CBD and Krill Oil for Dogs with Arthritis: What the Science Says

As our pets get older, it’s not unusual to see them slow down a little. The playful energy that once filled the room turns into careful steps, longer naps, and gentle sighs as they try to rise from their bed. For many dogs, this gradual change isn’t just ageing - it’s arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis, affects millions of dogs worldwide. It’s a long-term condition that causes stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility, often making even simple movements painful. While conventional treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs can help, they’re not always suitable for long-term use.

That’s why more pet owners are looking toward natural alternatives such as CBD (cannabidiol) and omega-3-rich oils like krill oil. And recently, a team of veterinary researchers from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand set out to explore whether these two natural ingredients might work better together.

Their findings offer a glimpse into how CBD for dogs with arthritis, when paired with krill oil, could become a gentle and promising addition to traditional care.

Understanding Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis in dogs - particularly osteoarthritis - is a degenerative joint condition that causes the cartilage between bones to break down over time. Without this smooth cushioning, bones rub against each other, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

The condition can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes, though it’s more common in larger breeds or older pets. Typical signs include:

• Limping or difficulty standing up after rest

• Reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs

• Visible stiffness, especially in the morning

• A change in behaviour, such as irritability or reduced playfulness

While there’s no cure for arthritis, managing pain and inflammation early on can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Traditionally, vets prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help control symptoms. But as many owners know, long-term use can sometimes cause unwanted side effects, particularly for the stomach, kidneys, or liver. This has opened the door to research on natural, plant-based compounds that may support joint health in a gentler way.

CBD and Krill Oil: A Natural Duo for Joint Health

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp - a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike THC, it’s non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t cause a “high.” Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network that helps regulate balance in many functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, and the body’s response to pain and inflammation.

In animals, just like in humans, the ECS plays a key role in maintaining overall wellbeing. That’s why scientists are investigating whether CBD might help support mobility and comfort in dogs with arthritis - not as a drug, but as a natural supplement.

What about krill oil?

Krill oil, derived from tiny marine crustaceans, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids - particularly EPA and DHA - as well as antioxidants like astaxanthin. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping support joint flexibility and overall heart and skin health.

While krill oil and fish oil share similar nutrients, krill oil offers an advantage: its fatty acids are bound to phospholipids, which may improve absorption in the body.

Why combine them?

CBD and omega-3s appear to work through complementary mechanisms. Omega-3s nourish the body’s tissues and reduce inflammation, while CBD interacts with signalling pathways involved in pain perception and balance. Together, they could provide a broader, more holistic approach to supporting dogs with chronic joint discomfort.

The Study: Exploring CBD Plus Krill Oil for Canine Arthritis

To better understand how these ingredients might work in practice, researchers at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science conducted a controlled study on 30 dogs diagnosed with chronic stifle (knee) osteoarthritis.

How it worked

The dogs were divided into three groups:

1. Placebo group: Received plain biscuits with no active ingredients.

2. Krill oil group: Received biscuits containing krill oil.

3. CBD + krill oil group: Received biscuits containing both krill oil and CBD (about 10 mg of CBD per 5 kg of body weight, given twice daily).

The study ran for eight weeks, and both veterinarians and dog owners participated in monitoring results. Owners filled out a questionnaire called the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), a standard tool for assessing pain severity and how it interferes with a dog’s daily activities.

The researchers also measured each dog’s lameness, joint flexibility, and even joint temperature using thermal imaging to detect inflammation - all while ensuring that neither the owners nor the evaluators knew which treatment each dog was receiving (a method known as double-blind testing).

What the Researchers Found

After just two weeks, dogs in both the krill oil and CBD + krill oil groups showed noticeable improvements in their comfort and mobility compared with the placebo group. Owners reported that their dogs seemed more active, had fewer signs of pain, and were more willing to move around.

By the end of the eight-week period, both groups maintained these positive results, while the placebo group showed little change.

Although the difference between the krill oil group and the CBD + krill oil group wasn’t statistically significant, the combination group tended to score slightly better overall - particularly in pain reduction.

Interestingly, the researchers noted that while improvements in comfort and movement were clear, the thermal imaging results didn’t show major changes in inflammation. This suggests that CBD’s benefits may relate more to how dogs perceive pain rather than to a direct anti-inflammatory effect.

Most importantly, no adverse effects were reported during the study. Blood tests remained normal, and all dogs tolerated the supplements well.

What This Could Mean for Pet Owners

For dog owners, these findings are encouraging. They suggest that CBD for dogs with arthritis, especially when combined with krill oil, could offer gentle, natural support for joint comfort - without the risks associated with long-term medication use.

That said, it’s important to view these results as early evidence, not medical proof. Every dog’s body is different. Factors such as age, breed, diet, and existing health conditions can all influence how a supplement works.

Here are a few key takeaways for pet owners considering natural options:

1. Consult your vet first. Even though CBD appears well tolerated, it can interact with certain medications. A veterinarian familiar with your dog’s health can help you decide whether it’s appropriate.
   
   

2. Choose pet-specific CBD products. Human CBD oils may contain ingredients or concentrations unsuitable for animals. Look for high-quality, lab-tested, THC-free formulations made for pets.
   
   

3. Start low and go slow. If you and your vet decide to try CBD, begin with a low dose and observe your dog’s response over time.
   
   

4. Look for complementary nutrients. Combining CBD with omega-3 fatty acids, like in krill or fish oil, could help support joint health more broadly.
   
   

By taking a thoughtful approach, you can support your dog’s comfort in a safe and holistic way.

Safety and the Road Ahead

The study provides an important step forward in understanding CBD’s potential role in animal wellbeing. It reinforces what earlier research has hinted at - that CBD may be well tolerated and safe for dogs when used correctly.

However, much more research is needed to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of CBD for dogs with arthritis. Key questions remain about optimal dosage, absorption, and how different CBD formulations might compare.

Larger, longer-term clinical trials would also help confirm these early findings and determine whether the combination of CBD and omega-3s truly offers an advantage over either ingredient alone.

A Gentle Path Toward Better Days

Watching a beloved pet struggle to move can be heartbreaking. While there’s no miracle cure for arthritis, science is slowly revealing new ways to support our dogs naturally and safely.

The early evidence from this research suggests that CBD - particularly when paired with krill oil - could play a role in improving comfort, mobility, and quality of life for dogs with chronic joint issues.

As with any supplement, it’s essential to choose reputable, high-quality products and to include your vet in the decision-making process. But for many pet owners seeking a more natural approach, CBD may offer a gentle step toward brighter, more active days ahead.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Soontornvipart K, Wongsirichatchai P, Phongphuwanan A, Chatdarong K, Vimolmangkang S. Cannabidiol plus krill oil supplementation improves chronic stifle osteoarthritis in dogs: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Vet J. 2024 Dec;308:106227.