CBD for Pets: Natural Relief for Pain, Anxiety, and Aging

CBD for Pets: Natural Relief for Pain, Anxiety, and Aging
By Michelle Nichols, AHELP Founder

Celebrating Earth Day with My Dog’s Kind of Green - CBD for Pet Health

Over the weekend, in recognition of 4/20, the day that cannabis aficionados celebrate their counterculture, Teddy and I had a little pre-Earth Day celebration of our own. We honored “his kind of green,” the one that’s brought him comfort and wellness since his earliest days with us: CBD for pets.

When we rescued our baby Boston Terrier from a puppy mill, his start was anything but easy. They had allowed him to become infected and came to us suffering from back-to-back —coccidia and giardia in dogs —along with all the unpleasant symptoms you might imagine 💩. But beyond that, his puppy spirit was wounded. He was terrified of men, including my husband Chris, and had trouble adjusting to life in a home filled with love.

But through all that, we discovered something that helped: CBD oil, not as a miracle cure, but as a natural remedy that became part of his healing—emotionally, physically, and behaviorally.

How We Turned to CBD for My Dog Teddy

Eight years ago, CBD wasn’t widely known for pets, and most veterinarians were unfamiliar with its use therapeutically. But we were lucky. Our holistic veterinarian saw Teddy’s case as a whole-body challenge, and they suggested we try CBD oil as a gentle, eco-friendly way to help him recover.

At the time, I knew little about the endocannabinoid system and how it worked. But our vet explained how it plays a role in regulating stress, inflammation, pain, and immune response. Given everything we were facing, I was ready to try anything that would help Mr. Ted feel safe and balanced.

With our vet’s guidance and a plan that included other natural remedies, we started Teddy on a carefully sourced, pet-specific CBD product. It wasn’t instant, but the changes were noticeable—and lasting.

CBD and Pet Caregiver Caution: What You Need to Know First

That said, I’ve helped many families navigate the introduction of CBD, especially during their pet’s decline or end-of-life journey, and I’ve seen how empowering it can be—when it’s used responsibly.

Here are my personal rules of thumb:

• Choose high-quality CBD for pets from a trusted source rather than a generic pet store. Many products are low quality, untested, and may contain unsafe additives.
• Start under veterinary guidance. Holistic vets or those trained in integrative medicine can help you understand dosage, timing, and potential side effects or interactions.
• Use CBD made specifically for pets. Human formulations can contain xylitol or THC—both of which are harmful to animals.

How CBD Helped Our Dog Teddy To Thrive

Once Teddy’s system began to stabilize, our veterinary team helped us taper his CBD dose to an as-needed schedule. We kept it on hand for stressful events or minor flare-ups—and it worked every time.

CBD worked wonders for our little Boston Terrier; he remains healthy to this day! He became more relaxed around strangers, better able to cope with change, and even stopped bouncing on our elderly dog, Bunny. I truly believe that using CBD as part of a natural care plan helped him recover, not just physically, but emotionally from the trauma of his early life.

With his health and behavior under control, he truly blossomed into a happy, integrated member of our family. Mr. Ted has become a treasured family member, a loyal friend, and a solid citizen. Our family can be proud that we rehabbed him from what must have been a horrific puppyhood at the breeding mill. 💕

Photo caption (left to right): My preteen daughter and Teddy's proud mama on his "gotcha date." Zoe Amethyst, at 14 years old, poses with 3-year-old Teddy for holiday photos.

Benefits of CBD for Dogs and Cats

Based on my personal and professional experience as a pet hospice coach, here are some of the most commonly recognized benefits of CBD for dogs and cats:

🐶 1. Anxiety and Behavior Support

CBD has calming effects that can help dogs and cats dealing with:

• Separation anxiety
• Fear of strangers
• Noise sensitivity (e.g., fireworks or thunderstorms)
• Travel or vet visit stress

CBD works by interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, promoting a sense of calm and emotional balance.

😸 2. Pain and Inflammation Relief

CBD can reduce pain associated with:

• Arthritis and joint degeneration
• Chronic inflammatory conditions
• Recovery from injury or surgery

It’s particularly valuable for aging pets, offering comfort without the gastrointestinal upset that can come with NSAIDs or opioids.

🧠 3. Cognitive Support and Nervous System Health

Some pet parents use CBD for:

• Canine cognitive dysfunction (“doggy dementia”)
• Neurological conditions (e.g., seizures)
• Nervous system support in senior pets

Studies are ongoing, but early evidence suggests that CBD may help maintain balance in the nervous system and support neuroprotection.

🛟 4. End-of-Life Comfort and Quality of Life

As a caregiver and coach, this is where I see CBD shine. When pets enter their final weeks or months, their systems become more sensitive. Traditional medications can have harsh side effects or be poorly tolerated, and CBD can come to the rescue.

