If your dog is slowing down, limping, or showing signs of discomfort, it’s natural to want gentle options that support their wellbeing. Across Australia, more pet owners are exploring CBD as part of a broader, vet-guided approach to managing pain – particularly in cases of joint stiffness, recovery, or age-related discomfort.
In this article, we unpack how CBD fits into a multimodal care plan, what the latest research suggests, and key considerations for safe and compliant use.
Understanding Dog Pain Relief in Australia
Dogs can experience pain from a variety of causes – arthritis (which affects up to 20% of dogs over one year old), injury, post-surgery recovery, or simply ageing. In Australia, conventional veterinary care typically includes prescription medications like NSAIDs, joint injections, and, in more advanced cases, monoclonal antibody treatments such as bedinvetmab (Librela)
While often effective, these treatments don’t work for every dog. Some may experience limited relief or side effects such as gastrointestinal upset or lethargy. As a result, more Aussie pet owners are exploring gentle, complementary options to support their dog’s wellbeing. CBD is emerging as one such option – used not as a replacement for conventional care, but as a potential ally in improving comfort, calm, and quality of life.
What the Research Says About CBD for Dog Pain Relief
Australian vets are receiving more enquiries about CBD, and while research is still evolving, early studies are promising.
A 2018 clinical trial in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that dogs with osteoarthritis who received CBD twice daily showed significant pain scores and mobility improvements, with no side effects reported. A 2020 study in Animals (MDPI), echoed these results, noting reduced pain and better movement in dogs treated with CBD-rich hemp extract over a four-week period.
More recently, a 2023 Frontiers meta-analysis concluded that although evidence is limited and low in certainty, CBD appears well tolerated and shows potential to reduce osteoarthritis-related pain in dogs.
These findings align with reports from vets and pet owners who observe increased mobility, steadier energy, and brighter moods in dogs using CBD as part of a broader care plan. But results can vary- and vet guidance ensures the safest, most effective use.
Why Compliance Matters
In Australia, only CBD prescribed by a veterinarian and dispensed through a compliant, authorised pathway is legal for pets. Despite this, many pet owners unknowingly purchase unregulated CBD or hemp products online- risking contamination, incorrect dosing, or harmful interactions with medications.
To keep your dog safe (and stay within the law), always consult your vet before introducing CBD into their care plan.
Hemp vs CBD: What’s the Difference?
Though they’re often confused, hemp oil and CBD aren’t the same.
Hemp seed oil is made from hemp seeds and is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s a nutritional supplement, not a therapeutic on- it contains little to no CBD and doesn’t interact with your dog’s endocannabinoid system.
CBD, by contrast, is extracted from the cannabis plant’s flowers and does engage the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating pain, inflammation, and stress. It’s the compound being studied for its potential in pain relief.
In Australia, this distinction matters:
- Hemp seed oil (which contains no CBD) is legally available over the counter in Australia, as it’s considered a nutritional or cosmetic product rather than a therapeutic one.
- CBD is a Schedule 4 substance, meaning it must be prescribed by a vet and dispensed legally.
A Holistic Approach to Dog Pain Relief
CBD is not a standalone solution, and it shouldn’t be. It may offer greater support when used as part of a comprehensive, vet-guided plan.
Common components of a multimodal pain management strategy include:
- Weight management – Excess weight strains joints and can worsen discomfort.
- Nutritional supplements – Omega-3s, glucosamine, and green-lipped mussel are commonly used.
- Physical therapies – Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture may help improve mobility and comfort.
- Prescription medications – NSAIDs or monoclonal antibodies (like bedinvetmab) may be clinically appropriate.
In this context, CBD may complement conventional care by supporting comfort and wellbeing when prescribed and monitored by your veterinarian.
Considerations for CBD Use in Dogs
- Consult with Your Vet: Before adding CBD to your dog’s care plan, it’s essential to speak with your veterinarian. At CBD Vets Australia, we collaborate with a network of registered vets who can assess your dog’s needs and prescribe CBD where appropriate. You can find a prescribing vet near you here.
- Choose High-Quality CBD: Because CBD is classified as a Schedule 4 substance in Australia, it must be prescribed by a vet. Products available without a prescription, such as those found online or from unverified sources, are not subject to the same safety, labelling, and manufacturing standards, and may carry risks due to contamination or incorrect dosing. For peace of mind, always choose a vet-prescribed product.
- Dosing: Dosing should always start low and be adjusted carefully in consultation with your vet. We provide tracking tools such as pet diaries to help monitor your dog’s response and guide any changes.
- Check for Possible Medication Interactions: CBD may interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolised by the CYP450 enzyme system. This includes some heart medications. While CBD isn’t always contraindicated, it’s essential to review your dog’s current treatment plan with your vet to ensure any CBD use is safe and well integrated.
Choosing What’s Best for Your Dog
When exploring options for dog pain relief in Australia, it’s important to understand where CBD may fit within a broader treatment plan. Differentiating it from over-the-counter hemp products and ensuring it’s prescribed through a legal, vet-guided pathway helps ensure safer, more considered care.
For pet owners: To see if CBD may be appropriate for your dog’s specific condition, speak with your vet or contact the CBD Vets Australia team at 02 8294 9303. Learn more at our website.
For veterinarians: To stay informed about the latest research, regulations, and product innovations, register with CBD Vets Australia to access our exclusive Vet Portal. You can also reach our team at [email protected] or by calling 02 8294 9303.
