Are you considering buying CBD for dogs or cats that live under your roof?
As a pet owner, you want to keep your four-legged friend healthy and good-tempered. Just like humans, dogs & cats may have various health conditions, from anxiety to joint pain and arthritis.
While cannabidiol extracts are gaining popularity among humans, many U.S. companies have started to add “CBD for pets” products, such as CBD dog treats and CBD oil for dogs.
This article will tell you what experts know about such products today, how they work, how to use them and where to find the best products for your beloved pets.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
According to a 2017 WHO report, pure cannabidiol appears to be safe and well-tolerated by animals.
On the other hand, THC, the main natural compound found in the cannabis plant (trace amounts in hemp), is toxic in high amounts for pets and may cause adverse reactions and side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Loss of balance and coordination
To avoid these effects, you should be looking for THC-free CBD dog treats and products, including broad-spectrum CBD oil for dogs and isolate (pure CBD).
Reminder: Broad-spectrum CBD also contains complementary cannabinoids but no THC.
Contrary to broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%).
Because cannabidiol appears to work better in the presence of other cannabinoids (entourage effect), the safest and most effective option remains broad-spectrum CBD for dogs and cats.
However, a 2018 study noted an increase in alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity in dogs’ livers during CBD treatment, but owners reported no side effects.
Since it’s still unclear whether or not this increase represents a long-term risk for your pets, be wary about giving your dog CBD if it has known liver issues or takes a liver-metabolized medication.
What does CBD oil do for dogs?
Although the latest research and studies are promising, it’s still early to confirm the potential therapeutic benefits on our furry friends’ health and assess how it interacts with their endocannabinoid system.
A 2018 study suggests that CBD can help improve comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
In 2019, another study showed that CBD may help reduce the seizure frequency in epileptic dogs.
And in 2020, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that cannabidiol has potent anti-inflammatory effects on dogs.
Among the most common uses of CBD for dogs, consumers have reported giving their pet CBD dog treats for anxiety. Others have reported giving CBD dog treats for joint pain.
Is CBD oil different for dogs and humans?
CBD pet tincture or oil, CBD dog treats and any product labeled as CBD for dogs (or pets) should contain the same quality of cannabidiol extract as those destined for humans.
However, even if the ingredients have the same quality, the cannabidiol concentration of human-destined products is typically higher than CBD for pets.
How much CBD oil should I give my dog for anxiety?
The first study mentioned above suggests that the appropriate dosage for dogs should be calculated based on their weight and respect a ratio of 2 mg per kilogram.
If you plan to give your pet CBD dog treats, look carefully at the concentration per piece.
Do CBD dog treats calm dogs down?
Since CBD dog treats are made with CBD hemp oil, you can consider they have the same potential benefits as the oil format.
However, it’s important to remember that hemp seed oil products are different from CBD oil, as they contain no cannabidiol.
How to give a dog CBD oil?
If your dog tolerates direct oral application, simply use the product’s dropper and gently put the dose in your pet’s mouth.
Otherwise, you can mix the oil with your dog’s food or treats or buy pre-dosed CBD dog treats.
How fast does CBD oil kick in for dogs?
As for humans, the effects of CBD for dogs may vary according to multiple factors, including:
- The product type used
- The way you administer the product
- The targeted health condition or symptom
Typically, CBD oil will kick in faster than CBD dog treats as it contains fewer ingredients to break down, but both deliver similar effectiveness.
If you administer the dose orally (directly to your dog’s mouth or gums), the average observed time is between 20 and 60 minutes.
If you mix the oil with your dog’s food or if it chews CBD dog treats, it will be absorbed in its stomach in 45 to 90 minutes on average.
If you’re looking to help your dog with anxiety, CBD oil or CBD dog treats may show benefits from the first day.
However, if your dog has chronic pain issues, relief may appear within 2 to 4 weeks of use.
Where to buy CBD for dogs?
Now that you know the potential uses and risks of CBD for dogs, let’s explore some of the best U.S. companies that offer quality CBD for pets.
To help you find the right product, we have curated a top 10 list based on high-quality and safety indicators.
Each product:
- Is made with organic US-grown hemp
- Is third-party lab tested
- Contains less than 0.3% THC
1. Penelope's Bloom - CBD Oil Tincture for Dogs and Cats
Penelope’s Bloom specializes in US-made CBD pet products.
