Since CBD products have been legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, many studies have been conducted on using CBD for pets. CBD helps promote balance within the body, and it can help our furry friends with a ton of different health issues, from anxiety to seizures and even chronic itching. Many veterinarians recommend using CBD-infused treats to help soothe aches and pains, reduce inflammation, increase mobility, prevent cancers from spreading, treat irritable bowel disease, and help our cats and dogs with seizures or muscle spasms. Here’s everything you need to know about safely administering CBD to your cat or dog. 

What’s a safe dose of CBD for pets? 

CBD is generally safe for most cats and dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before you start any home remedies, including one with CBD, to rule out possible allergies or complications. To get started, you’ll first need your pets’ weight. 

For every 10 lbs of body weight, it’s safe to give 1-5mg of CBD. For smaller animals, use 0.2mg per pound of body weight. You can offer more or less based on the severity of the symptoms you’re trying to manage. So if your cat weighs 10 lbs, give them between 1-5mg. If you have a 50lb dog, they can have between 5-25mg. 

Just keep in mind that for CBD to work properly, it must be taken daily, like a supplement. CBD isn’t going to cure pain or anxiety in one dose. It must be taken consistently for best results. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dosing CBD in pets since each company makes products ranging in potency. 

Will CBD get my pet high? 

One of the biggest fears people have when administering CBD for pets is whether or not it’ll get them high. The answer is no; CBD will not get your pet high. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and doesn’t cause any cerebral effects. It just promotes physical relief and helps your body to stay regular when it’s taken daily. 

How to give your pet CBD 

Administering CBD for pets can be tricky, especially if your pet is anti-medicine. Luckily, many companies offer CBD-infused pet treats that will taste better than CBD oil or a pill alone. Either way, CBD oil is the best option if you’re dealing with hard-to-manage symptoms as it tends to be more potent and is easier to absorb. CBD has an easier time being absorbed through the mouth than the stomach and can affect your pet’s nervous system more quickly through oral administration. Here are some other ways to get CBD into your pet. 

1. Squirt CBD oil into your pet’s mouth: In a comfortable position, squirt a dropper full of the correct dose of CBD oil into your pet’s mouth. Aim below the tongue to reach the salivary glands. If they spit it out instead of swallowing it, try a different method. 

2. Let them lick the CBD off of your hand: If the dropper method is too stressful for your pet, you can place the CBD oil in your hand and encourage them to lick it off. This allows them to absorb the CBD through the salivary glands, though this method doesn’t always work. If they don’t like the flavor, odds are they’re not going to lick it up a second time. However, they may be more inclined to take it from the dropper directly. If neither of these methods works, try a different approach.

3. Put the CBD oil into their food bowl: If the dropper method and the licking method are a no-go, you can always add the CBD oil to your pets’ empty food bowl. Sometimes seeing something added to the empty bowl will encourage them to lick it up and get the cannabinoids into their body. A bit of gravy, broth, or water from a tuna can works to entice them to lick. If this doesn’t work, try a different method. 

4. Add the CBD oil to treats or a meal: Many pets will avoid taking CBD oil without something yummy. You can add your dose directly to their food or onto their favorite treat to encourage them to eat it. Animals are highly motivated by food, and this last-ditch effort usually yields results. However, the effects of the CBD will be slightly less effective since they will have to digest the cannabinoids instead of absorbing them directly under the tongue.