The Truth About CBD for Pets: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why It Matters
CBD has exploded in popularity—for both people and pets—and we get questions about it often. And for good reason: CBD (cannabidiol) can offer real, science-backed support for certain medical conditions in animals.
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, we’ve done our homework and carefully chosen to offer ElleVet CBD products—one of the few veterinary-formulated CBD brands that’s actually tested, transparent, and trustworthy.
But before you grab that gas station gummy for your anxious lab, let’s dig into the facts.
What Is CBD—and How Does It Work?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. These compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate important processes like:
- Mood
- Pain perception
- Inflammation
- Immune function
- Neurologic activity
All mammals (including dogs and cats) have cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) throughout their body. CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and nervous system. CB2 receptors are located in the immune system, GI tract, and peripheral tissues. CBD interacts with these receptors to modulate inflammation, calm overactive nerves, and support immune balance—without the intoxicating effects associated with THC.
What Can CBD Help With?
Research and clinical use show that CBD may be helpful for:
- Stress and anxiety (thunderstorms, separation, travel, vet visits)
- Arthritis and joint pain (CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory)
- Seizures and neurologic disorders
- Itching and inflammatory skin disease
- Some autoimmune conditions
It’s not a cure-all, but it can be an incredibly valuable tool, especially in pets who need long-term support without side effects common to pharmaceuticals.
But What About THC?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes a “high.” Unlike CBD, THC is toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause:
- Disorientation or stumbling
- Tremors or seizures
- Incontinence
- Vomiting
- Extreme sedation or agitation
- Abnormal heart rate and temperature regulation
This is why you should NEVER give your pet human marijuana products, including edibles, oils, or gummies. What helps your stress might send your dog straight to the ER.
Here’s the Problem: Not All CBD Products Are Created Equal
CBD is currently sold as a supplement, which means it’s not regulated by the FDA. That means:
- No guarantee the product actually contains CBD
- No quality control
- No requirement for purity, dosage accuracy, or safety
- Many cheap products contain little to no active CBD (and sometimes dangerous contaminants)
And because CBD itself is expensive to produce, low-cost internet or gas station products are often more marketing than medicine.
That’s Why We Trust ElleVet
At PetMed of Key West, we only carry ElleVet Sciences CBD products—for good reason.
- Veterinary-formulated and tested in real clinical trials
- Full spectrum hemp—more effective than isolated CBD alone
- Voluntarily regulated, with third-party testing for purity, potency, and safety
- Available in chews, oils, and soft gels to suit your pet’s needs
- Backed by peer-reviewed research and used in major vet hospitals across the country
We’ve seen first-hand how ElleVet helps pets feel better—and we only recommend products we trust enough to use on our own animals.
Is CBD Right for Your Pet?
CBD isn’t for every pet, and it’s not a replacement for all traditional medications—but when used correctly and sourced responsibly, it can be an incredible support for pets dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, neurologic conditions, or inflammation.
Call us at PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque to discuss whether CBD is right for your pet. We’ll help you understand what to use, how to dose it, and how to make sure your furry friend stays safe while feeling their best.