By Tami Packham, VCG, VCC
With osteoarthritis (OA) being one of the most common conditions in dogs, many owners seek alternative therapies for their dog’s joint pain to help restore comfort and mobility. If your dog has osteoarthritis, you’ve probably heard about CBD (cannabidiol). This article is an overview of CBD, its function, and what the science currently says about its use for joint pain in dogs.
CBD is one of the most studied molecules of the cannabis plant but there are so many more. CBD comes in many forms, oils, capsules and chews. Cannabis-derived products are increasingly marketed to dog owners for pain, inflammation and mobility. But does CBD help dogs with these conditions? The short answer is: there is legitimate scientific evidence that CBD may reduce osteoarthritis-associated pain in some dogs — but the research is still emerging.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of many compounds called cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. CBD is a naturally occurring, non-intoxicating cannabinoid found primarily in Cannabis sativa. In dogs, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other biological targets and is being investigated and used in veterinary medicine for potential effects on pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizure disorders, and other conditions. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the characteristic intoxicating effects associated with cannabis.
The goal is to work on the dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) using the broader pain management plan. It does not simply “activate cannabinoid receptors.” Its pharmacology is complex and involves multiple receptors and molecular targets. Current evidence suggest cannabinoids may help reduce pain and improved quality of life in some dogs with osteoarthritis.
Unlike THC (marijuana dominant) — the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis and often intoxication in dogs — CBD (hemp dominant) is much safer in dogs. That has made CBD an interesting potential addition to the treatment of canine osteoarthritis.
Using cannabinoids for osteoarthritis in dogs
Osteoarthritis in dogs is a chronic condition involving the degradation of joint cartilage, typically caused by poorly developed or unstable joints. For most dogs with chronic pain from osteoarthritis, cannabinoids may be most effective when used as an individualized part of dog’s multimodal OA management:
CBD as the primary cannabinoid, supported by the strongest evidence.
CBD + CBDA for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
Addition of CBG when inflammation or neuropathic pain is a significant component.
Very low-dose THC, only when prescribed and closely monitored by a veterinarian with expertise in cannabinoid medicine.
Incorporate cannabis into a broader multimodal pain management plan that includes weight management, exercise, rehabilitation, environmental modifications, and conventional analgesics when indicated.
What does the research show?
Several controlled clinical trials have now investigated CBD in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.
In one randomized, placebo-controlled Cornell University study, dogs receiving CBD twice daily showed improvements in veterinary pain assessments and owner-reported activity compared with placebo.
Another randomized, double-blinded study found decreased pain and improved mobility in dogs receiving certain CBD formulations.
But the results haven’t been universally encouraging. A separate placebo-controlled study of 23 dogs found no significant improvement in objective gait analysis, activity or owner-assessed outcomes with CBD. Some elevations in liver enzymes were also observed in a number of dogs.
More recent studies have also investigated cannabis extracts containing multiple cannabinoids. A 2025 placebo-controlled study of dogs with severe osteoarthritis found reduced owner-assessed chronic pain after 30 days of treatment with a cannabinoid-based phytocomplex, along with changes in several markers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the study was small, and research into these multi-cannabinoid formulations is still emerging.
Potential benefits of CBD
So CBD isn’t a miracle treatment. But neither is it simply an unproven wellness trend.
Potential benefits of CBD in dogs with pain from osteoarthritis include:
- improved mobility
- increased activity
- reduction in chronic pain
- greater willingness to climb stairs
- easier rising from rest
- improved comfort
- enhanced quality of life
In fact, a Health Canada scientific advisory committee concluded that, unlike with other conditions, there is sufficient evidence of CBD efficacy in dogs with pain from osteoarthritis to support its potential use.
Multimodal approach
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, complex condition, and there is rarely one treatment that solves everything. CBD is better considered as one possible component of a multimodal osteoarthritis management plan, which may also include:
- maintaining a healthy body weight
- appropriate regular exercise
- rehabilitation and strengthening
- modifications to the home environment
- veterinary-prescribed pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- other evidence-supported treatments appropriate for the individual dog
The goal isn’t simply to make a dog hurt less. It’s to preserve comfortable movement, function and quality of life. For dogs that love walking, hiking and exploring with us, maintaining that mobility can make an enormous difference.
