CBD is known to benefit humans, but can it help our cats and dogs? As more pet parents turn to CBD to help combat stress, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and nausea, many wonder if it’s safe to give to animals, too.
Does CBD Work for Pets?
According to PetMD, CBD oil can be effective in helping treat symptoms related to cancer, seizures, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, gastrointestinal issues, among other health issues. CBD is typically administered orally via oils, tinctures, and treats but there are also topical options, like balms.
It is also safe to give CBD oil to your cats – holistic vets have used it to treat arthritis, anxiety, and pain – but there has been little research regarding its effectiveness. Unlike dogs, cats should not be given topical CBD because they’ll lick it off.
Because CBD oil contains little to no THC, the psychotropic compound found in cannabis, it won’t get your pets high. While CBD is safe for cats and dogs, the cannabis plant itself is toxic.
Dr. Tim Shu, founder and CEO of the pet cannabis company, VETCBD, added that compared to other medications that may treat the aforementioned issues, CBD oil poses no threat to canine health with proper dosage. “It doesn’t damage the kidney, liver, or GI tract. The dogs aren’t high or sedated,” he said.
However, Graham Quigly, owner and acupuncturist at a holistic animal clinic in San Rafael, California, stressed that CBD is not a “cure-all” substitute for medication.
Research to determine the correct dosage for dogs has yet to be conducted. Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates advises that anyone looking to give CBD to their pets should speak to a vet who has experience with treating pets with cannabis oil. As a best practice, always consult with your vet before introducing to your pets.
5 Vegan and Cruelty-Free CBD Products for Your Pets
1. Hemp Oil for Cats and Dogs
It may not be CBD but hemp oil has been shown to have many of the same benefits as CBD. Healthy Pets’ hemp oil can be used to treat anxiety, joint pain, and inflammation in cats and dogs. Plus, it’s way easier to just have it shipped right to your house.
View the product here.
2. Canna-Pet Vegan Dog Treats
Canna-Pet’s vegan dog treats are an easy way to help relieve your dog’s anxiety. The PB&A variety is made from organic barley flour, peanut butter, bananas, applesauce, peanuts, and flax seeds. Each treat contains 80mg of broad spectrum, hemp-derived oil.
View the product here.
3. Petacure Fur Relief Balm
Petacure makes hemp-derived CBD tinctures for cats, dogs, and rabbits as well as this topical Fur Relief Balm. Made from organic coconut oil, chamomile, spearmint, peppermint, and CBD oil, it’s made to help soothe joint or skin inflammations brought on by allergies, medical conditions, and bites. Because this product is topical, it is not suitable for cats.
View the product here.
4. HolistaPet CBD Capsules
These CBD capsules are safe for both cats and dogs! This natural dietary supplement provides your pet with omega fatty acid-rich hemp seed powder and 20 mg of full-spectrum CBD per capsule – plus, the capsules aren’t made from gelatin, so it’s vegan. It’s also free from corn, soy, and dairy
View the product here.
5. Petacure Fur Wellness Tincture
Another great gift from Petacure! The Fur Wellness Tincture is safe for dogs, cats, and rabbits. It features organic CBD oil, hemp oil, and vitamin B12 and was created specifically to aid in recovery from illnesses like autoimmune disorders. According to the company, its tincture contains 750 mg of hemp oil-derived CBD, which is one of the highest on the market today.
View the product here.
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