Are you interested in trying out CBD’s purported therapeutic benefits to help with your pet’s overall well-being? CBD Clinicals has gathered all the pertinent information regarding the best CBD oil for pets. 

How CBD May Help With Pets

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant and is suggested to contain anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anti-nausea, and anxiety-reducing health benefits(1).

There are various ongoing research studies investigating the potential efficacy of CBD in managing dog and cat anxiety and relieving pain and inflammation of pets(2).

The cannabinoid receptors of your pet’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) are activated by CBD. This interaction may produce CBD’s therapeutic properties(3).

Humans and animals have different sensitivities to THC.

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants that gives users a euphoric high.

High amounts of ingested THC may induce toxicity in pets(4).

Benefits of Using CBD for Pets

CBD products are becoming progressively popular among pet owners(5).

This popularity is due to the suggested health benefits of CBD oil for your furry friend’s overall wellness.

CBD for Anxiety

Dog anxiety may be classified as age-related anxiety, fear-related anxiety, and separation anxiety. Behaviors such as excessive barking and chewing are also linked to canine anxiety(6).

Dog owners have suggested that CBD helped manage their dogs’ anxiety(7). These reports may be based on the compound’s purported calming properties(8).

Meanwhile, felines may also display anxious behavior due to separation-related issues. Behaviors such as destructiveness, inappropriate urination, excessive vocalization, and depression are signs of feline separation issues(9).

CBD may work for anxious cats due to its anxiolytic properties(10).

Furthermore, anxiety can induce nausea and vomiting in cats(11).

CBD is indicated to produce anti-nausea properties that may help relieve these unpleasant sensations in your cat(12).

The compound’s properties are also convenient for situations like taking your pet on car rides.

CBD for Pain and Inflammation

A study published in 2018 indicated that CBD may reduce chronic pain in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis(13).

Additionally, the compound’s anti-inflammatory effects may also aid in lessening the pain and inflammation associated with the medical condition(14).

Furthermore, the dog owners noted that CBD did not induce any side effects after a four-week trial of the compound(15).

CBD produces these therapeutic properties by interacting with the ECS’ cannabinoid receptors associated with pain and inflammatory responses(16).

Despite these studies mainly being done on dogs, CBD’s purported benefits may also apply to felines, given that the ECS is pervasive in mammalian species(17).

How to Give CBD Oil to Your Pet

There are various ways to give CBD oil to your pet, depending on the cat or dog’s needs.

If your pet is a picky eater, one of the easiest ways to administer the compound is by feeding them CBD-infused butter (such as peanut butter), pet treats, and chews(18).

Meanwhile, you may also administer CBD oil through tinctures.

CBD tinctures are made from CBD extracts infused into a carrier oil, like coconut oil or MCT oil.

This particular CBD product has flavored and unflavored options and comes with a dropper that allows you to deliver a more accurate dose to your pet(19).

You may apply a few drops of CBD oil under your pet’s tongue, or you may administer the compound in their mouth or on their cheeks so that the CBD oil may be absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes and into their bloodstream(20).

If your pet finds CBD’s flavor unpleasant, you may also mix the compound with the cat or dog’s food(21).

Lastly, you may also give your pet CBD oil through topical products like creams, balms, and salves. This format is applied directly to your pet’s skin for direct relief from joint pains, itchiness, or skin conditions(22).

CBD Dosage for Pets

There is no set CBD dosage for pets.

However, a 2019 study examined dogs’ and cats’ reactions to a 12-week course of CBD soft chews administered twice daily(23).

The dogs were given 2 milligrams (mg) of CBD per kilogram (kg) of their body weight. Thus, a 13.6-kilogram (30-pound) dog should get around 27 mg of CBD.

Meanwhile, the cats were given CBD-infused fish oil at 2mg of CBD per kilogram of the feline’s body weight(24).

The results indicated that hemp-based CBD is relatively safe and absorbed well by healthy cats and dogs, with canines absorbing the compound better than felines.

Still, it is best to consult a licensed veterinarian before using CBD on your pet. Veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe or suggest CBD to pet owners(25). However, you may initiate a discussion about it.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Pets?

The duration of the effects of CBD may differ depending on your pet’s weight. Larger animals may need larger amounts of CBD for them to feel the benefits of the compound(26).

Orally ingested CBD, such as pet treats and chews, may have an onset time of 30 minutes(27). Meanwhile, CBD oil tinctures and CBD topicals have an onset time of 15 to 30 minutes(28).

How Long Will CBD Help With Pets?

There are no definitive studies about how long the effects of CBD may last in your pet’s system.

