CBD oil for dogs: Large long-term study examines health and behavior

The market for CBD oil for dogs has been continuously growing for years. Many dog owners report positive experiences with arthritis, pain, anxiety, or age-related ailments. Learn more: How does CBD work in dogs?

But what does the scientific data say? A study published in 2025 by the Dog Aging Project (DAP) now provides exciting insights. The researchers analyzed data from 47,355 dogs and examined which dogs receive CBD, for which conditions it is used, and what long-term effects on behavior can be observed.

What did the Dog Aging Project study investigate?

The Dog Aging Project is one of the largest research projects on the health and aging of dogs worldwide. For the current investigation, the scientists evaluated extensive survey data from dog owners in the USA. The study pursued three central questions:

1. Which dogs receive CBD products?
2. With which conditions is the use of CBD associated?
3. Does the behavior of dogs change with long-term CBD use?

The animals were divided into three groups:

1. regular CBD use
2. occasional CBD use
3. no CBD use

Additionally, the researchers analyzed behavioral data from dogs that consistently received CBD for at least two years.

CBD is mainly used in older dogs

A key result of the study: CBD oil for dogs is used significantly more often in older animals.

The average age was:

• 10.2 years with regular CBD use
• 8.1 years with occasional use
• 7.6 years in dogs without CBD

The researchers suspect that many dog owners specifically use CBD to support age-related complaints. These especially include joint problems, pain, or cognitive changes in old age. Interestingly, other factors such as:

• body weight
• breed
• activity level
• neutering status

played only a minor role.

In which regions is CBD used more frequently?

The study also showed a clear correlation between the use of CBD and the legal situation in the respective US states. In states with legalized medical cannabis, CBD for dogs was used significantly more often. The scientists see this as an indication that the owners' personal attitude towards cannabis products could have an important influence on the decision to use CBD in pets.

For which conditions is CBD used particularly often?

Particularly interesting is the analysis of the health conditions of dogs using CBD. The researchers found seven conditions for which dogs received CBD significantly more often:

1. Arthritis

Arthritis was one of the most common diagnoses among CBD users. Since joint pain significantly impairs the quality of life of many older dogs, numerous owners look for complementary support options.

2. Dementia and cognitive dysfunction

Dogs with age-related memory and orientation problems also received CBD products above average.

3. Epilepsy and seizures

Particularly interesting: For epilepsy in dogs, there are already initial scientific indications of possible positive effects of CBD. The current study confirms that many owners specifically use CBD for this condition.

4. Cancer

Dogs with cancer also received CBD more frequently. However, the researchers point out that the study does not allow any statement about effectiveness in cancer.

5. Hip dysplasia

Chronic pain and movement restrictions could be a reason why many owners of dogs with hip dysplasia turn to CBD.

6. Chronic diarrhea

7. Gastrointestinal diseases

CBD was also used more frequently for gastrointestinal complaints. At the same time, the authors point out that oily supplements can sometimes cause digestive problems themselves.

Long-term changes in behavior

The most exciting part of the study concerns behavioral development over several years. For this analysis, 17,730 dogs were evaluated:

• 331 dogs with at least two years of continuous CBD use
• 17,399 dogs without CBD use

The scientists examined seven different behavioral areas.

Less intense aggression with long-term CBD use

The most important result: Dogs with long-term CBD use showed a stronger decline in aggressive behaviors over time than dogs without CBD. Interestingly, these dogs were even more conspicuous at the beginning of the study:

• higher aggression scores
• stronger reactions to unfamiliar situations
• stronger reactions towards other animals

However, over the years, these behaviors decreased more markedly than in the comparison group.

What does this mean for dog owners?

The researchers emphasize that these results do not prove a cause-effect relationship. Possible explanations include:

• direct effects of CBD
• accompanying behavioral training
• additional medications
• better pain management
• other environmental factors

Nevertheless, the authors see an important starting point here for future clinical studies.

Can CBD help with dog training?

The study authors find the observation particularly interesting because previous controlled studies have already found indications of positive effects of CBD on:

1. stress
2. separation anxiety
3. stressful situations

.

If future studies confirm the results, CBD oil for dogs could play a complementary role in behavior management in the long term. However, it is important: CBD neither replaces professional behavioral therapy nor structured training.

What are the limitations of the study?

Despite its impressive size, the study has some limitations. The data is based on information provided by dog owners. Therefore, the researchers could not precisely capture:

• which CBD products were used
• which dosages were applied
• the actual amount of active ingredient absorbed
• which additional therapies were conducted simultaneously

The results therefore show correlations but do not prove a direct effect of CBD.

High-quality CBD oil for dogs

If you are looking for CBD products for your dog, pay attention to:

• THC-free formulations
• laboratory analyses
• high-quality hemp extracts
• transparent origin

Conclusion: What do we learn from the study?

The current Dog Aging Project study is one of the largest investigations on CBD oil for dogs worldwide. The most important findings:

• CBD is mainly used in older dogs.
• Dogs with arthritis, dementia, epilepsy, cancer, or hip dysplasia particularly often receive CBD products.
• Long-term CBD users showed a stronger decrease in aggressive behaviors.
• The results provide interesting indications but do not prove therapeutic efficacy.
• Further controlled clinical studies are necessary to better assess benefits and risks.

For dog owners, this means: Scientific research on CBD oil for dogs and humans is developing dynamically. The available data suggest potential areas of use, but the evidence for many applications remains limited. Use should therefore always be in consultation with a veterinary expert.

Source:

Demographic features, health status, and behavioral changes associated with cannabidiol use in the Dog Aging Project. Front. Vet. Sci., 28 November 2025, Sec. One Health, Volume 12 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1666663

Images: HANAFSAN, ChatGPT