6 Types of CBD Products for Animals
Table of Contents
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD for animals is sourced from hemp (and not marijuana). CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of over 80 cannabinoids found in hemp. Pet CBD products for animals boost health and help with common issues such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures, etc.
Cannabis products for animals come in six forms: oils, treats, capsules, creams, patches, and powders. Cat CBD treats and pure CBD oil for dogs are among the most popular feline and canine CBD supplements. The answer is “online and over the counter” to the question, “Where can I buy CBD for my dog?”
The recommended CBD dosage for animals is 1 to 5 milligrams per 10 pounds or 0.001 to 0.005 milliliters per 4.53 kilograms of body weight. Start with a lower dose and gradually increase as necessary.
Listed below are the six types of animal CBD products.
- CBD oil
- CBD treats
- CBD capsules
- CBD cream
- CBD patches
- CBD powder
1. CBD Oil
CBD oil for animals is an oral supplement for pets made from hemp. The CBD hemp extract is mixed with an edible carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil, to make the final CBD oil products for animals.
CBD oil is a natural extract from the hemp plant. It is extracted using carbon dioxide (CO2) techniques, which preserves the cannabinoid profile and ensures purity.
Pet CBD oil is simple to use. Pet owners administer it directly in the mouth, preferably under the tongue, or pour the oil on top of the pet’s food. The dose depends on the animal’s body weight: 1 to 5 milligrams per 10 pounds or 0.001 to 0.005 milliliters per 4.53 kilograms.
Pet CBD oil comes in different concentrations for easy dosing. Properly using the best CBD oil for dogs helps with many health issues, such as inflammation, pain, anxiety, poor sleep, and appetite.
2. CBD Treats
CBD treats for pets are created exclusively for animal consumption and include hemp-derived CBD to promote wellness. Cannabidiol is combined with animal-friendly ingredients like oats and honey to produce animal CBD treats.
Hemp CBD is a natural compound and mixes well with other ingredients. CBD oils used in making treat products are high quality, pure, and rich in various cannabinoids.
Consumable pet CBD treats contain fixed amounts of cannabinoids, making dose calculations simple. Treats often include pet-friendly flavors to cover the CBD’s naturally bitter taste and make them more enticing.
CBD treats have the same effects and benefits as oils. Hemp CBD products for animals help with pain, inflammation, seizures, anxiety, etc. The best CBD treats for dogs and cats come in different strengths and flavors.
3. CBD Capsules
CBD capsules for animals are oral supplements featuring hemp-derived CBD. The pet CBD extract is mixed with a carrier oil and gelatine to make the capsules and CBD products for animals.
Animal owners must administer pet CBD capsules directly into the mouth (throat). CBD capsules for animals treat arthritis, seizures, anxiety, etc., the same as oils and treat CBD products.
4. CBD Cream
CBD cream for animals is a topical product featuring hemp CBD as the main active ingredient. Pet CBD creams mix CBD with ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax, essential oils, or MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil.
Animal CBD creams are applied directly on the skin. Topical creams and balms treat hot spots, allergies, and dry skin in animals. The salve is used on the affected area and is absorbed through the skin and into the tissues rather than the digestive system, providing relief faster. The pet must be kept distracted to avoid licking the cream before it is absorbed. CBD creams are safe if licked, but it reduces their efficacy.
5. CBD Patches
CBD patches for animals are patches infused with hemp-extracted cannabinoids. These CBD products for animals works with the pet’s body heat and help release and activate the cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils from the extract when the CBD patch is applied to the pet’s skin.
Pet CBD patches are placed on a clean, non-hairy area of the animal’s body. Cannabinoids relieve pain, inflammation, and other symptoms once they are absorbed through the skin.
6. CBD Powder
CBD powder for animals is a finely crushed and pulverized pet supplement that contains hemp-derived cannabinoids. Pet CBD powder is enriched with other health-boosting active ingredients and taste-enhancing flavors.
Pet CBD powders are formulated for oral use. The powder is mixed with the food and is very practical. CBD powders for dogs blend nicely with food and do not affect the flavor, making the CBD products for animals simple to use.
How are the Dosage Intended for Animals?
The intended hemp CBD dosage for animals is between 1 and 5 milligrams per 10 pounds or 0.001 to 0.005 milliliters per 4.53 kilograms of body weight. Start with a lesser dose and progressively increase it when incorporating cannabis into a pet’s health regimen.
The CBD dosage applies to cannabis products made exclusively for pets. Pet CBD oils and treats are made from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC. CBD for animals is safe and does not cause overdoses, even in high amounts.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid, a health-boosting compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant and first discovered in 1940.
