You’ve done your research about CBD for pets, you’ve spoken to your vet, and you’ve decided to go ahead and give your cat or dog CBD oil, but now what?
Maybe you’re new to the world of CBD oil and aren’t sure how to use CBD oil for your pet. Or you’ve got the basics down, but it’s not going as smoothly as you hoped because your cat is picky. Or your dog acts like you are about to give it the worst thing ever!
So, to help make things a bit easier for you and less dramatic for your pet, we’ve gathered all the best tips and tricks on how to use CBD oil for dogs and cats, respectively. We’ll first look at the most common and straight forward ways to administer CBD oil and then go on to other dosing methods for the more discerning pet.
How to Give CBD to your Dog
When giving your dog any type of CBD product, always make sure you follow the dosage and usage guidelines per the directions on the label. But if your pooch doesn’t appreciate the “direct” route, get creative and try one of the other dosing methods we suggest below. We also recommend that, when trying out a new dosing method, you try a sample dosage first to see if your dog likes it. That way, you won’t waste a whole dose of CBD oil. Similarly, although we recommend a broad-spectrum CBD oil, for fussy eaters, a flavorless or isolate CBD oil might work better.
Standard Dosing Methods for Dogs
CBD Oil Directly
The most common and effective way of giving your dog a dose of CBD oil is directly by mouth, which is also why most manufacturers will suggest this as a guideline. CBD oils usually come with a dropper with the dosage printed on it that will help you measure the desired dosage.
The first thing you need to do is draw the desired amount of CBD oil up into the dropper. Then, gently place the dropper between your dog’s gums towards the rear of the mouth. Your dog should open his or her mouth, at which time you should gently squirt the CBD oil into the mouth. If the dropper is glass, be careful that your dog doesn’t accidentally bite down on it.
Also, be careful not to squeeze too fast, as this may cause the oil to gush out lead to wasted product.
Add CBD Oil to Dog Food
Another common way to administer CBD oil to dogs is to add some to your dog’s food. Measure the correct dosage and squirt it over their food and mix it through. It is usually easier to disguise the CBD oil in wet food, but dry food can also work.
Most of the time, they’ll guzzle their food down with such abandon that they won’t even notice the addition of the CBD oil.
Add CBD Oil to Dog Treats or a CBD-Infused Dog Treat
Similar to adding CBD oil to your dog’s food, you can also sneak in a dose by adding it to their favorite dog treat. Dry treats work better because they absorb the CBD oil evenly, but a soft chew can also work if you’re careful. We recommend breaking the treat up into several pieces to create more surface area while at the same time, not overfeeding your dog. Again, simply measure out the correct dosage and drop it directly onto the whole dog treat, or the smaller pieces of the dog treat.
If this is too messy or doesn’t work, you can give your dog a CBD-infused dog treat, specially formulated to help make administering CBD a breeze. (Note we should be including internal links to our products throughout the articles). They come in many flavors, so you’re bound to find one that your dog likes. However, choose a product made from natural ingredients and flavoring as many CBD dog treats currently available on the market contain unhealthy and artificial additives.
Dosing Methods For Picky Dogs
CBD Oil with Peanut Butter
Most dogs love peanut butter, and adding CBD oil to a spoon of this deliciousness will leave your dog lapping up their daily dose of CBD. The added benefit of this method is that fat in peanut butter helps with both the absorption and bioavailability of the CBD oil.
CBD Oil with Eggs
Another great way to give your dog CBD oil, especially if you have a picky eater, is to scramble and cook an egg as you usually would, wait until it’s cooled down, and then adding a dose of CBD oil.
As with peanut butter, the fat in the egg will help with the absorption and efficacy of the CBD. And, because of the various nutrients like protein and biotin in eggs, it also provides additional health benefits. But we recommend that you only use this method a couple of times a week as too many eggs can cause digestive issues and even a biotin deficiency as eggs contain an enzyme that ties up biotin and prevents absorption of biotin into the body.
CBD Oil with Yogurt
If your dog tolerates dairy, mixing CBD oil with yogurt can be another great way of getting your dog to take their CBD. The probiotics in yogurt help promote a healthy digestive tract. At the same time, full-fat versions will also provide your dog with a healthy amount of fat to help with CBD absorption and bioavailability. But be careful to use only plain Greek yogurt as flavorings, sugars, and sweeteners can be harmful to your dog.
