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As cannabinoid medicine continues to gain traction in veterinary practice, one thing is clear – vets are asking sharper, more clinically focused questions than ever before. Throughout 2025, we saw common themes emerge around safety, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and real-world efficacy – especially as more clients arrive having already researched CBD or used it themselves.
To start the new year with clarity, here’s a concise, evidence-informed summary addressing the CBD questions vets asked most in 2025 – and what you need to know heading into 2026.
This summary reflects current peer-reviewed veterinary literature as of early 2026.
Short answer:
Chronic pain currently has the most supportive evidence among studied indications
What the research shows:
Multiple peer-reviewed studies report improvements in pain scores, mobility, activity levels, and quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis. CBD appears to influence both inflammatory pathways and neuropathic pain signalling, offering a complementary option within multimodal analgesia plans.
Randomised controlled trials in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis have demonstrated improvements in pain scores and activity levels following oral CBD administration. Long-term safety data beyond 6 – 12 months remains limited.
Clinical takeaway:
CBD is not a stand-alone analgesic, but it can meaningfully support comfort and function. While dosing varies between studies, evidence supports CBD as a useful adjunct within multimodal pain management protocols.
Short answer:
CBD can also be given to cats but with important pharmacokinetic differences to consider.
Cats tend to absorb CBD well, though some studies show faster clearance and variable serum levels compared to dogs. Mild GI effects and occasional ALT elevation have been reported, but serious adverse reactions are rare.
What the research shows:
Comparative pharmacokinetic research shows cats exhibit lower and more variable plasma concentrations and a shorter half-life than dogs after oral CBD dosing. Safety studies report generally mild adverse effects, supporting cautious, monitored use in feline patients.
Clinical takeaway:
CBD appears safe for cats when introduced gradually and monitored, but cats may require different dosing strategiesand closer observation of liver enzymes.
Short answer:
Current evidence suggests CBD has a relatively wide safety margin in dogs and cats when appropriately dosed and monitored.
What the research shows:
Controlled safety studies in dogs have demonstrated that oral CBD is generally well tolerated, even at doses above commonly used therapeutic ranges. Reported adverse effects were typically mild, including transient gastrointestinal signs and liver enzyme elevations. Feline safety data similarly indicate good tolerability at studied doses, supporting a relatively broad safety margin when CBD is appropriately prescribed and monitored.
Clinical takeaway:
Overall, available data supports CBD as a well-tolerated adjunctive therapy when prescribed responsibly, introduced gradually, and monitored appropriately. Safety is dose-dependent, and product quality, cannabinoid profile, and absence of contaminants remain critical factors.
Short answer:
Promising, but still emerging.
What the research shows
Preclinical research demonstrates that CBD can influence serotonin (5-HT1A) receptor signalling and endocannabinoid pathways involved in stress regulation. While large-scale veterinary anxiety trials remain limited, small canine studies suggest potential reductions in situational stress behaviours, including noise reactivity and novelty exposure. However, findings are variable and further controlled clinical research is needed.
CBD may be considered as an adjunctive option for situational or mild anxiety cases, particularly within a broader behavioural management plan. Expectations should be conservative, and response should be assessed on an individual basis.
Short answer
CBD can influence hepatic drug metabolism and should be monitored in polypharmacy cases.
CBD is known to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism. In canine epilepsy trials, elevations in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed when CBD was used alongside phenobarbital, suggesting metabolic interaction. While most effects appear manageable, biochemical monitoring is advised. Clinical significance varies and monitoring should be guided by individual risk assessment.
Review concurrent medications before prescribing CBD. Monitor liver enzymes, particularly in patients receiving antiepileptics or other hepatically metabolised drugs. For most patients, interactions are manageable with monitoring.
There is no universal dose – ranges vary by product, species, and clinical objective. Published studies have evaluated oral dosing ranges approximately between 0.5 – 5 mg/kg/day, depending on species and indication. Individual response varies, and dosing should be titrated cautiously.
General veterinary trends:
Best practice:
Start low, assess response over 1–2 weeks, and titrate gradually while monitoring. Always use prescription-grade cannabinoid products with reliable concentration and purity.
Yes – 2025 saw growth in several areas:
Expect 2026 to bring more structured trials and refined pharmacokinetic data.
Clients are increasingly proactive – many have already researched CBD products online before speaking with you.
Recommended approach:
This protects the patient while strengthening the veterinarian–client relationship.
As more evidence emerges and client awareness rises, CBD will continue evolving from an optional adjunct to a mainstream integrative tool in veterinary medicine.
CBD Vets Australia provides veterinarians with access to prescription CBD oil for animals via an online prescription system, alongside evidence-informed resources through the Vet Portal.
CBD Vets Australia also supports veterinarians with ongoing education, prescription support, and updates on emerging research – making it easier to confidently integrate cannabinoid therapy into your practice.
To learn more, visit CBD Vets Australia or contact our team at info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au.
Dr Chris Lee is the Veterinary Director of CBD Vets Australia and has practiced as a small animal veterinarian for over 30 years. Dr Lee runs Pet Universe Veterinary Centres and Adelaide Canine Rehabilitation Centre in South Australia alongside an award-winning team with a special interest in pet rehabilitation and regenerative medicines, including advanced pain care techniques. In his practice, Dr Lee has seen first-hand how CBD oil can be used not only for pain control, but also for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and as a mood balancer for animals, and he is excited by its use as an adjunct therapy in veterinary medicine.
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