According to a poll done in 2021 by the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, 51% of dog owners are giving their dogs CBD products. Since CBD doesn't include THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, it will not get your dog high, but it could benefit dogs with painful ailments or help older dogs feel more energetic. 

It is obvious that dog owners consider CBD to be a suitable option for pets experiencing mental or physical discomfort, given the large number of people who provide CBD to their dogs. But, the question remains, is it completely safe to provide it to your dog on a long-term, daily basis?

There is currently only a small amount of research being published for further study, despite the benefits of CBD being documented for both people and dogs. That’s why the research recently published by Mars Petcare outlining the safety of long-term CBD use in pets is critical.

The Mars Petcare Study Testing a Higher CBD Dosage for Dogs

The results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded trial testing the tolerance of daily broad-spectrum, THC-free CBD consumption in healthy adult dogs over a six-month period were released by Mars Petcare in September 2022.

The Waltham Petcare Science Institute conducted the research, which was then published in the scientific journal, Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Researchers analyzed the tolerance of a daily dose of broad-spectrum CBD to determine how it affects healthy adult dogs. Over a six-month period, plasma, urine, and feces were examined to evaluate the dogs' health.

Sample Size

The sample size was small, which can lead to bias in the research. A larger sample size would be recommended for the most accurate results. There were 40 healthy adult dogs involved in this long-term study. They were all different breeds; 17 Labrador Retrievers, 15 Norfolk Terriers, and 8 Beagles. 

Study Methods

These dogs were divided evenly into two groups; placebo and test. The placebo group didn’t receive any CBD and served as the control for the study. The test group received CBD each day, according to each individual’s body weight. Every dog had a monthly veterinary exam, observation twice per day (once in the morning and once in the evening), and a quality of life survey on a daily basis. 

Dogs were housed in pairs in kennels in a temperature-controlled environment with routine sleeping patterns. They had access to other dogs during socialization periods and exercised throughout the day. 

Measures were taken to minimize stress on the dogs during the research study, including monitoring behavior before, during, and after each test.

All dogs were fed the same diet, twice per day. The amount of food provided to each dog was based on their energy requirements and body condition score. 

Results Support Daily Use of CBD for Dog Health

The results of the study showed dogs handled long-term CBD use well. There were no adverse effects noted by the veterinary exams. The quality of life survey found healthy dogs were not negatively impacted by daily CBD use. 

Other recent research has focused on the short-term safety of CBD in dogs with low levels of CBD. This study tested a greater CBD dose for dogs for a longer period of time, providing dog lovers a sense of comfort when using CBD as a long-term dog health supplement.

What This Means for Using Daily CBD Chews for Dogs

If you are providing your dog daily CBD for pain, inflammation, joint health, or another condition, you can rest easy knowing there is additional research showing no adverse effects for long-term use. 

To answer the original question, yes, CBD is completely safe for dogs. 

Unlike NSAIDs, CBD has been shown to be beneficial without causing damage to body systems. Instead, it has been shown to improve your dog’s overall health and well-being in addition to addressing the root of the problem.

CBD chews for dogs, like Canine Cush, that offer relief from joint issues and support joint health and maintenance can be provided on a daily basis without negative consequences. Providing these CBD “treats” for dogs for 2-4 weeks can show significant differences in your pup. If you haven’t tried CBD for your furry friend, grab a bag of Canine Cush and begin offering the CBD treat daily. 

Read More:

Long-term Daily Feeding of Cannabidiol is Well-Tolerated by Healthy Dogs

CBD Use in Dogs: Survey Results