Everything is third-party lab tested to ensure maximum safety, potency and effectiveness.
This full-spectrum CBD oil for cats and dogs is crafted with organic hemp crops, MCT oil and chamomile. This product is designed for seamless digestion and to deliver rapid relaxation.
Four concentration options are available to best suit pets of all breeds and sizes.
Extract: Full-spectrum CBD oil
Concentration: from 250 mg to 1000 mg
Potency: from 8,33 to 33,33 mg/ml
Price: from $29.99 (subscribe & save 20%)
2. CBDfx - Stress and Anxiety Pet Treats (450 mg)
CBDfx is a well-known California company with high quality standards and over 23,000 verified customer reviews. All their products are made with organic, pesticide-free and non-GMO hemp extract.
The company’s CBD dog treats for stress & anxiety offer a delicious way to help take the edge off your dog. With each treat, your pet chews 15mg of broad-spectrum CBD combined with calming extracts and human-grade, vegan superfoods.
CBDfx also offers a pet treat formula for muscle & joint pain.
Extract: Broad-spectrum CBD oil
Count: 30
Potency: 15 mg per treat
Price: $39.99 (free shipping on orders over $75)
3. Extract Labs - Fetch CBD Dog Treats (300 mg)
Extract Labs keeps every step of production in-house and offers numerous award-winning products.
These dog bites, for example, are human-grade and made with certified organic ingredients.
The lab results show the extract’s premium quality and very low concentrations of THC.
Purchasing this product helps fund research at CSU Veterinary School, and Extract Labs donates 10% of proceeds to study the effects of CBD on canine cells.
Extract: Full-spectrum CBD oil
Count: 30
Potency: 10 mg per treat
Price: $24.50 (free international shipping on orders over $200)
4. Zatural - CBD Dog Chews
Zatural’s commitment to offering products sourced from trusted U.S. sources and great customer service has resulted in multiple industry awards and positive reviews.
These soft chews are veterinarian formulated and deliver a carefully measured amount of quality broad-spectrum CBD oil in each treat with a delicious meaty flavor.
The product is packaged in a GMP-compliant facility, is free from THC, pesticides, herbicides, solvents or fertilizers and is laboratory tested to ensure potency and safety.
Extract: Broad-spectrum CBD oil
Count: from 5 to 180
Potency: 2 mg per treat
Price: from $19.99 (subscribe & save up to 15%)
5. Joy Organics - CBD Dog Chews (60 mg)
Joy Organics is a professional and transparent family-owned company with the mission to help consumers access safe and effective hemp-derived products.
The company’s dog chews are formulated with water-soluble cannabidiol powder and premium ingredients to provide superior results and a beef flavor your dog will love.
Joy Organics offers free shipping on orders over $50 and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Extract: Broad-spectrum CBD oil
Count: 30
Potency: 2 mg per treat
Price: $34.95 (subscribe & save 20%)
6. Just CBD - CBD Oil for Dogs - Bacon Flavored
Just CBD is a full-blown hemp expert and a proud board member of the Florida Hemp Council
This CBD oil for pets has an easy-to-use dropper and a mouth-watering bacon flavor that allow you to administrate orally or mixed with your dog’s food without effort. You can select a higher concentration if needed.
All Just CBD items are 100% natural, US-made and free from chemicals.
Extract: Broad-spectrum CBD oil
Concentration: from 100 mg to 500 mg
Potency: from 3,33 to 16,67 mg/ml
Price: from $17.99 (subscribe and save 30%)
7. Soul CBD - CBD Oil for Pets (250 mg)
Soul CBD prides itself on providing vegan and organically-farmed hemp extracts for humans and pets.
This product provides an all-natural option to help ease your pet’s restlessness or anxiety. Each serving includes 8,3 mg CBD, zero THC and a pet-approved bacon flavor.
Soul CBD offers free U.S. shipping on orders over $75.
Extract: Broad-spectrum CBD oil
Concentration: 250 mg
Potency: 8,33 mg/ml
Price: $45 (subscribe & save 15%)
Talk with a veterinarian before giving your pet CBD for dogs or CBD for cats, especially if it takes other medications or has known liver issues.
Is there a WebMD for pets?
Yes, there is!
If you’re a dog or cat owner, Fetch by WebMD is your go-to for veterinarian-reviewed information on pet nutrition, medical symptoms, behavior tips, and more!