The Endocannabinoid System in Dogs & Cats: A 2026 Complete Guide
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological regulatory network found in all mammals, including dogs and cats. It governs how the body manages mood, discomfort, immune response, digestion, sleep, and more - using two primary receptor types, CB1 and CB2, found throughout the brain, nervous system, and body. When functioning optimally, the ECS keeps your pet's internal systems in balance. As cats and dogs age, this system naturally becomes less efficient, which is why many pet owners observe a pronounced response when introducing full spectrum CBD oil containing other cannabinoids like CBDa, and CBG. This guide covers how the pet ECS works, what the latest veterinary research says, and how Earth Buddy's hemp supplements are designed to support it.
What is the Endocannabinoid System in Pets?
The Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS) is an ancient mammalian system that acts on many peripheral systems within the body.Example: Central Nervous System (CNS). Look at the endocannabinoid system as a conductor of an orchestra. There are many different instruments playing in a symphony, but in order to keep all of these different functions in harmony the conductor must guide and signal the entire group.
The ECS’s primary goal is to promote homeostasis or balance. This system produces the same compounds that are found in the hemp extracts for pets used in Earth Buddy. By introducing phytocannabinoids or plant-based cannabinoids from organic hemp, we can engage the Endocannabinoid System and promote calming, brain health, joint health, immune support and many other benefits the body requires for balanced health.
As pets age, the ECS can have trouble helping the body maintain homeostasis, which is why the popularity of supplementing with cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBDa for dogs and cats is less niche.
What's New in ECS Research (2024-2026)
Last updated: April 2025
The science supporting hemp supplementation for pets has advanced significantly. Here are the most relevant recent findings:
- CBDa absorbs 3.5x better than CBD in cats. A 2025 pharmacokinetic study confirmed CBDa achieves significantly higher peak concentrations in cats than CBD, and is absorbed faster. This directly supports using full spectrum CBDa-rich formulations for feline health.
- CBD shows clinical promise for dog joint mobility, itchy skin, and cognitive health in dogs. A 2024 veterinary review confirmed CBD is well tolerated in dogs at standard doses, with the strongest clinical evidence around joint discomfort and skin and coat health.
- Dogs have a higher density of CB1 receptors in the brainstem than humans. This explains why dogs often respond more noticeably to hemp supplementation, particularly around motor function and stress response.
- The ECS has now been identified in feline skin, gum tissue, bladder, and GI tract. New research confirms the ECS plays a whole-body regulatory role in cats - reinforcing why species-specific formulations matter.
- Cats process cannabinoids through different enzyme pathways than dogs. Cats metabolize CBD via distinct CYP450 enzymes, meaning dog-focused dosing and formulations do NOT translate directly to cats.
How the Cat & Dog Endocannabinoid System Works
The cat and dog endocannabinoid system regulates or engages almost every chemical function that occurs in the body. It modulates sleep, mood, focus, cognition, appetite, discomfort, and central nervous and immune systems. Endogenous cannabinoids are continuously being discovered in almost every chemical pathway in the body.
The endocannabinoid system comprises of receptors that are found throughout the body, but most abundantly in the GI tract and brain (Central Nervous System). When the endocannabinoid system is activated naturally or from plant-based cannabinoids, it signals pathways to help balance disfunction.
Cannabinoid Receptors in Dogs & Cats
The most well known endocannabinoid receptors in the body are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system (CNS) and help balance mood, behavior, focus, and motor skills. The CB2 receptors have been discovered through scientific literature throughout the entire body, with a large concentration of them being found in the digestive system. Both receptors play a vital role in overall health and well being of dogs and cats. Let's look at each cannabinoid receptor further...CB1 Receptors: Brain & Nervous System
Central Nervous System Function
The CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the CNS and in the brain. CB1 receptors in the cat and dog endocannabinoid system are primarily regulating functions like mood, appetite, and their perception of discomfort.
Perception of Discomfort
When CB1 receptors are activated, they help cats and dogs modulate their perception of discomfort. This is promising for veterinary medicine, as it will allow for veterinarians to target these receptors to help alleviate discomfort.
Mood & Stress Response
When the CB1 receptors are activated this can engage various chemicals in the cat's and dog's body that balance mood or stress.
