CBD for Dogs or Cats (Cannabidiol) and what dosage to use. With the introduction of CBD for dogs and cats in our CBD shop and product line, we have received many questions from our customers. Most ask us how to use CBD products like CBD Oil for dogs, cats, and other pets, as many veterinarians are still unsure about CBD. A simple lack of base knowledge causes many vets to be hesitant about recommending it.
Therefore, We have put together this Q&A style guide covering all the basics of using CBD oil for dogs and cats. If you have any questions or if anything is missing, please get in touch with us directly with any questions or remarks.
Table of contents for dosing animals
Is CBD oil for dogs and cats safe?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has a well-established safety profile in both humans and animals. CBD is also not intoxicating or psychotropic, so it will not leave your dog or cat feeling “high”. One thing that you have to keep in mind is that you have to give your dog or cat a CBD oil formulated specifically for pets. The reason is that Cannabidiol products for humans are often made with ingredients that can be dangerous to pets.
How do I use CBD oils and tinctures for my dog or cat?
What is CBD Oil for Dogs and cats?
CBD oils and tinctures contain some form of Cannabidiol extract in a carrier medium. They allow for precision dosing, with a quicker time-of-onset than other CBD products. They also tend to be more potent.
What are CBD Oils for Pets Being Used for?
CBD oils and tinctures are best used for treating chronic and acute health conditions in pets. The most common of those are pain and inflammation, anxiety and panic attacks, as well as seizures and cancer. The oils allow perfect control over dosage and have a high potency. However, they can also be used as a health supplement. As such, they help prevent and ease symptoms of things like arthritis, and overall health and wellness or as an adjunct/palliative therapy.
How Should CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats Be Used?
For the best results, fastest onset time, and maximum absorption, CBD oils and tinctures should be administered directly into the mouth of the animal. If your dog or cat refuses to take it, add it to food or a chew treat. However, stick to the dosage guidelines and take an onset time of 1 – 2 hours into account. This will help you decide when to administer it (e.g., before an anxiety-inducing event), gauge the dosage, and reduce the risk of overconsumption.
How much Cannabidiol oil should I give my dog or cat?
CBD dosage for pets depends on two main things:
- The weight of your dog or cat
- The condition that requires alleviation.
The general rule of thumb is that the smaller your dog or cat and the less severe the condition, the smaller the effective starting dosage should be. Most reputable CBD pet brands offer products in various potencies (i.e. Cannabidiol content) based on weight or size categories with corresponding dosage recommendations. Always choose a product that corresponds with your pet’s weight and start off with the lowest CBD dosage (usually < 0.5 mg CBD/kg/day). From there, you can increase the amount after 10 – 14 days every other week by up to 2.0 mg of CBD/kg/day until your dog or cat experiences relief. The table below should help you dose Cannabidiol intake for your animal:
Can My Cat or Dog Overdose on CBD Oil?
As mentioned earlier, the safety profile of CBD for dogs and cats is well documented, and we are happy to say that there has not been one single documented CBD overdose reported in either humans or animals. However, your dog or cat could show a sensitivity or accidentally ingest too much. When this happens, your pet could experience mild side effects such as drowsiness, itching, vomiting, or other stomach issues. If you see any of these symptoms, stop using CBD oil and monitor your dog’s or cat’s health. Usually, a vet visit is unnecessary unless dehydration sets in or symptoms worsen.
What should I look for when buying CBD for dogs and cats in oil or drops form?
1. Do your research
Make sure you buy your dog’s or cat’s CBD oil from a reputable company like uWeed, which provides transparency with third-party lab tests being available. On uWeed, we have vetted our Cannabidiol brands so you can have peace of mind when buying from us. The minimum of the following labeling information should also be available on the product:
- a statement of identity
- the quantity of Cannabidiol
- an ingredient list, nutritional facts panel, and supplement panel
- the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
- a batch number for quality control
2. Choose a product formulated for pets
Products formulated for humans can contain ingredients that can harm your pet. For example, xylitol and some flavored oils are highly toxic to animals, as are other flavorings and colorings – even if natural. Additionally, cats will not tolerate terpenes well; therefore, a terpene-free solution is preferred. At uWeed, we have a specific product line developed just for Dogs, Cats, and other animals.