*Article updated at 12:54 PM on August 20, 2025

They don't speak, but they feel, suffer, and also deserve care. More and more, pet owners and veterinarians are seeking safe and integrative alternatives to ensure quality of life for animals. Among these options, medicinal cannabis is gaining ground, bringing hope to dogs, cats, and other pets with various pathologies.

Since the prescription of cannabis-based products was authorized for veterinarians, the landscape for pets has changed, but still moves cautiously and carefully. According to integrative veterinarian Aline Goulart, a reference in the use of medicinal cannabis for animals, there are still no specific regulated products for pets in Brazil. “What we use today are human medications, adapted according to safety for each species, and also those developed by associations for exclusive use in animals,” she says.

She explains that the main difference lies in the product's vehicle, that is, the base in which the cannabis oil is diluted. “Some vehicles, such as grape seed oil or avocado oil, are completely harmful to animals and therefore cannot be used. The care is precisely in ensuring that the base is safe for each species,” details Aline. Besides that, the concentration and chemotype of the oil follow similar parameters to those used in humans, being adjusted according to the pathology and needs of each animal.

The Brazilian market still lacks products specifically for pets, but the growing interest from veterinarians and pet owners points to future advances. Aline emphasizes that soon, experts will gather in roundtable discussions on Cannabinoid Veterinary Medicine, discussing guidelines and sharing knowledge that can strengthen clinical practice.

For Aline, the essential thing is to see animals as living beings deserving of dignified care, with integrative medications that go beyond traditional treatment, offering comfort, relief, and quality of life. “We are still at the beginning, but every step we take in cannabinoid veterinary medicine is a step of love and respect for these companions who make our lives more complete,” she states.

The attention to the individuality of each pet and the search for integrative treatments show that, even on a path that is still unfolding, it is possible to combine science, safety, and affection to ensure that each animal lives with dignity and well-being.