CBD for Dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)

I’ve cared for two dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), also known as dog 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 dog dementia 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. Before making that decision, I consulted a holistic veterinarian.  That vet recommended CBD oil, and it made a remarkable difference. Bonnie’s symptoms improved dramatically, 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 don't receive compensation for recommending CBD oil. I'm simply sharing my personal experience, along with the information I wish I'd had while caring for my first dog with CCD. 

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.  

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This page is for general educational purposes and reflects my personal experience with my own dog. It is not veterinary advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat a dog or determine a product, dose or dosing schedule. CBD has not been approved by the FDA for use in animals and may cause side effects, affect liver enzymes or interact with medications and supplements. Consult your veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog. Individual results vary, and Senior Dogs Rock cannot guarantee the safety, quality or effectiveness of any product mentioned on this page. 

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

My experience with administration and dosing:

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 can make it  gentler on the stomach.  I was also advised to give the oil daily, every 8 hours. CBD oil is commonly given to dogs every 8–12 hours because regular dosing helps maintain more consistent levels in the dog’s system. Once-daily dosing may allow those levels to drop before the next dose. The appropriate schedule can vary depending on the individual dog and product, so it should be discussed with a veterinarian. 

CBD oil dosing can vary quite a bit between brands because formulas and concentrations can be so different. Follow the specific product’s instructions and consult your veterinarian with any questions about the appropriate amount for your dog. 

The goal of using CBD for CCD is not to sedate your dog. Although some dogs may experience drowsiness, heavy sedation should not be considered a sign that the product is working. If your dog experiences significant sleepiness, sedation or any other concerning reaction, contact your veterinarian before giving another dose or making any dosage changes. A lack of improvement does not necessarily mean that the dose should be increased. It took about a week or two of working with my veterinarian to find the appropriate dose for Bonnie, followed by another week or so before I noticed an improvement in her CCD symptoms. 

It’s important to note that CBD itself does not make dogs “stoned” in the way THC can. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains only trace amounts of THC, although the exact amount can vary between products. 

Brands

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

In learning more about veterinary cannabis, I’ve found the NASC Quality Seal to be a helpful sign of a company’s commitment to quality-control practices. Companies that earn the seal must meet specific quality standards and pass an independent audit. Veterinary professionals with credentials including DVM, PhD and board certifications in Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology have also emphasized the importance of looking for this seal. Because of this, I generally focus on U.S. brands that have earned the NASC Quality Seal. Not having the seal does not automatically mean a brand is low quality, but the seal can provide additional transparency and peace of mind. 

United States:

Daily Dose was the oil I used for Bonnie, recommended by her holistic veterinarian. It was a full-spectrum oil containing both CBD and CBG. It's currently unavailable, but I will update if that changes. I'm in the process of researching similar CBD/CBG alternatives and hope to add those soon. 

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 one of my dogs with seizures.  This oil contains CBD and CBDA. I’m currently using it for arthritis in one of my other dogs, and it has made a noticeable difference. 

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 

California Residents: CBD laws changed in 2026, and some full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products for pets may no longer be available for purchase or shipment within the state. For more information, please see the California Department of Public Health's AB 8 FAQ.

Canada:

Creating Brighter Days,  Plant of Life

United Kingdom: 

(CBD products can't legally be marketed for use in pets in the U.K., so you won't find dosing information for dogs on their websites. Consult a veterinarian before giving any CBD product to a dog and carefully review the ingredients for substances that are unsafe for dogs, including xylitol and certain essential oils.)

Simply CBD,  BioMed

Ireland:

Hemp Heros

Australia:

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 included CBG, which research suggests has neuroprotective properties and may benefit dogs with CCD. ElleVet includes CBDA, which research suggests has strong anti-inflammatory properties that may be helpful for dogs with arthritis. Research into these cannabinoids is still developing. While CBD alone may offer benefits, sometimes the added effects of other cannabinoids may make a difference worth paying for.  

More CBD isn’t always better. A higher milligram amount does not automatically mean that a product will be more effective or appropriate for a particular dog. Product quality, formulation, absorption and the dog’s individual needs should also be considered.