Choosing a CBD product
A word of caution about cannabis products. Despite the growing number of CBD products marketed for pets, there are currently no Health Canada-authorized veterinary regulated products containing cannabis, including CBD. Health Canada is actively exploring a regulatory pathway for veterinary CBD products, specifically including products intended for osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
Products sold online or in pet stores therefore shouldn’t automatically be assumed to have been evaluated similar to an approved veterinary drug for efficacy, dose and manufacturing consistency.
Product quality matters. When considering a cannabinoid product with your veterinarian, knowing its actual cannabinoid concentrations and looking for independent laboratory testing or a Certificate of Analysis (COA) can help determine what is actually in the bottle.
And don’t assume that a human cannabis product is appropriate for your dog. THC can cause intoxication in dogs, and formulations intended for people may contain other ingredients that aren’t appropriate for pets.
Talk to your veterinarian first
CBD can have biological effects, adverse effects and potentially interact with other medications. Studies in dogs have also reported changes in liver enzymes during CBD administration. Base line blood work is recommended prior to starting a cannabis product and repeated 3-6 months after starting a cannabis product to monitor liver values.
That’s particularly important because dogs with osteoarthritis are often older and may already be taking medications or have other medical conditions.
Health Canada’s scientific advisory committee therefore recommends that osteoarthritis be diagnosed by a veterinarian and that owners consult their veterinarian before administering CBD.
Stay informed
The Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine (CAVCM):
- Provides evidence-based education for veterinary professionals.
- Develop clinical guidance.
- Supports veterinarians in making informed recommendations.
- Promotes safe and responsible cannabinoid medicine.
- Veterinary Cannabis counselor for supporting vets with clients
- Offers a monthly chat room for members to discuss cases.
The bottom line
CBD is one of the more promising emerging treatments for canine osteoarthritis, but we’re still learning how best to use it.
There is enough scientific evidence to suggest that CBD can improve pain or mobility in some dogs, but questions remain about optimal formulations, dosing, drug interactions and long-term safety.
For now, CBD is best viewed not as a replacement for conventional joint pain treatments, but as one potential tool within a comprehensive plan to keep dogs comfortable, mobile and doing the things they love.
About the author
Tami Packham is a Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Cannabis Guide (VCG) and Veterinary Cannabis Counsellor (VCC) with Veterinary Cannabis Education & Referral Services. She works with pet owners alongside their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate product and dose of cannabis for your dog’s wellbeing. To ask Tami a question or schedule a cannabis counselling session for your dog, please email Tami directly at tjpackham@gmail.com.
References
Health Canada’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Cannabis
Mejia S, Duerr FM, Griffenhagen G, McGrath S. Evaluation of the Effect of Cannabidiol on Naturally Occurring Osteoarthritis-Associated Pain: A Pilot Study in Dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2021 Mar 1;57(2):81-90. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7119. PMID: 33450016.
Amato, R.; Pacifico, E.; Lotito, D.; Iervolino, V.; Pierantoni, L.; Cortese, L.; Musco, N.; Lombardi, P.; Mastellone, V.; Pero, M.E. Effects of a Cannabinoid-Based Phytocomplex (Pain ReliefTM) on Chronic Pain in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Animals 2025, 15, 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010101
Verrico CD, Wesson S, Konduri V, Hofferek CJ, Vazquez-Perez J, Blair E, Dunner K Jr, Salimpour P, Decker WK, Halpert MM. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain. Pain. 2020 Sep 1;161(9):2191-2202. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001896. PMID: 32345916; PMCID: PMC7584779.
Gamble LJ, Boesch JM, Frye CW, Schwark WS, Mann S, Wolfe L, Brown H, Berthelsen ES, Wakshlag JJ. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2018;5:165. doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00165.
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