CBD Oil for Pets: a straight forward guide for Aussie owners
If you are googling CBD Oil for Pets, you are probably not bored.
You have a dog, cat or horse who is sore, stressed, slowing down, or on a long list of meds, and you are wondering if CBD might actually help.
At Discount Animal Products, we sit in the middle of that question every day. We stock CBD oil for pets, we ship it across Australia, and we hear the real-world stories behind the orders.
This guide is the version you would get if you called and asked, “Can you please just explain this properly?”
Short, clear, no drama.
What is CBD Oil for Pets, exactly?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the main compounds found in the cannabis plant. The pet products you see are usually made from hemp, not “marijuana,” and they are formulated to be non-intoxicating, which means no “high” for your animals.
Three key distinctions:
- CBD vs THC
THC is the part that gets humans stoned. Dogs in particular do not cope well with THC. Proper pet CBD oils are made to be very low in THC or THC-free. - CBD oil vs hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is pressed from seeds and is great for skin, coat and general nutrition, but it contains no meaningful CBD. CBD oil comes from the flowers and leaves, then is blended with a carrier oil like hemp or MCT. - Full spectrum vs isolate
Full spectrum oils contain CBD plus minor cannabinoids and terpenes. Isolates are just CBD in a carrier oil. Discount Animal Products stocks both styles so owners can match the product to their vet’s advice and their pet’s needs.
How CBD works in animals
All mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is a network of receptors and chemical messengers that help regulate pain, inflammation, mood, appetite and sleep. CBD interacts with this system indirectly, nudging it towards balance rather than hitting one switch on or off. (Source: CBD Vets Australia)
In dogs and cats, that can translate into:
- Calmer behaviour in stressful situations
- Less stiffness and more comfortable movement
- Fewer or milder seizure episodes in some cases
- Better rest and recovery for senior pets
You are not “sedating” your dog into being a statue. When it works well, they just look like a more comfortable version of their normal selves.
What CBD Oil for Pets is commonly used for
People reach for CBD oil when something about their animal’s quality of life does not feel right.
Common reasons owners buy CBD oil for dogs and pets:
- Joint pain and arthritis
Older dogs who hesitate with stairs, struggle to get up after sleeping, or slow down on walks are the classic candidates. Some owners notice looser movement and less stiffness after a few weeks of regular dosing. (Source: Discount Animal Products) - Anxiety and stress
Separation anxiety, storm phobias, fireworks, vet visits, grooming. CBD can take the edge off the overreaction without knocking them out. - Seizures and epilepsy support
CBD has been studied as an add-on for seizure control in dogs. Results vary, but for some, frequency and intensity are reduced. This area should always be done in partnership with a vet. - Ageing brains and CCD (doggy dementia)
Senior dogs who wander at night, stare at walls, or seem “lost” in their own house are often being worked up for canine cognitive dysfunction. Some vets are using CBD alongside other therapies to help with agitation and sleep. (Source: The Village Vet) - General comfort, skin and recovery
It is also used around chronic pain, itch, gut issues and palliative care, usually as one part of a broader plan. (Source: Kindred)
Is it a magic fix for everything? No. But for the right pet, in the right dose, it can move the needle.
Is CBD Oil safe for pets?
Used sensibly, CBD has a fairly good safety profile in dogs and cats. Common, usually mild side effects include:
- Sleepiness, especially at higher doses
- Soft stools or mild tummy upset
- Increased thirst
- Changes in liver enzyme values on blood tests
(Source: CBD Vets Australia)
Two important “why” points:
- Pets process cannabinoids differently to humans. Dogs, for example, have more cannabinoid receptors in parts of the brain, so they are more sensitive to THC and overdoses.
- Many pets are already on medications. CBD can interact with other drugs that are metabolised in the liver, which is why a vet should be in the loop for anything beyond “mild support.”
If your animal is on multiple meds, has liver disease, or has a complex diagnosis, you want a vet guiding the plan, not just a dosage chart.
CBD oil for pets in Australia: what is the legal situation?
Here is where things get a bit grey.
On the official side:
- Veterinarians in Australia can legally prescribe medicinal CBD for animals under certain conditions, usually as a Schedule 4 medicine. (Source: AVA)
- The safest, cleanest pathway for many cases is still a vet prescription, tailored to your pet.
On the real-world side:
- There are Australian vets and specialist clinics offering CBD oil for pets through legal channels. (Source: CBD Vets Australia)
- There are also Australian online stores, like Discount Animal Products, offering hemp-derived CBD oil for pets for people who are looking for accessible options and are comfortable operating in that emerging space.
- Some professional bodies caution that buying CBD online without vet oversight is not aligned with current regulations, and they highlight the risk of poor-quality or mislabelled products. (Source: CBD Vets Australia)
So the landscape is still evolving. Laws are trying to catch up to demand, and different authorities emphasise different routes.
Our stance at Discount Animal Products is simple:
Whatever avenue you choose, involve your vet for serious conditions, and only use CBD oil for pets from suppliers who are transparent about what is in the bottle.
How to choose CBD oil for pets (and avoid junk)
If you are going to buy CBD oil for dogs or other pets, you want to stack the odds in your favour.
Look for:
- Clear labelling
Milligrams of CBD per bottle and per mL, not just “hemp blend.”
