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As veterinary professionals, we’ve all been there. A well-meaning pet owner asks, “What about CBD oil for my dog’s arthritis?” or “I’ve heard CBD might help my cat’s anxiety — what do you think?” And you pause. Maybe you haven’t prescribed it before or are unsure about the legalities, the quality of the products on the market, or even how effective it is.
The good news? You’re not alone, and confidently navigating these conversations is easier than you think.
Pet owners are increasingly turning to integrative therapies, and CBD is one of the most talked-about. Importantly, this isn’t just hype. There’s a growing body of research that supports the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a real therapeutic option, not a fringe or alternative remedy.
For example:
This is not pseudo-science, it’s evidence-based medicine.
One of the biggest challenges is quality control. Over-the-counter CBD products for pets (which are illegal in Australia) vary wildly in content, safety, and efficacy. Some may be contaminated, mislabeled, or simply ineffective.
That’s why it’s critical to only prescribe medicinal-grade CBD, specifically formulated for veterinary use. CBD Vets Australia was one of the first vet-focused companies in Australia to offer prescription-only, pharmaceutical-grade CBD that was legally accessible for Australian pets. This isn’t something your pet parents can pick up at a health food store; it requires a script from a registered vet.
This means you can be confident in what you’re prescribing, batch-tested, TGA-compliant, and tailored for pets.
You don’t need to be a cannabis expert to prescribe CBD.
If you’re an Australian vet, prescribing is as easy as registering on the CBD Vets Australia platform.
Once registered, you’ll get access to:
Registering is simple. Then you have all the resources you need at hand to prescribe CBD to pet patients who may benefit.
CBD is not a silver bullet. But it is an option worth considering, especially for patients not responding to conventional treatments, or those with chronic, hard-to-manage conditions like osteoarthritis, anxiety, epilepsy, or palliative pain.
It can be used alongside existing medications or treatments, often reducing the need for higher-risk pharmaceuticals like opioids or NSAIDS in certain cases. Clinical observations suggest pets tolerate CBD well, with minimal side effects when dosed correctly.
If a pet parent asks about CBD and you’re not familiar with it, don’t shy away from the conversation. Instead, let them know:
They’ll appreciate the transparency and your willingness to explore integrative care.
As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, so does our responsibility to stay informed about emerging therapies. CBD is no longer on the fringe – it’s a real, regulated, and accessible treatment option in Australia.
By partnering with trusted platforms like CBD Vets Australia, you can feel confident offering your patients a broader spectrum of care while remaining compliant, ethical, and evidence-based.
Register at www.cbdvetsaustralia.com.au and take the first step toward integrating CBD into your practice – safely and confidently.
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.
Connect with Dr Chris:
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