CBD for Dogs, Cats & Horses Switzerland: Legal, Dosing, Safety | CannabisClub.ch

CBD for pets in Switzerland: mammalian ECS, legal framework, weight-based dosing, indications (arthritis, anxiety, epilepsy) — and why THC is toxic to dogs and cats.

More and more Swiss pet owners ask whether CBD for dogs, cats or horses makes sense. This guide covers the mammalian endocannabinoid system, the Swiss legal framework, weight-based dosing, indications (arthritis, anxiety, epilepsy) and why THC is acutely toxic to dogs and cats.

Important: This article does not replace veterinary advice. If THC poisoning is suspected, contact your vet or Tox Info Suisse (145) immediately.

TL;DR — CBD for pets in Switzerland

• Yes, pets have an endocannabinoid system — CB1/CB2 receptors present
• CBD legal as feed supplement (<1 % THC); therapeutic claims require Swissmedic approval
• THC toxic to dogs & cats — high CB1 density, no recreational effect
• Dog dose: start 0.1–0.25 mg CBD/kg, 2× daily
• Cat: caution — slower liver enzymes, lower doses
• Emergency THC: Tox Info Suisse 145, vet immediately

The mammalian endocannabinoid system

Dogs, cats and horses have an ECS with CB1 and CB2 receptors. See endocannabinoid system entry and CBD overview. Dogs have the highest known cerebellar CB1 density among mammals — even small THC amounts cause ataxia and tremors.

Swiss legal framework — CBD & animals

• Feed supplement — CBD oils without therapeutic claims, THC < 1 %
• Veterinary medicine — therapeutic claims only with Swissmedic authorization or off-label prescription
• Topical cosmetics — balms/creams

THC toxicity — canine & feline emergency

THC is acutely toxic to dogs and cats. As little as 2–3 mg/kg can trigger severe symptoms: ataxia, urine dribbling, hyperacusis, hypersalivation, tremors, vomiting, coma.

• Call Tox Info Suisse 145
• Do not induce vomiting
• Vet visit — treatment: activated charcoal, fluids, antiemetics, intralipid

Indications

• Arthritis (dog): Gamble et al. 2018, McGrath 2020 — reduced pain, more activity
• Separation / noise anxiety: 5-HT1A anxiolysis (see human anxiety guide)
• Idiopathic epilepsy (dog): CBD add-on reduces seizures (Colorado State)
• Nausea & appetite loss: palliative oncology
• Cat — FIC, anxiety: conservative dosing
• Horse — tendinitis, head-shaking, box stress: anecdotal; watch FEI doping list

Weight-based dosing

Start low, go slow. See CBD dosing guide.

• Dog < 10 kg: 1–2.5 mg CBD, 2× daily
• Dog 10–25 kg: 2.5–7 mg, 2× daily
• Dog > 25 kg: 7–15 mg, 2× daily
• Cat (3–6 kg): 0.5–1.5 mg, 1–2× daily
• Horse (500 kg): 100–500 mg per day, split

Full-spectrum CBD in pharmacy qualityAs a member you get lab-tested CBD flower and oil with full declaration from CHF 1.00–2.50/g — always coordinate pet use with your vet.
Become a member →

Full-spectrum vs. isolate & terpenes

Full-spectrum triggers the entourage effect. For cats, broad-spectrum (THC-free) is often preferred. Calming terpenes: linalool, myrcene.

Dog vs. cat vs. horse

• Dog: best data, robust tolerance
• Cat: slower glucuronidation → lower doses, longer half-life, no xylitol or essential oils
• Horse: high absolute doses; CBD is on the FEI controlled list

Side effects & interactions

• Drowsiness, low blood pressure, diarrhoea on overdose
• Liver enzymes may rise — monitor on chronic use
• Interactions with phenobarbital, NSAIDs, ivermectin

FAQ

Is pet CBD legal in Switzerland? Yes as feed supplement <1 % THC.

How much CBD for a 20 kg dog? Start 4–5 mg CBD twice daily.

Is THC toxic to dogs? Yes, even small amounts.

Human CBD oil for cats? Only free of essential oils/xylitol, low dose, broad-spectrum.

CBD for fireworks anxiety? Start 1–2 days ahead.

Prescription needed? No for feed supplements. Yes for authorised veterinary meds.

How do I join? Waitlist.

Changelog

• July 2026: First publication.