CBD for dogs: what the French veterinary framework says

The ANMV (Agence nationale du médicament vétérinaire, part of ANSES) is the French authority responsible for medicines for animal use. As of May 2026, no CBD-based veterinary medicine appears in the index of SPCs (www.ircp.anmv.anses.fr). Nor has any product received an authorisation from the EMA (European Medicines Agency) at centralised level.

Selling CBD products labelled "for animals" is not explicitly prohibited as long as no therapeutic purpose is claimed ("cures", "treats", "calms anxiety"). These products fall under the heading of hemp-based supplements, in a regulatory grey area that European Regulation 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products does not explicitly settle. A vet may prescribe CBD off-label under the therapeutic cascade provided for in Article 112 of the regulation, on their own personal responsibility, where no authorised medicine exists for the indication.

The practical consequence: an owner who buys a CBD product for their dog is buying a hemp-based food supplement, not a veterinary medicine. Therapeutic claims remain prohibited, and only a vet can judge whether a trial is appropriate.

The most important point for any owner: THC is toxic to dogs and cats, even at low doses. Dogs have a higher density of CB1 receptors than humans in the cerebellum and brainstem, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the neurological effects of THC.

Signs of THC poisoning in dogs include: ataxia (unsteady gait), hypothermia, hypotension, hypersalivation, mydriasis (dilated pupils), urinary incontinence, bradycardia, and even coma in severe cases. French veterinary poison control centres have reported a steady rise in cases since 2018, in parallel with the spread of human CBD in shops. In 2024, ANSES published an alert on the increase in cases of poisoning caused by CBD products contaminated with prohibited cannabinoids (HHC, THCP) or containing a THC level above 0.30%.

The concrete consequence: a so-called "full spectrum" product contains traces of THC that are legal for humans but potentially risky for a dog. If a trial is considered on veterinary advice, favour a CBD isolate certified THC-free (99% purity, with a certificate of analysis to back it up).

Several veterinary studies have explored the tolerability of CBD in dogs:

• A tolerability study from Colorado State University (Gamble et al., 2018) in 16 osteoarthritic dogs reports good tolerability of CBD at 2 mg/kg twice daily for 4 weeks, with no serious adverse effect.
• A scientific review of the veterinary literature published in Animals (2021) highlights the scarcity of randomised clinical trials in dogs and the wide variability of the dosages tested.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) published a report in 2017 noting a "good safety profile" for CBD in humans and animals, with no regulatory force. At European level, EFSA published in February 2026 an extremely low provisionally safe daily dose for humans, with no veterinary transposition.

These data remain preliminary. No French or European authority has validated a therapeutic dose for dogs, and the literature is not sufficient to formulate a medical recommendation. It is precisely for this reason that any mention of "CBD relieves my dog's osteoarthritis" or "calms separation anxiety" legally amounts to a prohibited therapeutic claim.

The adverse effects documented in dogs after CBD administration are generally moderate and transient:

• Excessive sedation or drowsiness
• Hypersalivation or dry mouth
• Diarrhoea or changes in appetite
• Transient rise in liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase) — a point vets watch particularly closely because of the hepatic metabolism of CBD via the CYP enzymes

The hepatic metabolism of CBD in dogs is slower than in humans, which can lead to accumulation with prolonged use. Possible drug interactions concern antiepileptics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain anticoagulants and certain sedatives in particular. A prior veterinary consultation is non-negotiable if your dog is on a course of treatment.

If, after a veterinary consultation, a trial is considered, several quality criteria should be insisted upon:

• Certificate of analysis (CoA) issued by an independent laboratory, attesting to the exact CBD level, the absence of THC (ideally < 0.01%), and the absence of pesticides, heavy metals and residual solvents.
• Absence of prohibited cannabinoids: HHC, H4CBD, THCP and HHCO have been classified as narcotics in France since June 2024 (ANSM order). Check that none of these compounds appears on the CoA.
• A suitable lipid base: MCT oil (to be avoided in cases of liver disease, according to your vet), olive oil, salmon oil (often appreciated by dogs).
• A clear concentration in mg/ml and a graduated pipette for accurate dosing.
• Origin of the hemp: a variety authorised in the European catalogue, grown without synthetic pesticides.

Forums and some brands relay indicative dosages (0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg twice daily). These figures come from the international literature and from practice, not from a recommendation by the French authorities. The ANMV has published no dosing reference for CBD in animals.

The general principle where a trial is undertaken on veterinary advice: start with the lowest possible dose, observe over several days, adjust in consultation with the vet. Never give a human CBD product to your dog without professional validation: the CBD concentration, the possible presence of THC, the flavourings (xylitol in particular, lethal to dogs) and the lack of relevance for the animal make this practice dangerous.

• No self-prescribing: a veterinary consultation is a precondition, not an option.
• Animals to be excluded: puppies, pregnant or nursing bitches, dogs with liver or kidney failure, animals on antiepileptic, anticoagulant or immunosuppressant treatment without reinforced veterinary advice.
• No human product for an animal: possible presence of xylitol, chocolate, menthol or caffeine, all toxic to dogs.
• Store out of reach: a dog that swallows a whole bottle of CBD oil can develop poisoning. Store out of reach, like any medicine.
• Watch for the appearance of adverse effects: excessive sedation, vomiting or ataxia warrant stopping and a call to the vet or to a veterinary poison control centre.

• No CBD-based veterinary medicine has a marketing authorisation in France (ANMV).
• THC is toxic to dogs: avoid full spectrum products, prefer a certified THC-free isolate.
• No official dose has been validated by the French authorities for animals.
• A prior veterinary consultation is essential, especially where treatment is ongoing.
• Check the certificate of analysis: no HHC, H4CBD or THCP (prohibited since June 2024).
• Never give a human CBD product to a dog (xylitol, chocolate, toxic flavourings).

Is CBD legal for dogs in France?

CBD for animals is sold in France under the status of a hemp-based supplement, in a veterinary legal vacuum. No CBD-based veterinary medicine has a marketing authorisation issued by the ANMV. A vet may prescribe CBD off-label via the therapeutic cascade (EU Regulation 2019/6).

Can my dog take the CBD oil I use?

No, not without veterinary advice, and even then it is rarely recommended. Full spectrum human oils contain traces of THC that are potentially toxic to dogs, may contain dangerous flavourings or sweeteners (xylitol), and their concentration is calibrated for humans. Favour a product specifically formulated for animals, on the recommendation of a vet.

What are the first signs of poisoning?

Unsteady gait, excessive drowsiness, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, vomiting, urinary incontinence. If you suspect poisoning, call your vet immediately or a veterinary poison control centre (CAPAE Ouest 02 40 68 77 40, CAPA Lyon 04 78 87 10 40).

Does CBD interact with veterinary medicines?

Yes, potentially. CBD modulates the hepatic CYP enzymes that metabolise many medicines. Antiepileptics, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants and certain sedatives may have their action altered. This is one of the reasons why a prior veterinary consultation is essential.

Is there a medical cannabis scheme for animals in France?

No. The French medical cannabis trial (2021-2024) and then the 2025-2026 roll-out concern human medicine exclusively, and five specific indications. No equivalent framework exists in veterinary medicine.

To explore our selection of hemp-based supplements formulated for animals, [see our animal catalogue](/categorie-produit). CBD is not a veterinary medicine in France. No supplement should replace a prescribed treatment. Consult your vet before any use.

• Conseil d'État, interim order, 24 Jan. 2022, no. 460055 — primary
• EU Regulation 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products (cascade) — primary
• CJEU, judgment C-663/18 Kanavape, 19 Nov. 2020 — primary