Medicinal cannabis may be considered as part of a multimodal approach to managing some chronic conditions in pets. Rather than being used as a standalone treatment, it may complement conventional medications, nutrition, and other supportive therapies as part of an individualised care plan. Our veterinarians can assess your pet and prescribe medicinal cannabis if suitable for their condition!

Indications of medicinal cannabis.

  • Geriatric pets --- Insomnia, dementia-like symptoms

  • Behaviour problems --- Separation anxiety, fears, travelling, change of environment (We recommend using medicinal cannabis in conjunction with the training with trainers or veterinary behaviourist).

  • Pain relief --- Osteoarthritis, back pain, hip dysplasia, neurological pain and cancer patient

  • Epilepsy

  • Allergies and sensitivities

  • Gut issues --- Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Cancer patients --- Possible anticancer properties, increase of appetite and pain

Possible side effects.

  • Common side effects: drowsiness, sleeping or napping for longer than normal, dry mouth

  • Less common side effects: diarrhoea, reduction in appetite, head shaking, excessive licking

  • Mild elevation of liver enzymes (primarily ALT and AST) can be seen in some pets.
    We recommend running a blood test before and 2-4 weeks after starting medicinal cannabis to ensure your pet’s liver function has not been affected.

Our experienced veterinarians will carefully assess the appropriate dosage and adjust the treatment plan as needed, to avoid, or minimise these side effects.

FAQs.

  • Medicinal cannabis refers to products derived from the cannabis plant that contain specific cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and, in some circumstances, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is classified as a S4 drug (Prescription Only Medicine).

  • CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating and does not produce the typical “high” associated with cannabis.

    Our veterinarians will assess your pet and prescribe an appropriate dose for their condition.

  • CBD oil is given orally, and can be flavoured to increase palatability. The oil can be given directly into the mouth using a syringe, or mixed into your pet’s food for easy consumption.

    CBD can also be compounded into gummies or chewables.

  • CBD itself is not intoxicating. THC, however, is psychoactive and can cause significant neurological effects in pets.