#40 – CBD – Is it Safe? Does it Work?

At the 2023 ACVIM Conference in Philadelphia this June I attended a presentation on CBD. The biologically active components of the hemp plant, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are extracted from certain strains of hemp. For dogs with arthritic pain it’s been added to medications like carprofen with some benefit. Research in rats has found that CBDA inhibits vomiting and may reduce inflammation and anxiety.

There are currently two pilot studies using a mixture of CBD and CBDA “showing a 30–40% reduction in seizure incidence” in dogs whose epilepsy was not adequately controlled with other medications. There is also clinical evidence supporting the use of CBD/CBDA to reduce itching in atopic dogs. Rather than decreasing the inflammation, a neurologic effect may be responsible for the improvements.

People with day-to-day anxiety have felt better with CBD but pets don’t appear to get as much relief. One study of dogs in an animal shelter suggested a mild reduction in aggression toward other dogs. Supplements like CBD, with or without CBDA, can’t do it all. Prescription medications are generally safe and often effective, along with research-based behavior modification, for treatment of anxiety-related aggression in cats and dogs.

We were reminded not to assume that supplements are risk-free. Prescription drugs are subjected to a lot more scrutiny. Studies using CBD for 6 months in dogs and for 3 months in cats have shown no adverse symptoms but increases in liver enzymes have occurred. Pets who take CBD long term should have lab monitoring.

By law, these supplements can contain no more than 0.3% THC. ElleVet provides reliable products, meant just for dogs and cats, that contain both CBD and CBDA. They can be ordered online but our clients should get our advice first.