CBD and Your Pet - What You Need to Know

Questions about CBD oil for pets have become increasingly common at Middle Brighton Vet over the past few years. It is worth addressing directly, because there is a significant gap between what is being marketed to pet owners and what the evidence currently supports.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. It is distinct from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. CBD products marketed for pets are typically hemp-derived and contain negligible THC.

What does the evidence say?

The honest answer is that the evidence base for CBD in veterinary medicine is limited. The most promising data relates to epilepsy in dogs - a 2019 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that CBD oil reduced seizure frequency in dogs with epilepsy compared to placebo. Some studies have also suggested a modest benefit for osteoarthritis pain.

For anxiety, skin conditions, cancer, and the wide range of other conditions CBD is marketed for in pets, the evidence is either very preliminary or absent. This does not mean it does not work - it means we do not know yet.

What are the risks?

CBD products for pets are not regulated as medicines in Australia. This means there is no guarantee of purity, potency, or consistency between products. Studies have found significant variation between labelled and actual CBD content in commercially available products.

Known side effects in dogs include elevated liver enzymes, sedation, and gastrointestinal upset. The long-term effects of ongoing CBD use in dogs and cats are not yet well characterised.

THC is toxic to dogs and cats. Any CBD product that contains more than trace amounts of THC poses a genuine risk.

What is the legal situation in Australia?

CBD is a prescription medicine in Australia. It cannot legally be sold over the counter for human or animal use without a prescription. Products sold online or in pet shops as CBD supplements exist in a regulatory grey area and are not subject to the same quality controls as prescription medicines.

When to call us

If you are considering CBD for your pet, talk to us first. We can discuss whether there is evidence to support its use for your pet's specific condition, whether it is appropriate alongside any current medications, and how to source a quality-controlled product if it is indicated.

Call us on (03) 9592 9811 or book online at middlebrightonvet.com.au/book-online.

Related services at Middle Brighton Vet: Consultations and Health Checks | Pet Pharmacy