’t a treatment for aggression in dogs, however, many people have observed that it’s a helpful supplement for helping dogs stay calm in stressful situations.

Fear of loud noises

Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD’s calming effects may help dogs stay calm in the presence of loud noises, especially fireworks. 

Many pet parents use CBD on the 4th of July, New Year’s Eve, and other occasions to help their dog stay calm as people set off fireworks. 

Sleep

Research has found that CBD promotes better sleep in rats, and anecdotal evidence suggests many of these same benefits also apply to dogs. 

In a 2013 study, the total percentage of sleep significantly increased in the rats that were given doses of 10 or 40mg/kg of CBD, as compared to the placebo group [5].

Given CBD’s other benefits for dogs – and how the issues it may address often tie into sleep – it’s clear that CBD may positively influence your dog’s sleep in a variety of ways.

Skin health & itching

Several studies suggest CBD may help with itching and skin discomfort in dogs. 

One study looked at the impact of CBD on the daily activity of adult dogs. While the study found that CBD did not impact activity levels, it did find that CBD may exert an antipruritic, or anti-itching, effect [6].

Another study, which examined 8 dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), found that CBD “decreased the occurrence of [itching] in dogs with CAD when ingested twice a day [7].”

Epilepsy

Two clinical trials indicate CBD may help with seizures and epilepsy in dogs.

A study that tested CBD for seizures in dogs with genetic epilepsy yielded promising results: 6 of the 14 dogs showed a 50% reduction in epileptic activity after receiving a combination of CBD and CBDa (CBDa is the acidic form of CBD; it also has many benefits). 

This same reduction was not seen in the dogs who didn’t take CBD – a clear indication of CBD’s potential benefits.

The study concluded by saying “a CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract can have benefits in reducing the incidence of epileptic seizures [8].”

Another clinical trial found that 89% of dogs who used CBD experienced a reduction in seizures as compared to a placebo group [9].

Immunosuppression and allergy reduction

Research suggests CBD may have some immunosuppressant properties in dogs – in other words, it may suppress the immune response.

A 2020 study found that CBD’s “mechanisms involve direct suppression of activation of various immune cell types, induction of apoptosis, and promotion of regulatory cells, which, in turn, control other immune cell targets [10].”

While immunosuppression isn’t always necessarily a good thing, it’s beneficial for dogs with allergies. Their immune systems often overreact, creating uncomfortable allergy symptoms. 

CBD’s immunosuppressant properties mean it may be a beneficial supplement for dogs with allergies.

Appetite

While more research on CBD’s direct impact on appetite is needed, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD may help stabilize dogs’ appetites because of its wide range of therapeutic benefits. 

By addressing things that make your dog not want to eat, CBD may promote a healthy appetite for your dog. 

How CBD Works in Dogs

To understand how CBD renders benefits for dogs, you need to start with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a receptor system in the bodies of humans and animals (including dogs) that helps to regulate their vital functions. Among other things, it plays a large role in regulating emotions, mood, the pain and inflammatory responses, and the sleep-wake cycle.

CBD works by interacting with the ECS in ways that allow it to maintain regular, normal mental and physical sensations. 

Unlike many cannabinoids, CBD doesn’t bind strongly to the CB1 or CB2 receptors in the ECS. 

Instead, it renders its benefits by exerting a general supportive effect on the ECS in dogs. CBD doesn’t create overtly positive sensations; rather, it restores mental and physical balance.

More research is needed on the exact mechanisms by which CBD works on the ECS in dogs and thereby creates the benefits discovered by the studies above.

However, what we know so far indicates that CBD promotes canine health through a variety of mechanisms. By contrast, most pharmaceutical drugs for dogs target a single process in the body.  

Side Effects & Safety of CBD for Dogs

CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in dogs. However, it may cause some side effects.

Potential side effects of CBD in dogs include:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Inappetence
• Diarrhea

To ensure your dog doesn’t experience these side effects, be sure to start them off with small doses of CBD and slowly work your way up.

Types of CBD Products for Dogs

You can give your dog human CBD products, however, sticking with products designed specifically for pets ensures the product is low-THC and designed to be appealing to dogs. 

Here’s a bit about the different types of CBD products for dogs:

CBD Oil

CBD oil for dogs typically consists of carrier oil, hemp extract, and added terpenes (hemp compounds with additional benefits). Our oils also include flavoring, such as bacon or peanut butter, so that they’re more appealing to your dog. 

The benefit of choosing oil-based CBD delivery for your dog is that you can measure very precise doses. Therapeutic use often requires that you give your dog a very specific dose of CBD, and that you slowly increase it over time. CBD oil enables you to do this. 

Additionally, CBD oil is versatile in that you can administer it directly or add it to your dog’s food (the latter option is far easier, our experience). 

CBD Treats

Since your dog is probably already used to treats, they won’t think anything is amiss when you hand them a CBD-infused pet treat. Treats are also a convenient CBD delivery method if you’re going to be traveling with your dog. 

CBD treats offer a fixed-dose delivery method, making it easy to deliver the same dose of CBD to your dog each time. The downside is that it’s harder to break treats down into exacting doses. 

CBD Bones

If your dog loves bones, a CBD dog bone is a great way for them to engage in an activity they enjoy while also soaking up the benefits of CBD.

However, if you’re using CBD therapeutically with your dog for specific reasons, bones aren’t as reliable a delivery method. 

