Cannabinoid Medicine

No. Under current Canadian law, a veterinarian cannot prescribe a cannabis product, since there are no licensed veterinary cannabis products on the market. That being said, a veterinarian can advise a client on the use of legally available recreational cannabis products for their pets. A veterinarian is accountable for this advice, and it must be given in the context of a valid veterinary-patient-client relationship as defined by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.

All drugs come with some risk of side effects, but the early evidence available on the use of CBD products in pets indicates it is relatively low risk. The most common side effects include lethargy, agitation or itchiness. which most animals will push through after a few days. These symptoms will resolve within a few days once the supplement is stopped.

Yes, THC can be toxic to pets when given at a high dose, and this often happens by accident when a pet gets into an owner’s stash. As with many medications, “the poison is in the dose”. When used under supervision, your veterinarian will recommend a CBD product that has either a very low concentration of THC or none at all. That being said, there are new studies investigating the potential therapeutic benefits of using THC in animals, and low levels of THC may be beneficial in some cases.

THC toxicity in pets is commonly associated with lethargy and ataxia (looking wobbly or “drunk”). Other signs can include agitation, disorientation, dilated pupils, and urinary incontinence. Less frequently, more serious signs like tremors, seizures, vomiting or unconsciousness can be seen. If you think your pet may be suffering from THC intoxication please contact your local emergency clinic or the Smart.Vet telehealth line.

We recommend that you consult your veterinarian before giving any CBD or other cannabis products to your pet. Once you have done that, products (typically a CBD oil or tincture) should be obtained through a provincially licensed cannabis retailer like OCS.ca. Please note, the products sold by these licensed retailers are intended for recreational use by people, and they are not approved for use in animals. That being said, they are the most reliable products legally available, and we can use our knowledge to help determine the best and safest dose for your pet.

Cannabis affects our bodies, and those of dogs and cats, through numerous pathways, including those found within the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is now thought to be the largest receptor system in the mammalian body and its receptors have been found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the endocrine system, the gastrointestinal system, the cardiovascular system, ocular structures, the skin and more!