Last updated: October 2026
In the UK, you shouldn’t give your dog CBD unless your vet prescribes it. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate treats CBD for animals as a veterinary medicine, no CBD product is authorised for pets, and giving an unauthorised product without a prescription is an offence. Your vet can prescribe a suitable human CBD product if they think it could help.
This guide explains the UK rules, what research in dogs shows, the risks, and how to talk to your vet about CBD.
Is CBD for dogs legal in the UK?
Not without a vet. According to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the government body that regulates animal medicines:
- products containing CBD for animals are veterinary medicines and need a marketing authorisation;
- there are currently no CBD products authorised for veterinary use in the UK;
- giving your pet an unauthorised CBD product obtained without a veterinary prescription is an offence under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations;
- some CBD pet products sold online may be illegal to possess or supply.
That means CBD oils, treats or balms marketed for dogs and sold without a prescription shouldn’t be on sale in the UK. Evopure’s products are made for people, and we don’t recommend giving them to pets without your vet’s advice.
How to get CBD for your dog legally
Because no CBD product is authorised for animals, vets can use the “prescribing cascade”, which allows them to prescribe a legally obtained human medicine or product when no authorised veterinary option exists. If your vet thinks CBD could help, they’ll advise on a specific product, the dose for your dog’s size and condition, and any blood tests to monitor.
Questions to ask your vet:
- Is CBD likely to help my dog’s condition, and what are the alternatives?
- Could it interact with my dog’s other medicines?
- What dose should I give, and how will we monitor it?
- Do we need blood tests to check the liver?
What the research in dogs shows
| Study | What it found |
|---|---|
| Gamble, 2018 (dogs with osteoarthritis, placebo-controlled) | CBD oil given twice a day for 4 weeks improved pain scores and activity compared with placebo, but raised a liver enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) |
| Vaughn, 2020 (20 healthy beagles) | Oils containing THC caused more side effects than CBD-predominant oil |
Research in dogs is small but growing, mostly on arthritis, seizures and anxiety. It’s promising for some conditions under veterinary supervision, but the effect of long-term use, especially on the liver, needs more study.
Risks and side effects for dogs
- Liver changes: raised liver enzymes have been seen in studies, which is why vets may recommend blood tests.
- Drowsiness, diarrhoea, vomiting or wobbliness.
- Drug interactions: CBD can affect how other medicines, including some anti-seizure drugs, are processed.
- THC: dogs are very sensitive to THC, which can cause serious poisoning.
- Unknown contents: unregulated pet products may contain more or less CBD than stated, or THC.
Human products that are dangerous for dogs
Never give your dog human CBD products without your vet’s agreement, and keep them out of reach. Some contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs:
- Xylitol, a sweetener in some gummies and sweets, which can be life-threatening to dogs even in small amounts
- Chocolate, in CBD treats and edibles
- Grapes or raisins in some snacks
- Essential oils and strong flavourings in balms and oils
- THC, in full spectrum or unregulated products
What to do if your dog eats CBD or cannabis
Call your vet straight away, or an out-of-hours emergency vet, and keep the packaging to show them. Signs of cannabis (THC) poisoning in dogs include wobbliness, dribbling urine, dilated pupils, sensitivity to noise and touch, drowsiness or agitation. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop, especially if the product contained chocolate or xylitol.
FAQs
Can I give my dog CBD oil in the UK?
Only if your vet prescribes it. The VMD says giving pets an unauthorised CBD product without a veterinary prescription is an offence.
Is it legal to buy CBD for dogs in the UK?
No CBD products are authorised for animals in the UK, so pet CBD products sold without a prescription may be illegal. Speak to your vet.
Can vets prescribe CBD for dogs?
Yes. Under the prescribing cascade, a vet can prescribe a legally obtained human CBD product if they think it’s appropriate, with dosing and monitoring advice.
Does CBD help dogs with arthritis?
A small placebo-controlled study found it improved comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis, but it raised a liver enzyme. Your vet can advise whether it’s suitable.
Will CBD get my dog high?
CBD itself isn’t intoxicating, but dogs are very sensitive to THC, which some products contain. THC can cause poisoning.
Can I give my dog human CBD oil?
Not without your vet’s advice. Human products can contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, and the dose needs to be right for your dog.
Sources
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Can I buy CBD oil (cannabidiol) for my pet?
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate. VMD statement on veterinary medicinal products containing cannabidiol.
- Gamble LJ et al (2018). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of cannabidiol treatment in osteoarthritic dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
- Vaughn D et al (2020). Randomized, placebo-controlled, 28-day safety and pharmacokinetics evaluation of repeated oral cannabidiol administration in healthy dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Evopure products are made for people.
