A review of all published canine CBD research found some evidence supporting its use for osteoarthritis pain, but the field is limited by small studies, inconsistent methods, and unknown long-term safety.
Read this if you are considering CBD for your dog or are a veterinarian evaluating the evidence base.
Mild side effectsObserved CBD side effects in dogs were generally classified as mild or unremarkable
What the researchers found
Despite growing use of CBD in veterinary medicine, the evidence base remains limited. Most efficacy studies tested CBD for osteoarthritic pain, with some positive results. Few studies have examined CBD for epilepsy, behavioral disorders, or skin lesions in dogs. The pharmacokinetic profile of CBD in dogs is not fully established due to highly variable experimental conditions across studies. Side effects observed were generally mild, but most studies only examined short- to medium-term treatment, while CBD is typically used long-term.
Why it matters
Pet owners are increasingly using CBD for their dogs, often without veterinary guidance. This review highlights the gap between popular enthusiasm and scientific evidence, providing veterinarians with a comprehensive assessment of what is and isn't known.
The numbers in context
- Most efficacy studies focused on osteoarthritis pain
- Few studies on epilepsy, behavioral disorders, or skin lesions
- Side effects classified as mild or unremarkable
- Pharmacokinetic profile still incompletely characterized
- No long-term safety data available
How the study worked
Narrative review of all published studies on canine pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability of CBD and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA).
Who was studied
Dogs across multiple studies (various breeds, conditions)
What this study cannot tell us
This is a review of existing literature, not new research. The underlying studies were generally small with potential bias. The review acknowledges that findings should be interpreted cautiously. No standardized CBD products exist for veterinary use.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review of a small and heterogeneous literature. Provides useful overview but limited by the quality of underlying studies.
When this study was published
Published in 2023. Covers the most current veterinary CBD research available.
The bigger picture
The veterinary CBD market has grown faster than the supporting science. While preliminary evidence for pain management is encouraging, pet owners and veterinarians need to weigh the limited evidence against the potential benefits, particularly for conditions beyond osteoarthritis.
Questions still open
- What is the optimal CBD dose for different conditions in dogs?
- Does long-term CBD use affect liver function or interact with common veterinary medications?
- Would CBDA (the acid form) be more effective than CBD for certain conditions?
Read the original research
Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge.
Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1204526
Citation
Di Salvo, Alessandra; Conti, Maria Beatrice; Della Rocca, Giorgia. (2023). Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge.. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1204526. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1204526