Abstract
Cannabis-based therapies have been used for centuries for various medicinal purposes. They have recently gained recognition as an effective treatment for medical conditions in humans; and, as such, awareness is increasing among veterinarians and pet owners. However, side effects, pharmacokinetics, and ef cacy in dogs are not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD) by healthy dogs. We hypothesized that CBD would be tolerated in a healthy population of dogs. A group of 30 healthy Beagle dogs were randomly assigned to receive CBD in the form of microencapsulated oil beads (capsule), CBD-infused oil, or CBD-infused transdermal cream at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day or 20 mg/ kg/day for 6 weeks. Complete blood counts, chemistry panels, urinalysis, and bile acids were performed at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Elevations in serum ALP occurred in some dogs. All of the dogs in the study experienced diarrhea that was not associated with the formulation or dose of CBD that they received. CBD appeared to be well tolerated in dogs. However, a more extensive safety study is necessary to determine if there are long-term effects of CBD on the liver and an association with diarrhea.