CBD and Pets Update: What’s best for your ‘furry companion’?

Over the last few years, CBD has grown in popularity as a natural remedy for pets as well as humans. For those who aren’t aware, CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in Cannabis. It’s widely considered an effective natural way to reduce anxiety, inflammation, and chronic pain. It’s also thought to relieve insomnia, and promote well-being.

TL;DR: CBD is increasingly used by pet owners to help dogs and cats with pain, anxiety, seizures, and more. New studies show it’s well-tolerated in healthy dogs even with long-term daily use. Always speak with your vet first, and use a trusted brand like MellowPET with clearly dosed, low-THC formulations.

As a quick recap, pet owners have used CBD for years to soothe their pets, for many of the same ailments. It’s used for pain caused by arthritis in older pets, anxiety due to separation, stress, loud noise, and more. It’s also believed to help prevent seizures.

Understanding CBD and Its Mechanisms in Pets

Like humans, dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays an important 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 doesn’t bind directly to these receptors. Instead, it modulates receptor activity and improves 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 CBD for pets, particularly dogs, indicate it can be safe and potentially beneficial. This includes long-term use. There are new studies, including a significant one funded by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) published in 2024. It found that cannabinoids such as CBD, CBDA, and CBG were well-tolerated in healthy dogs. These doses were administered daily for 90 consecutive days. These studies also showed a very low rate of adverse effects. Long-term safety was seen to be 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 list of conditions, although there are others:

1. Pain and Inflammation (Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain)

Sadly, osteoarthritis is commonplace in older pets. For pets dealing with 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 got 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 solid 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. CBD for pets — Anxiety and Behavioural Issues

Does your dog have separation anxiety or get stressed during thunderstorms? CBD could help. Its calming effects may reduce hyperactivity, aggression, and fear in stressful situations like Halloween fireworks, vet visits, or travel.

Pet anxiety, often caused by separation, loud noises, or new environments, is another area where CBD has shown real promise. A 2020 survey-based study published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association found that pet owners reported behavioural 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 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. CBD is also frequently used as a palliative treatment for dogs and cats undergoing cancer treatment to ease pain, boost appetite, and improve overall quality of life.

5. Digestive Issues and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

More research is needed, but CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties suggest it could be useful in managing gastrointestinal issues in pets, especially cats dealing with IBD.

There’s 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 has 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’s emerging evidence that CBD eases symptoms of skin allergies and irritations in pets. CBD-infused topicals can reduce itching, swelling, and redness caused by dermatitis and other skin conditions.

There are some caveats. You’ll want to avoid excessive doses and some dogs may experience drowsiness, lethargy, or dry mouth with high doses. Start your dog off with smaller doses. You can monitor their reactions and get the benefits without worrying about negative side effects.

Research from Mars Petcare reported the results of a six-month study with a daily dose of CBD showed 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 research to date has been performed on human subjects or on rodents. This study is notable because it was conducted directly on dogs. The study included 40 dogs, 17 Labrador Retrievers, 8 Beagles, and 15 Norfolk Terriers. They were 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.

To wrap up: CBD for pets in Canada

The Humane Society of the United States has come out in support of using CBD for pets. Just make sure to speak with your veterinarian first before starting any course of treatment. Also, make sure you use a reputable, established brand with appropriate CBD dosing such as MellowPET.

These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that CBD can be a viable and safe option for pets — though it’s always best to consult with a vet before starting any new treatment. From what we’ve seen, pet owners who use our MellowPET line tend to notice real improvement in their animals’ comfort and behaviour.