Does CBD Help Dogs? Benefits, Uses, and What Pet Owners Should Know

Yes, CBD may help dogs with a variety of health concerns, including arthritis, seizures, anxiety, appetite loss, and some age related issues. CBD is thought to work with your dog's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, mood, inflammation, neurological function. When used correctly, CBD is widely considered safe for dogs and is increasingly recommended by veterinarians as a natural supplement to support overall wellness. 

CBD interacts with your dog in a very similar way to how it interacts with your own body. Just like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system, a bodily communication system of receptors and sensors that plays a role in physiological processes such as appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.

Dogs and humans both have parts of this system throughout their bodies called cannabinoid receptors. CBD works with these receptors to help support balance in the body and promote positive health effects.

As mentioned our article discussing the efficacy of CBD in treating pet anxiety, a study done in 2016 at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences found that 89 percent of dogs suffering from epilepsy who received CBD in a clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.

The veterinarians involved concluded that while more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s full range of applications in animals, existing clinical trials suggest CBD is safe and effective for epilepsy and potentially other neurological conditions.

But seizure support is only part of the picture. Below are several additional ways CBD may help dogs, cats, and other animals.

1. CBD for pain relief and inflammation 

In both dogs and humans, studies show that CBD can have powerful pain-relieving and anti- inflammatory effects, making it a very viable option for treating the symptoms of arthritis, joint pain, nerve-related pain, and general inflammation.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be linked to its ability to interact with receptors (specifically, CB2 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system) in immune cells. This is thought to be the primary reason why CBD is so useful in treating a wide variety of conditions. By activating these receptors, CBD is able to induce a wide variety of immune responses.

2. CBD as an Anti-Convulsant

CBD is one of the most researched natural supplements for seizure management in dogs. Though it is not exactly clear how it works, numerous studies have proven that CBD can help manage a wide variety of effects of epilepsy, as well as help manage spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis.

3. CBD May Help with Neurodegenerative Diseases

For dogs suffering from degenerative myelopathy or other nerve and spinal conditions, CBD shows a lot of promise. It’s been proven to help with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease by protecting the brain cells from toxicity.

For older dogs, CBD has been shown to protect the brain from cell death caused by free radicals and toxins.

4.  CBD Can Support Appetite and Weight Management

If your dog or cat is eating less than normal or experiencing nausea, CBD may help stimulate appetite and reduce vomiting. You can try changing up their diet and adding CBD hemp oil to their daily regimen. Both humans and animals have shown improved appetite and reduced nausea when using CBD.

Unlike some prescription medications that come with significant side effects, CBD offers a gentler alternative that can support appetite without heavy sedation or digestive disruption.

Give your pets the powerhouse combination of all natural Wild-Alaskan salmon oil infused with Hemp Oil for Daily Wellness!  Beneficial Effects Relieves dry, itchy skin Promotes healthy skin and coat Improves joint mobility Supports the immune system Natural vitamin source Increase natural anti-inflammation Provides natural anti-oxidants Soothes arthritic pain

5. CBD May Slow Tumor Growth

Cancer and malignant tumors are unfortunately common in aging pets. While there is no cure for cancer, emerging research suggests CBD may have anti-tumor properties and could help slow the growth of certain cancers.

CBD is also commonly used to help manage chemotherapy side effects such as fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, improving overall quality of life for pets undergoing treatment.

A growing amount of research is also showing that CBD and other may have unique anticancer effects, protecting against the growth of tumors and even reducing them in size.

6. Nighttime Restlessness

CBD’s calming properties can help dogs and cats settle more comfortably at night. This is especially helpful for senior pets, pets with anxiety, or animals experiencing discomfort that disrupts sleep.

By promoting relaxation and easing discomfort, CBD may help pets fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer through the night.

CBD and Your Pet

CBD has the potential to be a highly effective, natural way to support your pet’s health and comfort. Whether your dog is struggling with pain, seizures, sleeplessness, appetite issues, or age-related changes, CBD offers a gentle option worth considering.

When combined with a nutrient rich carrier like salmon oil, CBD becomes even easier to incorporate into your pet’s daily routine, supporting long term wellness with minimal risk.

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD for Dogs

Is CBD safe for dogs?

Research and clinical trials indicate that CBD is generally safe for dogs when given at appropriate doses. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement.

What can CBD help dogs with?

CBD may help dogs with pain, inflammation, seizures, anxiety, arthritis, appetite loss, nausea, neurodegenerative conditions, and sleep disturbances.

How long does it take for CBD to work in dogs?

Most dogs will require consistent daily use for several days or weeks to see full benefits of CBD products.