More and more people are turning to CBD to support their physical and mental health. And there's some evidence that our pets might feel the benefits of CBD, too.
CBD oil may help our furry friends to stay happy and healthy. It can also be used to manage issues such as anxiety, pain, and seizures in cats and dogs.
But before you start sharing your CBD oil with Felix or Fido, here's what you need to know.
What is CBD for pets?
CBD for pets means using CBD oil to support your pet's wellbeing. There are a long list of ways that CBD can promote physical and mental health, and very few known side effects.
What is the difference between human CBD and pet CBD?
CBD for pets is not the same as CBD for humans. There are some subtle, but important, differences in their dosage and ingredients.
- CBD content. Some CBD oils might contain too much CBD for your pet — especially if they're high-strength oils. Most pets are smaller than their humans, so they need a smaller dosage.
- THC content. Some CBD oils made for humans contain very small amounts of THC. (That's the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.) While humans can consume small amounts safely, THC can be highly toxic to animals. CBD for pets should never contain any THC.
- Carrier oils. If you take CBD oil yourself, you're probably familiar with hemp oil. It gives humans a purer experience of the product. However, hemp has a bitter taste — so, after we extract the CBD from premium hemp oil, we mix it with salmon oil that your pets will love.
- Terpenes. Terpenes are another natural element of hemp oil, alongside ingredients like CBD. Although terpenes can be safely consumed by dogs, they're toxic to cats. That's why we offer different CBD oils for different animals. Look for CBD which is specifically fomulated for your pet.
So, why do people give CBD oil to their pets?
Just like humans, most animals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a feedback system that helps to regulate your body, including everything from pain levels to mood, hunger, and temperature. It's made of lots of receptors which pick up on endocannabinoids — chemical signals in the body — and then make adjustments.
Our bodies (and those of our pets!) produce endocannabinoids naturally. However, sometimes we might not have enough. Then it can be beneficial to get endocannabinoids from other natural sources, such as CBD oil.
That's why many owners use CBD for pets. Some people have found that CBD oil can support their pet's health and well-being, manage medical conditions, and help them feel calm and relaxed.
Here are just a few ways that CBD can support well-being:
- Anti-inflammatory, including managing conditions such as dermatitis and arthritis.
- Reducing or managing pain.
- Reducing or managing seizures and convulsions.
- Supporting the immune system, especially against autoimmune diseases and cancers.
- Reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
- Supporting the nervous system.
- Promoting gastrointestinal health.
- Supporting cardiovascular health.
Is CBD for pets safe?
In general, CBD is safe for dogs, cats, and other animals. However, you should look for CBD for pets which has the correct dosage and doesn't include harmful additives.
Clinical tests from Colorado State University found that CBD is non-addictive and safe. Your pet can't overdose on it — even if they get into the treat cupboard unsupervised! What's more, because CBD is a pure extract from the hemp plant, it's not psychoactive. Your pet won't get high on CBD.
It's generally recommended to avoid CBD use for pets which are pregnant or lactating. If you're not sure whether it's a good idea for your pet, talk to their vet.
How much CBD should you give your dog or cat?
Just like for humans, there's no one-size-fits-all answer for CBD for pets. Everybody's ideal dosage is different, based on their body size, body chemistry, lifestyle, and reasons for taking CBD.
Start with a small dose and increase it gradually until you find a dose that gets the effects you want. Don't increase the dosage by more than ½ a serving at a time.
- For dogs, start with 2mg of CBD for every 10lbs of your pet's weight.
- For cats, start with 3mg of CBD for every 10lbs of your pet's weight.
It will take time to find the correct dosage, so don't rush. We recommend giving your pet CBD twice a day for at least 3 days to get a good baseline.
The most important thing is to be consistent. If you want your pet to take CBD daily, then establish a routine and stick to it. If you plan to use CBD for particular situations (such as fireworks, vet visits, or staying home alone), then don't confuse your pet by using it at other times.
How to give CBD oil drops to your pet
There are various ways that you can serve CBD to your pet. The method you pick will depend on what works for them — and you!
Here are a few options to try:
- Add a few drops of CBD oil to their regular food.
- Drop CBD oil onto a favorite treat.
- Administer the drops directly into their mouth with a dropper.
Summary
CBD has a wide range of potential uses in pets, from managing physical symptoms to supporting mental health. It's safe, non-psychoactive, and can't cause an overdose.
However, just like any other supplement or dietary change, you should consult your vet before starting CBD for your pets.
Dutch Natural Healing recommends
We've created a CBD range that's perfect for your best friend — with just the right dosage, easy-to-use administration, and a deliciously tempting flavor. Check out our CBD oil for dogs and cats.
FAQs
Is CBD legal for pets in the UK?
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not list or license CBD as a medicine in the UK. However, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has stated that CBD oil can be used as medicine for pets.
While the situation remains unclear, you should speak to your vet before using CBD for pets.
How fast does CBD work on pets?
How fast CBD takes effect depends on the dosage, method of taking the oil, and your individual pet. However, many owners report that CBD oil starts to work for their pet within minutes.
Should you give your dog CBD for behavioural issues?
Some owners have found CBD oil invaluable for managing their pet's behaviour, while others see it as just a placebo. You'll need to test out different products and dosages to see if it works for you and your pet.
Should You Give Your Dog CBD for Pain?
CBD has been linked to managing pain in pets during clinical trials. However, the effect on your pet could vary depending on its size, weight, and health history. Talk to your vet before starting CBD for pain relief.
Can CBD Oil For Dogs Help Reduce Anxiety?
Some studies have found that CBD oil can reduce anxiety in dogs, especially alongside other anti-anxiety medications. Talk to your vet before adding CBD to your dog's routine.
Is CBD Safe To Use With Pregnant Pets?
There is very little research into CBD for pets that are pregnant or lactating. However, it's generally recommended that they should avoid CBD.
