What Is CBD for Pets?
You’ll find several CBD products for pets that are strikingly similar to those made for humans. From CBD pet tinctures to pet treats infused with CBD oil to CBD topicals rubbed directly into the skin, CBD products for pets can be applied in many different ways.
Why are so many pet owners so interested in giving their pets CBD?
Just like humans, animals can benefit from CBD. The endocannabinoid system isn’t just unique to us, you see. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system.
While its not exactly clear how CBD works within your pet’s system, it’s suggested that it’s similar to the process that occurs in humans.
Using CBD for Your Pets
Interested in joining other dog and cat moms and dads who are choosing to give their pets CBD? Here’s how to do so as safely as possible.
3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Giving CBD to Your Pet
1. Choose CBD for Pets Wisely
First things first. You need to make sure the CBD you’re giving your pets is quality. Because the CBD space has historically not been highly regulated, not all CBD products are created equal. The AKC offers the following recommendations when choosing a high-quality CBD oil for your pet.
- Look for premium ingredients. These include ingredients that are free from pesticides, fungicides and other contaminants.
- Don’t price shop. The higher the quality and purity, the higher the cost. You don’t want to go for a cheaper option that could have toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides or heavy metals. Make sure your CBD oil is free of additives.
- Get the analysis. The manufacturer should provide a certificate that tells you the amount of CBD that is in the product. Many CBD products contain only small amounts of CBD. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
- Buy CBD as a liquid. You can buy dog treats containing CBD, but the best form is an oil or tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s serving drop by drop.
You want to choose CBD oil for your pets as you would for yourself. Look for third-party lab test results on all CBD pet products. If a company doesn’t offer these lab results, you’re better off looking for one that does.
2. Talk to Your Vet
Most experts agree it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before giving CBD to your pet. According to Casara Andre, DVM and founder of Veterinary Cannabis Education & Consulting, vets can answer any questions you might have in an effort to minimize any potential side effects.
3. Slowly Introduce Serving Sizes of CBD to Your Pet
When introducing CBD to your pet, Andre advises pet owners to “start low and go slow.” Some vets recommend starting pets out with 1mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight twice a day.
The best thing to do? Start with a smaller serving size and monitor your pet’s reaction over a period of three to four weeks. You can then scale up or down, depending on the results.
Incorporating CBD Into Your Pet’s Regular Routine
Made the decision to support your pet’s quality of life with CBD? Here are easy ways to incorporate CBD into your pet’s routine.
Give Them a Tincture Twice a Day
You know your pet better than anyone. Some dogs will jump at the chance to take anything and giving a CBD tincture by mouth might be seen as a welcomed treat. If this is the case for your dog, simply drop the CBD oil pet formula right into their mouth. If your dog is a little more picky, a tincture can be added directly to their food.
When giving CBD oil to cats, they tend to be a bit more finicky. Adding a tincture to their food twice a day may work better.
Turn CBD into Treat Time
Remember, 1-5mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight is a basic rule of thumb when it comes to serving size recommendations for animals. Keep this in mind when providing your pets with CBD treats, always starting with a lower serving size.
Support Your Pet’s Skin With a CBD Topical
CBD topicals for pets work the same way as the CBD topicals you might use yourself. This formula penetrates deep into the skin’s tissues to target specific areas. CBD topicals for pets may be used to support healthy skin, joints and muscles.
Whether you have an aging pet that doesn’t get around quite like they did when they were young or one who doesn’t stop itching and scratching, a CBD topical designed for pets could offer the results they need.
When it comes to incorporating CBD into your pet’s routine, patience is key. Always start with the lowest serving possible and observe your pet to see exactly how it affects them. Once you have the CBD basics down for your canine or feline bestie, you can increase the serving you give them if you find they could use increased support.
