If you’re looking to try hemp CBD for your pet, it can be challenging to decide which type of CBD product to use. You’re probably wondering about the difference between pet CBD oil and human CBD oil? Or which CBD products for pets are available and what is a proper CBD dosage for pets?
To help answer these questions and help you make the right choices for your pet, we’ve broken down the most common type of hemp CBD for pets products currently available on the market. We’ll explore how to use them and how much to give your pet.
Hemp CBD for Pets
CBD Oils & Tinctures
What It Is
CBD oils contain either a 100% THC-free, broad-spectrum CBD extract or a CBD isolate. The extract is generally blended with a carrier medium such as hemp seed oil, vegetable glycerin, or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.
CBD oils and tinctures allow for precise dosing, with a quicker time-of-onset than edibles or topicals. CBD oils and tinctures are also much more potent compared to other CBD products. That is why they are used as the foundation for some of the other products we will discuss below.
What to Use It For
Think of CBD oil as being similar to and acting like an oil-based health supplement. However, because CBD oils are much more potent compared to other CBD products, they are also the best option for treating specific health conditions. At the same time, these types of hemp CBD products for pets allow more control over the amount of CBD your pet ingests.
How to Use It
For best results, fastest onset time and maximum absorption, drop CBD oils and tinctures directly into your pet’s mouth. But as every pet parent knows, this is sometimes easier said than done.
If your fur baby simply refuses to take their CBD oil or tincture by mouth, add a few drops to their food and mix it through. If you choose this option, bear in mind that broad-spectrum CBD oils can be quite pungent. As a result, it’s possible that your pet might not like the taste of it. Therefore, it might be best to opt for a CBD oil designed and formulated specifically to be added to food.
CBD Treats (aka Edibles)
What It Is
Pet edibles are made by mixing a CBD oil or tincture with dog treat ingredients to make pet-approved treats. However, unlike CBD oils, CBD treats take longer to absorb because it has to go through the digestive process first. This means that the onset time is longer while also having varying levels of potency.
What to Use It For
As mentioned, every pet owner has experienced how difficult it can be to give your dog or cat medicine. Sometimes they simply refuse to open their mouths and then run away, leaving you chasing your pet around the house.
This is where CBD treats come in handy. Think of treats made from hemp CBD for pets as being similar to a CBD oil. Treats offer all the benefits of a CBD oil in the form of an easy to swallow and enjoyable snack.
How to Use It
CBD treats are given by mouth in the same way as you would any other type of snack. Because CBD treats are designed to look and smell delicious, your pet is bound to enjoy them. This might make it tempting to give them more than what is recommended. However, it is vital to stick to the dosage guidelines. Overconsumption is the most significant risk when using hemp CBD for pets. But ultimately, CBD treats are an excellent choice when consumed responsibly.
CBD Topicals
What It Is
CBD topicals are exactly that, creams, lotions and balms that are infused with CBD oils or extracts. Many topicals are also blended with other beneficial ingredients like herbal extracts, cooling menthol, or a warming agent. This can help speed up the healing process and adds additional healing effects.
As with edibles, it is important to remember that the potency of CBD topicals is lower than that of a CBD oil or extract. This is because transdermal (through the skin) delivery does not generally allow the CBD to reach the bloodstream.
What to Use It For
CBD topicals are traditionally used to provide localized pain relief. They can provide an immediate soothing sensation. Topicals are especially helpful for pets suffering from body aches and pains as well as inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Similarly, especially geriatric dogs facing joint pain or weak bones can experience the strong painkilling properties of CBD. Still, because of CBD’s calming effects, these types of products are great for helping relieve things like skin allergies, eczema and other types of skin issues.
How to Use It
CBD creams, lotions and balms are meant only for external use and should be applied directly to the skin. From there, the CBD can be absorbed into the surrounding tissues, thereby helping relieve a range of different symptoms. Some of the symptoms for which CBD can help with relief include achy joints, muscle pain, inflammation, and even allergic skin reactions. CBD topicals are a great option for pets who need localized or consistent relief throughout the day.
CBD Dosage for Pets
Things to Consider
The amount of any type of CBD product you give your cat or dog will depend on two main factors:
- How much your pet weighs
- What you’re using the product for
Your pet’s weight is the most critical starting point when figuring out a starting CBD dosage for your pet. As a general rule, the smaller your dog or cat, the lower the effective starting dosage should be.
This is why the more reputable hemp CBD for pets brands offer products in a variety of potencies and strengths. They will also provide dosage guidelines based on weight or size categories. Always pick a product that corresponds with the weight and size of your pet.
The second factor you need to take into account when deciding on a CBD dosage for pets is the condition for which it’s being used. If giving your pet a CBD product to help with general health and wellness, or as a preventative supplement, the product’s recommended dosage should be fine. In contrast, if giving your pet CBD to help with recovery from a serious injury, illness or disease, you should start with the recommended dosage and steadily increase it until you see desired results.
CBD Dosage for Pets
One thing that makes dosing difficult when it comes to CBD is what is called a “biphasic response”. This means that low dosages will generate a particular set of effects and address one specific set of clinical issues. In contrast, larger dosages will produce a different set of effects and address another set of clinical issues.
Furthermore, very little research has been done on dosages for veterinary use which makes things more complicated. However, we do have good data available from, animal studies, and anecdotal evidence from veterinarians.
What We Know About CBD Dosage for Pets
From these sources, we know that it’s best to “start low and go slow”. When it comes to hemp CBD for pets a low CBD dosage is considered to be less than 0.5 mg CBD per kilogram of body weight per day.
The reason why you want to start off with small dosages is that each animal will respond differently. A small portion of pets may develop side effects even at lower amounts. Similarly, because of the biphasic effect of CBD, your pet may simply not need mega doses. In fact, based on anecdotal reports by veterinarians and pet owners, CBD doses of between 5 and 40 times less than what is considered a large dose have proven to be just as effective for certain conditions.
If you find that a small dose of CBD is simply not effective, we recommended that you slowly increase this dose. After 10 to 14 days increase the dose twofold every other week up to 2.0 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight per day until you’ve found a dosage that works for your pet.
How Much Hemp CBD for pets is Too Much?
Many people worry about doing more harm than good by inadvertently giving their pets too much CBD. Luckily the safety profile of hemp CBD for pets is well documented. We’re happy to report that, to date, there are no known or documented overdoses in either humans or animals.
That said, in the event that you accidentally give your pet too much, you can rest assured that hemp CBD for pets is well tolerated – even at very high dosages. The most common side effect of overconsumption is drowsiness. More serious side effects can sometimes include excessive itching or mild vomiting. However, with proper dosing and careful observation, these side effects are rare.
In the event that your pet does present with any of the above symptoms or exhibits a greater sensitivity to CBD, it’s best to stop using hemp CBD for pets immediately and consult with your vet.
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