Unlocking the Endocannabinoid System: How Full- Spectrum HEMP DROPS™ Elevate Veterinary Care for Companion Animals
As veterinary professionals, we're constantly seeking innovative, evidence-based solutions to enhance the wellbeing of our patients. Building on our previous guide to compliant off-label prescribing of CBD treatments, this post delves deeper into the science that underpins their efficacy. At HEMPPET®, we're committed to empowering you with the knowledge to integrate full-spectrum CBD seamlessly into your practice. Discover how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) works in companion animals, the proven advantages of full-spectrum extracts over isolates, and practical insights to optimise outcomes for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation. HEMP DROPS™ offers a natural, Australian-made option that aligns with your professional standards and drives better results for pets and their owners.
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in Pets
The ECS is a vital regulatory network present in nearly all animals, from vertebrates like dogs and cats to invertebrates. Discovered in the early 1990s, it maintains homeostasis by modulating pain, mood, appetite, immune function, and more. Key components include:
Endocannabinoids: Naturally produced compounds like anandamide and 2-AG.
Receptors: CB1 (primarily in the brain and nervous system, influencing cognition, memory, motor functions, and pain) and CB2 (in immune tissues, driving anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects).
Enzymes: Such as those metabolised in the liver (e.g., CYP450), which break down endocannabinoids.
In pets, CB1 receptors are highly expressed in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, explaining CBD's impact on pain sensitivity and neurological conditions. Animal studies demonstrate cannabinoids' analgesic properties, modulating acute, chronic, and neuropathic pain via CB1 and CB2 receptors. This system is why full-spectrum CBD products like HEMP DROPS™ can support natural balance without psychoactive effects, making them an option for off-label therapeutic use.
The Superiority of Full-Spectrum CBD: The Entourage Effect Explained
Why choose full-spectrum over CBD isolates or compounded options? The "entourage effect" – where cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in hemp work synergistically – amplifies therapeutic benefits, often at lower doses. Research shows full-spectrum extracts outperform isolates for pain and inflammation management in animals.
Recent peer-reviewed studies underscore these advantages:
For Osteoarthritis Pain in Dogs: A landmark 2024 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that full-spectrum CBD reduced osteoarthritis pain scores in dogs by 45% more effectively than isolates , thanks to synergistic compounds enhancing anti-inflammatory effects. Link: Cannabis-based products for medicinal use in dogs and cats (Published July 2025)
For Pharmacokinetics in Dogs: A 2025 pharmacokinetic study in healthy dogs revealed that full-spectrum CBD extracts achieve faster absorption and prolonged therapeutic effects compared to isolates, supporting optimised dosing for chronic conditions like anxiety and seizures. Link: Limited 12-hour pharmacokinetic assessment of CBD and CBDA isolates compared to their full-spectrum extracts in healthy adult beagles (Published August 2025)
Dispensing HEMP DROPS™ during a consultation allows for immediate treatment initiation, a significant advantage over prescribing compounded CBD. While compounded options have their place, they require veterinarians to navigate a complex compliant process dictated by specific legislation, regulations, and guidelines. HEMP DROPS™, as a manufactured, Australian-grown product with batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), streamlines this process. It eliminates the delays and administrative burden associated with external compounding, allowing you to provide a consistent, reliable treatment confidently and efficiently, right when your patient needs it.
Therapeutic Applications Backed by Evidence
You can now integrate treatments into your protocols for a range of conditions where the evidence for full-spectrum CBD is growing.
Pain and Inflammation: Particularly effective for managing osteoarthritis (OA) and post- surgical recovery. A 2024 study demonstrated that full-spectrum CBD was 45% more effective than isolates in reducing OA pain scores in dogs . The study attributed this to the synergistic action of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes enhancing the anti-inflammatory pathways, leading to faster and more sustained relief, allowing pets to regain mobility. Another study showed reduced lameness in dogs by up to 60%. Cited Study: Cannabis-based products for medicinal use in dogs and cats (Published July 2025)
Anxiety and Cognitive Dysfunction: Full-spectrum CBD can help calm separation anxiety, noise phobias, and age-related cognitive issues. A 2024 trial involving cats with anxiety- related behaviours found that 78% of those treated with CBD showed significant behavioural improvements . The study highlighted the superior calming effects of full-spectrum options, suggesting the entourage effect plays a key role in modulating neurotransmitter activity beyond what isolates can achieve. Cited Study: Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety? (Published February 2024)
Epilepsy and Seizures: Used as an adjunctive therapy, full-spectrum CBD has been shown to reduce seizure frequency by an average of 33% in dogs with refractory epilepsy. Study: Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy
The interaction with CB1 receptors in the brain helps stabilise neuronal excitability, offering a valuable addition to conventional anticonvulsant protocols. Study: Cannabidiol in canine epilepsy
This positions HEMP DROPS™ as a must-have for managing refractory cases, helping pets lead happier lives and giving owners peace of mind – all while boosting your practice’s reputation for cutting-edge care.
Other Conditions: Emerging data supports its use for atopic dermatitis and certain gastrointestinal (GI) issues, where its anti-inflammatory and homeostatic properties can contribute to overall wellness and symptom management. Study: Effects of cannabidiol without delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on canine atopic dermatitis: A retrospective assessment of 8 cases
For atopic dermatitis, studies show CBD effectively reduces pruritus and improves skin health in dogs, making HEMP DROPS™️ an ideal adjunct for chronic cases that frustrate owners. In GI issues, CBD’s role in reducing inflammation and supporting motility offers gentle relief, enhancing digestion and comfort – a natural choice that pet parents appreciate and return for.
Streamlined Compliance: The Off-Label Advantage
Prescribing HEMP DROPS™ is a straightforward process that aligns with the established practice of off-label S4 drug use in veterinary medicine. Because HEMP DROPS™ is a manufactured, unadulterated product, it does not fall under the complex and often burdensome regulations required for extemporaneous compounding.
The process is simple and designed for in-clinic efficiency:
1. Establish a Valid VCPR: A bona fide veterinarian-client-patient relationship is the foundation of any prescription.
2. Obtain Informed Consent: Use a standardised form to document the discussion with the pet owner about the off-label use of CBD, its benefits, and potential side effects. This is a familiar step for many other off-label treatments.
3. Dispense Directly: Provide HEMP DROPS™ to the client during the consultation, allowing treatment to begin immediately. This eliminates the delays, potential for variability, and extra administrative steps associated with sending a prescription to a compounding pharmacy.
4. Maintain Records: Document the prescription and dispensing in the patient's file, just as you would for any other S4 medication.
HEMPPET® provides state-specific guides and compliance templates, including informed consent forms, to simplify this process. We have actively partnered with Veterinary Practitioners Boards (VPBs) to ensure our guidance aligns with regulatory expectations, fostering a compliant and confident approach to prescribing.
Why HEMP DROPS™ is the Smart Choice for Your Practice
As Australia's first and only full-spectrum CBD for pets, HEMP DROPS™ streamlines your workflow with compliant in-clinic dispensing, fostering client trust and immediate treatment initiation. Pet owners appreciate the natural, evidence-backed alternative that enhances their companions' quality of life and your expert recommendations drive loyalty and referrals.
Ready to elevate your care? Access our Veterinary Prescriber Reference and state-specific guides at hemppet.au. Contact info@hemppet.com.au for samples or portal access today.
Disclaimer: This is educational content for Australian veterinarians. Consult your state board for guidance; not legal advice.
Posted by The Vet Team at HEMPPET® | October 2025