CBD Element

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)

Anecdotally, pet owners say CBD helps to keep their dogs calm during fireworks and also aids with their sleep.

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.

Although, this regulatory move highlights there are some potential health benefits of CBD for pets. CBD for pets is under-researched.

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.

Follow us on social media to keep updated with new developments for pet CBD products.

References

  1. 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].

  2. 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].

  3. 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].