Safety and side effects of CBD in pets
CBD, or cannabidiol, is becoming a popular natural remedy for a variety of health issues in pets, from anxiety to arthritis. As a non-intoxicating compound with an array of therapeutic properties, it’s no surprise that there is increased curiosity around CBD for pets.
As with any treatment, it’s important to fully understand the potential risks and benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the safety and tolerability of CBD in pets, along with the potential side effects, while drawing on the latest research findings.
What does the research say?
Recent studies suggest that CBD is generally safe for pets, and well tolerated with only mild side effects, when used appropriately.
In 2022, a study was conducted to test the long-term daily feeding of CBD to healthy dogs. The study was randomised, placebo-controlled, and blinded where one group of twenty dogs received daily (THC-free) CBD at a dose of 4 mg/kg of body weight for a period of 6 months. It found that the chronic daily administration of CBD was well tolerated by dogs.
The researchers found that most studies focused on CBD's effectiveness in relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis, while fewer studies explored its role in treating epilepsy, behavioural disorders, and skin lesions. While there is some evidence supporting the beneficial effects of CBD, the limited number of studies and potential biases warrant caution when interpreting these results.
In terms of tolerability, side effects of CBD in dogs were generally mild or insignificant. However, most studies focused on short- to medium-term use. The researchers concluded that more research was needed to determine whether CBD could be a reliable option for long-term treatment in canines.
Following on from this, a 2024 study tested the tolerability of long-term CBD supplementation to dogs.
Healthy dogs received oral CBD for over 8 months at dosages of 0 (placebo), 5 and 10 mg/kg/day. Dogs on the higher dosage experienced a greater frequency of soft stools, but no other adverse effects were observed.
Overall, the 5 mg/kg dosage was better tolerated than the 10 mg/kg dosage. Both dosages led to an increase in ALP levels, though no signs of liver damage were detected. However, it is recommended to monitor liver function in dogs receiving long-term CBD treatment, as is done with statins, NSAIDs, antivirals, and other medications.
Another 2024 study tested the safety of CBD products in healthy dogs. Various broad-spectrum (THC-free) CBD products were given over a 3 month period and the dogs were observed. The study design was randomised, non-blinded, negative controlled, parallel design 3 month repeat dose study with a 2 week recovery period.
Based on the results of this study and other studies, it is concluded that cannabinoids are well tolerated in healthy dogs at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight/day.
In contrast, this randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled study (2024) investigated how well cats tolerate long-term daily CBD supplementation.
In the first phase, cats were given either a placebo oil or 4 mg/kg body weight of CBD oil daily with a meal for 4 weeks. Plasma CBD concentrations were measured over 4 hours after the first dose and again after 2 weeks of daily supplementation.
In the second phase, cats were supplemented daily with either placebo oil or 4 mg/kg CBD oil for 26 weeks. Throughout the study, a comprehensive range of physiological health assessments was conducted at baseline and after 4, 10, 18, and 26 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period.
Three cats showed elevated ALT levels along with inappetence and/or lethargy—one from the placebo group and two from the CBD group.
The study concluded that a daily dose of 4 mg/kg body weight of CBD was absorbed into plasma and generally well tolerated over 6 months in cats. However, the researchers advised caution and recommended regular veterinary monitoring, especially in cats with liver issues or suspected infections. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of CBD dosing and improve our understanding of its use in feline health.
Potential side effects of CBD in pets
While CBD is generally well tolerated by pets, some mild, transient side effects can occasionally occur. Notably, products containing THC tend to cause more side effects compared to CBD isolate products, which consist of pure CBD.
The most commonly observed side effects of CBD in cats and dogs are below:
Drowsiness: If your pet seems unusually lethargic or drowsy, it may be a sign of too high a dosage. Consult with your vet to adjust the dosage.
Gastrointestinal issues: Dogs may experience soft stools, and cats may experience vomiting. Giving the oil with food should help to mitigate both.
In this study, some cats taking CBD exhibited increased licking and head-shaking. Less commonly, behaviours such as pacing, chomping and gagging were observed.
Liver enzyme changes: CBD is metabolised by the liver and can cause an increase in some liver enzymes, particularly ALP in dogs, and ALT in cats. Blood monitoring at baseline and throughout CBD treatment is recommended.
THC-containing products may cause sedation and ataxia, which refers to a loss of balance and coordination. Fortunately, these effects typically subside once the dosage is reduced. High quality, legal CBD products designed for animals contain minimal THC, or are entirely THC-free.
If you notice any of these reactions or have concerns, speak to your vet.
Your vet will typically start your pet on a relatively low dose of CBD and may gradually increase it according to their response—this is in line with the ‘start low and go slow’ recommendation. This approach helps minimise potential side effects as your pet adjusts to the CBD, ensuring a smoother and safer transition to the appropriate dosage.
Safety considerations
Prescription requirement
In Australia, CBD products for pets must be prescribed by a vet. This ensures that the product is suitable for your pet’s health condition and that you receive proper dosage instructions, and allows your vet to monitor your pet’s response, making adjustments as necessary. Be aware that products sold online without a prescription are illegal and may contain hazardous levels of THC or other toxic substances like pesticides, heavy metals or residual solvents.
Read more in this article on the legalities of medicinal cannabis in Australia and the dangers of black market products.
Dosage matters
Proper dosage is essential for the safety of your pet and for the CBD to be effective. Your vet will tailor the dosage based on your pet’s weight, comorbidities, and individual response to CBD, ensuring optimal results while minimising risks. We offer veterinarians within our community detailed dosage guidelines and comprehensive information to support the safe and effective prescription of CBD for pets.
Quality assurance
Always opt for CBD products that are prescribed by your vet and sourced from reputable manufacturers. You can trust that Kindred CBD complies with all regulatory requirements, meets high quality standards, and undergoes independent testing to verify purity and potency.
Conclusion
CBD shows promise as a therapeutic option for managing various health issues in pets, including anxiety, pain, and inflammation. When prescribed by an informed veterinarian, CBD is generally safe and well tolerated. Potential side effects are considered mild.
By obtaining CBD products through a vet, giving the prescribed dose, and monitoring their reaction, you can help your pet benefit from CBD while minimising any risks.
To help your pet begin their CBD journey, please explore the links provided below.