CBD is not the only phytocannabinoid. There are 113 different compounds. The genus Cannabis features several plants, such as marijuana, hemp, and ruderalis, and each has a unique endocannabinoid profile.
Hemp is rich in CBD, while marijuana has THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD products for animals support animals, while THC is psychoactive (gives the “high” feeling) and toxic to pets.
The popular question, “What is CBD?” refers to hemp-extracted products containing very little to no THC.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD products for animals come from hemp. The hemp is organic and grown on farms in the United States under the Domestic Hemp Production Program, introduced in the 2018 Farm Bill.
There are two extraction methods, such as alcohol and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2). Alcohol extraction involves soaking the hemp in butane, and CO2 extraction includes pressurized CO2 gas.
High-quality pet CBD oils are extracted with CO2. The CO2 method pulls out the complete cannabinoid profile, terpenes, and plant waxes without leaving residues interfering with the product’s quality.
Where to buy CBD for dogs? Pet CBD is widely available. CBD products for animals are available online and at pet shops. Seek advice from a veterinarian beforehand to ensure safe usage.
What are the Benefits of CBD for Animals?
The benefits of CBD for animals are listed below.
- Reduced Pain: CBD for pets is effective in pain modulation and helps with different types of pain, such as acute, inflammatory, neuropathic, muscle, and orofacial pain. CBD fortifies the effects of other pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids.
- Inflammation Control: Pet CBD helps prevent inflammation by inhibiting COX-2 (the main inflammation trigger). Cannabinoids reduce inflammation by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines that support inflammation. CBD has a dose-dependent effect on inflammation and reduces its primary symptoms, including swelling (edema) and pain.
- Stress Relief: CBD for pets mimics serotonin (the “happy” hormone), thus promoting calmness and relaxation. The anxiolytic effect of CBD helps dogs with separation and car anxiety. CBD shows a panicolytic result and is used to manage animals with post-traumatic stress.
- Better Sleep: Human studies suggest that CBD promotes better and more restful sleep. CBD interacts similarly with the endocannabinoid system in all mammals, meaning animals likely sleep better, too.
- Improved Appetite: CBG (cannabigerol) is a cannabinoid found in hemp that promotes hyperphagia or increased appetite. CBD affects appetite by alleviating nausea and vomiting, supporting digestive health, and promoting relaxation.
- Reduced Nausea & Vomiting: CBD for animals has an anti-emetic and anti-nausea effect, suppressing vomiting and nausea. Pet CBD retains these effects without causing tolerance, even when used long-term.
- Allergy Relief: Pet CBD helps with allergies through its anti-inflammatory features and ability to modulate the immune system. Cannabinoids promote skin health, which helps reduce contact allergies and atopic dermatitis.
- Decreased Itchiness: CBD reduces pruritus associated with allergies in pets. A study evaluating the effect of CBD on activity in healthy dogs noted reduced scratching behavior in treated pets.
- Seizure Control: Pet CBD reduces neuronal excitability, which helps with seizures. Cannabinoids decrease seizure episodes’ duration, severity, and frequency in animals with epilepsy. CBD for pets appears safe to use together with other anti-seizure medications.
- Boosted Immune System: CBD has a unique ability to modulate the immune system. The antioxidant properties of CBD are between 30 and 50% stronger than those of vitamins C and E.
- Anti-Cancer Features: CBD for pets has several anti-cancer features. CBD promotes apoptosis, prevents angiogenesis, and stops metastasis. Cannabinoids have tumor-shrinking properties, boost the effects of chemotherapy, and help manage its side effects.
- Improved Mood & Behavior: CBD promotes good mood and helps with behavioral issues. A study evaluating the effects of CBD treats in privately owned dogs reports reduced destructiveness following treatment.
CBD products for animals are a natural alternative that helps with common issues such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures, etc. Pet CBD is safe, well-tolerated, and rarely causes any side effects.
What are the Side Effects of CBD for Animals?
The side effects of CBD for animals are listed below.
- Lethargy: CBD makes animals lethargic, sleepy, and disinterested in everyday activities when CBD is given in high amounts and during the introduction phase.
- Dizziness: Lightheadedness is associated with low-quality pet CBD products that contain potentially dangerous amounts of THC. THC is toxic for pets and must not be present in concentrations higher than 0.3%.
- Dry Mouth: Animal CBD reduces saliva production, causing dry mouth (or xerostomia). People using CBD report a similar, so-called “cottonmouth” effect.
