CBD 101
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD works on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis (balance) within your pet’s body. CBD oil has become a popular natural alternative in veterinary medicine as it can be helpful in treating various conditions such as anxiety, pain, inflammation and seizures.


- Endocannabinoids - made within the body
- Phytocannabinoids - made within a plant
- Synthetic cannabinoids - made in a laboratory
- Major cannabinoids include: THC and CBD
- Minor cannabinoids include: CBG, CBN, CBC and others
There are eight predominant terpenes in most cannabis strains:
- B-caryophyllene
- B-myrcene
- a-pinene
- Limonene
- Ocimene
- Terpinolene
- Humelene
- Linalool

There are eight predominant terpenes in most cannabis strains:
- B-caryophyllene
- B-myrcene
- a-pinene
- Limonene
- Ocimene
- Terpinolene
- Humelene and Linalool



HOW DOES CBD OIL WORK?
Animals produce natural endogenous cannabinoids referred to as endocannabinoids which bind to the Cannabinoid Receptors (CB receptors). There are two types of CB receptors- CB1 and CB2.
CBD and THC molecules (phytocannabinoids) are very similar in structure to these naturally occurring endocannabinoids and as a result exert a similar effect at these receptors.
In addition to working at the CB1 and CB2 receptors the endo- and phytocannabinoids also have the ability to bind and interact with other receptors in the body such as the serotonin, vanilloid and dopamine receptors amongst others.
The interaction at all these receptors results in modulation of neurotransmitters, down regulation of inflammatory proteins, as well as an increase in naturally occurring endocannabinoids and other feel-good molecules.
BENEFITS OF CBD and THE SCIENCE


Due to the interactions at multiple receptor sites throughout the body, CBD and other cannabinoids have many positive effects.
- Reduction in anxiety
- Improved seizure control
- Improved pain control
- Improved mobility in animals with arthritis
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Reduction in gastrointestinal disturbances
- Support and modulation of the immune system
- Assisting with sleep quality
- Nausea reduction and improved appetite
- Anti-cancer effects
- General well-being and balance
CBD is a hot area of clinical research in the veterinary industry at the moment. There are numerous well designed clinical studies emerging that highlight the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids. In addition, many veterinary practitioners report good results with their own patients as well as pet owners reporting clinical improvement in their pets.
DOSING
Being veterinarian owned, LOP & LOA base suggestions and recommendations on the latest CBD research in animals (and humans).
DOSING
Being veterinarian owned, LOP & LOA base suggestions and recommendations on the latest CBD research in animals (and humans).
Precise dosing is based on:
- Weight of the pet
- Potency of the product
- Health status of the pet
- Reason for using CBD

Based on our experience, the dose range of LOP & LOA CBD oil is 0.25 - 2.0 mg/kg in the mouth TWICE daily* for most cats and dogs. CBD dosing varies from product to product. These doses may not apply to other brands of CBD oil.
Administration: drops as far as possible should be placed into your pet’s mouth, alternatively they can be placed on a small amount of food.
SAFETY and WHY IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO CHAT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN
As there are no CB1 receptors within the brainstem, CBD oil is very safe. In addition, LOP & LOA CBD oil contains zero THC, in compliance with Hong Kong Law, so the psychotropic effects of cannabis are not experienced at all. Many good safety studies have been conducted in dogs and cats and have shown high doses of CBD are tolerated with minimal side effects.

Use with caution in the following pets
- Pets with pre-existing liver problems or raised liver values
- Pets on current medication that use the Cytochrome P450 family of enzymes for metabolism
- Pets currently on medication that make them more sleepy
- Very young and very old pets
- Pregnant or lactating pets
SIDE EFFECTS
- Drowsiness
- Increase in the liver enzyme: ALKP
- Loose stools (possibly due to MCT oil base)
The Use of CBD oil in pets with liver problems
The Use of CBD oil in pets with liver problems
Multiple studies report an increase in one of the liver enzymes, mainly Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), when CBD oil is used at the higher end of the dose range. Despite these increases the bile acids (a measure of liver function) and ALT another liver enzyme remained normal. The dogs involved in the studies were non-clinical for the increase in ALKP.
The exact mechanism of action has not been well studied but may be linked to the influence CBD has on the Cytochrome P450 system within the liver. When CBD oil is ingested orally, it is absorbed in the small intestine and carried to the liver, where it is metabolized by a group of enzymes called Cytochrome P450 (CYP). At higher dosages, CBD can temporarily inhibit CYP enzymes by competing for the binding site.
This may affect the metabolism of other medications that are broken down by the same pathway, leading to higher circulating quantities of these medications. Speak with your veterinarian to ensure medications your pet is currently taking do not use this metabolic pathway.

Written by: Dr Tiffany Harries (BSc, BVSc, MRCVS) & Dr Christopher Perkins (BSc, BVSc)
Co-founders of LOP & LOA Ltd.
Chief Veterinary Officers for LOP & LOA Ltd.
Certified Cannabinoid Consultants (CCBDC)
We recommend a starting dose of:
1 mg/kg in the mouth TWICE daily for 2 weeks
Adjust the dose based on response after this period