Can dogs safely use CBD? Study insights

Recently, a groundbreaking study has provided compelling evidence that long-term use of CBD products in healthy dogs is indeed safe. This revelation is significant, especially as CBD continues to gain traction among dog owners, both in areas where it is legally prescribed by veterinarians and where it is not.

The national animal supplement council leads the study

This extensive study was spearheaded by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), aiming to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the prolonged effects of CBD on dogs. The study involved 32 healthy beagle dogs, divided into four distinct treatment groups:

• Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil as the control (placebo)
• Broad spectrum cannabidiol (CBD)
• Broad spectrum CBD with cannabigerol (CBG)
• Broad spectrum CBD with cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)

Each group received a daily dose of 5mg/kg for 90 consecutive days, followed by a 14-day recovery period. The findings were quite promising: CBD, CBD + CBG, and CBD + CBDA, at the specified ratios and doses, were well tolerated by the dogs.

Insights from post-market surveillance data

Adding to the robustness of the study, the researchers also analyzed a decade’s worth of post-market surveillance data from the NASC’s Adverse Event Reporting Database (NAERS®). This database tracked the use of hemp-derived supplements in dogs from 2010 to 2023. The data revealed a remarkably low rate of adverse events—2.10 per 1 million administrations—and an even lower rate of serious adverse events—0.01 per 1 million administrations.

Published findings and expert opinions

The findings of this study have been published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. The NASC commented on these results, stating, “Based on the results of this study, other published studies, and data from extensive post-market surveillance, hemp-derived cannabinoids are well tolerated in healthy dogs at a dose of 5mg/kg of body weight per day and do not pose significant risk to dogs in long-term use.”

Consulting veterinary professionals

Despite these encouraging results, it remains essential for dog owners to seek advice from knowledgeable veterinary professionals before administering CBD to their pets. This is particularly important if the dog is already on other medications. Veterinary guidance ensures the safety and well-being of pets while using CBD products.

Personal perspective

From my perspective as a journalist, this study is a significant step forward in understanding the safety of CBD for dogs. The rigorous approach and long-term analysis provide a strong foundation for future research and give pet owners confidence in using CBD responsibly.

However, consulting a veterinary professional remains essential to ensure that the benefits are maximised without compromising the health of our furry friends.