CBD for Dogs
Benefits, Uses, and Our Recommendations
By Hippie Hounds Grooming • June 12, 2025
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. This blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian before introducing CBD or any new supplement to your dog’s routine. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Laws and regulations surrounding CBD may vary by jurisdiction; readers are responsible for ensuring compliance with their local laws.
Now that THAT’S out of the way …
The use of CBD for dogs has become a very divisive topic amongst pet professionals, veterinarians, and owners. Some claim it to be something like a miracle drug; others say they have never noticed any effects on their dog. There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” way to view CBD, but knowing the science behind it and its potential health benefits when used properly may help to optimize your dog’s health.
Continue reading to arm yourself with knowledge to make an educated decision regarding your furbaby’s health, along with a Hippie Hounds Approved brand that we trust and recommend.
At Hippie Hounds, we have seen wonderful results from CBD usage for dogs, both personally and professionally, and have spoken with many of our customers about the positive effects it’s had on their dogs, too.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. The hemp plant is made up of various compounds falling under the category of “cannabinoids,” most of which have health benefits. When choosing a CBD product for your dog, it is best to select one that is “full spectrum,” meaning other cannabinoids are included in the profile.
CBD may be a great addition to your dog’s health routine.
While most cannabinoids like CBD offer positive effects, there is one cannabinoid, THC, that can have devastating effects if ingested by your dog. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that causes humans to feel “high” after ingesting, but it is highly toxic to dogs. The cannabis that humans consume has much higher levels of THC than its hemp counterpart.
Consuming human-grade cannabis products can cause your dog a range of symptoms, varying from a loss of balance and motor function, loss of bladder control, and tremors, and sometimes can progress to seizures or coma.
The hemp plant is used to create CBD because it has a very low THC percentage (less than 0.3%) and a higher CBD percentage, making it safe for pets to consume. It’s very important to keep any THC products far away from your pet.
Health Benefits of CBD for Dogs
CBD works with your dog’s endocannabinoid system, which is found in all mammals, and interacts through two receptors, CB1 and CB2, that help regulate functions throughout the entire body. This includes sleep, mood, appetite, pain, and the immune system.
CBD is a naturally strong anti-inflammatory that targets many forms of chronic pain, injuries, and illnesses. It might even be a better pain reliever for your dog than NSAIDs or other medications, especially if he suffers from negative side effects.
Many pets with arthritis, cancer, skin allergies, and epilepsy/seizures benefit from the effects CBD has on their endocannabinoid system.
CBD’s natural properties have incredible healing and pain-relieving powers.
It is important to note that CBD must be given regularly as it requires a buildup in the system before full potential can be reached. Most owners report seeing positive reactions within a week to two weeks, but it can take close to a year for it to reach full peak buildup in the body.
Anxiety and Behavior
There are numerous internal benefits to giving your dog CBD, but most people first hear about the anti-anxiety effects it has.
Oftentimes, CBD is recommended for dogs with anxiety or other behavioral problems. Although not many studies have been done, there is growing evidence toward the position that CBD has a positive effect on dogs suffering from anxiety issues.
CBD does not have the same sedative effects as narcotics carry, so it should not be expected to completely dissolve all anxiety. Rather, CBD should be viewed as a holistic tool to be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle, including positive training, appropriate exercise, mind or thinking games, quality food, necessary supplements, and a patient owner.
When the CBD reaches the CB1 and CB2 receptors, the body calms its regulatory system, and the feedback that reaches the brain is different, proven to help keep dogs calmer. Due to the natural anti-inflammatory effects, your dog will benefit from a daily CBD supplement, even if their behavior doesn’t fully change with use.
Pets with anxiety or behavior issues should not be viewed as needing to be medicated and silenced — they need help of all kinds, including proper understanding of what their individual needs are. Sometimes, the right answer is the simplest one, such as stepping up the exercise or beginning fun “thinking” activities, like scent work or treat puzzles.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a debilitating condition for dogs that can be managed with CBD. Evidence suggests that daily CBD supplementation can reduce the painful symptoms that come along with your dog’s arthritis.
CBD cannot cure arthritis, and it’s important to note again that CBD should be viewed as a tool used as part of your dog’s healthy lifestyle. Every dog is different, just as we humans are, and the effects of CBD will vary from pet to pet.
