What are the benefits of CBD oil for dogs? What are the concerns about CBD and dogs? CBD oil has become an increasingly hot topic in human medicine and veterinary medicine. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby breaks down the pros and cons. Get the latest facts, concerns, and benefits that dog parents need to know.

CBD oil for dogs: a rapidly changing landscape
In 2018, the FDA approved the first naturally derived CBD product, Epidiolex®, for controlling severe seizures in children. The research behind CBD oil for veterinary use is slowly growing, but the legal aspects remain complicated and messy.
Our veterinary team at Dr. Buzby’s—The Senior Dog Company has been researching CBD oil for dogs. For years, we’ve been discussing up-to-date information with veterinary colleagues, interviewing experts in the field, and attending lectures at veterinary conferences. At the state and federal level, information changes frequently. So much so, that it feels like it’s almost daily.
This impacts veterinarians’ ability to recommend CBD for their canine patients and discuss it with clients. Though the landscape is rapidly changing, we’re proud to share what we currently know regarding CBD and dogs.

- CBD oil for dogs: a rapidly changing landscape
- What is CBD?
- What are the potential health benefits and uses of CBD oil in canine patients?
- What are the concerns regarding CBD oil?
- Promising results from dog owners
- What can we hope for in the future regarding CBD oil for dogs?
- What questions do you have about CBD oil and dogs?
What is CBD?
Let’s start with the basics. There are over 113 different naturally occurring compounds that can be derived from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The two most well-known compounds are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Different strains of the same hemp plant can have different levels of THC and CBD. Interestingly, the body (human and animal) has different receptors for both THC and CBD.
THC is the compound we associate with marijuana. It is responsible for the psychoactive effect, or “high” feeling after an individual smokes or cooks the marijuana plant. THC binds to CBD1 receptors in the brain that are associated with emotions, coordination, movement, memories, appetite, and pain. CBD1 receptors also are present throughout the body. THC products can be toxic to dogs in high enough doses.
CBD, on the other hand, does not have the same effects on the brain as THC. The majority of the receptors for CBD (CBD2 receptors) are associated with the immune system. When CBD binds to these receptors, it can help decrease pain and inflammation as well as trigger the body to produce its own cannabinoids, which can decrease pain.
For more information on pain, check out Pain in Dogs: An Expert Interview with Dr. Harvey
Limiting the amount of THC in hemp
The Farm Bill, signed on December 20, 2018, legalized the production of the hemp plant as long as it contains less than or equal to 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. This means that hemp with less than 0.3% THC is no longer considered a controlled substance.
Additionally, the USDA published the final rule regulating the production of hemp in the U.S. in January 2021. The final rule established requirements for licensing and testing THC concentrations in hemp. The goal is to encourage growing hemp of known chemical concentrations to stabilize CBD and THC concentrations in CBD products.
Keep in mind that legality varies at the state level. As you’re probably aware, state laws regarding marijuana are changing all the time.

What are the potential health benefits and uses of CBD oil in canine patients?
What are the pros or potential health benefits of CBD oil for dogs? Let’s discuss.
First of all, in human medicine, CBD oil is being studied and used for chronic pain management, epilepsy, cancer, anxiety, and many other uses. Regarding chronic pain, a study done in mice and rats showed that CBD oil helped reduce inflammation. Also, in a study done on humans, CBD oil reduced the use of opioids (oxycodone, for example) by 64%.
Preliminary research done in cancer cells shows that CBD may be involved in blocking the signals for reproduction in cancer cells. Finally, CBD may have benefits for patients with anxiety disorders by increasing dopamine. (It is worth noting that THC has the potential to make anxiety worse by increasing paranoia.)
The following two benefits have studies to back them up:
1. Research study on CBD and dogs shows it may help manage seizures.
In dogs, two studies have recently been published regarding CBD use for seizures and pain management.
A study by Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine showed an 89% reduction in seizures in dogs with seizure disorders. The study itself was very small—only nine dogs in the treatment group and seven dogs in the placebo group. However, it does demonstrate that CBD oil may help manage seizures in dogs. Colorado State University is currently conducting a larger study to more thoroughly evaluate CBD use in seizure dogs.
2. Research study shows improvement for dogs with arthritis.
Pet parents who have used CBD oil in their pets have reported improvements in gait, sleep, and appetite. Researchers at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine evaluated the use of CBD oil in dogs using the gold standard double-blind study. This means both the researchers and the dog owners did not know which treatment the dog was getting. Theoretically, the results are more accurate from a scientific basis.
