Is CBD Safe for Pets?

If you’re anything like us, then your pets are like family. We want them to live long, healthy lives, free of any pain and full of lots of hugs and tasty treats. You may have noticed that as CBD for humans becomes more popular, CBD products for pets are also quickly on the rise. We know many of you have questions on the safety of CBD for pets, so we’re here to answer them! The short answer is— YES, CBD is perfectly safe for pets! Take a big sigh of relief. In fact, CBD for pets can help to improve the quality of life for our little furry ones.

How Does CBD Work for Pets?

In brief, CBD works for pets in the same way that it works for humans. All mammals are born with a complex system of receptors called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is comprised of a network of cannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors spread throughout the body and brain that send out chemical messages, signaling different systems of the body to get to work— all in an effort to keep the body in a state of balance, or homeostasis. 

What’s even more amazing is that ECS wasn’t discovered until 1992, when Dr. Raphael Mechoulam began researching cannabis’ effect on the human body. Dr. Mechoulam and his team discovered that there are naturally occurring cannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors inside of all humans and vertebrate animals. It was found that this internal system enables CBD and other cannabinoids (from the cannabis plant) to interact and have an influence on the brain and body of mammals. When CBD interacts directly with the body’s ECS, it helps to bring the body into homeostasis, promoting a state of overall balance and wellness.

Dogs, cats, pigs, horses, and even rabbits can all benefit from CBD in the same way that humans can. Balancing the ECS by supplementing with CBD promotes health, vitality, and an overall sense of well-being.

Does CBD Have Side Effects in Pets?

Some pet owners may be concerned about their pets experiencing side effects from CBD. Just like in humans, the reality is that the side effects, if any, are minimal. The most common side effects reported in humans are drowsiness, changes in appetite, dry mouth, or diarrhea. To avoid any potential adverse effects, it’s important when first giving CBD to your pet to: start low and go slow.

If you’re just starting your pet on CBD, you should always begin with a small amount and be consistent in the number of servings and time of day you’re administering the CBD. Pay close attention to the dosage amount and make sure you observe your pet to detect any behavioral effects. It’s a good idea to note your pet’s demeanor prior to the administration, and take consideration of any changes that occur after giving CBD.

As long as your pet does not display any adverse effects, you can begin to slowly increase the dosage as necessary until you are able to determine a dose that is effective. Keep in mind that CBD is biphasic, meaning it can have an opposite effect from what is intended. Too low of a dose might not have any effect, and too high of a dose can be sedating. The ideal dose is a moderate dose. Also, keep in mind your pet’s size. A small pet will require a smaller dose, and a larger pet will require a larger dose— but always start out with a small dose regardless of the pet’s size, and then increase the dose accordingly.

CBD will not make your pet “high” in the psychoactive sense but instead promotes a calming effect. Note, that it is physically impossible to overdose on CBD (because CBD does not affect the area of the brain that controls breathing), but the risk of adverse effects increases if too much product is administered at once. To avoid this, do not exceed the maximum daily servings listed on the bottle. 

How Do I Pick a Safe CBD Product For My Pet?

We only want to give our pets the highest quality products available. We use the following guidelines when identifying safely-produced CBD products for our furry friends:

1. Hemp that is grown in the US, and hemp oil products that are manufactured in domestic GMP certified facilities.
2. Clean extraction techniques without the use of dangerous solvents.
3. Organically-grown hemp, that is verified as free of pesticides, heavy metals, mold, or toxins.
4. 3rd party lab tested for quality and purity.

HempLand® USA produces the highest quality CBD products on the market. Our CANNABITOL® K-9 CBD Hemp Oil was formulated specifically for pets and has a touch of real liver for added flavor that they can’t resist. Cats love our formula too! Our K-9 formula has absolutely no other additives, preservatives, or artificial coloring and is guaranteed to be THC-free. All of our products are 3rd party lab-tested to verify quality and purity, so you can rest assured your dog or cat is receiving only the best! We make it easy to administer with a glass dropper so that you can sprinkle the hemp oil directly over their food, or you can administer it directly into their mouth using the dropper.

We believe in the incredible support that our CBD provides to your pet’s ECS, but before making any new changes to your pet’s diet it’s always recommended that you consult with your veterinarian.