- Vomiting: The CBD content, the type of carrier oil, and the naturally bitter taste of CBD are all potential culprits that cause vomiting.
- Diarrhea: High CBD doses and certain carrier oils used in CBD products result in diarrhea.
- Stomach Upset: CBD irritates the stomach and triggers an upset, the same as any new food, supplement, or medication.
- Inhibited Liver Enzymes: CBD inhibits some of the liver enzymes that break down drugs, causing them to have a more potent effect.
- Increased Tremors: Pet CBD increases tremors. Increased tremors are an unusual and rare side effect, considering CBD has anticonvulsive features.
- Itchiness: Impure and low-quality CBD results in itchiness. Scratching occurs when the animal is sensitive to some of the ingredients in the product.
- Low Blood Pressure: Animal CBD causes temporary hypotension (low blood pressure), especially in high doses.
Stomach upset and drowsiness are the typical side effects of CBD for animals. CBD side effects are relatively rare and easily managed by modifying the dosage to ensure the dog is able to reduce their anxiety.
How to Treat Your Anxious Dog with CBD?
To treat your anxious dog with CBD, the step-by-step instructions are listed below.
1. Choose the CBD for the dog. Full-spectrum CBD products for animals that are experiencing anxiety are recommended. The Best 7 CBD oils for dog anxiety contain pure CBD oil and come with Certificates of Analysis from third-party testing laboratories.
2. Decide the CBD Product. Pure CBD oil for dogs, powders, and treats are suitable for anxious canines. Pour the oil directly into the dog’s mouth or under the tongue, or combine it with food. Mix CBD powder with food or water for ease of dosage. Full-spectrum CBD dog oil treats are easier to administer as they often feature a dog-friendly flavor.
3. Establish the correct dosage. The recommended oral CBD dose is between 1 and 5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Finding the correct CBD dose takes time and experimentation. Start at the low end of the specter, with 0.1 or 0.2 mg of CBD per pound of body weight, and increase to efficacy. CBD dog oil treats are easier to administer as they often feature a dog-friendly flavor. CBD treats for dogs are simple to dose; follow the guidelines on the product package.
4. Administer the dosage based on the anxiety condition. Dogs suffering from generalized anxiety benefit from daily CBD supplementation. CBD oils and treats must be given to dogs with situational anxiety before stressful events.
How to Treat Dog’s Allergies with CBD?
To treat dog’s allergies with CBD, the step-by-step guide is listed below.
- Administer Oral CBD Oil Daily. Dose the dog with CBD oil once a day or twice a day in half doses. Drop the CBD amount directly into the dog’s mouth (ideally, under the tongue) with a dropper or mix it with the dog’s food or water. Dog CBD treats are alternatives for dogs that dislike oils. CBD treats for dogs are easier to administer but take more time to take effect.
- Calculate the Correct Dose: The recommended dose of CBD for dogs with allergies is 1 to 5 mg of CBD oil for every 10 pounds of body weight. Calculating the appropriate dose depends on the severity of the symptoms and requires practice. Start with a lower-than-recommended dose and increase until the symptoms disappear. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
- Apply CBD Topically. Dogs suffering skin lesions or irritated skin spots caused by constant itching benefit from topical CBD products for animals. CBD reduces inflammation and supports healing. Do not worry if the dog licks some of the topical CBD as the product is not dangerous; however, the effectiveness is reduced if the animal licks the cream before it is absorbed into the skin. Combining oral and topical CBD products for animals is safe.
- Determine the correct number of daily applications: Topical CBD oil, gels, balms, salves, and creams work best when applied daily. The best 8 CBD oil for dogs with allergies has less than 0.3% or no THC, so there is no risk of overdose. The CBD oils have Certificates of Analysis from a third-party testing laboratory. The frequency of application depends on the severity of the symptoms. Some dogs may need one treatment a day, while other allergic dogs may require several. Always follow the recommendations provided by the brand and seek veterinary advice for specific guidance.
How to Treat Dog’s Seizures with CBD?
To treat dog’s allergies with CBD, the step-by-step guide is listed below.
- Find the Right CBD Product. Pure CBD oil for dogs is the most efficient option for treating canine seizures. Ensure the oil has a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party testing laboratory. CBD oil works fastest, especially when squirted directly into the dog’s mouth under the tongue. Give CBD treats instead of oil if dealing with a dog that dislikes oil supplements.