Of the 22 dogs with arthritis enrolled in the study, 16 dogs ultimately finished the trial. Dogs received either CBD oil or a placebo oil (olive oil mixed with anise and peppermint oil to have the same scent as the CBD oil) for four weeks, followed by a two-week washout period, then the opposite treatment for four more weeks. In this manner, all dogs were given both CBD oil and “sham” oil for one month each.
Dogs were evaluated based on owner questionnaires, veterinary physical exams, Canine Brief Pain Inventory score, Hudson activity score, and blood work (CBC and biochemical profile).

It is important to note that the dogs included in the study were allowed to stay on current medications such as NSAIDs (examples include Rimadyl, Meloxicam, Deramaxx, etc.), fish oil supplements and/or glucosamine/chondroitin supplements—as long as there were no changes made within the four weeks up to the study or during the ten weeks of the study. However, dogs were taken off Tramadol for dogs and/or Gabapentin for dogs two weeks prior to starting the research.
The study yielded two key pieces of information:
- First, dogs on CBD oil showed an improvement in their arthritis symptoms compared to dogs on the placebo oil.
- Second, CBD oil was safely used concurrently with traditional arthritis management medications such as anti-inflammatory medications.
What are the concerns regarding CBD oil?
What the cons of CBD oil for dogs? There are five concerns regarding giving your dog CBD oil.
1. All CBD oil is not alike.
Because CBD oil is sold as a supplement, products are not subject to the same tight regulations and standards as pharmaceuticals approved by the FDA. There can be marked discrepancy in the CBD concentration reported on the label versus the CBD concentration in the actual product.
Why is this so important? When the CBD concentration differs from the actual product, a dog is at risk of being under or
Three different types of CBD are available: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum hemp products contain THC, so should be avoided for use in dogs.
CBD oil for dogs products may be human grade, contain natural ingredients, be organic, vegan, etc. These factors do not necessarily indicate whether they are good or bad pet products.

2. CBD concentrations may vary significantly from the amount specified on the label.
The FDA issued warnings in 2015-2017 to certain companies for the CBD concentration not matching the labeled amount. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) evaluated different CBD extracts online and allowed for the amount on the label to
3. Arsenic and other toxins may contaminate CBD oils.
Depending on how it is harvested and processed and what additives or preservatives are used, CBD oils are at risk for contamination. This includes:
- Mycotoxins (a deadly toxic substance produced by a fungus)
- Pesticides
- Heavy metals including arsenic
However, you can request a Certificate of Analysis from the company. This document should include a cannabinoid profile with test results showing the concentration of cannabinoids in the product, antimicrobial analysis, pesticide analysis, and elemental analysis to screen for lead and arsenic.
If you use a CBD product for your dog, make sure to check the ingredients. CBD oil products should be comprised of cannabanoid oil and a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil.
4. CBD oil is a legal “grey zone” for veterinarians.
CBD oil falls into a legal grey zone with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), federal, and state regulations. Although the 2018 Farm Bill allowed for the production of specific hemp products, some states still ban CBD oil.
In the eyes of the DEA, marijuana and hemp are federally categorized as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, defined as having a high potential for abuse and no medical use. (Also on the list are Heroin and LSD, to give you a frame of reference.) However, state governments are given authority to determine if they will allow marijuana and hemp-based products to be manufactured and sold inside their state borders.
The Schedule I categorization by the DEA makes CBD the elephant in the exam room, so to speak. Many of my veterinary clients with senior canine companions suffering from osteoarthritis in dogs are asking me about pet CBD oil. Yet my hands are theoretically tied in recommending or prescribing the product. Why? Because according to federal law, medical professionals may not write prescriptions for Schedule I substances, and violators are subject to criminal prosecution.

5. There is no FDA-approved veterinary CBD oil for dogs.
This categorization also makes research more difficult because there are extra hoops for researchers to jump through for Schedule I drugs. Further, there also is no veterinary CBD oil approved by the FDA. So state veterinary licensing boards default to holding veterinarians responsible for the guidelines established by the DEA. As a result, the American Veterinary Medical Association discourages veterinarians from even discussing CBD oil with pet owners due to legal concerns.
Promising results from dog owners
Anecdotally, a couple dozen of my patients are on CBD oil, in every case because their proactive owners heard about the product and decided to try it for their arthritic dogs. The dog owners have acquired CBD oil from a host of interesting sources—online, a relative, and a local lady who recently opened a side business selling CBD.
My veterinary clients pepper me with questions about how much CBD oil to give their dogs, safety concerns of using it along with other drugs their dogs take, and risks of long-term continual dosing. I apologize to my clients and defer their questions. Not because I am under a legal gag order but because I genuinely don’t (yet) have a lot of answers.
What can we hope for in the future regarding CBD oil for dogs?