I have also seen it easing discomfort associated with end-stage disease. I’ve seen the dying process go more smoothly when pets are weaned off heavy medications like prednisone and narcotics and transitioned to natural remedies.

Why do natural remedies and supplements work so well in the end of life? As vitality diminishes, heavy medications can knock them off their feet, and they don’t tolerate the same meds as they formerly did. Interactions with other drugs can be especially hard on their systems and organs (e.g., liver), and they can develop side effects that can worsen their overall condition. Again, I strongly advise you to consult with your veterinarian about this, especially before adjusting any medications or therapies in your care plan.

CBD can:

• Help manage mild to moderate pain
• Improve rest and relaxation
• Ease digestive discomfort and nausea that can come with some cancer therapies
• Reduce agitation

All without heavy sedation or liver strain.

Important: CBD Is Not THC

One of the biggest dangers in this space is confusing CBD and THC. Understand that THC – the active compound in recreational marijuana – is toxic to pets. THC can lead to serious health issues, including vomiting, lethargy, and even seizures. It's crucial to never give your pet products containing THC. Animals have incredibly sensitive noses, and dogs, in particular, use their mouths to investigate. That means keeping marijuana products sealed and safely kept out of reach of your pets.

❌ THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

• Psychoactive compound in marijuana
• Toxic to pets
• Can cause vomiting, disorientation, lethargy, tremors, and seizures

✅ CBD (Cannabidiol)

• Non-psychoactive compound from hemp
• Can safely support pets under veterinary guidance

Make sure your pet’s CBD product:

• Is derived from hemp, not marijuana
• Typically, contains 0.0% or trace amounts of THC - though this may be changing; inquire about formulations if they contain THC
• Is clearly labeled as pet-safe and third-party tested 

Our Trusted Veterinary Partners and Resources

As pet parents, we know that the health and safety of your furry friends are your top priority. If you’re new to CBD or want to learn more from trusted voices, here are two great resources I recommend:

• CBD vs. THC explained by Teddy’s friends at Canna Companion
• The risks and recommendations around Marijuana toxicity in pets –accidental ingestion of recreational marijuana, by AHELP’s friends at Dove Lewis in Portland.

On finding a trusted recommendation

Please talk to your veterinarian about their recommendations for calming your pet’s nervous system and easing pain with natural remedies like CBD. Regulations making it federally illegal make veterinarians reluctant to recommend CBD. Many respectable companies in states that have legalized marijuana make high-quality products that are laboratory grade and offer veterinary consultancy to you as customer support. In this way, they can act as an adjunct to your veterinarian’s care plan. If you want to know more about my personal experience with Teddy and how CBD, feel free to contact me - we can help you find a trusted resource in your area.

Celebrating Earth Day: Going Green for Your Pet’s Health

Earth Day is about choosing a healthier, more sustainable path—for the planet and for ourselves. What better time to consider natural, holistic care for our pets?

In Teddy’s case, CBD helped bridge the gap between medical treatment and emotional healing. It’s a solution that reflects our values: eco-conscious, gentle, compassionate.

Whether your dog or cat is anxious, in pain, or nearing the end of life, CBD might offer relief—but it should always be part of a thoughtful, veterinarian-approved care plan.

Have a CBD Story to Share? Let’s Feature You!

Do you have a story to share about CBD, or products and therapies that have worked for you in your dog’s or cat’s care? Your story might help another caregiver searching for answers. Please share your story!

Contact us and let’s talk about being interviewed by me; you only need to edit the written content. We welcome writers if that’s your preferred style. We will credit you and provide backlinks.

You could be featured:

• In our blog Pet Hospice Tips and Tales on our website
• In my LinkedIn newsletter, Pet Hospice Tips and Tails
• Or anonymously, if you prefer

📬 Contact us here to share your experience!

Final Thoughts: Caregiver-to-Caregiver Pet Advice

I know how overwhelming this can all feel—especially when you're trying to do the right thing during a stressful time.

My advice for your dog or cat?

• Start with your veterinary team for recommendations.
• Do your research to find trusted sources.
• Observe the effects of any remedy or medication you administer and report concerns immediately to your veterinary team.

And if you ever need support navigating these choices, my coaching practice—Partners to the Bridge Animal Hospice Coaching—is here to walk with you.

Let’s go green this Earth Day, in all the right ways—for our pets, our planet, and the legacy of love we build together.

( Blog post banner photo: CBD for Pets: Natural Relief for Pain, Anxiety, and Aging - Teddy fresh from the puppy mill and not feeling so hot! )

About the Author: Michelle Nichols Animal Hospice Coach, Educator, and Nonprofit Leader I'm Michelle, the Founder of AHELP Project. I am dedicated to caring for my pets with love, healthy choices, and trusted providers. I'm grateful to share lessons on life and loss through the AHELP Project. I'm looking forward to connecting with you!