- Modulate the CBD Dose. The recommended dose of CBD products for animals with seizures is between 2 and 8 mg of CBD oil per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight twice daily, according to studies on dogs with seizures. Always start with a lower dose, around 1 to 2 mg per pound of body weight, and then increase if necessary. Dogs respond differently to CBD, and it takes practice to determine the right amount.
- Combine with Anti-Seizure Medication (ASM). Consult with the veterinarian regarding the overall anti-seizure management plan. The Best 12 CBD oils for dogs with seizures are safe and able to be used in conjunction with mainstream medications. Administer at different times in the day to prevent strain on the dog’s fragile stomach.
How to Treat Cat’s Kidney Disease with CBD?
To treat cat’s kidney disease with CBD, the step-by-step guide is listed below.
- Find The Right CBD Oil. Many brands are offering CBD oils for cats. Choose from the best 7 CBD oils for cats with kidney disease. Third-party laboratories test the products and come with a Certificate of Analysis. Try several products to determine which one works best for the cat’s kidney disease symptoms. Give CBD oil orally, either straight into the mouth or combined with food. Cats are picky eaters, and giving oil is challenging.
- Implement Different CBD Products for Animals. Cat CBD treats are easier to give, especially when spiced with feline-friendly flavors like chicken or tuna. Cannabis treats for cats are straightforward to dose, but extra picky cats refuse them, too. Try the topical application when cats refuse CBD oil and treats. CBD oil is applied to the inner area of the cat’s ears, where the fur stops growing. Give the CBD product time to start working; skin absorption is slower.
- Modify with the CBD Dose. The recommended CBD dose for cats is between 1 to 5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Start with a lower CBD dose to give the cat time to adjust. Increase the CBD dose gradually. Find the dose that manages the cat’s symptoms without causing side effects.
- Be Consistent with CBD Administration. Cannabidiol needs time to take effect and works best when used consistently. CBD for cats is safe to use on a daily basis.
Follow the veterinarian’s guidelines regarding mainstream kidney disease treatment. CBD for animals is natural and typically safe to combine with other medications.
How to Treat Cat’s Cancer with CBD?
To treat cat cancer with CBD, the step-by-step guide is listed below.
1. Choose the CBD Product for the Cat. CBD oil, treats, or patches are used to treat cats with cancer. CBD oil is most effective in treating cancer. Drop the oil directly into the cat’s mouth, directly under the tongue. The Best 8 CBD oils for cats with cancer are tested by third-party laboratories. Cat owners are able to review the Certificates of Analysis before purchasing.
2. Decide the CBD Product. CBD oil is difficult to administer for cats. Give cat CBD treats that are flavored with chicken or tuna for cat-friendly palates. Edible treats for cats are straightforward to dose, but cats reject them, too. Try CBD patches when cats with cancer refuse other CBD products for animals. Give the CBD product time to start working; skin absorption is slower.
3. Establish the correct dosage. The recommended oral CBD dose for cats with cancer is between 4 and 6 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Start with a lower CBD dose and increase gradually as the cat gets used to the CBD supplement. CBD for cats with cancer works best when used every day. Cannabidiol needs time to build up in the cat’s body and exert positive long-term effects. Supplement a cat with cancer with CBD oil daily for at least three weeks before expecting to see an improvement. Hemp-sourced CBD products for cats with cancer are natural and safe to use regularly, up to several times a day.
4. Follow traditional anti-cancer treatment. CBD for cats with cancer works well in conjunction with traditional anti-cancer treatment. Talk to the veterinarian about the right cat CBD dose, product, and recommended administration timing.
Is CBD Effective for Pets?
Yes, CBD is effective for pets. CBD benefits several conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures.
CBD products for pets work through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a regulatory system that balances vital body functions. CBD supports animal health in a natural way by interacting with the ECS.
There are several CBD products for animals on the market: CBD oil, CBD treats, CBD capsules, CBD cream, CBD patches, and CBD powder, offering helpful alternative treatments for pet health.
Is CBD Safe for Animals?
Yes, CBD is safe for animals. CBD products for animals are sourced from hemp, which is very low in Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is found in marijuana and is the psychoactive compound that makes users feel “high.” THC is toxic to pets.
CBD is safe for animals when sourced from organically grown hemp from farms in the United States under the regime established by the Farm Bill, 2018. CBD with less than 0.3% THC or none is safe for animals.
The Anti-Cruelty Society says CBD “appears safe to be used on pets.” A 2018 study, “A Report of Adverse Effects Associated With the Administration of Cannabidiol in Healthy Dogs” by Colorado State University, reports that “CBD is a well-tolerated supplement.”