Book Review: Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs by D. Caroline Coile, PH. D

Cannabis is now accepted as medical treatment for dozens of ailments in humans.  But what about cannabis for dogs? Yes, there is such a thing and it’s used to treat anxiety, pain and even cancer in canines through the use of CBD oil. The new book, Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., a former canine consultant to the FAA and award-wining dog writer, examines the ways cannabis helps sick and aging canines.

The book explains first things first - the differences between marijuana, cannabis and hemp; the history of cannabis for medicinal purposes, and how different cannabinoids affect humans and animals.

CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp. The most well-known, THC, is found in marijuana and has the psychoactive properties that make you high. CBD, a cannabinoid used to treat health issues in humans and pets, is the opposite of THC in several ways. Marijuana containing THC makes people anxious and paranoid, but the CBD found in hemp has a calming effect. The THC in marijuana makes users sleepy, but CBD is an energy-booster.  Many types of CBD oil and related products are cleared for legal sale in the United States.

The chapter on clinical applications examines the uses of medical cannabis for canines. The list of treatable maladies mirrors the ones found in humans - anxiety, colitis, obesity, diabetes and cancer, to name just a few. The book contains case studies of dogs receiving relief from severe pain due to CBD treatment. There are a few easy-to-read charts featuring the types of cannabinoids and what canine health issues they treat, and other information to help you make an informed decision about your dog’s health care. 

This 94 page book covers the what, how and why of medical cannabis for dogs. If you’re tired of repeat visits to the vet, medical cannabis may be the answer to your pet’s health problems. The author examines the ways CBD improves canine health and clears up the confusion some people may have about the types of cannabis (marijuana vs. hemp), and how they’re used.   

Here’s a primer for the information contained in Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs,  via an email interview I conducted with the book’s author. (She is also a columnist for Dog World magazine and the AKC Gazette.)

When was cannabis first used as a treatment for ill or elderly dogs?

We don't specifically know when it was first used for dogs, but the ancient Greeks used cannabis to dress wounds on their horses, so it's not much of a stretch to assume they also used it on their dogs. And of course, they also used it on themselves!

What is the difference between CBD and THC? Can my dog get "stoned" from using CBD?

CBD and THC are related but different types of cannabinoids, which are chemicals found in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids affect the body's endocannabinoid system, which is a master regulator of the body's internal systems. In the 1960s the cannabinoid THC was discovered and got all the credit---and it is the one responsible for the "high" you get from marijuana. But now another cannabinoid, called cannabidiol (CBD), is getting credit for most of the medicinal benefits. CBD doesn't get your dog high, and it comes from hemp, not marijuana. 

What conditions are treated with cannabis?

A crazy assortment of conditions are treated with cannabis, especially with CBD: Pain, age-related cognitive losses, inflammation, seizures, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, infections, even to some extent cancer. And while I agree that list sounds to unrelaed to be credible at first, the thing that ties them together is the systems that influence all these conditions are controlled by endocannbinoids.

Is the medical marijuana for pets different than medical marijuana for people?

Medical marijuana, with THC, comes from plants cultivated to have high THC content. It is illegal to use on dogs, even where it's legal for people. Veterinarians cannot prescribe it. CBD comes from hemp plants, which have been cultivated to have low THC bit subsequently have high CBD,  Hemp, with CBD, is legal.

How do I know if the cannabis I give my pet is safe?

As with any herb, know your source. I feel more confident with companies that have a history of supplying CBD.    Canna-Pet, for example, has probably the longest history and best documentation, and is my personal choice. 

Is cannabis added to your dog’s food or administered like medication?

It depends on your source, but ideally it's administered so it's absorbed before it get sto the digestive tract.  

Can vets prescribe it or do you get it over-the counter?

You don't need a prescription for CBD as it is totally legal to buy over the counter. Some veterinary clinics stock it, however, and have it on hand for cases they think would benefit from it. But right now, not all veterinarians understand CBD, or that it is legal and different from medical marijuana.

Transitioning Your Cat to a Homemade Diet

  Photo:nipitphand/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If your cat is skittish, finicky or prone to health problems, even the most pristine brand of store-bought holistic cat food may not be adequate for his needs. A homemade diet tailored to a cat’s individual temperament is often preferable to commercial products. Preparing homemade meals for your cat doesn’t take that much extra time once you get the hang of it. Plus, you never have to worry about pet food recalls-you always know ahead of time exactly what your kitty is eating and how it was prepared.


Get to know your cat’s eating habits first.

Get a feel for your pet’s eating habits before becoming a natural food chef for felines. Take her to the vet for a check-up even if she seems to be in good health. Once your vet has determined if you cat has medical problems (like diabetes), you can alter homemade meals to treat it.  A homemade meal for diabetic cats, for example, may include cooked zucchini, squash or green beans and cooked oatmeal in addition to chicken. These ingredients are designed to boost insulin production and fortify the pancreas.

 A homemade diet features both raw and cooked foods. Cats like their food at room temperature or slightly cool. They dislike foods that are too hot or too cold, just like Goldilocks.

Transitioning From Commercial Food to Homemade

Test fresh homemade treats to see what your cat likes, but don’t toss down leftovers from your dinner plate. While that chicken ala king may taste good to you, the sauces or spices in it may contain ingredients harmful to cats. (See list below.)* Create a feline version of baby food for your cat as a homemade starter food. Add vegetable oil and water to a small piece of poultry and puree in a blender. Serve it instead of canned food and see how your pet reacts.

When you discover what your cat likes the most –whether it’s chicken, turkey or beef - cook small chunks of it and add them to the puree -- or to the canned food you’re currently feeding him. This helps him get used to the new tastes without jolting his gastrointestinal tract too much.


While preparing homemade food for your pet, follow the basic nutritional rules by using a combination of poultry, fish, beef and a smidgen of grains and veggies. There are several books and websites about cat nutrition, raw diets and homemade recipes to guide you on the best meals for your kitty.  Catinfo.org has plenty of good information, written by a vet who advocates homemade diets.

* Foods cats should never eat:

 Alcohol, chocolate, coffee, tea (Obviously!!)

Grapes, raisins, walnuts
Onions, garlic (fresh and in powdered form)
Raw Salmon (which contain harmful bacteria).

Dairy and sugar are harmful if ingested in large amounts. If your cat nibbles at crumbs from a muffin or licks a pat of butter once in awhile, he probably won’t get sick. Just make sure that it doesn’t become a habit.

While it’s doubtful your cats will show much interest in the foods mentioned above, be careful not to leave coffee grounds, tea leaves or half-full glasses of wine where his curiosity will get the best of him. Hide the chocolate, along with the coffee and alcohol. That might go double for one of your crotchety old uncles!

This article first appeared on Yeepet.com in 2011 (as Jade07) 

Copyright 2011 by Jade Blackmore