CBD and Your Pet
As our pets go through their lives, many of them experience the same issues we do—such as stress, aches and pains. If you use CBD oil, it’s natural to wonder if it might help them too.
Before purchasing CBD oil for your cat or dog, here are some things to consider.
Please note: we are providing this for educational purposes only. You should consult your veterinarian prior to giving CBD to your pet.
Will CBD help my dog or cat?
We are in the early stages of our clinical understanding of how CBD affects humans and pets—so most evidence is anecdotal.
There are vets that recommend CBD oil for aches, pains, and more based on their professional experience. There are also some limited studies that suggest CBD’s potential for pets.
A Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine study found that CBD was beneficial in dogs with arthritic pain. In the study, dogs were given CBD at a rate of 4.4 mg per pound twice per day for a month. 80% of participants showed significant improvement in pain relief and quality of life.
A study at Colorado State University gave CBD to dogs experiencing seizures. Dogs given CBD for 12 weeks had 33% fewer seizures than those given the placebo. Not every dog experienced this benefit, but these early results are leading to an expanded trial. It’s important to note that CBD could interfere with some seizure medications, so it should not be given without your veterinarian’s consent.
There has been less study in cats, other than to determine that CBD was generally well tolerated.
Is pet CBD the same as human CBD?
Yes. The CBD in human products and pet products is exactly the same. The active compound does not change.
What may not be the same are the additional ingredients in a CBD product. It’s important to look at those, as they may not be suitable for dogs and cats. When selecting a CBD oil to use for our four-legged friends, choose one that does not contain ingredients potentially toxic to pets such as chocolate, certain artificial sweeteners, and some essential oils.
This is a good time to look for a simple ingredient list. Sunsoil products often contain just two ingredients. Our unflavored drops, as well as our coconut oil, contain only organic hemp and MCT oil.
Which CBD format is best for my pet?
While you can find CBD pet treats on the market, we find that oils or tinctures with a dropper bottle are ideal for pets.
Unlike treats, the oils make it easy to adjust serving size. Plus you can easily add it to their food, treats, or even a spoonful of peanut butter. We advise against using flavored CBD oils as the flavoring might be too strong for our four-legged friends.
How much CBD oil should I give my pet?
Prior to starting a CBD regimen for your pet, we strongly advise consulting your veterinarian.
There are no official guidelines for how much CBD to give your pets. There are many factors to consider, such as your pet’s weight and their individual needs.
We've observed veterinarians recommend anywhere from 0.2mg per pound to 0.5mg per pound. There is no clinically approved range.
Our customers have had success using 20mg of CBD for pets over 35lbs, and 10mg for pets under 35lbs.
Always start slow with a small serving size and work your way up. Additionally, wait 4 to 6 hours after a serving—watching how your pet responds—before increasing the serving size. More is not always better when it comes to CBD.
How can I tell if CBD is helping?
Unfortunately, our dogs and cats can’t tell us if they’re feeling better. We have to watch their behavior for clues.
Changes may be subtle and happen over time. Just as we recommend for humans, it may be helpful to keep a journal of your pet’s behavior. Note the date, time, and size of each serving, as well as your pet’s behavior.
While CBD may be beneficial for your pet, more study is needed to understand what it can help with and how much CBD should be used. As with any addition to your pet’s diet or regimen, check with your vet to see if CBD may be a good option.