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Is this something veterinarians are actually studying?
Is there real research behind it?
Is it safe for long-term use?
Over the past decade, veterinary CBD research has moved from anecdotal reporting to structured, peer-reviewed clinical trials.
Since 2018, universities have published controlled studies examining cannabidiol’s role in canine epilepsy, osteoarthritis, pharmacokinetics, safety and long-term tolerability.
So what does the current evidence, as of 2026, actually show?
CBD should be approached with the same clinical rigour as any adjunct therapy.
In dogs presenting with chronic conditions such as epilepsy or osteoarthritis, any additional intervention must be supported by evidence, appropriate dosing frameworks, and ongoing monitoring.
The objective is not adoption based on demand but informed integration based on data.
Epilepsy remains one of the most evidence-studied areas of veterinary CBD research to date. One of the most referenced clinical trials on CBD for canine epilepsy was published in 2019 and examined cannabidiol as an adjunct therapy for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.
In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, dogs receiving CBD alongside their usual anti-epileptic drugs showed a statistically significant reduction in seizure frequency compared with placebo, and plasma CBD levels were correlated with seizure reduction.
In one 2023 study, higher oral doses of CBD were associated with fewer seizure days compared with placebo, though liver enzyme monitoring was recommended due to increases observed with treatment.
These studies suggest CBD may act as supportive therapy in canine epilepsy when used alongside conventional anti-seizure medications. It’s important to note:
Osteoarthritis is another area where controlled trials have examined CBD’s effects.
In a 2018 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, dogs with osteoarthritis treated with CBD oil showed improvements in comfort and activity scores compared with placebo, and pharmacokinetic data suggested CBD was generally well tolerated.
Another randomized veterinary study indicated that higher daily doses of CBD or liposome-encapsulated CBD led to owner- and vet-reported quality-of-life improvements over 30 days.
Systematic reviews summarizing multiple canine studies have found that while CBD appears safe and may reduce pain scores, the overall certainty of evidence remains low and more high-quality trials are needed to confirm clinical efficacy.
Research into how CBD interacts with inflammatory pathways and the endocannabinoid system continues, given inflammation’s key role in osteoarthritis.
Early research has begun to examine CBD’s potential role in canine anxiety and stress-related behaviours. Some studies suggest cannabidiol may influence stress response pathways and behavioural indicators, but results are still preliminary, with dosing variability and formulation differences posing challenges.
For dogs with behavioural concerns, CBD should be viewed as one component of a broader strategy, alongside behavioural training, environmental adjustments, and conventional therapies.
When it comes to diabetes, clinical research remains limited.
While scientists recognise the endocannabinoid system plays a role in metabolic regulation and immune signalling, there are currently no large-scale clinical trials demonstrating CBD as a treatment for diabetes in dogs.
CBD does not replace insulin therapy.
Some laboratory research has explored how cannabinoids may influence inflammatory balance and stress pathways relevant to chronic disease, but stronger evidence is still needed before drawing firm conclusions.
Safety remains a primary focus of ongoing research.
Current data suggests CBD is generally well tolerated in dogs when appropriately dosed. However, several important considerations remain:
CBD should be positioned as a complementary therapy within a broader clinical framework – not a standalone intervention.
The evidence base for CBD in veterinary medicine is evolving.
For some patients, CBD may offer an additional layer of support within a multimodal treatment plan that includes conventional therapies, nutrition, mobility strategies, and ongoing assessment.
The goal is not substitution. It is an incremental improvement in comfort, function, and quality of life. As research continues to develop, a cautious, evidence-informed approach remains the most appropriate pathway forward.
If you’re not yet prescribing CBD in your vet practice, visit the CBD Vets Australia website, where you can register and get access to prescription CBD oil for animals via an online prescription system, alongside evidence-informed resources through the Vet Portal.
CBD Vets Australia also supports veterinarians with ongoing education, prescription support, and updates on emerging research – making it easier to confidently integrate cannabinoid therapy into your practice.
To learn more, visit CBD Vets Australia or contact their team at info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au.
This article reflects peer-reviewed veterinary literature available as of early 2026. Research continues to evolve.
Dr Chris Lee is the Veterinary Director of CBD Vets Australia and has practiced as a small animal veterinarian for over 30 years. Dr Lee runs Pet Universe Veterinary Centres and Adelaide Canine Rehabilitation Centre in South Australia alongside an award-winning team with a special interest in pet rehabilitation and regenerative medicines, including advanced pain care techniques. In his practice, Dr Lee has seen first-hand how CBD oil can be used not only for pain control, but also for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and as a mood balancer for animals, and he is excited by its use as an adjunct therapy in veterinary medicine.
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