CBD Oil with Apple Sauce
Mixing CBD oil with apple sauce is another easy and delicious way to get your dog to take their dose of CBD. But apple sauce is also a good source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber while being the perfect consistency for mixing with CBD oil.
CBD Oil with Blueberries
Mushing up some blueberries and mixing in CBD oil is guaranteed to leave your dog happily gobbling up their daily dose. Also, blueberries provide vitamin C, antioxidants as well as fiber that can help support the CBD oil boost your dog’s immune system, slow neurological degeneration, reduce arthritic pain, and even fight against cancer.
How to Give CBD to Your Cat
Standard Dosing Methods for Cats
CBD Oil Directly
Cats are a lot fussier than dogs, and squirting a dose of CBD oil into your cat’s mouth might leave you scratched and bloody. The simplest way to give your cat CBD oil directly is to take a couple of drops into the dropper and show it to your cat. Put it near your cat’s mouth and nose area and let him or her explore it.
Hopefully, they will find it attractive and appealing enough to start licking at it. If this is the case, you’re good to go.
However, if your cat is not into it, you will have to get a bit more assertive. If this is the case, measure out the dose of CBD oil you want to give to your cat. Then find a peaceful area to sit and place your cat facing away from you. Use one hand to hold and comfort your cat to him relax. Once your cat is calm, take the dropper and use your petting hand slightly to lift your cat’s head by the jaw. Gently place the dropper in your cat’s mouth and squeeze the CBD oil slowly into their mouth while holding their head in place. Make sure not to squirt it too hard as this might scare or overwhelm your kitty.
Add CBD Oil to Cat Food
If you’re a cat parent, you know that cats don’t always play nice, and if they don’t want to do something, there is nothing you can do to make them. So, if giving the CBD oil directly to your cat seems as though it’s going to be too traumatic for either one of you, you can try mixing it in with their food.
We recommend preparing a small portion of your cat’s food the way you usually would and then mixing in a little of the CBD oil first to test the waters. If your cat doesn’t seem to notice that it’s in there, try using a more substantial portion with a full dosage.
Add CBD Oil to Cat Treats or CBD-infused Cat Treat
Similar to adding it to your cat’s food, you can also try adding CBD oil to your cat’s treat. Dry treats work best as the CBD oil is absorbed more evenly and smoothly. You may also need to give them several treats for a full dose as they tend to be quite small, but for larger treats, try breaking them up into smaller pieces to create more surface area.
If your cat still refuses to take their CBD, you can try a CBD-infused cat treat specially formulated to hide the taste and smell of the CBD. Make sure to choose a product made from natural ingredients and flavoring and without unhealthy additives. (note link to Elova kitty cat treats)
CBD Oil in Empty Food Dish
It might seem strange to put CBD oil in an empty food dish, but it works. The reason for this is that cats are creatures of habit, and your kitty knows that the food bowl is where all yummy and delicious things go. A food dish that your cat just ate from is full of pleasant aromas that can tempt him or her into licking the CBD oil while feeling comfortable and safe. To try this method, simply drop the CBD oil into the bowl and leave it there for a bit and see if your cat takes a liking to it.
Dosing Methods for Picky Cats
CBD Oil with Fish Oil
If the above methods fail, try giving your feline friend their CBD oil with fish oil. For kitties that enjoy fish oil, the delicious and robust smell will mask that of the CBD oil.
Fish oil is also is rich in healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These help to reduce inflammation of the heart, kidneys, skin, and joints, inhibit tumor growth, prevent autoimmune disorders, and prevent diabetic neuropathy. Fish oil compliments the potential benefits of CBD while also supporting its absorption and bioavailability.
CBD Oil on Paws
This is a last resort option that may work but can be messy and wasteful. Cats are notorious for their perfectionist grooming habits, and you can use this to your advantage. Putting CBD oil on your kitty’s paws will compel him or her to lick them clean, which leads them to take their daily dose unknowingly while grooming themselves.
Placing your cat in a single room can help keep the mess and waste to a minimum. It will prevent your cat from running off and getting the CBD oil all over the place.
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