CBD for pets has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many pet owners are bursting with questions about this resource. Because it’s a relatively new substance in the pet wellness world, the details about CBD oil for pets can be sometimes inconsistent and even a little confusing. Pet owners who want to ensure their dog or cat has the happiest, most comfortable life are curious about CBD pet products and want to know exactly what it is and how it works.
We want to empower you to make the best decisions for you and your furry friends. So with this guide, we provide the answers to 13 of the most common questions asked about CBD oil for pets. These questions often fall into four categories: the definition and function of CBD, the safety and legality of it, how it will affect your pet, and how to properly use this resource.
What CBD Is and How it Works
Usually, the first questions a pet owner asks about CBD are:
- What is CBD for pets?
- How does it work?
- How is it made?
-
What Is CBD for Pets?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains many compounds, including THC, which is a more commonly known compound that causes the experience of being high.
Hemp cannabis must legally contain no more than 0.3 percent THC, while there are no such limitations on marijuana cannabis. Therefore, the best CBD products for pets will be hemp-derived.
There are different types of CBD, including isolate, full spectrum, broad spectrum, and Superior Broad Spectrum (a unique formula created by cbdMD, the parent company of Paw CBD). These different types of CBD indicate different measures of other compounds (besides CBD) included in the final product.
CBD isolate is only CBD – no other compounds from the hemp plant at all. Full spectrum includes the entire compound profile of the plant, even the THC, which might not be healthy for your dog or cat. Superior Broad Spectrum is a carefully designed formula that features some other wellness-supporting compounds found in the hemp plant in addition to CBD.
-
How Does CBD for Pets Work?
CBD is processed by the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. This system is shared by humans, dogs, cats, and many other animals. The ECS helps regulate bodily processes like appetite, immunity, sleep, and digestion.
-
How Is CBD Oil Made?
CBD is extracted from the hemp plant through either CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction. Both of these processes pull CBD out and away from the other compounds in the hemp plant. The extraction process can result in a few different types of CBD, including isolate, full spectrum, broad spectrum, and Superior Broad Spectrum, as discussed above.
Once the CBD is extracted, it’s added to a carrier oil, like MCT oil or hemp oil. Then, this solution is added to a variety of different items like treats, soft chews, balm, and peanut butter to make CBD products for pets.
Pet CBD Safety
Of course, understanding exactly what CBD is and how it functions in your pet’s body will likely leave you with some additional questions about safety and legality.
-
Are CBD Products Safe for My Pet?
Owners have reported that both their cats and dogs are experiencing plentiful wellness benefits from CBD. While studies are ongoing, and veterinarians are very limited in their ability to discuss CBD with you, the most important thing to remember when it comes to safety is you need to use a high-quality, trustworthy CBD product for pets. You should always keep your veterinarian informed about your plans to introduce CBD for dogs or cats, and you should monitor your pet closely when you introduce something new.
-
Is CBD Oil Legal?
Hemp-derived CBD is legal at the federal level as a result of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill permitted the cultivation of hemp and also eliminated restrictions on the sale and possession of hemp-based products, like CBD.
So hemp-derived CBD pet products are federally legal because they are THC-free*, and they can be shipped across state lines, too. But states can still set limits on the legality of hemp products like CBD oil, so it’s important to be aware of your state’s specific laws. Regulations about CBD for pets are also constantly changing, so stay updated.
-
Are CBD Products for Pets FDA-approved?
No, CBD products for pets are not FDA-approved. This is in part because the FDA (the Food and Drug Administration) is in charge of regulating food and drugs, and CBD doesn’t fit under either of these categories. In fact, it’s more common to classify CBD for pets as a supplement, and animal supplements are generally regulated by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). NASC has provided approval for several CBD products, including Paw CBD’s line of pet CBD oil items.
How It Will Affect Your Animal
Even if you understand the science of how CBD works within your pet’s body, and you feel assured that it is safe and legal, you might have some questions about how your pet will behave while taking CBD oil. There is also some confusion about whether or not CBD will get your pet high. (Spoiler alert: It won’t!)