Motor Skills & Coordination
Activating CB1 receptors can help cats and dogs with basic coordination and movement. This is especially important in aging dogs and cats that often suffer from mobility issues.
CB2 Receptors: Immune System & Gut Health
Immune Function
CB2 receptors are found throughout the entire body and in most cells. Specifically, immune cells, which allow the body to modulate normal inflammatory responses and immune function in dogs and cats.
Tissue Repair & Recovery
Activating CB2 receptors will play a major role in repairing damaged tissue and recovery. Cats and dogs recovering from injuries or surgeries can begin the healing process due to role of CB2 receptors.
Digestive Health in Dogs & Cats
Digestive health of cats and dogs is a major sign of overall health. Our pets rely on digesting nutrients efficiently and lead to healthier skin, coat, eyes, joints, and seasonal or environmental sensitivities.
CB2 receptors in the digestive tract of cats and dogs play a major role in promoting a healthy inflammatory response in the gut
How do Cannabinoids Work in Cat & Dog Endocannabinoid System?
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, or in this case, cannabinoids from hemp producing CBD, CBDa, and CBG engage the ECS. Cannabinoids act in retrograde in the body to create balance or homeostasis. Cannabinoids work backwards, as opposed to regular pathways in the body (think serotonin & dopamine), they send a signal to different systems in the body.
Different cannabinoids can interact and activate different receptors. Understanding this relationship of how the various cannabinoids work in dogs and cats can be extremely important when choosing a pet hemp product. Some cannabinoids are better for specific issues in pets like CBDa has shown to better absorbed through the digestive tract and help with joint discomfort.
Cannabinoids like CBD for dogs and cats has shown to be a great pet supplement for relaxation and calming. Cannabigerol or CBD for dogs and cats can be a useful tool in relaxing muscles and promoting healthy inflammatory responses in the gut.
The Lock and Key Mechanism
Think of a lock and key concept where the cannabinoids are the key that fit into or encourage receptors to signal healthy functions. By supplementing cats and dogs with cannabinoids from hemp, we as pet owners, can naturally support pet's mood, itchy skin, and longevity.
The Entourage Effect
Regardless of which hemp extract formulation you choose for your pet, it is important to understand all pets are different. The cat and dog endocannabinoid system is uniquely individualized! Different breeds, ages, sizes, and health concerns are all factors to take into consideration. For this reason, we have created multiple different formulations that specify their different uses. There is no "one size fits all" product for pets, contrary to what many pet CBD brands are marketing these products for.
Do dogs have an endocannabinoid system? Read this article to learn more.
Best course of action is for pet owners to journal their hemp extract use and titrate dosage gradually. Equally important is to use whole plant or "full-spectrum" extracts that contain a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes that naturally occur. This ensure that there will be a synergistic effect, as cannabinoids also work better together. This concept, known as the "entourage effect" has shown...
CBDa vs CBD vs CBG vs CBN
Which Is Right for Your Pet?
Key Differences Between Dog & Cat Endocannabinoid Systems
While dogs and cats both have a fully functioning ECS, they respond to cannabinoids differently - and this matters when choosing a hemp supplement.
Dogs:
- Higher CB1 receptor density in the brainstem compared to cats and humans
- Generally respond well to both CBD and CBDa formulations
- More clinical research exists for dogs, particularly around stiff joints, calming, and cognition
- Larger body mass means dosing by weight is more straightforward
Cats:
- Metabolize cannabinoids through different liver enzyme pathways (CYP450) than dogs
- CBDa is significantly better absorbed than CBD in cats - making CBDa oil for cats a promising option that allows for lower dosages
- More sensitive to certain compounds - always start with lower dosages in hemp extracts for cats
- ECS receptors have been identified in feline skin, gum tissue, bladder, and digestive tract
Why the Endocannabinoid System Becomes Deficient as Pets Age
As dogs and cats get older, their endocannabinoid system naturally becomes less efficient. Research examining CB1 receptor distribution in the canine nervous system found that older dogs showed measurably lower CB1 receptor expression in brain tissue compared to younger dogs - a pattern consistent with aging findings in other mammalian species. (Freundt-Revilla et al., 2017 - View study)
This decline in receptor expression means the ECS becomes less responsive over time. The system that once efficiently regulated mood, discomfort, immune response, and mobility begins to require more support to maintain the same level of balance it managed naturally in younger years.
