Does your pet have chronic pain / osteoarthritis? Check out Science and Data with CBD - Part III: Pet Wellness with CBD

CBD for Chronic Pain

CBD for chronic pain and arthritis in dogs

Chronic pain is another primary reason why owners seek out CBD. In particular, canine osteoarthritis (OA) – a degenerative joint condition that causes pain and stiffness – is very common in senior and certain breeds of dogs, affecting their mobility and quality of life. Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often help, but not all dogs tolerate or respond well to them, and owners sometimes seek more "natural" alternatives. Here, CBD has gained prominence due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Clinical studies in dogs with arthritis so far are limited but encouraging. A trial conducted by researchers at Cornell University (published in 2018) was one of the first to validate the efficacy of CBD for joint pain in dogs . In this crossover study, 22 dogs with osteoarthritis received CBD oil (2 mg/kg every 12 hours) for 4 weeks and, in another period, a placebo, with their pain and activity evaluated using clinical scales. The results showed significant improvements during CBD treatment: according to veterinary and owner assessments, dogs experienced less pain and greater mobility compared to when they received a placebo . Specifically, the canine pain index decreased and activity scores increased, indicating that CBD helped them to be more comfortable and active in their daily lives . Importantly, no behavioral side effects or alterations in blood parameters were observed except for a slight increase in the liver enzyme ALP (alkaline phosphatase) without signs of liver damage . This suggests that the dose used was well tolerated by the dogs.

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Similar findings came from a 2020 study in the journal Pain, conducted by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine . There, 20 dogs with arthritis were treated for 4 weeks with CBD in different formulations (including a liposomal formula to improve absorption) or with a placebo. At the end, dogs that received CBD showed pain reduction and improved mobility in a dose-dependent manner, according to veterinary gait evaluations and owner surveys . It was even observed that a special CBD formulation (liposomal, 20 mg daily) achieved effects comparable to a higher dose of conventional CBD (50 mg daily) , highlighting the importance of absorption. No dogs presented relevant clinical problems due to CBD in those 4 weeks; blood and urine tests showed no worrying alterations . This work not only confirmed the safety and therapeutic potential of CBD for arthritic pain in dogs, but also scientifically verified why it works: previous experiments in cells and murine models demonstrated that CBD reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF-α) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), modulating the immune response associated with arthritis . That is, CBD acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, halting mediators that worsen joint pain.

Thanks to these studies, we now have initial scientific evidence that CBD can alleviate chronic pain in pets, especially in cases of canine osteoarthritis. Treated dogs usually experience less lameness, more willingness to move, and greater general well-being . Some integrative veterinarians have also reported benefits in chronic pain from other causes (e.g., neuropathic pain or cancer-related pain), although these specific scenarios have not yet been rigorously studied.

What about cats with pain? Although cats also suffer from osteoarthritis as they age, unfortunately, we do not have published clinical trials in felines to date. However, there are anecdotal reports from owners and some veterinarians indicating improvements in the activity of arthritic cats when given low doses of CBD. Given that the mechanisms of pain and inflammation are similar, it is plausible that CBD helps, but formal studies in the feline population are needed. In practice, a veterinarian should always be consulted to adjust the dose in cats, as their metabolism differs (as we will see in the differences section).

In summary, for the management of chronic pain, CBD emerges as a promising supplement that can complement conventional treatments. Its anti-inflammatory action on the endocannabinoid system and other pathways (e.g., modulation of TRPV1 vanilloid receptors related to nociception) contributes to reducing the sensation of pain and improving the quality of life of geriatric pets or those with painful diseases . Of course, it is not a panacea: not all animals respond equally and some may also require traditional medications, physical therapy, or other interventions for optimal relief. Nevertheless, CBD expands the range of available options, offering relief without the gastrointestinal side effects sometimes caused by NSAIDs.

Osteoarthritis affects up to 20% of senior dogs

Osteoarthritis affects up to 20% of senior dogs. CBD modulates TRPV1 and reduces cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), decreasing both pain perception and joint inflammation. In the Cornell 2018 trial, 22 dogs received 2 mg/kg every 12 hours; after 4 weeks, the CBPI-Pain dropped from 21 → 14, while with placebo it increased from 17 → 19 (Graph 3).

Graph 3 shown above: "Canine Osteoarthritis: pain at 4 weeks"

Other key points:

• Improved Hudson mobility score (+13 points).

• No clinical side effects; only reversible increase in ALP.

• Baylor 2020 trial confirmed dose-dependent results and showed that liposomal formulations achieve the same efficacy with fewer mg/day.

Feline Applications

While no RCTs yet exist, integrative veterinarians observe that 1–2 mg/kg BID in older cats with osteoarthritis improves jumping and grooming. Efficacy appears lower than in dogs, possibly due to lower oral bioavailability (see Part 5).

[Reminder] The endocannabinoid system in dogs and cats

To understand how CBD helps pets, we must first learn about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which exists in all mammals, including dogs and cats. The ECS is a biological signaling network present in the body that helps maintain homeostasis (internal balance) by regulating processes such as mood, pain, appetite, and immune response . It is composed of cannabinoid receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoid molecules produced by the body itself, and enzymes that synthesize and degrade these molecules.

• CB1 Receptors: Primarily found in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and to a lesser extent in peripheral organs. In dogs, for example, there are abundant CB1 receptors in brain regions such as the cerebellum and brainstem . These receptors modulate the release of neurotransmitters, influencing functions such as pain perception and stress response.

• CB2 Receptors: Primarily located in immune system cells (spleen, tonsils, intestine, etc.) . Their activation is related to the control of inflammation and immune response.

CBD does not bind directly to these receptors as THC does, but interacts more indirectly and modulatory with the ECS in several ways. Biochemical studies show that CBD is a non-competitive allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor and an inverse agonist of CB2 , which in simple terms means it can attenuate excessive activity of both receptors and help "balance" the system. Additionally, CBD influences other relevant molecular components: for example, it inhibits the FAAH enzyme that degrades the endocannabinoid anandamide, increasing the levels of this molecule in the body . It has also been shown to activate other important non-cannabinoid receptors, such as serotonin 5-HT1A receptors (related to anxiety and mood) and TRPV1 receptors (involved in pain signaling and seizure control) . It even acts on nuclear receptors like PPAR-gamma, linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects . Thanks to this "multi-target action," CBD can influence various physiological systems at once, from the central nervous system to the immune and gastrointestinal systems.

Bibliography – Part 3

1. Gamble L-J et al. Front Vet Sci. 2018

2. Compton R et al. Pain 2020

3. Baylor Study – Arthritic Pain (2020): CBD for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain. Placebo-controlled trial showing pain reduction and improved mobility with CBD, as well as evidence of anti-inflammatory properties (reduction of IL-6, TNF-α and increase in IL-10) .

4. CSU Study – Epilepsy (2019): CBD in addition to antiepileptic treatment in dogs with epilepsy. Reported ~33% fewer seizures on average in dogs treated with CBD vs placebo, suggesting modest anticonvulsant efficacy .

5. JVIM Study – Refractory Epilepsy (2023): Adjunct CBD in 51 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. At a dose of 9 mg/kg, it significantly reduced seizure frequency and seizure days compared to placebo (24% reduction) . Recommends monitoring liver enzymes for safety.

6. Dermatological Case (2022): CBD for canine atopic dermatitis. Series of 8 cases where supplementation with CBD oil twice daily reduced pruritus and improved lesions in dogs with atopic dermatitis, with no adverse events .