Laws have significantly relaxed regarding hemp and cannabinoid products over the past several years. As more states change their laws regarding cannabinoids, more doors should hopefully open for veterinary use of these products.
Also, we’ve seen studies published indicating that CBD oil may have benefits in seizure and pain management for dogs. These are huge strides. Hopefully, laws will continue to relax to allow veterinarians to discuss CBD oil with their clients and to allow for more veterinary research.
Finally, we hope there will be more oversight for product quality and control so that consumers know they are getting a pure, safe product.
What questions do you have about CBD oil and dogs?
Please comment below.
I’m looking for dosing information. Cbd oil is legal in Canada and sold at our liquor stores. It is government tested for quality control so I trust the labels are accurate. I’ve recently switched the product I’ve been using because they have discontinued the one we have always used. Now I’m trying to remember how to calculate a safe dose for my arthritic 14 year old standard poodle. We’ve seen a big difference since we started using it and I want to make sure he continues to get the correct dose. The oil I am getting now is 47.43 mg of cbd oil per 1 ml of oil. My dog weighs 48 lbs. can you help me figure out the correct dose? Every website seems to have a different method of determining dose and I don’t always trust posts that are trying to sell a product. I trust the information here on dr. Buzbys toe grips.
Hi Tina,
I applaud you for trying to ensure you have accurate information and advocating for your pup. Unfortunately, it is not legal everywhere in the US to prescribe or discuss dosing of CBD oil for dogs. Also, the reason for such a wide range of recommended dosages is there have not been enough studies done to have a definitive answer for what dose is effective and safe for dogs. I think it would be best to talk to your vet and see what dose they recommend. They may have more experience with using CBD in their own patients and know how to guide you in the right direction.
My aunt rescued a sheltie years ago who she just found out has laryngeal paralysis. He’s too old for surgery she was told so will CBD help him in place of surgery?
Thank you
Hi Ashlee,
I am sorry your aunt’s dog is struggling with laryngeal paralysis. Unfortunately, I don’t think CBD oil will be of much help in this situation. It may be able to keep the dog a bit calmer, which in turn will help to prevent episodes of respiratory distress that could require emergency attention. As for the laryngeal paralysis itself, CBD oil will not be able to restore nerve function to the affected cartilage in the throat. Here are some links to other articles that may offer more information on laryngeal paralysis:
1. Canine Laryngeal Paralysis: A Veterinarian Answers Your Questions
2. Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
3. Tie Back Surgery for Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis
4. Is My Dog Too Old for Surgery?
I have a 13-year-old boy who just had his gallbladder removed and a 14-year-old girl with Cushing’s. They’re both on Galliprant and have been for a few years. Is it okay to give each of them CBD treats during storms or long car rides? Worried that CBD impacts the liver and the impact on each of them due to their conditions. Thanks so much!
Hi Marie,
Unfortunately, there is not much information on how CBD oil affects dogs with these specific conditions. I recommend you talk to your vet and see if they have any concerns with adding this supplement to your dogs’ medication regimen. Also, if you decide to try CBD oil for your dogs, be sure to let your vet know so they can monitor their condition and help prevent any unwanted side effects.
In 2019 my 5 yr old Saint Bernard started having seizures. They were grand mall and was having several per week. A friend , who had a few seizures, recommended a New Mexico company’s full-spectrum CBD oil. I was skeptical at first and asked my vet. She said it should be full-spectrum for the benefit. My Saint had 3 seizures in one day so I decided to try the CBD oil the next day. From that day, he did not have another seizure for 15 months. Then seizures started again but only one every 14-20 days. He’s had no bad side effects from the full-spectrum CBD oil. I now also give smaller dose to our beagle that suffers from separation anxiety. I’m a believer in it. Thank you for this informative article.
Hi Jackie,
Thank you for the kind words about the article. I am glad your pups seem to be doing so well and are living their best life. I am a bit wary about the full spectrum CBD products as they contain THC which can be toxic to dogs. Make sure you stay in close contact with your vet and let them know if any new worrisome symptoms should arise. Best wishes and good luck!
Hello Dr Buzby,
first of all thank you so much for providing all the valuable information to keep our furry
kids happy and healthy.
My otherwise happy and healthy 14+ year old Lab-X (70lbs) has severe spondylosis.
For 8 Month he was on CBD oil which really made a difference for him. In March he
was diagnosed with stage 3 CKD, My Vet recommended to stop CBD oil.
Now with the wet-coast rainy winter weather I have to give him something for pain and
inflammation.
Do you have any information about CBD oil and CKD?