Some owners find a decrease in arthritis pain for several months once starting to treat with CBD, but then the effects slowly stop working. Other parents say that CBD has changed their ailing pet’s life, and they’re able to live with more mobility and less pain.
It is our position that the potential positive effects of CBD are worth discussing with your vet if you think your dog is suffering from arthritis pain.
Allergies
The same anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat arthritis also apply to dogs who suffer from allergies. CBD has been proven to help with a variety of allergies in dogs, including painful skin and internal environmental allergies.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the relaxation of symptoms associated with many allergy issues. The endocannabinoids in CBD interact with the immune system and skin cells in the layers of their skin and help reduce external pathogens and improve healthy skin production.
Receptors in the skin, gastrointestinal, and immune systems absorb the CBD and reduce symptoms by helping to regulate and calm down the inflammatory responses.
Seizures
Seizures are traumatic to witness in dogs and humans. Unfortunately, many dogs are resistant to traditional treatments and continue to have seizures despite strong medicines being in their system. One of the most accepted usages of CBD is treating dogs with seizures and epilepsy.
The same CB1 receptors keep the body in homeostasis, while the seizure fights to pull it out. Damage prevention can also occur, keeping the brain protected during a seizure event.
Roughly 30% of dogs are drug-resistant to medicine, but using CBD can help support them.
Side Effects of CBD for Dogs
The most common side effect of CBD in dogs is gastrointestinal distress. Sometimes, the factor that causes this is the method of delivery of CBD. Chews and tinctures can have varying oils and processed ingredients to which some pets might be sensitive. It’s important to know what reactions your dog has to certain foods and read through the ingredients carefully on any products you use.
Keep track of your dog’s mood, energy level, and temperment while using CBD.
Every dog is different! If your dog is given a heavy dose of CBD, there can be more sedative-like effects once it’s built up in the system. Occasionally, lethargy may occur.
It is very important to monitor your dog closely when first starting the use of CBD. Look for any signs of change in their activity levels, gastrointestinal system, food or water intake, and behavioral shifts — not just in case of negative side effects, but also for signs of healing and improvement.
Keeping a journal or notes on your phone of dosing and then your pet’s reaction an hour or two later is a good idea to continue giving them the proper dose.
How to Choose the Right CBD Brand
It’s very important to make sure you’re choosing the right CBD for your dog, as the hemp plant will absorb any contaminants or pesticides up into its roots and affect the purity of the product. The safest bet is to choose a company that has a USDA Organic certification listed on its label.
Third-party testing is another factor when choosing the right CBD. A trustworthy company will gladly list its third-party testing results or have them available upon request. They should readily offer a certificate of analysis for every product they make.
As mentioned earlier, full-spectrum products will have additional compounds to improve your pet’s health. These are also less refined and processed — CBD extract alone takes much more processing.
Verify that the other added ingredients in your dog’s CBD are organic, all natural, and agree with your pet’s system.
Hippie Hounds Approved
We have used Suzie’s CBD treats since 2018 for our personal pets. We were impressed with the knowledge and the presentation of the products when the team first visited Hippie Hounds many years ago. Their company has since grown to new heights, and the number of products they offer caters to all types of dogs — plus cats and horses, too!.
Suzie’s Treats focuses on purity, transparency, giving back, and delivering a premium product that is USDA-certified organic and third-party tested.
Learn more about Suzie’s CBD Treats at www.suziespettreats.com.
We had a 17-year-old poodle named Duchess who we only had to treat with Suzie’s CBD. We believe she lived healthier and longer, thanks to this wonderful company.
The Tail End
In conclusion, always speak with your vet first before starting any CBD treatments. Still, with so few side effects and such potentially impactful health benefits, CBD should be considered heavily when researching ways to improve your pet’s health.
As dog owners, it’s critical we do our best to discover what’s right for our pups. We are their caretakers, and they solely depend on us to improve their condition. If something that is naturally occurring in a plant can give your dog a better quality of life, why not try it?
From protecting the brain during seizures to assisting your dog in feeling calmer, we believe that the benefits of CBD improve many dogs’ lives, and it could help yours too.