Kymata Health CBD Guide
CBD for dogs: what the studies show
Placebo-controlled dog trials, the doses they used, and the safety rules that matter most.
What the dog studies show
Osteoarthritis pain: in a Cornell crossover trial of dogs with osteoarthritis, a CBD-rich oil at 2 mg/kg twice daily lowered owner-rated pain and raised activity scores versus placebo over 4 weeks.[1]
A 4-week placebo-controlled study found daily CBD reduced pain and improved mobility in a dose-dependent way, and an Italian study saw lower pain scores when CBD was added to standard pain medicines.[2][3]
Not every trial agrees: a 2021 crossover pilot in 23 dogs found no difference from placebo on gait analysis, activity or owner scores.[4]
Seizures: adding CBD (2.5 mg/kg twice daily) to anti-seizure medicines cut seizure frequency by a median 33% in a small trial, but the share of dogs with at least a 50% reduction was no different from placebo.[5]
Doses used in studies
The positive osteoarthritis studies used about 2 mg CBD per kg body weight twice daily; the seizure study used 2.5 mg/kg twice daily. Product labels often suggest less. Your veterinarian should set the dose, especially if your dog takes other medicines.[1][5]
Safety warnings
THC is toxic to dogs. Cases of marijuana toxicosis seen at two Colorado hospitals rose fourfold as medical marijuana spread, and two dogs that ate baked goods made with medical-grade marijuana butter died. Choose THC-free pet products and keep human products out of reach.[7]
Xylitol (a sweetener in some human gummies, peanut butters and oils) can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Never give a dog a human CBD gummy.[8]
CBD raised the liver enzyme alkaline phosphatase in several dog studies, so vets often check bloodwork on long-term use. CBD also affects how the liver clears some drugs.[1][4][5]
Labels are unreliable: in one analysis of 29 veterinary hemp products only 10 of 27 were within 10% of their cannabinoid claim and 4 contained heavy metals. In Leafreport’s pet tests, 31 of 55 products were more than 10% off.[6][9]
Always involve your veterinarian
CBD is not an approved veterinary drug. Talk to your vet before starting it, tell them every supplement your dog takes, and never use it in place of a diagnosis or treatment your vet recommends, especially for pain, seizures or a tumor.
Compare pet products: best CBD oils for dogs, ranked by lab data.
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Frequently asked questions
Is CBD safe for dogs?
Studies at about 2 mg/kg twice daily reported few side effects, but CBD raised a liver enzyme in several studies and it can interact with other medicines. THC and xylitol are toxic to dogs. Involve your veterinarian.
What dose did the dog studies use?
About 2 mg of CBD per kg of body weight twice daily for osteoarthritis, and 2.5 mg/kg twice daily in a seizure study. Your vet should set the dose.
Sources
- Gamble LJ et al. Pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical efficacy of CBD in osteoarthritic dogs. Front Vet Sci 2018
- Verrico CD et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily CBD for canine osteoarthritis pain. Pain 2020
- Brioschi FA et al. Oral transmucosal CBD as part of multimodal analgesia in dogs with osteoarthritis. Animals 2020
- Mejia S et al. Effect of CBD on naturally occurring osteoarthritis pain: pilot study in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2021
- McGrath S et al. Randomized blinded trial of oral CBD added to antiepileptic drugs in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. JAVMA 2019
- Wakshlag JJ et al. Cannabinoid, terpene and heavy metal analysis of 29 over-the-counter veterinary hemp supplements. Vet Med (Auckl) 2020
- Meola SD et al. Trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs in a state with legalized medical marijuana: 125 dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2012
- Dunayer EK, Gwaltney-Brant SM. Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs. JAVMA 2006
- Leafreport: Pet CBD report (independent tests by Canalysis Laboratories), updated Oct 16, 2022