CBD Oil for Dogs & Cats

CBD dispensaries have popped up in many states all over the country in people’s hunt for wellness. But CBD oil is also available for dogs and cats. What is CBD, and how does it work? And, will it give your dog the munchies? First, let’s define some of the terms that can be confusing.

“Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a cannabinoid — a naturally occurring compound found in both hemp and cannabis (cannabis also referred to as marijuana),” says Jodi Ziskin, director of communications with Treatibles in Petaluma, California.

Hemp and marijuana are “Both members of the Cannabis sativa plant and share similarities but have very distinct differences due to each plant’s biological structure,” says Jon Neveloff, partner with King Kanine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Consider that a rice cake and rice pudding are from the same plant but quite different.

“CBD is one of the hundreds of compounds found in cannabis. It is the most prevalent compound in hemp. Which is a special strain of cannabis that has only trace amounts of THC, the substance in medical and recreational strains of hemp that is associated with psychoactive effects,” says Joey DiFrancesco, CEO and founder of LolaHemp in New York City. This is crucial because THC can be toxic to pets. (For more THC specifics, see “Why the Farm Bill Matters” on page 38.) “CBD is non-psychoactive,” Joey adds. It won’t get your dog high in any way.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil

Both CBD oil and hemp oil come from the same plant, but CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves, and stalk of the hemp plant, while hemp oil comes from the seeds of the industrialized hemp plant.

Hemp oil is a nutritional supplement full of nutrients that can be used in cooking and for moisturizing — like in soaps or lotions. It has a variety of other manufacturing uses, such as making plastic and bio-diesel fuel.

CBD oil is a supplement being examined for medicinal purposes and treating various conditions, such as inflammation and anxiety, among others.

CBD Oil & Pets

getting the correct dose is crucial. Many of the manufacturer’s state dosing suggestions should be determined based on each dog’s weight and health conditions. Some suggest generic guidelines as a starting point: 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight twice a day. Of course, always get input from your dog’s vet on any treatment. There is a big difference in dosing for dogs and cats. Cats are not small dogs. The half-life in cats is extremely short, meaning they metabolize CBD very quickly. Please see the dosing chart for cats.

The most important part about sharing CBD oil is never to share products made for humans with your dog or any other pets. It is vital to make sure that the oil you are buying is not just a human product with a paw print on the label. Human products may contain artificial flavoring, like xylitol, that is toxic to dogs.