Epilepsy, Diabetes & Long-Term Health Support
When your pet is diagnosed with a chronic condition, everything changes.
Suddenly, your days revolve around medication times, monitoring symptoms, watching closely for changes, and quietly worrying about what the future holds. Whether your dog has epilepsy, your cat has diabetes, or your ageing companion is living with ongoing inflammation or pain, you want one thing above all else – stability and quality of life.
It’s completely natural to start looking for answers. And for many pet parents, that search leads to CBD.
So where does CBD fit in? And what does the research actually say?
What Do We Mean by “Chronic Condition”?
A chronic condition is simply an illness that requires ongoing management rather than a short course of treatment.
In pets, this often includes:
- Epilepsy (recurrent seizures)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Osteoarthritis and chronic pain
- Long-term inflammatory skin disease
- Age-related degenerative conditions
These conditions can’t usually be “cured,” but they can often be managed. The goal becomes reducing flare-ups, maintaining comfort, and supporting your pet’s overall wellbeing.
This is where interest in CBD has grown.
CBD and Epilepsy in Dogs: What the Research Shows
If your dog experiences seizures, you know how distressing it can be. Even when medication is prescribed, some dogs continue to have breakthrough seizures.
One of the most significant veterinary studies on CBD and epilepsy was conducted at Colorado State University. In this clinical trial, dogs with treatment-resistant epilepsy were given CBD alongside their existing medication. The results showed that many of the dogs experienced a meaningful reduction in seizure frequency, and some had a 50% or greater decrease. This study has since been widely cited in veterinary cannabinoid research.
This doesn’t mean CBD works for every dog. It also doesn’t replace prescribed anti-epileptic medication. But it does suggest that CBD may act as supportive therapy in some cases, helping to stabilise neurological activity.
If your dog’s seizures are not fully controlled, this is something you can discuss with your veterinarian as part of a broader management plan.
What About CBD and Diabetes?
Research in pets with diabetes is still emerging. At this stage, there are no large clinical trials showing CBD treats diabetes itself.
However, scientists know that the body has a system called the endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate inflammation, immune response, stress and metabolic balance. Because diabetes involves inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, researchers are interested in how cannabinoids may influence these pathways.
For a pet with diabetes, CBD is not a replacement for insulin. Insulin therapy remains essential. But in some cases, CBD may be considered in some cases to support inflammation, stress response, or overall comfort, particularly where these factors may influence disease management.
If your pet has diabetes, any supplement (including CBD) should be introduced carefully and under veterinary supervision.
Supporting Other Long-Term Conditions
Chronic illness often overlaps. A dog with epilepsy may also experience anxiety. A diabetic cat may develop age-related arthritis. An older dog living with chronic pain may also struggle with inflammation.
Research into CBD for osteoarthritis in dogs has shown promising results, with improved comfort and activity levels reported in clinical trials. Because inflammation plays a role in many chronic diseases, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are one of the reasons it continues to be studied.
For many pets, the goal is not dramatic change. It’s small improvements — moving a little more easily, sleeping more comfortably, feeling more settled.
Sometimes, those small changes matter most.
Is CBD Safe for Long-Term Use?
This is one of the most important questions.
Current veterinary studies suggest CBD is generally well tolerated in dogs when appropriately dosed. Some research has shown mild elevations in liver enzymes in certain cases, which is why veterinary monitoring is recommended – particularly for pets already on long-term medications.
If your pet is taking anti-epileptic drugs, insulin, or other prescribed medications, it’s essential to speak with your veterinarian before introducing CBD. Monitoring ensures your pet remains stable and safe.
Baseline and ongoing monitoring, including liver enzymes where appropriate, may be recommended for your pet. Responsible use, proper dosing, and veterinary oversight are key.
Where CBD May Fit in a Care Plan
If you are caring for a pet with a chronic condition, you’re likely already doing everything you can – regular vet visits, careful medication schedules, watching their behaviour closely.
CBD is best viewed as a complementary option. It may be discussed if:
- Your pet’s seizures are not fully controlled.
- Chronic inflammation or discomfort affects their quality of life.
- Anxiety is worsening symptoms.
- You’re looking for additional support alongside conventional treatment.
It is not a miracle cure. But in some pets, it may offer meaningful support.
Key Takeaways:
- CBD is not a cure for epilepsy, diabetes or other chronic illnesses but it may offer supportive benefits when used alongside veterinary treatment.
- The strongest research in pets is for epilepsy in dogs, where studies have shown some dogs experience fewer seizures when CBD is added to their treatment plan.
- Research into diabetes is still emerging. CBD does not replace insulin, but it may support overall inflammatory balance and wellbeing.
- CBD has also shown promising results in osteoarthritis and chronic pain, helping some pets move more comfortably.
- Safety matters. CBD is generally well tolerated in dogs when properly dosed, but it should always be used under veterinary supervision, especially if your pet is on other medications.
- Every pet responds differently. What works well for one animal may not have the same effect in another.
- A holistic approach works best – combining veterinary care, good nutrition, stress management and thoughtful monitoring.
A Holistic Approach to Chronic Care
Living with a chronically ill pet can feel heavy at times. It asks a lot of you – patience, consistency, emotional resilience.
A holistic approach means looking at the whole picture. Medication, nutrition, stress levels, environment, mobility, and emotional wellbeing all matter. CBD may be one piece of that puzzle, but it works best when combined with thoughtful veterinary care.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s comfort. Stability. More good days than bad.
If you’re considering CBD for your pet, have an open conversation with your prescribing veterinarian. Alternatively, CBD Vets Australia can help connect you with experienced prescribing veterinarians. Ask questions. Discuss research. Monitor carefully.
Because at the end of the day, what you’re really looking for isn’t a trend – it’s reassurance that you’re doing everything you can for the companion who depends on you.
And that thoughtful, informed approach is exactly where good chronic care begins.
Reach out to us HERE to discover your local prescribing vet or contact our team HERE with any questions.
This summary reflects current peer-reviewed veterinary literature as of early 2026.