-
How Will CBD Affect My Dog or Cat?
Each pet will respond to CBD differently, so there is no singular, definitive answer to this question. But, we know that pets who are taking CBD are able to maintain their daily lifestyle habits like regular exercise, consistent sleep, and general comfort and ease. CBD for dogs can help keep Fido chasing the tennis ball, and CBD for cats can help keep Fluffy scurrying up the cat tower!
-
Will CBD Get My Pet High?
Hemp-derived CBD will not get your pet high, because it legally has to have less than 0.3 percent THC, which isn’t enough to cause any psychoactive effects. The difference between THC and CBD is that while THC can cause a high, CBD will not.
If a CBD product was not derived from hemp, you can’t be sure that the product’s THC levels are low enough to keep your pet from getting high. So stick with hemp-derived CBD for pets. And, as an added measure of security, find a CBD pet product that is labeled THC-free*.
-
Can CBD Be Used as an Appetite Stimulant for Pets?
CBD is an overall wellness tool that can support your pet’s general lifestyle and health maintenance. When your dog feels calm, stress-free, and comfortable, they are more likely to commit to a regular eating and resting schedule. Reducing your pet’s stress triggers is one of the most important ways you can support their general health, and CBD can contribute to their management of stress.
How to Use CBD for Pets
Once you’ve decided that your pet will benefit from this resource, it’s important to find the best kind of CBD pet product, choose the appropriate delivery method, and introduce it to your pet with care and consistency.
-
What Is the Best Kind of Pet CBD?
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best pet CBD oil. Look for a CBD pet product that is THC-free, derived from domestically grown hemp, and tested by a third-party lab. You also want a product that is breed-specific – CBD for cats and CBD for dogs – and gives clear instructions for the appropriate daily amount for your pet.
-
What Is the Best Way to Give It to My Dog or Cat?
There are so many great ways to give your pet CBD! CBD oil tinctures are a popular method because they are simple and you can just add them to food or the existing pet treats in your pantry.
CBD treats are great because they are portable and pre-measured. Soft chews are an especially wonderful way to administer CBD for cats, who often have sensitive teeth. Senior dogs also like the soft texture of CBD Chews for Dogs, and our peanut-butter flavored CBD dog treats are crunchy and award-winning! Dogs particularly love our CBD peanut butter, too.
And as long as you keep the total daily amount the same, you can give CBD to your pet in a few different ways over the course of the day. Try our CBD Bundles so you have lots of options!
-
How Do I Introduce CBD to My Pet?
There are a few steps to take when you decide to introduce this new resource into your pet’s life. The steps are the same whether you are using CBD for dogs or CBD for cats. First, consult your veterinarian. Then choose the right daily amount, which will depend on your pet’s size and weight. Start a regimen and stick with it for 30 days, because CBD can take some time to build up in your pet’s system. Monitor your pet closely and then adapt if needed.
-
Can CBD Oil for Pets Be Used for Humans?
While it’s unlikely that a human would be negatively impacted by CBD for pets, we don’t think Sparky is going to want to share with you! Furthermore, a high-quality CBD product for pets is going to be specifically formulated to support the animal’s body. The ingredients won’t harm a human consumer, but it's best to save your pet CBD oil for your dog or cat and get your own CBD oil for yourself. Furthermore, don't give human CBD to your dog or cat. There might be higher levels of THC in a human product, and there also might be ingredients that are safe for humans but dangerous for animals.
Stay Informed and Educated
We hope the Paw CBD blog can be a resource for you to make educated and informed decisions for your pet family. CBD for pets is a remarkable wellness resource, but it’s important to know exactly what kind of CBD you are using, how it’s going to affect your pet, and the best way to give it to your pets. You also want to ensure you’re using high-quality CBD oil for pets.
*THC-free is defined as undetectable at the lowest level which can be consistently detected using valid scientific analytical tools.