This is one of the most consistent observations among pet owners who introduce hemp supplementation later in a pet's life - older pets often show a more noticeable response than younger ones. When the ECS is running at a deficit, introducing phytocannabinoids from full spectrum hemp gives the system the additional input it needs to signal those same healthy pathways.
A 2019 review of the endocannabinoid system across animal species confirmed that the ECS is intimately involved in regulating most aspects of animal physiology, and that understanding ECS function across age groups is increasingly important for developing clinical applications in veterinary medicine. (Hartsel et al., 2019 - View study)
For aging dogs specifically, CB1 receptor activity in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and brainstem - regions responsible for motor coordination, mood, and discomfort modulation - shows the most notable age-related decline. This maps directly to the most common complaints among senior dog owners: joint mobility, increased stress, and changes in cognitive behavior.
Supporting the ECS with full spectrum hemp extracts that contain a range of cannabinoids - CBD, CBDa, CBG, and naturally occurring terpenes - gives aging pets the broadest possible input across multiple receptor pathways rather than targeting a single point in the system.
How Earth Buddy Products Support Your Pet's ECS
Earth Buddy formulations are built around one principle: activate the endocannabinoid system with a full spectrum input using the safest ingredients. Every product is designed to engage CB1 and CB2 receptors through multiple cannabinoid pathways rather than relying on a single cannabinoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Dogs, cats, and virtually all mammals have an endocannabinoid system. It regulates mood, sleep, appetite, immune response, and discomfort. The ECS in pets functions similarly to humans, which is why plant-based cannabinoids from hemp can support dog and cat health.
The ECS acts as a master regulator of balance (homeostasis) in the body. It uses receptors to signal pathways that manage stress, mood, digestion, motor function, and immune response in dogs and cats.
CBD engages or indirectly influences CB1 and CB2 receptors, encouraging the ECS to maintain balance without binding directly to receptors. This is why CBD supports calming and promotes a healthy inflammatory response in dogs without causing intoxicating effects.
Recent research shows CBD is absorbed much more efficiently when combined with CBDa in cats. This makes CBDa oil for cats a promising cannabinoid that can support our various cat supplements.
As dogs and cats age, CB1 receptor expression naturally slows, particularly with cognitive function. This slows the ECS's ability to self-regulate, which is why older pets often respond noticeably to full spectrum hemp supplements.
The entourage effect refers to how cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than cannabinoid isolates. Full spectrum CBD, CBG, CBDa and natural terpenes produce a synergistic effect that outperforms isolate CBD products for most pets.
Research Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and published veterinary research informed the information on this page:
Cannabinoid Absorption in Cats
Deabold, K.A. et al. (2022). Serum cannabinoid concentrations following oral administration of a hemp-based paste in cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. View study
Bartner, L.R. et al. (2019). Pharmacokinetic assessment of cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid in domestic cats and dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. View study
Wakshlag, J.J. et al. (2025). Comparative pharmacokinetic data for cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid following oral administration in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. View study
Cannabinoid Research in Dogs
Freundt-Revilla, J. et al. (2023). A review of published veterinary research on cannabidiol use in dogs, including pharmacokinetic, safety, and tolerability data. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. View study
Verrico, C.D. et al. (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis examining cannabidiol administration in dogs for joint mobility across five controlled studies. PMC/NIH. View study
Loewinger, M. et al. (2025). A double-blind, randomized controlled trial examining cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid administration in dogs for skin & coat support. PMC/NIH. View study
Kogan, L. et al. (2022). A systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining cannabis-derived compounds in animals. PubMed. View study
Endocannabinoid System in Animals
Hartsel, J.A. et al. (2019). A review of the endocannabinoid system across animal species, including receptor distribution and physiological roles. PMC/NIH. View study
Freundt-Revilla, J. et al. (2017). Spatial mapping of cannabinoid receptor type 1 distribution across regions of the canine central nervous system. PLOS ONE. View study
Species-Specific Cannabinoid Metabolism
Polidoro, D. et al. (2022). Pharmacokinetic data from an escalating oral dose study of cannabidiol administration in domestic cats. PMC/NIH. View study
Kulpa, J.E. et al. (2024). Pharmacokinetic data from administration of a combined THC and CBD extract in domestic cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. View study
