CBD is a possible add-on treatment for some dogs, especially dogs with osteoarthritis or drug-resistant epilepsy, but it is not a proven all-purpose treatment. Research includes a 2023 double-blind study of 51 dogs, but the overall evidence remains limited. Product quality varies, and the FDA has not approved cannabis or CBD products for use in animals.
CBD for Dogs at a Glance
| Use | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis pain | Possible improvement in pain and mobility, but evidence quality is low or very low |
| Epilepsy | May reduce seizure frequency in some dogs as an add-on to prescribed medication |
| Anxiety | Not enough reliable canine clinical evidence to recommend it |
| Cancer or general wellness | No good evidence that CBD treats cancer or improves general health |
| Safety | Often tolerated short term, but vomiting, diarrhea, sedation, ataxia and increased liver enzymes can occur |
| FDA approval | No cannabis or CBD product is FDA-approved for use in animals |
Can CBD Help Dogs With Arthritis Pain?
CBD may reduce arthritis-related pain in some dogs, but it should not replace established osteoarthritis treatments.
A systematic review of five studies involving 117 dogs found that CBD might reduce pain scores. However, every included study had a high risk of bias. The researchers rated the certainty of evidence as very low because the studies used different CBD products, doses, treatment periods and pain measurements.
One small randomized study found that dogs receiving CBD oil had lower owner-reported pain scores and higher activity levels. The study also found increased alkaline phosphatase, a liver-associated enzyme, in dogs receiving CBD.
A 2025 randomized trial found improved pain scores with a full-spectrum cannabis extract. The product contained CBD, CBDA, THC and THCA, so the results cannot be attributed to CBD alone.
For a dog with arthritis, CBD is best considered a supplementary option. It should not replace veterinary pain management, weight control, exercise modification, rehabilitation or prescribed medication.
Can CBD Reduce Seizures in Dogs?
CBD may reduce seizure frequency in some dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy, but it is not a substitute for prescribed anti-seizure medication.
A 2019 randomized trial found a median 33% reduction in seizure frequency in the CBD group. However, the proportion of dogs achieving at least a 50% reduction was similar between the CBD and placebo groups. Two dogs receiving CBD developed ataxia, and alkaline phosphatase levels increased.
A larger 2023 double-blind crossover study of 51 dogs found that a CBD dose of 9 mg/kg/day reduced total seizures and seizure days compared with placebo. Seizure days fell by 24.1% during the CBD phase, compared with a 5.8% increase during the placebo phase.
The study did not find a significant difference in the number of dogs achieving a 50% reduction in seizures. Liver enzymes increased, and reduced appetite and vomiting were more common during CBD treatment.
A veterinarian may consider CBD as an add-on treatment for difficult-to-control epilepsy. Owners should not reduce or stop phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam or another prescribed medication without veterinary guidance.
Does CBD Calm Anxious Dogs?
There is not enough reliable evidence to say that CBD consistently treats anxiety in dogs.
CBD products are commonly marketed for separation anxiety, noise phobia and general nervousness, but canine evidence for these uses is weaker than the evidence for arthritis and epilepsy. A calmer appearance after giving CBD may also result from sedation rather than a meaningful reduction in anxiety.
Pain, illness and age-related cognitive changes can also cause anxiety-like behavior, so a veterinarian should assess the dog before treatment.
Behavior modification, environmental changes and veterinary-approved medications have better-established roles in treating persistent canine anxiety.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
CBD appears to be reasonably well tolerated in many healthy dogs over short periods, but it can cause side effects and drug interactions.
Reported or observed problems include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Poor coordination or ataxia
- Increased alkaline phosphatase or other liver enzymes
- Potential interactions with prescription medicines
A 90-day safety study in healthy Beagles found that several hemp-derived cannabinoid formulations were generally well tolerated at 5 mg/kg/day. The study involved healthy dogs, not dogs with liver disease or multiple medical conditions. It also does not establish that every commercial CBD product is safe for long-term use.
CBD can affect liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism. Laboratory research has also identified a possible interaction with tramadol metabolism, although the clinical importance of that finding in living dogs is uncertain. Dogs taking anti-seizure drugs, pain medication, sedatives or other long-term medicines should be evaluated by a veterinarian before starting CBD.
CBD Is Not the Same as THC
CBD is not intoxicating in the same way as THC, but commercial CBD products can contain more THC than expected.
Products may also be contaminated or mislabeled. THC exposure can cause lethargy, balance problems, drooling, vomiting, urine dribbling, agitation, tremors and, in severe cases, seizures or coma.
Do not give a dog:
- Marijuana or cannabis flower
- THC edibles
- Human cannabis gummies
- Products containing xylitol
- A product with no clearly stated CBD and THC content
If a dog eats a THC or cannabis product, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service promptly. Seek immediate advice if the dog is sleepy, unsteady, vomiting, trembling or having seizures.
Is Dog CBD Regulated or FDA-Approved?
No. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any use in animals and cannot confirm the safety or effectiveness of commercial pet CBD products.
The FDA also states that there are currently no approved food-additive petitions or AAFCO ingredient definitions for substances derived from hemp in animal food. Product labels and marketing claims therefore do not provide the same assurance as an FDA-approved veterinary medicine.
If a veterinarian approves a CBD trial, choose a product that provides:
- The exact CBD amount per milliliter or chew
- A clearly reported THC concentration
- A lot-specific certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory
- Testing for pesticides, heavy metals and microbial contamination
- No xylitol, chocolate, alcohol or unnecessary human supplement ingredients
A certificate of analysis improves transparency, but it does not turn CBD into an FDA-approved veterinary drug.
Should You Give Your Dog CBD?
CBD may be worth discussing with a veterinarian in limited situations, but it should not delay diagnosis or replace treatments with stronger evidence.
A veterinarian may consider a monitored CBD trial when:
- A dog has osteoarthritis pain that is not fully controlled
- A dog has refractory epilepsy and remains symptomatic despite standard treatment
- The veterinarian has reviewed the dog's medications and liver health
- The treatment has a measurable goal, such as improved mobility or fewer seizure days
The veterinarian should first establish the cause of pain, anxiety or seizures. That assessment helps determine whether CBD has a reasonable role and how the dog should be monitored.
Bottom Line
CBD may help some dogs, but the benefit depends on the condition and remains uncertain. The evidence is most promising for arthritis pain and as an add-on treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Evidence for anxiety and general wellness is not strong enough to support confident recommendations.
Because CBD can affect liver enzymes, interact with medicines and be contaminated with THC, use it only with veterinary guidance. Do not use it as a replacement for prescribed treatment.