Natural animal care is constantly evolving. While CBD oil was once associated exclusively with humans, recent research shows that our pets —from cats to horses, from dogs to even macaws—can also benefit from the powerful compounds found in the hemp plant.

At CBD & Herb, we work closely with Peter Vermeul , founder of CBD Spain and a pioneer in full-spectrum CBDa oil . From his own research practice in Spain, he has been studying the effects of raw, unheated hemp extracts on animal welfare for years.
His latest paper sheds fascinating light on the therapeutic power of CBDa – the natural, acidic form of cannabidiol – and how full-spectrum cannabinoids work together in the bodies of animals.

What makes CBDa so special?

Most people are familiar with CBD (cannabidiol), but less well-known is that raw hemp primarily contains CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) . Only through heating (decarboxylation) does CBDa convert to CBD. For a long time, it was thought that CBDa had little effect, but scientists now think differently.

CBDa not only appears to be better absorbed , but also to have a stronger effect on certain receptors in the body – such as the serotonin receptors that influence mood, nausea and pain.
In combination with other plant substances from hemp – terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids – the so-called entourage effect is created: a natural synergy in which all compounds reinforce each other.

Peter Vermeul's research confirms what more and more veterinarians worldwide are seeing:
CBDa-rich full-spectrum oils can be a safe, effective and natural tool to improve animal well-being – in a way that suits their physiology and sensitivities.

Cats: The Power of Raw CBDa

Cats respond differently to cannabinoids than other animals. New studies show that cats absorb CBDa up to five times better than CBD. This makes it particularly suitable for problems such as:

• Nausea or decreased appetite (e.g. in kidney problems or chemotherapy)

• Chronic pain, osteoarthritis or inflammation

• Stress-related behavior

CBDa binds extremely strongly to serotonin receptors, which can help with nausea and relaxation . Many cat owners notice that their pets are calmer, more sociable, and eat better after a few days.

💡 Practical tip: Cats don't like strong flavors. Therefore, CBDa oil is often administered transdermally : a few drops on the neck or behind the ear, where the oil is gradually absorbed through the skin.
This makes it more effective and stress-free – a gentle approach that suits the cat.

Note: Cats are sensitive to certain terpenes . Therefore, always choose a full-spectrum oil specifically developed for animals , such as those from CBD Spain – safe, balanced, and carefully formulated.

Dogs: natural comfort for pain, anxiety and epilepsy

• Dogs are among the most studied species in terms of CBD. Several clinical studies (including Cornell University, 2018) show that full-spectrum CBD/CBDa oil can significantly reduce pain, inflammation, and stress.

The results speak for themselves:

• Dogs with osteoarthritis walked more smoothly and showed more activity.

• Anxious dogs became calmer during fireworks or being alone .

• In epilepsy patients, the number of seizures decreased by an average of 30%.

Important: No serious side effects were reported. Only mild drowsiness or loose stools occurred at high doses – which can easily be remedied by reducing the dose slightly.

What makes this so special is the entourage effect . The combination of CBD, CBDa, terpenes, and other cannabinoids creates a broader, more stable, and more natural effect than a single isolate.
The result? Less pain, less stress, and a visibly happier animal.

Horses: recovery, relaxation and balance

Interest in CBDa is also growing in horses.
Sport horses and older horses often struggle with osteoarthritis, inflammation, or stress. New studies show that even low doses of CBDa can lead to:

• Lower inflammation levels in the blood

• Improved heart rate and breathing

• Less pain and stiff movements

• More relaxation during transport or competitions

In practice, many owners report that their horses move more smoothly, eat better and respond more calmly to stimuli within a few days .

CBDa also appears to be safe to combine with traditional agents such as NSAIDs – without additional burden on the liver or kidneys.
It is therefore not only a natural alternative, but also a valuable addition to existing therapies .

Macaws and other parrots: cautious optimism

A surprising new area of ​​research: CBD in birds .
Although the research is still in its early stages, initial results in parrots show that they tolerate high doses of CBDa very well , without side effects. Some owners report that their birds become calmer, eat better, or even recover more quickly from stressful situations after CBDa treatment.

Peter Vermeul even describes a remarkable case:
a macaw that was sick and listless, and became active and alert again within 24 hours after a few drops of full-spectrum CBDa oil in the beak.
Although anecdotal, such experiences align with what we see in mammals – an overall improvement in vitality and well-being .

The future of animal health: science and nature hand in hand

What this research by Peter Vermeul shows is that the natural power of the hemp plant has much wider applications than we previously thought.
From cats to horses – every animal has its own endocannabinoid system , which responds to the same plant compounds as in humans.

At CBD & Herb, we believe that true quality begins with science, purity, and respect for nature . That's why we work with the original full-spectrum CBDa oils from CBD Spain – cold-pressed, raw, rich in natural cannabinoids, and free from harmful additives.

Want to know more?

Read the full research article by Peter Vermeul:

• CBDa and Full Spectrum Cannabinoids in Animals: Cats, Dogs, Horses, and Macaws - pdf NL
• CBDa and Full Spectrum Cannabinoids in Animals; Cats, Dogs, Horses and Macaws - pdf EN

And visit our Science page to discover how full-spectrum CBDa extracts can improve the well-being of cats, dogs, horses, and even macaws.