CBD is not automatically safe for dogs or cats. The FDA has not approved cannabis or over-the-counter CBD products for any use in animals and cautions pet owners about using them. As of September 2026, no cannabis product is FDA-approved to treat a disease in dogs or cats.
Small studies suggest that some healthy dogs and cats may tolerate CBD for a short period. The evidence is limited, however. Doses are not standardized, product quality varies, and CBD can cause side effects or interact with medication. One study of 23 dogs, for example, reported elevated liver enzymes in 14 dogs and vomiting in two.
CBD Safety for Dogs and Cats at a Glance
| Question | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Is CBD FDA-approved for veterinary use? | No | No |
| Is there evidence of short-term tolerance? | Some small studies, with mixed results | Some limited safety studies |
| Is there a proven home dose? | No standard dose has been established | No standard dose has been established |
| Main concerns | THC exposure, medication interactions, liver-enzyme changes, vomiting and sedation | THC exposure, product differences, limited research and possible side effects |
| Practical recommendation | Use only after veterinary advice | Use only after veterinary advice, with extra caution |
Why CBD Is Not a Simple "Yes" for Pets
CBD, or cannabidiol, is different from THC, the intoxicating cannabinoid in marijuana. THC is toxic to dogs and cats. Exposure can cause sleepiness, depression, poor coordination, vomiting, drooling, dilated pupils, low body temperature, tremors, seizures and, in rare cases, coma or death.
"Hemp" on a label does not guarantee that a product is THC-free. Hemp-derived products can contain measurable THC, and commercial CBD products may not match their labels.
One analysis of 29 veterinary hemp supplements found that only 10 were within 10% of their labeled cannabinoid concentration. Four products contained heavy metals.
The FDA also says it cannot ensure the safety, effectiveness or consistent quality of cannabis products sold for animals. That makes the product itself part of the safety question, not just the CBD dose.
Is CBD Safer for Dogs Than Cats?
Dogs have more published CBD research than cats, but CBD is not proven broadly safe for either species.
Studies in dogs have examined CBD for osteoarthritis pain, seizures, anxiety and other conditions. A 2023 systematic review found that the evidence for canine osteoarthritis was very uncertain because the studies were small and had a high risk of bias. Reported short-term problems included vomiting and increased alkaline phosphatase, a liver-associated enzyme.
In one randomized study of 23 dogs with osteoarthritis, CBD did not produce a significant difference from placebo in the measured pain and activity outcomes. Researchers reported elevated liver enzymes in 14 dogs and vomiting in two dogs that received CBD.
Research in cats is more limited. A small study of eight healthy cats found that single oral doses were tolerated without major adverse effects. Some cats showed head shaking, lip smacking or excessive salivation immediately after administration. A recent review found that feline clinical evidence remains limited and that different CBD formulations can produce different blood concentrations.
These studies do not establish a safe dose for a particular dog or cat at home. A dose used in research cannot be transferred directly to another animal.
What Side Effects Can CBD Cause in Pets?
CBD can cause sleepiness, digestive problems, changes in appetite and other side effects in dogs and cats. Possible effects include:
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Poor coordination or weakness
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Tremors or agitation, especially if THC is present
CBD may also affect liver enzymes that break down medicines. That creates a potential interaction with prescription drugs used for seizures, pain, anxiety or inflammation.
Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine recommends discussing CBD with a veterinarian before using it, especially when a dog or cat already takes medication.
Can CBD Help With Pain, Anxiety or Seizures?
CBD may help some dogs, but current evidence does not support using it instead of proven veterinary treatment.
The strongest research so far has focused on certain dogs with osteoarthritis. Even there, systematic reviews describe the evidence as very low certainty. Evidence for anxiety, seizures and other conditions remains limited or inconsistent. Research in cats is less developed.
A veterinarian should first identify the cause of pain, anxiety, appetite loss or seizures. Giving CBD without a diagnosis can delay treatment for a condition that needs established medication, surgery or urgent care.
How to Reduce the Risk if Your Veterinarian Approves CBD
If a veterinarian believes CBD is appropriate, use a cautious, product-specific approach:
- Show the veterinarian the exact product. Bring the ingredient list, concentration, serving size and batch number.
- Do not use a human dose. Dogs and cats process substances differently, and no universal pet CBD dose has been established.
- Look for independent laboratory testing. The certificate of analysis should identify the CBD concentration, THC content, heavy metals, pesticides and solvents.
- Do not assume "hemp" means CBD. Hemp seed oil does not naturally contain CBD or THC. The product should clearly state how much cannabidiol it contains.
- Avoid THC and unclear ingredients. Do not give a pet marijuana, cannabis flower, concentrates or recreational edibles.
- Watch the animal after the first use. Contact the veterinarian if the pet becomes unusually sleepy, vomits, develops diarrhea, drools excessively, seems uncoordinated or behaves abnormally.
- Store the product securely. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping marijuana and CBD products, especially edibles, away from pets.
What Should You Do if a Dog or Cat Eats CBD or Cannabis?
Call a veterinarian, emergency veterinary hospital or animal poison-control service after a pet eats cannabis, a CBD edible or an unknown amount of CBD.
Seek urgent help if the pet has severe sleepiness, stumbling, agitation, vomiting, drooling, tremors, urine dribbling, seizures, breathing problems or collapse.
Keep the packaging nearby. The veterinarian will need the product name, concentration and list of ingredients. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 888-426-4435.
Bottom Line
Do not choose a CBD product for a dog or cat based on a human dose or a product label alone. Speak with a veterinarian first, especially if the animal takes medication or has symptoms that need a diagnosis. If the veterinarian approves CBD, use the exact product reviewed, follow the recommended instructions and monitor the pet for side effects.