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As temperatures climb, veterinarians start seeing a familiar pattern – pets presenting with heat stress, anxiety from storms, and flare-ups of skin irritation. Alongside preventive care and client education, some practitioners are exploring how endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulation through CBD may support patient comfort during the warmer months.
CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with receptors within the ECS, which may influence mood, stress response, inflammation, and pain perception. While research in veterinary species is still developing, early evidence and clinical experience suggest potential benefits across several summer-related challenges.
Summer in Australia brings thunderstorms, fireworks, and travel disruptions – all common triggers for stress in companion animals. Studies suggest that CBD may reduce anxiety and promote calm behaviour through its interaction with serotonin (5-HT1A) and GABAergic pathways.
A 2023 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published by Vollmer et al. investigated the effects of CBD on stress-related behaviours in dogs. The study found that CBD supplementation reduced cortisol levels and mitigated behavioural signs of stress in response to noise-induced anxiety.
In clinical settings, CBD may be considered as adjunctive support within behaviour modification or desensitisation programs, particularly for situational anxiety such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or travel stress.
Longer daylight hours and outdoor exercise can exacerbate joint discomfort, especially in geriatric or osteoarthritic animals. CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are attributed to its modulation of CB1/CB2 receptors and cytokine activity.
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial by Gamble et al. (2018) found that dogs with osteoarthritis receiving oral CBD oil twice daily demonstrated significant decreases in pain scores and increases in activity.
Incorporating CBD into a multimodal pain plan may enhance comfort and mobility during the active summer months.
Hot, humid weather often triggers dermatitis flare-ups and pruritus. The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in maintaining skin barrier integrity and moderating inflammatory responses.
Recent research continues to explore CBD’s potential role in supporting skin health and barrier function. A 2024 review published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology highlighted CBD’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sebostatic properties, noting its ability to modulate cytokine activity and support the skin’s natural repair processes.
The authors concluded that while more controlled veterinary studies are needed, CBD shows promising potential as an adjunctive therapy for inflammatory and barrier-related skin conditions.
For seasonal skin sensitivities, CBD may offer adjunctive support to conventional therapies by helping maintain skin homeostasis and reduce inflammatory flare cycles associated with heat and environmental triggers.
Chronic stress, overstimulation, and disrupted sleep–wake cycles are common concerns during summer, particularly in anxious or active animals. Cannabidiol has been shown to influence neurotransmitter systems involved in stress adaptation and recovery, including serotonergic, GABAergic, and endocannabinoid signalling pathways.
A comprehensive review published by Turna et al. (2021) in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that CBD can attenuate the physiological and behavioural effects of stress by regulating amygdala reactivity and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity.
This modulation of neurochemical balance supports relaxation, emotional regulation, and improved rest – factors that are particularly valuable during the warmer months when heat and environmental stressors can impact recovery and wellbeing.
In Australia, CBD remains a Schedule 4 prescription-only medication. Vets considering CBD for patients should ensure:
CBD Vets Australia provides clinicians access to prescription-grade CBD formulations and educational resources to support safe, evidence-based use in practice.
The summer months bring both joy and clinical challenges for pets. By addressing heat, hydration, anxiety, skin health, and recovery holistically – and understanding where CBD may play a complementary role – veterinarians can help patients stay cool, calm, and comfortable throughout the season.
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.
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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When you’re considering offering CBD for your dog patients, you’re not looking for trends. You’re looking for evidence. Is this something veterinarians are actually studying?Is there real research behind it?Is it safe for long-term use? Over the past decade,...