Thank you for your time
With best regards
Manuela
Hi Manuela,
I am glad you had success using CBD oil in your Lab. I am not sure of the specific reason your vet recommended discontinuing the CBD oil. I do know there are conflicting reports of the safety of CBD products in patients with CKD, and overall we just don’t know much about CBD in veterinary medicine. Since I have not examined your dog personally, I really can’t make specific recommendations. Also, in most states in the U.S., it is still illegal for veterinarians to prescribe CBD oil for their patients. I think the best option is to discuss your concerns with your vet. They may be able to give more insight into the medical treatment decisions that have been made. You vet may also want to begin another pain medication or anti-inflammatory drug to help with your dog’s winter weather discomfort. I hope you can find the treatment that is the perfect fit for your sweet boy. Best wishes to you both!
With my dog, he has a lot of anxiety when being left alone and for loud noises. I’ve tried some other things and they haven’t worked that well. A friend of mine mentioned CBD oil as since it helps them with anxiety, I would assume it would do the same for dogs.
Hello Callum, Yes, CBD has been reported to be successful for helping certain dogs with anxiety, but I also know of several dogs whom it has not helped. I would refer you to this company, whose chief medical officer is a veterinarian, for more info: https://ellevetsciences.com/pages/the-science
I believe you can call them to discuss your questions/concerns.
Hi Dr. Buzby, We at ElleVet Sciences, the company who did the clinical trial at Cornell on dogs with OA, are doing three additional clinical trials in oncology, seizure and post op pain management at the University of Florida. These trials are underway and we should have results in a few months. We also have studies starting in IBD and anxiety. We are doing our best to provide evidence and data in this industry!
Thank you for pioneering the science of CBD and dogs through high quality research! Hats off to your company! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the information. I just recently talked to someone about this.
You are welcome, Sharon! We’ll post updates as laws and guidelines change, so stay tuned! 🙂
Very interesting BLOG! I have a dog with genetic inherited epilepsy, who is currently well controlled on pheno and KBr. However over the years we had many ups and downs. So I am constantly researching and working on the next plan. CBD has interested me, but I feel I don’t have enough knowledge to try it on my dog yet. I have been a member in many Canine epilepsy and also CBD oil for epi dogs groups on FB. The general understanding is for CBD to help with seizure control it does need to have not only a certain % of THC but also THCa in it. Looking forward to read and learn more in this blog. Thank you.
Thanks your your comment, Kirsy, and the additional information. I’m so glad your dog’s epilepsy is currently well controlled. I applaud you for seeking information on all the options available for helping your dog have a wonderful quality of life.
Dr. Buzby, thank you for another great article! I enjoy your blog (and have used your great ToeGrips on my dogs, too). I currently use CBD oil for my 17 year old Border Terrier who has ‘doggie dementia’ and arthritis. It helps immensely with his anxiety, his ‘sundowning’ (similar to what my late Dad experienced through his journey with Alzheimer’s) and his movements are much more ‘fluid’ when he is on the oil. He seems to be in much less pain from the arthritis in his spine. I purchase my CBD oil from a company who does third-party testing and provides the analytical results. I wanted to make certain the THC was at a minimum. Very pleased with the results.
Lois, you are a superstar! Thanks for being so conscientious about what you give your dog. Sounds like you did your homework and your dog is benefitting from a high quality CBD product! I appreciate you sharing this story with our readers. Thank you also for being a part of Team ToeGrips! xoxo
What is a trusted CBD product for dogs/cats? Can you recommend one at this time..thank you
Hi Linda,
Check out https://ellevetsciences.com/pages/the-science
I appreciate the emphasis this company is placing on science and research, and they offer a ton of educational resources on FB.
I wonder if this would benefit my boy Spikey. He’s a 12 year old Lab/Australian Shepherd mix with some kind of growth hanging from his jaw. He’s had it @3 yrs and it doesn’t hurt him,but it bleeds profusely every couple of months. We live in Clovis,NM and have the most backwards,ignorant vets you could imagine,so will not go to them. I’ve tried Manuka honey(no change),C60(Buckminster fullerene 99.95%)from the Czeck Republic(2 bottles,no immediate change,but wow,a big hunk of it came flying off after about 2 weeks of taking it. I’m giving him Colloidal Silver twice a day now. It has shrunk a lot and kinda dried out,but still searching for that miracle ☺
Hi Nikki, Sadly, I don’t think this is the miracle you’re looking for. I would strongly recommend finding and visiting a veterinarian you trust to confirm a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. His miracle might actually be surgery. 🙂
I am interested in CBD oil for anxiety in my dog. He has issues when traveling and we travel cross country each year. My concern is the safety of the oils since they are not regulated.
Hello Genia,
Your concern is valid. CBD oil feels like the wild, wild west to me right now. There are a few really good anxiety-relieving drugs for dogs available to us now that weren’t available a few years back. If you haven’t already, I’d recommend talking to your vet about options.