Pain management is one of the most important and ongoing challenges in veterinary practice.
Whether it’s an ageing Labrador with osteoarthritis, a cat recovering from dental surgery, or a horse with joint inflammation, supporting comfort and mobility can be complex – especially when conventional medications aren’t well tolerated or sufficient on their own.
In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) has become a topic of growing interest in both veterinary and human medicine. As non-psychoactive and generally well-tolerated, CBD is being explored as an adjunctive option in pain management across many types of animals – from small companions to large patients.
How CBD Interacts In The Body
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps regulate pain, inflammation, and immune responses throughout the body. While the ECS varies between species, research suggests that CBD may influence several pain pathways – reducing inflammation, modulating nerve sensitivity, and supporting homeostasis in tissues affected by injury or disease.
Preclinical studies in animals show CBD can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and alter pain perception through multiple mechanisms, including CB1 and CB2 receptor modulation and TRPV1 channel activation. Though every patient metabolises cannabinoids differently, the overall effect appears to be one of gentle regulation rather than blunt suppression – which makes it particularly interesting as part of a multimodal approach.
What the Research Shows in Dogs
Dogs remain the best-studied patients when it comes to CBD and chronic pain. Several peer-reviewed studies have now demonstrated potential benefits in dogs with osteoarthritis or mobility issues.
A 2018 Cornell University trial found that dogs receiving 2 mg/kg of a CBD-rich extract twice daily showed a significant reduction in pain and an increase in activity levels compared to placebo. Follow-up studies have confirmed improvements in owner-assessed pain scores and quality of life measures, particularly when CBD is used alongside standard therapies like NSAIDs.
While the evidence is strongest for chronic pain and osteoarthritis, CBD has not shown the same effect for acute surgical pain (for example, following TPLO surgery). This highlights its likely role as an ongoing supportive therapy rather than a fast-acting analgesic.
Overall, studies show CBD to be well tolerated, though some dogs experience mild elevations in liver enzymes – something worth monitoring, especially if other medications are also being used.
What We Know About Cats
Research in cats is still emerging, but early findings are promising. A small placebo-controlled trial using CBD as an adjunct for feline chronic gingivostomatitis found that cats receiving CBD appeared more comfortable and active, with no significant adverse effects.
A recent 2023 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science explored the use of oral CBD in cats with osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Over four weeks, cats receiving CBD showed notable improvements in comfort, activity, and mobility, as reported by their owners, with no serious adverse effects. The study also confirmed that CBD was well tolerated and effectively absorbed, suggesting it may offer a gentle and supportive option for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain in feline patients.
Bioavailability and metabolism do differ in cats compared to dogs, meaning dose and formulation require careful adjustment. Palatability and product quality are also key – cats can be notoriously sensitive to carrier oils and additives.
For now, CBD should be considered and carefully monitored in feline patients, with close attention to dosing, liver function, and clinical response.
Beyond Cats and Dogs: Pocket Pets, Horses, and Farm Animals
Veterinarians are increasingly asked about CBD for other species too – from rabbits and guinea pigs to horses and goats. While robust research is still limited, the same mechanisms that make CBD interesting in dogs and cats also apply across the animal kingdom.
In horses, several early studies suggest CBD may reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. A 2024 trial published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science reported improvements in pain scores and inflammation markers after 14 days of oral supplementation with a CBDA or CBG/CBD oil. Importantly, no significant adverse effects were observed.
Pharmacokinetic studies have also shown CBD to be well absorbed in horses, reaching stable plasma concentrations within a few days. However, much remains unknown about optimal dosing and long-term effects.
In smaller mammals and farm animals, current knowledge is largely anecdotal. The potential for pain relief exists, but controlled research is still needed before clear recommendations can be made. Practitioners should remain cautious, especially with herbivores and ruminants, given their unique digestive physiology and metabolism.
Integrating CBD Thoughtfully in Veterinary Practice
For clinicians considering CBD, the key is to treat it as an adjunctive therapy, not a replacement for established pain management. It can be valuable where traditional options have limitations – for example, in geriatric patients or those with comorbidities that restrict NSAID use.
When choosing a product, it’s important to prescribe veterinary-grade formulations. Start with conservative dosing (start low and go slow), monitor clinical outcomes and biochemistry (particularly liver enzymes), and document owner observations. Gradual titration allows you to find an effective balance while ensuring patient safety.
CBD for comfort and mobility
CBD offers an exciting avenue for supporting comfort and mobility in animals – from the smallest pocket pet to the largest equine patient. The growing body of research in dogs provides a promising foundation, and studies in cats and horses are beginning to add to the picture.
While we’re still in the early stages of understanding exactly how to best use CBD in veterinary medicine, the potential benefits for pain management, combined with its generally good safety profile, make it a tool worth keeping in the clinician’s toolkit.
Used thoughtfully, monitored carefully, and integrated within a multimodal pain plan, CBD may help more animals live comfortably and move with greater ease.
Prescribing CBD in your practice
CBD Vets Australia provides access to CBD oil for animals through a simple online prescription process, along with evidence-informed education via 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, while prioritising animal safety and regulatory responsibility.
To learn more, visit CBD Vets Australia or contact our team at info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au.
