CBD for dogs is widely available in oils, chews, capsules and treats. One small placebo-controlled study published in 2018 examined CBD oil in client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis, but the research remains limited.
No CBD product is FDA-approved for use in dogs in the United States. The FDA says it cannot guarantee the safety or effectiveness of cannabis products marketed for animals. Speak with your veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog.
CBD for Dogs at a Glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Are CBD products made for dogs? | Yes. Oils, liquid suspensions, capsules, tablets, chews and treats are available. |
| Is CBD FDA-approved for dogs? | No. No CBD product is FDA-approved for animal use. |
| Can CBD help dogs? | Small studies suggest possible benefits for osteoarthritis pain and drug-resistant epilepsy, but the evidence is limited. |
| Is CBD safe for every dog? | No. CBD can cause side effects and may interact with medication. |
| Should you give your dog human CBD? | No. Human products may contain THC, xylitol or other ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. |
What Is CBD for Dogs?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. CBD itself is not intoxicating like THC, the cannabis compound associated with a "high."
The main safety concern is product quality. Poorly regulated products may contain unexpected amounts of THC or contaminants.
Products marketed for dogs are commonly promoted for:
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Seizures
- Anxiety or noise sensitivity
- General calming
- Inflammation
These marketing claims are broader than the available veterinary evidence. CBD should not replace diagnosis or treatment for pain, seizures, anxiety or another medical condition.
Can CBD Help Dogs?
CBD may help some dogs, but current research does not support treating it as a proven general-purpose medicine.
Osteoarthritis and Pain
Small controlled studies have reported possible improvements in comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis. The 2018 placebo-controlled study was small and short-term. Another randomized study found that results varied by dose and formulation.
A veterinarian may consider CBD as an additional option for some dogs. It should not replace an examination or delay established pain treatment.
Seizures
CBD has shown some potential as an add-on treatment for drug-resistant idiopathic epilepsy. In one randomized trial, dogs receiving CBD alongside conventional antiseizure medication had a median reduction in seizure frequency compared with the placebo group. Another double-blind crossover study reported fewer seizures and seizure days at one studied dose.
CBD is not a replacement for prescribed seizure medication. Do not stop or reduce phenobarbital, levetiracetam, potassium bromide or another antiseizure drug without veterinary supervision.
Anxiety
Evidence for CBD and canine anxiety is less established than the evidence being studied for osteoarthritis and epilepsy. A dog that is fearful, destructive, restless or vocal may need behavioral assessment, environmental changes, training and, in some cases, a veterinary-prescribed medication. CBD should not be assumed to treat the underlying cause.
What Are the Risks of CBD for Dogs?
CBD can cause side effects, interact with medicines and expose a dog to THC or contaminants when the product is poorly made.
Reported or recognized risks include:
- Sleepiness or lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drooling
- Unsteadiness or ataxia
- Changes in liver-related blood tests
- Allergic reactions
- Drug interactions
Veterinary guidance recommends caution in dogs with liver disease. CBD may also require extra care when a dog takes phenobarbital, gabapentin, pregabalin, tramadol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, steroids or other medicines that affect the liver or nervous system.
Product quality is another concern. Poorly manufactured CBD products may contain inaccurate CBD amounts, THC or contaminants such as heavy metals.
How Should You Choose CBD for a Dog?
If your veterinarian agrees that CBD is appropriate, choose a product with:
A complete ingredient list Avoid products with ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.
A certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory The report should show the actual CBD concentration and test for THC, pesticides, solvents, heavy metals and microbial contamination.
A clearly stated amount of CBD per serving "Hemp oil" or "hemp extract" does not tell you how much CBD the product contains.
No THC, backed by independent testing Do not rely only on front-label claims. Look for an independently verified non-detectable THC result.
No xylitol Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, liver injury and death. It can appear in gummies, chewable supplements and other flavored products.
Do not give your dog a human CBD gummy, marijuana product or THC product. Human products may contain xylitol, concentrated THC or other ingredients that have not been formulated for animals.
How Much CBD Can a Dog Take?
There is no universally approved over-the-counter CBD dose for dogs. Research studies have used different products, concentrations, schedules and doses, so copying a dose from a study or another dog is not reliable.
Your veterinarian should decide whether CBD is appropriate, select a product and determine whether monitoring, such as follow-up bloodwork, is needed. This is especially important for dogs with liver disease or dogs taking medication.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Accidentally Eats CBD?
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital if your dog eats a CBD product, especially if it may contain THC or xylitol.
FDA-listed warning signs after cannabis exposure include lethargy, depression, heavy drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors and convulsions. Xylitol exposure can cause weakness, collapse, seizures and liver failure. Suspected xylitol ingestion requires immediate veterinary advice.
Bottom Line
CBD for dogs is available, but it is not an FDA-approved dog medicine. Limited research suggests possible benefits for some dogs with osteoarthritis or drug-resistant epilepsy. Evidence for anxiety is less certain. Discuss CBD with your veterinarian first, avoid human products and do not use a product containing THC or xylitol.