An increasing amount of scientific research into the use of CBD oil for human medicine and CBD oil for pets continues to be conducted. The scientific insights it provides, paired with the significant amount of anecdotal evidence that continues to become available over time, have piqued the world’s interest.
Australia, and the world, have seen a sharp rise in the popularity of using cannabis products to treat several human medical conditions. So, it’s no wonder many vets and pet parents are now actively seeking it to assist with treating their pets and furry patients for a range of conditions and illnesses, including:
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Cancer
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Epilepsy
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Arthritis
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Chronic pain
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Skin conditions
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Palliative care
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Anxiety
PetCann supports vets throughout Australia in being able to help pet parents access naturally derived therapeutic products for their furry family members.
CBD for pets
Supporting vets prescribing CBD oil
PetCann is owned by Cannatrek which is the leading medicinal cannabis company in Australia. We’ve been providing medicinal cannabis products for humans since 2017 and we’re now bringing the knowledge, expertise and experience to the veterinary market so we can also help benefit Australian pets!
As a leader in the medical cannabis space, we recognised the potential CBD therapies have in veterinary medicine. Globally it is an area that is rapidly growing and evolving. We believe Australian pets deserve the option to benefit from plant-based medicine as an alternative or complement to typical medications just as much as humans do.
Our cannabidiol (CBD) treatment options for dogs and cats include oils and topicals as well as CBD treats and chews for dogs. PetCann products ship fast and come inclusive of a Certificate of Analysis ensuring peace of mind in relation to meeting and exceeding quality and safety standards.
If you have a patient you think could benefit from CBD treatment we’re here to help you. The prescription process is straightforward, and we deliver products Australia-wide in a timely manner. Join our community of CBD prescribing vets in Australia to find out more information and start prescribing today.
Key considerations when prescribing CBD for pets
CBD appears to possess remedial promise surrounding the management and therapeutic relief of epilepsy, pain, anxiety and inflammation. However, there are key things to consider when prescribing CBD for pets.
Dosages
It is important to take a ‘start low and go slow’ approach when treating pets with CBD. This involves starting with a low dosage and increasing it slowly in small increments to effect towards a target dose. With CBD there tends to be a ‘sweet spot’ for dosage. Exceeding this sweet spot is not recommended as clinical efficacy can be lost. Additionally high doses can also create unwanted side effects. Remember to take a patient centered approach and adjust your starting dose and titration dependent on age, reason for treatment and other comorbidities / health concerns the pet may have. As with many medications, patient monitoring is recommended to assess therapeutic effect and /or any unwanted side effects. Patient journalling (recorded by the pet parent) is very helpful in this process.
Drug interactions
Dogs and cats have complex physiology, just like humans do. Because of this, vets and pet owners need to be cautious when treating an animal with more than one substance as part of a treatment plan. Cannabidiol (CBD) is metabolised in the liver via the Cytochrome P450 enzyme system; which also metabolises a long list of other veterinary medicines. This means that if cannabidiol treatment is underway, other medications may need to be reviewed and potentially doses adjusted.
Legalities
In Australia, CBD preparations which are at least 98% cannabidiol and only up to 2% other cannabinoids are classed as being Schedule 4 substances. As a registered veterinarian able to prescribe S4 medications you can legally prescribe medicinal CBD through an appropriate pathway such as PetCann.
It is important that your patients obtain CBD through this legal pathway. Pet parents who source CBD any other way are risking quality and safety.
What’s the difference between THC and CBD?
Both THC and CBD are phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant.
THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most commonly known compound from the cannabis plant and known for it’s psychoactive effects.
CBD, cannabidiol, is the second most abundant part of the cannabis plant and is known best for its strong anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD is non-psychoactive, non-addictive and has a low level of toxicity.
CBD preparations are becoming increasingly used by veterinarians to help treat and / or manage a range of diseases and signs in our pets. In Australia, vets can legally prescribe medical cannabinoids for animals which satisfy the requirements for CBD under Schedule 4 and must contain 98% or more CBD and less than 2% of total other cannabinoids.
What’s the difference between CBD and Hemp products?
CBD, a phytocannabanoid derived from the cannabis plant, possesses various therapeutic benefits and can only be legally obtained with a prescription from your vet.
Hemp products are being increasingly marketed as healthy treats for both humans and pets and whilst may provide health benefits do not contain CBD oil or the therapeutic benefits attributable to CBD oil. Hemp seed oil is a good source of omegas and has health benefits of its own. Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil and does not offer the same therapeutic benefits.
Join our community of CBD Vets in Australia
Whether you would like more information or to start prescribing now, please register via these simple steps:
1 – Visit our PetCann Vet portal
2 – Register your veterinary clinic
3 – Register yourself (Vet Registration details required)
Once you have signed up to our PetCann Vet portal you will find more information and be able to view CBD formulations and place your script. Please note initial registration approval may take up to 3 days.
Once registered, placing your script is easy
1 – Select from our range of formulations
2 – Place your script for your pet patient
2 – Invoice and receive payment from your client
3 – PetCann will invoice the clinic for the formulations ordered
4 – CBD formulation will be delivered either to your clinic or direct to your patient – the choice is yours!