What forms of CBD are available for pets?

If your veterinarian recommends CBD for your pet, there are a range of CBD pet products available, including oils, treats, topical products (lotions, gels, creams), and more. It is often given by mouth or under the tongue. Bottled oils with droppers may be preferable when you first start giving CBD to your pet as it is easier to increase the dose slowly rather than being limited to a fixed amount in a tablet, capsule, or treat.

Are human CBD products safe for pets, or do I need CBD products specifically intended for pets?

Products meant for humans have the same CBD that would be found in products designed for pets. So, human CBD might be OK to give to your pet, but you’ll want to follow any recommendations from your vet. If the product is not made specifically for pets, it is important to read the label to double-check for ingredients that could be toxic to pets like chocolate, certain essential oils, and artificial sweeteners.

Besides being made without these harmful ingredients, pet-specific oral CBD products are usually also flavored with your furry friend in mind — chicken and fish chews, for instance. Be aware that some CBD products have a grassy taste that can make it more difficult to give to your pet. If you find your dog or cat turning their nose up at the product you’ve chosen, try disguising it in a spoonful of peanut butter or your pet’s treat of choice.

What CBD dosage should be used for pets?

Since there aren’t any approved products for use in animals, and we don’t have many studies looking at safety and efficacy, further research is needed to determine more exact doses. If your veterinarian recommends CBD, make sure to follow their instructions since dosing may vary depending on why you are using the product.

One study looked at the efficacy of CBD oil in helping to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. Researchers found that 2 mg per kilogram of body weight given twice a day reduced pain without owners reporting any side effects.

However, blood test results suggested that there may have been some damage to the liver. This is why it’s important that your vet is involved in making sure that your pet is being monitored appropriately.As with humans who have never taken cbd dog treats for pain before, it is important to start your pet on a low dose and raise it slowly.

For example, you can start with one-quarter or one-half of the dose on the label to see how your pet reacts to a small amount of CBD. If your pet does not experience symptom relief, your vet may have you give another dose of the same amount in 30 to 60 minutes and continue to see how they respond.Because there isn’t much research available on using CBD in animals, we don’t know the safest maximum dose. It is best to discuss what dose is safe with a veterinarian who has experience using CBD to help your pet’s condition.