Species guidance: dogs, cats, horses, etc. - Third-party testing
Independent lab reports (HPLC or similar) showing cannabinoid content and, ideally, screening for contaminants. Discount Animal Products highlights active cannabinoids per mL and uses lab-verified oils. - Appropriate strength
For small pets, lower-concentration bottles make accurate dosing easier. Larger animals may suit higher mg/mL options so you are not giving half a syringe each time. - Reputation and support
You want a business that actually answers questions, not just a checkout page. Discount Animal Products has been supplying CBD oil for pets in Australia for years, alongside mainstream vet products, which is a decent trust signal on its own.
If a product hides the numbers, has no batch testing and reads like a marketing brochure, it is not worth putting in your dog.
How to dose CBD oil for pets (with a real example)
There is no one-size dose, but the guiding idea is: start low, go slow, and watch your animal, not just the label.
A typical starting window many vets and CBD brands talk about is around 0.2–0.5 mg CBD per kg of bodyweight, twice daily, adjusting slowly based on response. (Source: CBD Vets Australia)
Example:
20 kg dog with arthritis
You choose a 1000 mg / 30 mL bottle (about 33 mg/mL).
Starting dose at 0.3 mg/kg = 6 mg per dose.
6 mg divided by 33 mg/mL ? 0.18 mL, twice a day.
In practice, that might be around 0.2 mL on the syringe morning and night for the first week or two.
What to watch:
- Week 1–2: Any tummy upset? More sleepy than usual? Adjust down if so.
- Week 2–4: Movement, stairs, getting up from bed, willingness to walk, general mood. If there is zero difference and side effects are minimal, your vet may suggest a careful increase.
For seizures, complex pain or multiple medications, you do not experiment alone. That is vet territory only.
How to give CBD oil so your pet actually takes it
Getting CBD oil into pets is half science, half trickery.
Options:
- Directly into the mouth with a syringe along the cheek (fastest, most accurate).
- Mixed into a small portion of strong-smelling food (sardines, cooked chicken, a bit of mince).
- Dropped onto a treat that will definitely be eaten, not half-chewed and dropped on the carpet.
For cats, mixing into a favourite wet food is usually less stressful than prying jaws open twice a day. For horses, most owners dose onto a small handful of chaff or a treat feed.
Why buy CBD oil for pets from Discount Animal Products
You already know you can buy flea treatments and wormers from us. The same approach applies to our CBD range.
When you buy CBD oil for dogs and pets from Discount Animal Products:
- You are getting full-spectrum and isolate CBD oils with clearly stated cannabinoid content per mL.
- You can choose formulas aimed at cats, dogs, horses and larger animals, not just “one bottle for everything.”
- You have the option to pair CBD with hemp oil for pets, so your animal gets both cannabinoid support and the fatty acid benefits for skin and coat.
- You get flat-rate shipping across Australia, so topping up CBD sits in the same cart as the rest of your animal health supplies.
We are not trying to be a mysterious “CBD-only” brand. We are a practical animal health supplier that happens to take CBD seriously.
FAQ: CBD Oil for Pets in Australia
Is CBD oil legal for pets in Australia?
On paper, CBD for animals sits in the medicinal cannabis space, which means vets can prescribe certain CBD products under specific rules. In practice, you will see both vet-prescribed options and hemp-derived CBD oil for pets sold online to Australian owners. The safest move is to loop your vet in, especially for anything beyond mild anxiety or general support.
Will my pet get high from CBD oil?
No, not if you are using proper pet CBD products. CBD oil for pets is made from hemp and is either THC-free or extremely low in THC, so it will not create a “stoned” effect. The aim is comfort and calm, not intoxication.
How long does CBD take to work in dogs and cats?
Some dogs look more relaxed or less stiff within a few days, especially around anxiety. Joint and mobility changes often take 2–4 weeks of consistent dosing. With chronic issues, think in weeks, not hours, before you judge whether CBD is pulling its weight.
Can I use my own human CBD oil on my dog?
It is not a great idea to freestyle it. Human products may be stronger than you think, may contain flavourings or essential oils that are not pet-safe, and doses will be wrong for smaller animals. Pet-specific CBD oils make it much easier to measure safe amounts and avoid ingredients that do not belong in a dog or cat.
Is CBD oil safe to use with my pet’s other medications?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. CBD is processed in the liver and can interact with other meds that use the same pathways. That is why any pet on anti-seizure drugs, heart meds, steroids or long-term pain relief should only start CBD with a vet checking doses and bloods.
What strength CBD oil should I buy for my pet?
Smaller animals generally do better with lower-concentration bottles so you can measure tiny doses accurately. Larger dogs and horses can use higher mg/mL oils without you needing half a syringe at a time. If you are unsure, start with a moderate strength and calculate your dose from your pet’s weight, then adjust with guidance.
How do I know if CBD is helping my pet?
Pick 2–3 things you care about before you start, and track those. For example, “time to get up in the morning,” “pace of daily walk,” “how hard they react to storms.” If those metrics look clearly better after a few weeks, CBD is earning its spot. If nothing obvious shifts, talk to your vet about dose or whether CBD is the right tool.
Can I stop CBD suddenly or do I need to taper it?
CBD is not an opioid or steroid, so there is no classic “withdrawal” profile, but for chronic conditions it still makes sense to taper rather than slam on the brakes. Gradually cutting the dose over a week or so lets you see whether symptoms creep back and how much CBD your pet truly needs day to day.
Do you ship CBD oil for pets everywhere in Australia?
Yes, Discount Animal Products ships CBD oil for pets across Australia with flat-rate shipping. That means your CBD, flea control, wormers and supplements can all arrive in the same box, without surprise postage charges at checkout.
