Over the last few years, CBD has grown in popularity as a natural remedy not only for humans, but for pets as well. For those who aren’t aware, CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in Cannabis. It is heralded as an effective natural way to reduce anxiety, inflammation, treat chronic pain, relieve insomnia, and promote well-being.
As a quick recap, pet owners used CBD for years to soothe their pets, for many of the same ailments – for pain caused by arthritis in older pets, anxiety due to separation, stress, loud noise etc. It is believed to also help prevent seizures.
Understanding CBD and Its Mechanisms in Pets
Like humans, dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes such as mood, pain sensation, appetite, and immune responses.
CBD interacts with the ECS through cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are spread throughout the body, influencing everything from the central nervous system to peripheral organs. Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to these receptors. Instead, it modulates receptor activity and enhances the production of the body’s natural cannabinoids, promoting balance (homeostasis) in the system. This interaction is what leads researchers to believe CBD can be effective in treating a variety of conditions in pets.
But is CBD safe for pets?
Is it recommended? New studies say the answer to both questions is YES.
Recent scientific findings on the use of CBD with pets, particularly dogs, indicate that CBD can be safe and potentially beneficial for long-term use. Several new studies, including a significant one funded by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and published in 2024, found that various cannabinoids such as CBD, CBDA, and CBG were well-tolerated in healthy dogs when administered daily for 90 consecutive days. These studies also showed a very low rate of adverse effects, with the long-term safety being supported by over a decade of post-market surveillance data.
Updated research and consultations with veterinarians reveal that the most promising areas for treatment with CBD for cats and dogs are for the following prioritized list of conditions, although there are others:
1. Pain and Inflammation (Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain)
Sadly, Osteoarthritis is commonplace in older pets. For pets suffering from osteoarthritis or other forms of chronic pain, CBD has emerged as one of the most effective treatments. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help reduce swelling and pain, improving mobility and quality of life for senior dogs and cats.
A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science examined the effects of CBD oil on dogs with osteoarthritis. The study found that 80% of the dogs showed significant improvement in pain relief and mobility after CBD treatment. The dogs were administered a dosage of 2 mg/kg of CBD oil twice daily, which led to a noticeable reduction in their discomfort and an increased willingness to be physically active.
This study is one of the more robust pieces of evidence we have so far, suggesting that CBD can be an effective treatment for chronic pain and inflammation, especially for conditions like arthritis.
2. Seizure Management (Epilepsy)
Seizures can be life-altering for both pets and their owners. The promising results from studies on CBD and epilepsy suggest that CBD could serve as a valuable supplement alongside traditional anti-seizure medications, with fewer side effects.
Another landmark study, conducted by Colorado State University in 2019, evaluated the impact of CBD on dogs with epilepsy. The study revealed that 89% of the dogs treated with CBD experienced a reduction in the frequency of seizures. This is significant because epilepsy and seizures are among the most common neurological issues in dogs, and conventional treatments often come with side effects.
3. Anxiety and Behavioural Issues
If your dog has separation anxiety or is prone to stress, CBD could be a natural remedy. Its calming effects may help reduce hyperactivity, aggression, and fear in stressful situations like thunderstorms, Halloween fireworks, vet visits, or travel.
Pet anxiety, often caused by separation, loud noises, or new environments, is another area where CBD has shown promise. A 2020 survey-based study published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association found that pet owners reported behavioral improvements in their dogs when using CBD, including reduced anxiety and stress-related behaviors. Although the scientific data on CBD’s anti-anxiety effects in pets remains largely anecdotal, studies on rodents and humans show that CBD affects serotonin receptors in the brain, which may explain its calming effects.
4. Cancer Support
While CBD is not a cure for cancer, it can provide palliative benefits for pets undergoing treatment, helping to manage pain, improve appetite, and reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy or the cancer itself.
Although no clinical studies that have been performed specifically on pets for cancer treatment, preclinical studies in mice have shown that CBD might inhibit tumor growth and promote cancer cell death. These findings have sparked interest in the veterinary community about the potential role of CBD in managing cancer in pets. Additionally, CBD is frequently used as a palliative treatment for dogs and cats undergoing cancer treatment to alleviate pain, increase appetite, and improve overall quality of life.
5. Digestive Issues and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Although more research is needed, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties suggest it could be useful for managing gastrointestinal issues in pets, especially cats suffering from IBD.
There is still a lack of direct studies on cats, but some preliminary findings suggest that CBD can manage chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in felines. A 2021 study highlighted that CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea and vomiting, although more research is needed specifically focusing on feline physiology.
6. Skin Conditions and Allergies
There is emerging evidence that CBD could help alleviate symptoms of skin allergies and irritations in pets. CBD-infused topicals have been used to reduce itching, swelling, and redness caused by dermatitis and other skin conditions
There are some caveats. You must avoid excessive doses and some dogs may experience drowsiness or lethargy or dry mouth with high doses. But if you start your dog off with smaller doses you can monitor their reactions and achieve benefits without worrying about negative side effects.
In addition, research from Mars Petcare reported the results of a six-month study with a daily dose of CBD demonstrated it was well-tolerated in dogs, adding valuable insights into the safe use of higher doses of CBD over extended periods. This is particularly relevant as CBD is increasingly used to manage conditions like anxiety, arthritis, and seizures in dogs.
An important aspect of this study is that CBD research to date has been performed on either human subjects or on rodents. This is a groundbreaking study because it was conducted directly on dogs. The study included 40 dogs, 17 Labrador Retrievers, 8 Beagles, and 15 Norfolk Terriers divided into two parallel, randomized treatment groups: test and placebo. Dogs in the test group were given a once daily oral dose of 4 mg of CBD/kg of body weight, while dogs in the control group received placebo capsules.
Conclusions
Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States came out in support of using CBD for pets. Just make sure to speak with your veterinarian first before embarking on any course of treatment. Also, make sure you use a reputable, established brand with low CBD such as MellowPET.
These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that CBD can be a viable and safe treatment option for pets, although it is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new treatment regimen for your pet.
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