What Is Cannabidiol for Pets?

You’ll find several cannabidiol products for pets that are strikingly similar to those made for humans. From cannabidiol pet tinctures to pet treats infused with cannabidiol oil to cannabidiol topicals rubbed directly into the skin, cannabidiol products for pets can be applied in many different ways.

Why are so many pet owners so interested in giving their pets cannabidiol?

Just like humans, animals can benefit from cannabidiol. The endocannabinoid system isn’t just unique to us, you see. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system.

While it is not exactly clear how cannabidiol works within your pet’s system, it’s suggested that it’s similar to the process that occurs in humans.

3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Giving Cannabidiol to Your Pet

1. Choose cannabidiol for Pets Wisely

Make sure the cannabidiol you’re giving your pets is quality. Because the cannabidiol space has historically not been highly regulated, not all cannabidiol products are created equal. The AKC offers the following recommendations when choosing a high-quality cannabidiol 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 cannabidiol oil is free of additives.
• Get the analysis. The manufacturer should provide a certificate that tells you the amount of cannabidiol that is in the product. Many cannabidiol products contain only small amounts of cannabidiol. 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 cannabidiol, 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 cannabidiol oil for your pets as you would for yourself. Look for third-party lab test results on all cannabidiol 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. You can then scale up or down, depending on the results.