This is because most bones don’t contain enough CBD to render strong therapeutic benefits from a single chewing session. It’s also difficult to measure how much CBD your dog is getting from the bone each time they chew on it.

How Much CBD Should You Give Your Dog?

When it comes to deciding how much CBD to give your dog, we recommend using a weight-based formula. This will ensure your dog’s CBD dosage is effective, no matter how small or large they are.

While different situations call for different doses, a good rule of thumb is to give your dog 2mg of CBD for every 10 lbs of body weight, or 0.2mg per pound.

You can calculate your dog’s dose using the formula below:

(0.2) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = your dog’s daily dose of CBD in mg. 

This dose can either be given all at once, or it can be broken up into multiple doses. 

For more on this, see our CBD dosage guide for dogs.

How to Shop CBD Products for Dogs

CBD has a wide range of potential benefits for dogs, but only if you buy a high-quality product. Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop CBD products for your dog:

Understand the potency and blend

When looking at products, you’ll want to understand the potency (how much cannabinoid content the product has), as well as the blend (the cannabinoids in the product and how much are present). 

Generally, you want to avoid products that contain large amounts of THC, as THC may create lots of side effects for dogs when consumed in significant amounts. 

Instead, look for full-spectrum CBD (which contains very small amounts of a variety of cannabinoids in addition to CBD, including THC), which is the most beneficial form of CBD extract for both humans and animals. 

As a backup, opt for broad-spectrum CBD (no THC) or CBD isolate (only CBD) products.

Check the ingredients list

CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, but just because the ingredients list says hemp doesn’t mean the product contains CBD. 

CBD oil and hemp seed oil are not the same thing; while hemp seed oil is beneficial for dogs, by itself, it doesn’t render a fraction of the benefits that CBD does.

Before purchasing any CBD product for your dog, ensure the ingredients list specifically states CBD or cannabidiol.

Check lab reports

Before you buy a CBD product, ensure that it’s been 3rd-party lab tested to verify its safety and potency. 

You’ll want to make sure the lab report shows that the product passes tests for heavy metals, pesticides, and molds, and that the product contains the amount of CBD it claims to.

Conclusion: How Can CBD Help Dogs?

Research suggests CBD has a variety of potential mental and physical therapeutic benefits for dogs. 

While CBD isn’t yet an approved treatment for medical conditions in dogs, many veterinarians recommend it as a supplement to more traditional methods of treatment. 

As more studies are done on CBD’s benefits for dogs, it’s likely that it will become more and more of a mainstream option that pet parents are encouraged to use with their dogs.

Before using CBD with your dog, consult with your veterinarian to determine whether it would be a good option. They’ll be able to determine the proper dosage and frequency for your dog to get the best results.

CBD Benefits for Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the benefits of CBD for dogs.

How does CBD help dogs?

While CBD isn’t yet an approved treatment for dogs, research suggests it has therapeutic potential for pain, inflammation, anxiety, fear of loud noises, sleep, skin health, epilepsy, immune health, and appetite. 

Is it okay to give my dog CBD daily?

Yes, CBD is safe to give to dogs on a daily basis.

Do vets recommend CBD for dogs?

Yes, many veterinarians recommend CBD as a supplement for dogs. However, some veterinarians do not recommend it, citing a lack of research. In other cases, they are not permitted to recommend it.

What are the pros and cons of CBD dog treats?

CBD dog treats are easy to give your dog and offer a fixed-dose delivery method. However, they do not allow for flexible dosing, as CBD oil does, and some CBD pet treats are made with low-quality ingredients, like corn syrup or gluten.

Sources

[1] Gamble, Lauri-Jo et al. “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 5 165. 23 Jul. 2018, doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00165

[2] Di Salvo, Alessandra et al. “Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1204526. 30 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1204526

[3] Gugliandolo, Enrico et al. “Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood.” Veterinary sciences vol. 8,9 185. 4 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/vetsci8090185

[4] Hunt, Alysia B G et al. “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1112604. 22 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604

[5] Chagas, M. H., Crippa, J. A., Zuardi, A. W., Hallak, J. E., Machado-de-Sousa, J. P., Hirotsu, C., Maia, L., Tufik, S., & Andersen, M. L. (2013). Effects of acute systemic administration of cannabidiol on sleep-wake cycle in rats. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 27(3), 312–316. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881112474524

[6] Morris, E. M., Kitts-Morgan, S. E., Spangler, D. M., Gebert, J., Vanzant, E. S., McLeod, K. R., & Harmon, D. L. (2021). Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD)-Containing Treats Did Not Affect Canine Daily Voluntary Activity. Frontiers in veterinary science, 8, 645667. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.645667

[7] Mogi, C., Yoshida, M., Kawano, K., Fukuyama, T., & Arai, T. (2022). Effects of cannabidiol without delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on canine atopic dermatitis: A retrospective assessment of 8 cases. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 63(4), 423–426.

[8] Garcia, G. A., Kube, S., Carrera-Justiz, S., Tittle, D., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2022). Safety and efficacy of cannabidiol-cannabidiolic acid rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 9, 939966. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.939966

[9] McGrath, S., Bartner, L. R., Rao, S., Packer, R. A., & Gustafson, D. L. (2019). Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(11), 1301–1308. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.11.1301

[10] Nichols, J. M., & Kaplan, B. L. F. (2020). Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 5(1), 12–31. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0073