Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My senior dog has pain. Can CBD help, or what are safe relief options?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 20 years old | 10 lbs

Hi, my dog Zoe is very old, 20, which by shih-tzu standards is ancient. We know that she's in her last days, but we can't reach a vet or pay for someone to come out her to rest. We're doing everything in our power to make her comfortable, and we know she has arthritic pains. We're considering CBD oil to help alleviate that and are open to advice, recommendations and suggestions for other forms of pain relief. We know we can't save her, and we don't want to prolong any suffering, only comfort.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2020

As of yet, we have very little research on CBD oil in veterinary patients, so we cannot make any recommendations one way or the other about this product - we do not know what an appropriate dose might be, and if there are any potential health concerns or drug interactions in dogs. In addition, because it's a schedule 1 drug, it's illegal for us to prescribe or recommend. You do need to have Zoe seen by a vet to see if there is anything that can be given to her to make her more comfortable. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/
http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 5th, 2018

    Before trying CBD I would suggest to have her checked and treated with more conventional (and reliable in terms of efficacy) pain relief medication (anti-inflammatories, opioids and many other options are available).
    The tumor needs to be ideally assessed by your veterinarian to have a definitive and specific answer. Usually there are two ways your vet can do that a part from examining it directly during physical examination. A biopsy can be taken under local or general anesthetic, otherwise a smaller sample through a fine needle can be aspirated (this technique is called FNA= fine needle aspiration).
    Differentials include skin cysts, infections, benign or more sinister type of tumors.
    Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Is CBD safe for my 12-year-old Boston Terrier's joint pain?
As of yet, we have very little research on CBD oil in veterinary patients, so we cannot make any recommendations one way or the other about this product - we do not know what an appropriate dose might be, and if there are any potential health concerns or drug interactions in dogs. It's also illegal for vets to recommend using it because it's a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Sorry I can't offer a perspective!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Considering CBD for my senior dog's arthritis and joint pain?
Just like with human medicine, there is much to be studied when it comes to CBD treatment in dogs, so the answer is actually unknown. The product you have shown is not considered a CBD supplement as it just contains hemp seeds, which do not have the CBD's like marijuana flowers do. I see that this product also has omega 3/6 fatty acids which may be helpful. However, I wouldn't expect this product to be very helpful. It appears safe though, so you can give it and see if you notice any difference. If you finish the bottle and haven't noticed any benefit, then I wouldn't buy anymore. While supplements may be a helpful adjunct, the best products for arthritis are the ones your veterinarian can prescribe. If they Eschele is having a lot of difficulties with arthritis, then it's best to have your vet evaluate her and prescribe the necessary treatment if this hasn't been done already. I hope that helps and she feels better soon.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My senior lab's leg hurts. Can I give CBD oil before the vet?
Rest Hershey. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Be careful with the CBD oil. As of yet, we have very little research on CBD oil in veterinary patients, so we do not know what an appropriate dose might be, and if there are any potential health concerns or drug interactions in dogs. Definitely have him seen by a vet on Monday.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Is CBD oil safe for my senior dog with old age health issues?
We just don’t have much data on CBD oil and safety in pets right now. All I can say is use it cautiously if you desire and choose a product marketed for pets. If you see any abnormal symptoms at all take Cafe to the vet for evaluation. I would also discuss her old dog issues with the vet to make sure she is on any necessary medications or supplements.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Is holistic care or CBD safe for my dog's pain and anxiety?
CBD oil is very popular right now for dogs and people and there is some evidence that it could act as an anti-inflammatory and help with conditions like arthritis. There is not currently much research into it, so it’s difficult to know how effective it is and what the side effects may be. It is in a legal gray zone for pets and is technically still considered illegal at the federal level so veterinarians are not legally allowed to recommend or prescribe it.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Dog with hind leg weakness: home care, pain relief, and vet bill help?
Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. Sorry to hear that Khan is having this issue. No, there isn't really anything else you can give him. CBD has not been studied enough in dogs to know the effective dose or if it will interact with other medications he is taking. I would not recommend that. What may be helpful is acupuncture. You should look into that. ( http://www.healingpawsri.com/ ) You can check this website to see if you can get any assistance with vet bills. ( https://www.dogingtonpost.com/need-help-with-vet-bills-or-pet-food-there-are-resources-available/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Is CBD oil safe for senior dogs with hip pain and liver concerns?
Hello, sorry to hear about Odie. There are other pain medications out there that will not damage the liver and these can be tried on Odie if you feel like he is still very uncomfortable. CBD oil has many believed benefits, but none that have been proven and there is no published data currently on the benefits of CBD oil in dogs. However, this does not mean you cannot try it and see if Odie is more comfortable on this. Before trying it however, you should consult with your veterinarian to make sure that Odie can have this medication. Hope this helps and best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsDog Pain Medicine & ReliefDog FoodDog Health & WellnessDog Hemp & Full Spectrum Hemp ProductsDog Medicine and PrescriptionsPain Meds & Arthritis Relief for CatsDog Anxiety MedicationDog Treats & ChewsDog Blood Pressure MedicationDog Vitamins & SupplementsDog Seizure MedicationDog Hip & Joint SupplementsPrescription Horse Pain Relief & Arthritis MedicationDog Pill CapsulesDog Calming Aids and SupplementsDog Thyroid Medication & Hormone CarePet PharmacyPrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationHeartworm Medicine for Dogs
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button