Short for Cannabidiol, CBD is an active ingredient in cannabis derived from the hemp plant, though it does not cause a high and is not addictive. Toted a miracle worker, CBD has been said to do everything from diminishing pain to fighting cancer. But how much is truth, how much is hype, and most importantly, could it help your dog? We asked Dr. Katherine Kramer, a veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, for the low down on the use of CBD in veterinary practice.

“The majority of my patients are senior pets, which means lots of arthritis and chronic disease. Being able to add CBD has been extremely helpful in improving the quality of life for a large majority of my patients,” says Dr. Kramer who uses CBD to address any type of chronic pain (arthritis, cancer, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease), as well as seizure disorders, allergies, and behavioural issues in her patients. “CBD has been nothing short of a miracle for some pets with chronic pain, seizures, and cancer. It has been extremely helpful for pets that do not tolerate medications very well.” 

“CBD has been nothing short of a miracle for some pets with chronic pain, seizures, and cancer.”

Because the industry is largely unregulated, she advises research and consulting your veterinarian as CBD can interact with many medications. “Some of the current products are quite excellent, but many products do not contain what the label claims and can contain heavy metals and insecticides,” she says. “It is best to ask your veterinarian if your pet could benefit from CBD and which product would be best.”

CBD Can Help With:

✓ 3 Pain

✓ Arthritis

✓ Cancer

✓ Allergies

✓ Anxiety

✓ Seizures

What it won’t do:

Cause a high. CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive.

CBD Picks
Treats and tinctures formulated especially for dogs

Healthier Pet’s Health Drops 30/6 are specifically formulated for the treatment of cancer and tumours. Easily digestible and made with CBD, Delta-8, cold-pressed organic hemp seed oil, and fish oil, these drops help with pain and symptom relief. ($140, healthierpet.org)

Naturecan CBD Dog Treats combine CBD with all-natural, organically grown ingredients for a delicious, third-party-lab-tested vegan dog treat that supports mobility, recovery, and overall health via 5mg of CBD per treat. ($20, naturecanpets.com)

Organic, lab tested, and formulated for pets, ThoughtCloud’s full spectrum Pet CBD tincture is made with organic hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract to address pain and anxiety. (from $14, thoughtcloud.net)

Anxious pup? CBD Living’s Calming Soft Chews for dogs contain a broad-spectrum CBD complex plus beneficial prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes for an added boost. Each treat delivers 10 mg CBD in a delicious peanut butter, banana, and pumpkin flavour dogs love. ($25, cbdliving.com)

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!