CBD for Pets:
Frequently Asked Questions

  • CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. It is the second most abundant phytocannabinoid of over one hundred found in the plant, and it is known for its therapeutic properties. CBD is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, analgesic (painkiller), and antioxidant properties. CBD is non-addictive, and does not cause any intoxicating effects. There is evidence it has a good safety profile and low toxicity. It can be used to help manage symptoms of various health conditions in pets, including chronic pain, anxiety and epilepsy.  

  • CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors which are part of the endocannabinoid system in the body. The endocannabinoid system works on other systems to regulate various functions and maintain homeostasis. Through this pathway, CBD can elicit therapeutic effects such as reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and decreasing anxiety.

  • CBD is safe for pets when prescribed and dosed correctly by a veterinarian. The safety profile of CBD is well-established, with low toxicity and a good safety margin. However, improper dosing or using products not intended for pets can lead to adverse effects. Always follow veterinary guidance when giving medicinal cannabis to your pet.

  • THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are both phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant but have different properties. THC is psychoactive, meaning it can cause a ‘high,’ while CBD is non-intoxicating. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to euphoric effects. In contrast, CBD has a more indirect interaction, providing therapeutic benefits without intoxication. 

  • No, if you give your pet pure CBD, with no THC, then they should not feel ‘high’ because CBD is non-intoxicating.

  • Medicinal cannabis, or CBD, is often used when conventional pharmaceutical treatments have been ineffective or caused unwanted side effects. Medicinal cannabis is commonly prescribed for pets to help manage conditions like anxiety, phobias, seizures, chronic pain, cancer, and inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis or dermatitis (an inflammatory skin condition). Furthermore, it is often used to improve quality of life in palliative care. Scientific research into the potential uses of medicinal cannabis is continuously expanding, with new therapeutic applications being actively explored.

  • CBD oil is given orally (by mouth). The oil is often mixed with the animal’s food for easy consumption, or it can be administered directly into the pet’s mouth using a small syringe. 

  • CBD products for pets are specifically formulated to meet their unique needs. These products usually have lower concentrations of cannabinoids versus human products, and may include flavours that appeal to animals, such as chicken or beef. Human CBD products might contain ingredients like xylitol or artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to pets. It’s crucial to use pet-specific CBD to ensure safety and proper dosing.

  • No, CBD oil and hemp seed oil are not the same. CBD oil uses extracts from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant and contains active phytocannabinoids like CBD. In contrast, hemp seed oil is made from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains little to no CBD. Hemp seed oil is mainly used as a nutritional supplement, whereas CBD oil is used for therapeutic purposes.

  • Yes, in Australia, a prescription is required to legally obtain CBD for pets. Veterinarians may legally prescribe medicinal cannabis products for therapeutic use in animals. Such products must comply with the Schedule 4 standard for CBD, i.e. containing 98% or more CBD and less than 2% of other cannabinoids. 

    Veterinarians, please register here to write CBD prescriptions for your patients.

  • CBD sold online without a prescription is not only illegal but poses significant risks to your pet’s health. These unregulated products often lack quality control, leading to unknown and inconsistent concentrations of cannabinoids, which can result in harmful dosing. Additionally, they may contain additives or contaminants that could be toxic, putting your pet’s health at risk. Without strict regulation, there’s no guarantee of safety or effectiveness in these products. At Kindred, we provide a safe, legal pathway to access high quality medicinal cannabis for your pet. 

    Pet parents, please submit enquiries to us here.

  • At KINDRED, we deeply care about animals and we believe that every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. That’s why we have chosen to partner with the RSPCA, Australia’s leading animal welfare organisation. The RSPCA has a long-standing commitment of promoting animal welfare and advocating for animal rights across the country.  

    By partnering with the RSPCA, we’re not just supporting their vital work, we’re aligning ourselves with a cause that reflects our own values. Compassion and integrity are two of our core values, and we strive to be a force for good in the world. 

    This partnership is a testament to our corporate social responsibility and allows us to contribute to the wellbeing of animals in Australia, ensuring they receive the care and protection they deserve.    

  • Your pet’s health and wellness are our top priority. Discuss KINDRED products with your vet to explore the option of high-quality CBD products to provide natural plant-based therapy for your pet. A multitude of clinical studies have demonstrated CBD to be safe and effective in managing symptoms of a wide range of health conditions in animals including chronic pain, anxiety, seizures and inflammatory conditions. 

    We offer vets comprehensive education and resources so they can stay informed and keep up-to-date with the latest research, and provide the best care for your pet.  

    We proudly partner with the RSPCA, Australia’s leading animal welfare organisation, underscoring our commitment to compassion, quality and care. By choosing our products, you are in turn supporting the RSPCA through our percentage-of-profits donation scheme.

    By consulting with your vet about our products, you can give your pet the chance to harness the benefits of high-quality medicinal cannabis therapy for improved health and wellbeing. Your pet deserves every opportunity to thrive.   

  • At KINDRED, our parent company is Medigrowth, a recognised leader and pioneer in medicinal cannabis research and clinical advancement. Medigrowth’s commitment to excellence is reinforced by strong collaborations with leading Universities and the Australian Government Research Council. These initiatives underpin operations to develop robust clinical evidence and drive real-world data outcomes in the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis. 

    With this foundation and dedication to research, you can have confidence that our veterinary division is committed to consistently delivering safe, effective and high-quality solutions for your pet’s health and wellness.