CBD and Pets
Saturday, January 16, 2021 • 3 minute read

Can CBD help your pet?
The endocannabinoid system is found in all mammals and therefore CBD supplements should theoretically produce similar effects in dogs and cats as they do in humans. CBD administered to dogs has shown to help manage osteoarthritis pain (1). Clinical tests carried out at Colorado State University found CBD applied to dogs is safe, non-addictive and that dogs cannot overdose on CBD. (2)
Is CBD for Pets legal in the UK?
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) released a statement in 2018 (3) stating that they consider veterinary products containing CBD as veterinary medicines. This means the only route to access CBD for pets in the UK is via prescription from a Vet.
The VMD wants to tightly regulate pet CBD products until more research is carried out. More research is needed regarding safe and effective dosages and the long-term effects associated with CBD applied to pets.
Final thoughts
CBD Element advises that you speak to your Vet first and foremost. There are no current CBD products that have been authorised for use in animals in the UK, so your vet could only prescribe a legal human CBD product for your pet.
References
Gamble, L., Boesch, J., Frye, C., Schwark, W., Mann, S., Wolfe, L., Brown, H., Berthelsen, E. and Wakshlag, J., 2021. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, And Clinical Efficacy Of Cannabidiol Treatment In Osteoarthritic Dogs. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065210/ [Accessed 16 January 2021].
Lang, C., 2021. CBD Found To Reduce Frequency Of Dog Seizures In CSU Study – The Rocky Mountain Collegian. [online] Collegian.com. Available at: https://collegian.com/2018/09/cbd-found-to-reduce-frequency-of-dog-seizures-in-csu-study/ [Accessed 16 January 2021].
GOV.UK. 2021. VMD Statement On Veterinary Medicinal Products Containing Cannabidiol. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vmd-statement-on-veterinary-medicinal-products-containing-cannabidiol [Accessed 16 January 2021].