Also listen to our “Speaking of Pets” podcast for CBD experts and their views!
I’ve written on CBD before and how to choose a supplement but wanted to go over what evidence-based information there is about CBD’s use in dogs and cats.
CBD is the non-psychoactive ingredient of cannabis and has been shown to be effective in pet seizures, osteoarthritis, and environmental allergies. Its effective by interacting with numerous receptors (cannabinoid receptors) in the brain. CBD is processed in dogs and cats more slowly than in humans which makes its effects longer in duration. Only a few states have passed laws allowing veterinarians to EVEN DISCUSS using CBD in pets! And even as a dermatologist, I used to get many questions about CBD but legally, I was not permitted to address them.
For epilepsy in the dog, two 12-week clinical trials with 30 total dogs reported that adding CBD reduced symptoms of epilepsy. One trial used 2mg/kg twice daily, the other 2.5mg/kg twice daily. 30% of the dogs experienced fewer seizures compared to placebo.
For itchy allergic dogs, a 2021 study used 24 dogs dosing up to 4.5mg/kg once daily for 3 weeks. The dogs wore monitors to log in how much time they spent itching, head shaking, resting. The dogs given CBD scratched up to 50% less. A smaller study using 8 dogs with environmental allergies showed CBD helped with reducing skin redness and hair loss by decreasing inflammation.
For osteoarthritis in dogs, there are mixed results. Sixteen dogs given CBD oil twice daily for 4 weeks showed a reduction from a pain scale of 40 to 14 in the pets’ pain. Another study in 23 dogs showed no improvement.
CBD trials in cats are scarce. There has been only one long-term study in cats using CBD 1mg/kg daily for 3 months showing no adverse effects. One cat had a liver enzyme elevation (ALT), so if CBD is used in cats, routine blood work is advised.
In one study of 29 hemp products, more than half were not consistent with the amount listed on the label. Best to use products with the NASC seal! As always, see your veterinarian for CBD recommendations.