More and more dog owners are curious about CBD. Online, CBD oil for dogs is often described as a natural miracle cure for everything from joint pain to anxiety. The research is far more cautious. There is a growing number of studies in dogs, but most are small and short, and the results vary. Here we look at what the studies actually show, which side effects have been reported and what to consider before thinking about CBD for your dog.
Key facts
- Dogs have an endocannabinoid system, just like humans, and CBD acts on several of its receptors.
- Most studies concern osteoarthritis, followed by epilepsy, itching and stress.
- The results are mixed, and several reviews judge the evidence to be uncertain.
- The most common finding in the studies is raised levels of the liver enzyme ALP.
- THC is toxic to dogs, and there are no approved veterinary medicines containing CBD in Sweden, for example.
How does CBD affect dogs?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating. Dogs, like humans and other mammals, have an endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and signalling molecules involved in regulating pain, the immune system and stress, among other things. Animal and laboratory studies suggest that CBD acts on several receptors, both within and outside that system. If you want to read more about cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, we have gathered it all in
What are cannabinoids? CBD, THC, CBG, CBN and the endocannabinoid system.
That a mechanism exists does not, however, mean that CBD works as a treatment. That requires controlled studies in dogs, and this is where knowledge is still limited.
What does the research say?
Osteoarthritis and joint pain
Osteoarthritis is the area with the most studies. In a Cornell University study from 2018, 16 dogs with osteoarthritis received CBD or placebo for four weeks. Owners and veterinarians judged that the dogs had less pain and were more active during the CBD period. Another study from 2021, however, found no difference when the dogs’ movement was measured objectively with gait analysis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2023 went through five studies with a total of 117 dogs. The researchers concluded that CBD may reduce pain, but that the evidence is very uncertain. They call for larger and better studies before anything can be said with confidence.
Epilepsy
In an American study from 2019, dogs with epilepsy were given CBD in addition to their usual medication. The number of seizures fell in the CBD group, but the proportion of dogs that responded to treatment was no greater than in the placebo group. A Danish systematic review from 2025 went through three randomised studies and concluded that no conclusions can be drawn about either efficacy or side effects, as the studies had major shortcomings.
Stress and anxiety
The results on stress are divided. A study from 2020 found no calming effect of CBD before a fear test. A study from 2023, on the other hand, found that a single dose of CBD reduced measures of stress when dogs were left alone and during car travel. More studies are needed before we know whether the effect holds up and which dogs, if any, might benefit.
Safety and side effects
In most studies, CBD is relatively well tolerated in the short term. The most common side effects are mild stomach problems such as loose stools and vomiting, as well as tiredness. The clearest finding is that the liver enzyme ALP often rises. In the Cornell study, ALP rose in 9 of 16 dogs.
A study from 2024 followed 18 healthy beagles for 36 weeks. ALP rose in both CBD groups, and the higher dose more often caused loose stools. The researchers recommend monitoring liver values with long-term use. Because CBD is broken down in the liver, it can also affect how other medicines are processed, which is one of the reasons the veterinarian should be involved.
THC is toxic to dogs
Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans. A study from Colorado followed 125 dogs poisoned by cannabis between 2005 and 2010, and the number of cases rose as more people received licences for medical cannabis. Two of the dogs died after eating baked goods made with THC butter. Common symptoms include an unsteady gait, drowsiness, urinary leakage and increased sensitivity to sound and touch.
The quality of CBD products for pets also varies. An American analysis from 2020 of 29 products for dogs found that only 10 of 27 contained the amount of cannabinoids stated on the label, within a margin of 10 percent. Four products contained heavy metals, mainly lead. Products sold as CBD may also contain THC, which is why an independent lab report matters whatever the product is intended for.
What are the rules?
In the EU, a product counts as a veterinary medicinal product if it is presented as treating or preventing disease in animals. In Sweden, for example, there are currently no approved veterinary medicines containing CBD, and the Swedish Medical Products Agency has warned that CBD oils sold for animals with such claims have not been reviewed by any authority, so owners cannot know what the products actually do.
A Swedish veterinary journal has also noted that many dog owners already buy CBD on their own, and that veterinarians need to be able to explain why the evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend it. If you are thinking about CBD for your dog, it is therefore wise to talk to your veterinarian first, especially if the dog takes other medicines or has liver problems.
Raw Hemp does not sell CBD products for animals. Our CBD oils and other products are made for adults.
Can dogs have CBD?
There are studies in which dogs were given CBD without serious side effects in the short term, but CBD is not an approved veterinary medicine in Sweden, for example. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog anything new.
Does CBD help dogs with osteoarthritis?
Some studies have shown less pain according to owners’ assessments, but a meta-analysis from 2023 judges the evidence to be very uncertain.
What side effects can CBD cause in dogs?
Studies have reported mild stomach problems, tiredness and raised levels of the liver enzyme ALP.
Is THC dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Dogs are sensitive to THC and can develop symptoms of poisoning such as an unsteady gait, drowsiness and urinary leakage.
Does Raw Hemp sell CBD for animals?
No. Raw Hemp does not sell CBD products for animals. Our products are made for adults.
Sources
- Gamble, L.-J. et al. (2018). Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 165.
- Patikorn, C. et al. (2023). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal intervention studies. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10.
- McGrath, S. et al. (2019). Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(11), 1301–1308.
- Jensen et al. (2025). Cannabidiol treatment for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs: A systematic review with risk of bias assessment. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 245.
- Hunt, A. B. G. et al. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1112604.
- Corsato Alvarenga, I., Wilson, K. M. and McGrath, S. (2024). Tolerability of long-term cannabidiol supplementation to healthy adult dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 38(1), 326–335.
- Di Salvo, A., Conti, M. B. and della Rocca, G. (2023). Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1204526.
- Wakshlag, J. J. et al. (2020). Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Heavy Metal Analysis of 29 Over-the-Counter Commercial Veterinary Hemp Supplements. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 11, 45–55.
- Corsato Alvarenga, I. et al. (2023). Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 11, 227–246.
- Meola, S. D. et al. (2012). Evaluation of trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs living in a state with legalized medical marijuana: 125 dogs (2005–2010). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 22(6), 690–696.
- Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products.
- Tidningen Ridsport (2023). Cannabispreparat marknadsförs som läkemedel till häst.
- Svensk Veterinärtidning (2025). Cannabidiol vid refraktär epilepsi hos hund.
