CBD Use in Dogs: Safety, Effectiveness, and What We Know So Far — Vet Insights 2025 🐾🌿

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

CBD (cannabidiol) has surged in popularity as a potential natural remedy for pets—but what does the science actually say about its use in dogs? In 2025, we still have a lot to learn, but we also have some encouraging insights and important cautions. 🧪🐶

Let’s take a look at what CBD can (and can’t) do, what’s known about its safety, and what every pet owner needs to understand before considering it for their dog. 🐾

🌿 What Is CBD?

CBD is a compound extracted from the cannabis or hemp plant. Unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive—meaning it won't get your dog “high.” Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, pain, inflammation, and more.

📊 What CBD May Help With in Dogs

🐕 Arthritis & Joint Pain

Some studies suggest CBD may help dogs with arthritis—especially at higher doses. However, one of the most rigorous studies using gait analysis did not find significant improvements in movement or pain in dogs treated with CBD.

💡 Bottom line: CBD might reduce pain perception, but results are mixed and not conclusive yet.

😰 Anxiety & Aggression

CBD appears more promising in this area. One published study reported reduced anxiety and aggression in dogs with fear-based behaviors.

CBD may help some dogs relax during stressful events (like thunderstorms or vet visits), but it should not replace proper behavior modification or vet-prescribed treatments.

⚡ Epilepsy & Seizures

Some pet owners have reported fewer seizures in dogs using CBD. However, studies on treatment-resistant epilepsy found that CBD wasn’t effective in the majority of these difficult cases.

👨‍⚕️ If your dog has epilepsy, speak with a vet before trying CBD—especially if they’re already on anticonvulsant medications.

🧬 Cancer Cell Studies

In laboratory settings, CBD has been shown to slow the growth of some cancer cells. However, these are preliminary results, and there's no proof yet that CBD prevents or treats cancer in living dogs.

⚠️ CBD Safety: What Vets Want You to Know

🧪 Contaminants Are a Concern

One of the biggest risks with CBD use is product quality. Many over-the-counter CBD products are unregulated and may contain:

• 🚫 THC (toxic to pets)
• 🧫 Heavy metals
• 🦠 Pesticides or mold

That’s why it’s essential to choose vet-recommended, third-party-tested brands. Talk to your vet before starting any CBD product!

📈 Liver Enzyme Elevation

CBD use can increase a liver enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP), likely due to enzyme induction. This may or may not be clinically significant, but your vet may want to monitor liver values over time. 🩸

💊 Drug Interactions

We don’t yet know how CBD interacts with other drugs or herbs. It’s metabolized in the liver, so it could affect medications broken down the same way—especially anticonvulsants, NSAIDs, and some antibiotics.

🚨 Signs of CBD Toxicity in Dogs

• 🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
• 😰 Restlessness
• ❤️ Irregular heart rate (slow or fast)
• 🌬️ Rapid breathing
• 😶 Pale gums or mucous membranes

🍽️ Tips for Safer CBD Use

• 🍽️ Give CBD with food—it’s more bioavailable and better tolerated
• 📊 Start with the lowest effective dose and monitor closely
• 🧪 Use only CBD products tested by third parties and labeled for pet use
• 📋 Keep your vet informed about any supplements or meds you use

🧠 So, Should You Try CBD for Your Dog?

Maybe—but only under vet guidance. While some dogs show improvements in anxiety or mild pain, CBD is not a miracle treatment, and more research is still needed. In 2025, it's clear that:

• ✅ CBD may help with some mild anxiety or pain cases
• ❓ It is not proven to treat epilepsy or cancer in most dogs
• ⚠️ Contaminants and dosing risks still exist

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Wondering if CBD could benefit your dog? Confused by all the products out there? Talk to our veterinary experts anytime through the Ask A Vet app. We’ll help you navigate the science, safety, and smart use of supplements like CBD.

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app today for personalized support on joint health, anxiety solutions, or multi-modal pain management—CBD included. 🐕💬

✅ Summary Checklist

• ✔ CBD shows mixed results for arthritis and seizures
• ✔ May help anxiety in some dogs
• ✔ Choose safe, vet-recommended products only
• ✔ Always consult your vet before use
• ✔ Monitor closely for side effects

CBD may have a place in your dog’s wellness plan, but only when approached with care, research, and veterinary insight. 🩺🌿

Need expert guidance? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for fast, reliable answers tailored to your dog’s unique needs. 🐾📱