How CBD Oil Helped My Dog With CCD

I’ve cared for two dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), also known as doggy dementia.  With my first dog with CCD, I knew very little about the disease or how to manage it, and the general veterinarians I consulted weren’t well-versed in this area.  When my second dog, Bonnie, began showing severe CCD symptoms, veterinarians recommended medications like Trazodone or Gabapentin.  Unfortunately, these caused negative side effects, heavily sedating her or completely knocking her out.  They also suggested supplements like melatonin and Senilife, which had no noticeable effect.  

I remember the day I called Lap of Love to discuss saying goodbye to Bonnie.  Then it occurred to me to consult a holistic veterinarian.  That vet recommended CBD oil, and it made a remarkable difference- Bonnie’s symptoms subsided, and I was gifted another precious year with her.  Bonnie passed away in June 2024, and I promised her I’d do everything I could to help other pet parents facing CCD.

This page is not an advertisement and I do not profit from CBD oil. I am only sharing my personal experience of how it helped Bonnie, along with the information I wish I had known when I was facing CCD with my first dog. 

I’m not an expert, and I can’t promise that CBD oil will work the same way for your dog as it did for Bonnie.  I can only share what I’ve learned from my experience, including how to identify reputable CBD brands and how to administer the oil.  I’ll provide links to the brand I used, as well as some others, so you can make an informed choice.  If you scroll to the bottom of the page, I've also included some general CCD resources.  

Before starting CBD oil, consult your veterinarian to ensure it won’t interact with any supplements or medications your dog is taking.  CBD oil is not appropriate for every dog.

Some things to look for when choosing a brand of CBD oil:

• NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) certified. (More info on this below under Brands.)

• Full-spectrum (avoid broad or isolate) with no additives other than a carrier oil such as MCT oil.

• Lab results from 3rd party testing shared on their website.

• A veterinarian on staff.

This website has a lot of great information with more things to look for when choosing a brand and about CBD oil in general: Best Friends Pet Care

Giving and dosing the oil:

I was advised to give the oil with food or treats rather than dropping it directly into my dog’s mouth or rubbing it on her gums.  Administering it with food not only improves efficacy but is also gentler on the stomach.  I was also told to give it daily, every 8 hours. CBD oil is typically given to dogs every 8–12 hours to maintain consistent levels in their system. Because CBD has a short half-life, once-daily dosing may lead to a drop in effectiveness before the next dose. More frequent dosing helps ensure steady relief throughout the day. 

CBD oil dosing can vary quite a bit depending on the brand, because formulas and concentrations can be so different. Always follow the specific company’s instructions and don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions. 

If the oil has a sedative effect, the dose is likely too high.  If there is no effect, the dose may be too low.  It took about a week or two working with my vet to find the correct dose, and another week or so to notice improvement in Bonnie's CCD symptoms.

It’s important to note that dogs do not get 'stoned' from CBD oil.  The THC content is minimal- less than 0.3% in the US and even less in other countries.

Brands

 (Please note these links are NOT affiliate links, and I receive no benefit from sharing these brands.)

In learning more about veterinary cannabis, I’ve found NASC certification to be a helpful sign of quality and safety. When experts with credentials like DVM, PhD, or board certifications in Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology emphasize the same, it reinforces the importance. Because of this, I generally focus on U.S. brands that are NASC certified, with Daily Dose being the one exception. Note: Not being NASC certified doesn’t automatically mean a brand is low quality, but the certification can give extra transparency and peace of mind. 

U.S. brands:

Daily Dose This is the oil I used for Bonnie, recommended by her holistic veterinarian. It’s a full-spectrum oil containing both CBD and CBG. The concentration of CBD is on the lower side, so it may not be the best option for a medium or large breed dog.  

I made a YouTube video about how this oil helped Bonnie, which is linked on this page. 

ElleVet Sciences This brand is reputable, well-known and NASC certified.  It was recommended to me by a veterinary neurologist for my one dog with seizures.  This oil contains CBD and CBDA. (I am currently using this brand for my one dog's arthritis, and so far, so good.)

Charlotte's Web This is another reputable, NASC certified brand recommended to me by the veterinary neurologist.  

Other brands in the U.S. that are NASC certified and offer full-spectrum oil: 

Canna Companion,  Pet Releaf,  Chill Paws,  VetCBD,  Honest Paws 

Canada brands:

Creating Brighter Days,  Plant of Life

U.K. brands:

Simply CBD,  BioMed

Ireland brand:

Hemp Heros

Australia brand:

Down to Earth

A note on pricing:

When it comes to CBD oil, price per mg is a helpful starting point, but it’s not the whole story. You also want to consider what kind of CBD it is, how it’s made, and whether it’s been tested specifically for dogs. Not all CBD works the same. Some formulas use just CBD, while others include CBDA or a full range of plant compounds that may help in different ways.

For example, Daily Dose includes CBG, which studies show has neuroprotective properties and may benefit dogs with CCD. ElleVet includes CBDA, which research shows has strong anti-inflammatory effects, making it helpful for dogs with arthritis. While CBD alone offers benefits, sometimes the added effects from other cannabinoids make a difference worth paying for.

More CBD isn’t always better if it’s not the right type or formula for your dog’s needs. A lower milligram product that is well made and backed by veterinary studies can sometimes be more effective than a high milligram oil that isn’t targeted or well absorbed.