Cannabis for Pets? Insights from a Veterinarian Expert

• Dr. Tim Shu is the founder and CEO of VetCBD, a pioneering company dedicated to advancing cannabis-based wellness for animals. A licensed veterinarian with a background in emergency, critical care, and general medicine, Dr. Shu combined his passion for animal health with cutting-edge research into the endocannabinoid system to create VetCBD’s science-driven, veterinarian-formulated products. He is widely recognized as a leading voice in veterinary cannabis education, advocating for safe, effective, and compassionate use of cannabis to support the well-being of pets.

🧪 Scientific Sources & Clinical Research on CBD for Pets

• 📄 The efficacy and safety of cannabidiol as adjunct treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs, — Stephanie McGrath et al., Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2022)
  This clinical study found that administering CBD at 9 mg/kg/day led to a 24.1% reduction in seizure days in dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy—compared to a 5.8% increase in the placebo group.
• 🔬 CBD: What You Need to Know About Its Uses and Efficacy — Riney Canine Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
  This article explores the growing body of evidence around CBD's benefits for dogs, including a study where 83% of dogs given CBD chews before a stressful event showed reduced anxiety-related behaviors.
• 📚 Cannabidiol-Based Natural Health Products for Companion Animals — Lori Kogan et al., The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice (2021)
  A comprehensive review discussing CBD’s promising anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-seizure properties for dogs, especially in cases of refractory epilepsy.
• 📊 US Veterinarians' Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions— Lori Kogan et al., Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2019)
  Survey results show that more than 75% of veterinarians reported CBD as helpful for reducing anxiety and the frequency or severity of seizures in dogs.
• 📘 Overview of Cannabis for Pets — Joshua Crossney, Cannabis Science and Technology (2022)
  This article offers historical and modern perspectives on cannabis in veterinary medicine, highlighting dogs' heightened sensitivity to THC due to their CB1 receptor density.
• 📖 The clinical use of cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid–rich hemp in veterinary medicine and lessons from human medicine— Dawn E. Boothe et al., Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2022)
  A research-driven overview of how CBD may help manage seizures, anxiety, osteoarthritis, and atopic dermatitis in pets, bridging knowledge from both veterinary and human medicine.
• 🧾 Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases — Duncan Lascelles et al., Annual Review of Animal Biosciences (2022)
  This peer-reviewed article summarizes current findings on CBD’s potential in improving symptoms of osteoarthritis, pruritus, and epilepsy, while emphasizing the need for continued research.

🎓 Learn More

• 🔬 Everything You Need to Know About CBD for Pets — VetCBD Hemp, 2025
  An in-depth overview of how CBD works in pets, the science behind the endocannabinoid system, and the differences between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate formulations.
• 📖 VetCBD Hemp Pet Wellness Blog — VetCBD Hemp
  A regularly updated blog offering expert tips, clinical insights, and emerging research on how cannabis can support pet wellness naturally and safely.
• 🐶 CBD for Dogs & Cats: A Guide for Pet Parents — Maria Calabrese, Green Bee Life (2023)
  This easy-to-follow guide breaks down how CBD works in pets, what to look for in high-quality products, and how to safely introduce it into your pet’s wellness routine—perfect for pet parents new to CBD.
• 🚫 Why Your Vet Can’t Talk About Cannabis — Maria Calabrese, Green Bee Life (2023)
  This article explores the legal and regulatory barriers that prevent many veterinarians from discussing cannabis-based therapies with pet owners, despite growing evidence of its benefits.

🎁 Bonus Resources from Dr. Tim Shu

• 🎓 Free RACE-Accredited Course on CBD for Pets — Led by Dr. Tim Shu
  This continuing education course, developed for veterinary professionals, offers a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum on CBD in animal care. Taught by VetCBD Hemp founder Dr. Tim Shu, it’s packed with science-backed information and global perspectives

• 📺 Pet Wellness Playlist – GBL TV Know n’ Go & Maria’s Kitchen Series — Green Bee Life, 2021–2025
  This on-demand video series features easy-to-follow segments on topics like making hemp flower dog treats, calculating CBD dosage, calming anxious pets, and key tips for giving your dog CBD—plus a personal story from GBL Founder Maria Calabrese on how her dog’s medical journey with cannabis inspired it all.