CBD for Animals (Pet Owner Must Read)
Updated: Dec 15, 2022
Dogs and cats are great companion animals,
Yes! Your dog or cat can use CBD for common health conditions.
The first published research related to cannabis and companion animals appeared in 1899 in the British Medical Journal. Written by English physician and pharmacologist Walter E. Dixon.1
Since then, a majority of the research has been humans only.
Yet, there is a huge CBD market for pets and their owners.
In this article, we look at why pet owners are using CBD and which conditions it can help with. We'll also take a close look at some key aspects of giving your pet this treatment — from dosage to potential side effects — so that you're prepared before making the decision to give your furry friend the benefits of CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol.
It's one of the many compounds found in cannabis, which is why it's often called hemp-derived CBD or industrial hemp-derived CBD.
CBD doesn't get you high like THC does—it's non-psychoactive.
However, there are other chemicals in cannabis plants that can produce a high like THC; these are called phytocannabinoids.
While some phytocannabinoids have medicinal benefits, others are psychoactive and may cause you to feel "high."
Cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce any psychoactive effects when ingested by humans or pets!
Why should I care about this? Because it means you don't have to worry about your pet getting high from taking CBD oil!
Signs Your Pet May Need CBD
If your pet is showing signs of pain or anxiety, CBD may be able to help them. The following are some common signs that your dog or cat could benefit from the use of CBD:
Wagging the tail less often than usual
Not wanting to play as much as they used to
Not being as affectionate with their owners as they usually are
Crying more often than normal
Not all CBD is created equal, and before giving your pet any form of cannabis it's important to do some research.
How Much CBD Should I Give My Pet?
How much CBD should you give your pet? The answer depends on the pet’s weight, health status and symptoms.
Start with a small dose (0.1-0.25 mg or less) and increase it slowly until you find the ideal dosage for your pooch. If the animal is not responding to CBD, increase the dosage. If he begins to respond too much, then decrease it gradually until you find an optimal level for him.
Never give more than 10mg per pound of body weight in one day—this would be equivalent to an 80-pound dog taking 800 mg of oil in one day!
Potential Side Effects of CBD in pets
CBD is a safe, legal substance that can provide many health benefits.
However, it is not FDA-approved for use in animals, and it may interact with other medications your pet takes. If you're considering giving CBD to your animal companion, talk to your veterinarian first.
If you're already giving CBD to your animal companion, keep an eye out for the following side effects: drowsiness; decreased appetite; lethargy; vomiting or diarrhea (which may be caused by the plant)
Delivery Methods: Oral Administration
CBD oil is one of the simplest ways to administer the plant to pets. It can be added to food or given directly by mouth.
In addition to oils, cannabis-infused treats are available for pets and are usually effective for mild to moderate aches and pains.
Different types of CBD will affect different animals in different ways and some products may not be safe for certain breeds or ages. It's also important to remember that CBD is not legal in all countries, so if you plan on traveling with your pet, make sure the laws in both countries allow for the transport of medical marijuana products!
CBD is helpful to pets, when given cautiously
It’s important to take your time when considering CBD for your animals.
Dogs have a higher number of endocannabinoid receptors in their cerebellum and brainstem than humans do. Always consult with your vet before administering any cannabis products to your pet.
We hope we have given you some insight into how CBD may benefit your furry friends.
I'm a major pet lover so please comment with your pet's name and one thing you love about them. I'd love to read about it!
Source 1 W.E. Dixon, "The Pharmacology of Cannabis indica," British Medical Journal 2 (1899): 1354-1357.