pet care & health
Warning: product quality
This is the part of the conversation that worries many veterinarians most.
The CBD market is poorly regulated in many countries, and studies evaluating commercial CBD products have found major inconsistencies in CBD concentration, THC contamination, purity, labelling accuracy, and contamination with heavy metals or pesticides. [ 5 ] In other words, two products labelled with the same dose may contain vastly different ingredients.
This becomes especially concerning in pets because dogs are significantly more sensitive to THC toxicity than humans; smaller patients have narrower safety margins, and owners may unintentionally overdose products marketed as“ natural” or“ safe.”
“ Natural” does not automatically mean“ harmless”.
Potential side effects
Most veterinary studies suggest CBD is generally well tolerated at studied doses, but side effects can occur. [ 4 ] Reported concerns include sedation, gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, altered appetite, and elevations in liver enzymes such as ALP. [ 4 ]
CBD may also interact with other medications through liver metabolism pathways, which is particularly important to bear in mind for patients already receiving anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatories, or chronic medications. This is why veterinary guidance matters.
Cats are not small dogs
There is significantly less evidence in cats than dogs, and studies suggest cats may absorb and metabolise cannabinoids differently. [ 6 ] Many feline CBD products are marketed with far more confidence than the current evidence supports.
What about cancer?
There is currently no good veterinary evidence showing CBD cures cancer in pets. Some owners may use CBD as part of palliative care to support comfort, appetite, or quality of life, but it should never replace appropriate diagnostics, oncology discussions, or evidence-based treatment plans. As veterinarians, our responsibility is to protect our clients from false hope as much as from harm.
References
1. AVMA Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine Resource. American Veterinary Medical Association. https:// www. avma. org / resources-tools / animal-health-and-welfare / cannabis-use-and-pets
2. MSD Veterinary Manual. Toxicosis in Dogs and Cats from Cannabidiol( CBD). https:// www. msdvetmanual. com / toxicology / toxicoses-from-human-recreational-drugs / toxicosis-in-dogs-and-cats-from-cannabidiol-cbd
3. RCVS Knowledge. The Use of Cannabidiol( CBD) in Animals. https:// www. rcvsknowledge. org / resource / the-use-ofcannabidiol-cbd-in-animals /
4. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Use of Cannabis Derivatives in Veterinary Medicine. https:// www. frontiersin. org / journals / veterinary-science / articles / 10.3389 / fvets. 2025.1539422 / full
5. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The ABCs of CBD from Hemp. https:// www. vet. cornell. edu / departments-centers-and-institutes / riney-canine-health-center / canine-health-topics / abcs-cannabidiol-cbdhemp
6. Journal of Small Animal Practice. Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal Use in Dogs and Cats. https:// onlinelibrary. wiley. com / doi / 10.1111 / jsap. 13913
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