The effects of CBD usually depend on the compound’s pharmacokinetics and its half-life.

Pharmacokinetics is defined as the period of the medication’s absorption into the system, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Meanwhile, half-life is the period required for the drug’s concentration to decrease by 50% from the starting dose.

A study in 2019 hypothesized that the half-life of oil-based CBD products administered to canines was approximately 4 hours(29).

Meanwhile, the half-life of CBD-infused fish oil administered to felines was 2.4 hours(30).

The research also indicated that hemp-based CBD may be relatively safe for use in healthy dogs and cats, with canines absorbing the compound better than felines(31).

Still, there is a need for further research to determine how long CBD’s efficacy lasts in pets.

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Pets

Overall Quality

Companies that produce high-quality CBD oils use non-genetically modified organisms or non-GMO hemp oil and organic hemp.

Many CBD brands distribute and market pet products such as CBD dog treats made from gluten-free, non-GMO, and human-grade ingredients.

Some companies also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for their products.

Type of CBD

Full-spectrum CBD oil, also called full-spectrum hemp oil, contains all the cannabis-derived compounds and cannabinoids, including terpenes, flavonoids, and less than 0.3% THC.

Terpenes give the cannabis plants their unique flavor and aroma, whereas flavonoids may have potential antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties(32).

Keep in mind that when animals consume high doses of THC, they may experience lethargy, shaking, and vomiting(33).

Thus, according to the American Kennel Club, it is best to opt for broad-spectrum CBD oil pet products(34).

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to full-spectrum CBD oil as it has all the compounds found in the cannabis plant.

However, broad-spectrum CBD oil or broad-spectrum hemp only contains traces of THC or is completely THC-free(35).

Lastly, CBD isolates are a pure form of cannabidiol. They do not contain any cannabis plant compounds.

Carrier Oil

CBD products are usually infused with carrier oils like MCT oil, coconut oil, or hempseed oil to help dilute the compound.

It is important to remember that hempseed oil is different from hemp oil.

Hempseed oil is produced from the pressed seeds of hemp plants and does not have CBD, while hemp oil, also called CBD oil, is an essential oil extracted from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant(36).

Ingredients

Checking the ingredients list is pertinent for pet owners in case the CBD pet products contain additives or allergens that may trigger allergic reactions on your pet.

You may opt for the highest quality organic CBD products, which are made from non-GMO and natural ingredients, to improve your pet’s health.

Third-Party Lab Testing 

Make sure that the CBD products have undergone thorough third-party lab testing.

CBD brands should also provide certificates of analysis or COAs, which are third-party lab results that indicate the actual content, concentration, and ingredients of the CBD product.

The reports should also indicate the presence of pesticides, preservatives, solvents, and heavy metals, which may be detrimental to your pet.

Pet owners who want the best CBD oil for dogs and cats should consider extraction techniques like steam distillation and CO2 extraction methods.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Pets?

High doses of CBD may induce cannabis intoxication in pets(37). Thus, dog owners should avoid giving their pets CBD products containing high levels of THC.

Signs of cannabis intoxication include excessive drooling or vomiting, disorientation, hyperactivity, and disorientation(38).

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Pets

Pets that ingest CBD products may experience minor side effects like(39):

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Lethargy

  • Loss of appetite

Additionally, there are significant differences between the ECS of humans and animals. For instance, pets are more sensitive to THC(40). The ingestion of the compound may cause toxicity.

Thus, it is best to consult your veterinarian before giving human-grade CBD oil products to your pets. This is due to pets being smaller than humans, thus requiring smaller doses(41).

Consulting a Veterinarian Before Giving Pets CBD

Federal and state laws prohibit veterinarians from recommending, prescribing, administering, or dispensing cannabis or any cannabis-derived products to animals(42).

Nonetheless, pet owners are allowed to initiate a discussion about CBD oil with their veterinarians.

It is also best to check with your vet first before giving your pet any supplement, like CBD, especially if your furry friend is already taking prescription medications.

Legality of CBD

Federal laws in the United States (USA) prevent most veterinarians from discussing CBD products with their clients(43).

However, this should not hinder you from opening a conversation about using CBD for your pet(44).

It is also essential to note that different states may establish different regulations about the usage of CBD products.

Veterinarians in Nevada can give pets cannabis products as long as the THC level is less than 0.3%(45).

Before purchasing CBD and giving it to your pet, make sure to verify your state laws regarding cannabidiol use to avoid potential legal repercussions.

FAQs

  1. How can CBD help with pets?

CBD activates the cannabinoid receptors of your pet’s ECS, thus producing the compound’s therapeutic benefits(46).

These benefits include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects(47).

  1. What evidence or research exists to say that CBD helps with pets?

CBD may contain various therapeutic benefits that may help with your pet’s overall health and wellness.

Studies show that CBD may contain anxiolytic properties for both cats and dogs(48-49), which may help reduce any anxious behaviors in the animals.

Additionally, research indicates that CBD may reduce pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis(50).

  1. Is there any evidence that CBD is bad for pets?

There is no specific research on the safety of CBD for pets.

In general, CBD does not appear to induce adverse effects in pets unless they are given high amounts of the compound(51).

  1. Will CBD interact with any of my pet’s current medications?

CBD may interact with your pet’s medication by inhibiting the P450 enzyme in your pet’s system. This effect may obstruct the metabolization of drugs(52).

It is essential to consult your veterinarian about any possible drug-to-drug interactions.

  1. Are there other treatments my pet should consider alongside CBD?

Treatment may depend on your pet’s medical condition.

Pet owners should consult a licensed veterinarian for treatments that may be taken alongside CBD.

  1. What is the dosage for pets?

There is no standard CBD dosage for pets.

For an appropriate CBD oil dosage for your furry friends, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

  1. Is CBD safe for pets?

Yes. CBD is relatively safe to use in healthy cats and dogs(53).

  1. Is CBD oil legal for pets?

Laws regarding cannabis use vary depending on each state. In Nevada, veterinarians can administer CBD to your pet if the compound contains no more than 0.3% THC(54).

  1. How long before CBD starts working for pets?

The duration of CBD’s effects may vary depending on your pet’s body weight. Larger pets may need higher doses of CBD before the compound starts to take effect(55).

  1. Can my pet get high or overdose on CBD?

No. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and will not cause a euphoric high(56).

  1. Are there any side effects of CBD products?

Pets may experience appetite loss, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting after ingesting CBD(57).

  1. Where can I buy CBD oil for pets?

There are various CBD brands available in the market.

Honest Paws CBD, HolistaPet, CBDfx, Medterra, Joy Organics, and Colorado Healing Acres are some CBD companies with a pet CBD oil product line.

  1. Page 181 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  2. FAQs about CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
  3. Page 179 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  4. Page 179 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  5. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
  6. Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/
  7. The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.569565/full
  8. Page 181 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  9. Identification of separation-related problems in domestic cats: A questionnaire survey
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7159185/
  10. Page 181 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  11. Vomiting in Cats
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vomiting-in-cats
  12. Page 181 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  13. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065210/
  14. ibid.
  15. ibid.
  16. CBD for dogs with arthritis: What does the science actually say?
    https://caninearthritis.org/cbd-for-dogs-with-arthritis-claims/
  17. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  18. Page 182 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  19. Healing with CBD. page 207
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  20. Hemp Oil for Pets: Everything You Need to Know
    https://veterinarycannabissociety.org/hemp-oil-for-pets-everything-you-need-to-know/
  21. Healing with CBD. page 182.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  22. Healing With CBD. page 210.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  23. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832/htm
  24. ibid.
  25. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  26. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
  27. Healing with CBD. page. 182
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  28. Healing with CBD. page. 192-193
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  29. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832/htm
  30. ibid.
  31. ibid.
  32. Flavonoids: an overview
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465813/
  33. Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/marijuana-poisoning-in-dogs/
  34. Does CBD Work for Dogs?
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/does-cbd-work-for-dogs/
  35. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  36. Hemp Seed Oil Properties
    https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/hemp-seed-oil-properties.html
  37. Cannabis (Marijuana) Intoxication in Cats and Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/marijuana-intoxication-in-dogs-and-cats
  38. ibid.
  39. FAQs about CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
  40. Healing with CBD. page. 179. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  41. ibid.
  42. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  43. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
  44. ibid.
  45. Nevada veterinarians can treat patients with certain cannabis products
    https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-10-01/nevada-veterinarians-can-treat-patients-certain-cannabis-products
  46. Page 179 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  47. Page 181 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  48. ibid.
  49. The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.569565/full
  50. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065210/
  51. CANNABIDIOL (CBD)Pre-Review ReportAgenda Item 5.2
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
  52. FAQs about CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
  53. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826847/
  54. Nevada veterianarians can treat patients with certain cannabis products https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-10-01/nevada-veterinarians-can-treat-patients-certain-cannabis-products
  55. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
  56. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  57. FAQs about CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
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Written by 

Stanley Clark

Stanley Clark is a community development volunteer and writer. He had worked on several commercials, events, and campaigns before writing full-time in the area of natural health and wellness. He has a particular interest in reviewing CBD brands for their...

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