Cannabidiol (CBD), the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, has a wide range of potential benefits for all animals, including our 4-legged friends. Cats and dogs can use the hemp-derived compound to improve their quality of life. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about giving your pet CBD and provide an informational CBD dosage chart specifically for pets.
Does CBD Work for Pets?
CBD works on nearly all animals because we all possess an endocannabinoid system. The ECS comprises a complex network of endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters), cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and degrading enzymes.
Regular CBD use keeps the ECS balanced and helps the animal deal with external events that cause complications.
How Can CBD Help My Pet?
Experts believe that the ECS helps regulate:
- Mood
- Memory
- Appetite
- Metabolism
- Pain Sensation
- Inflammation
- The sleep-wake cycle
While pets have different challenges, the scope of benefits provided by CBD use can help a massive number of animals. Below are some benefits that can help the two most common pets in America, cats and dogs.
Dogs
14% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety. If your dog isn’t able to be comfortably left alone, regular CBD use could help them deal with long periods of separation.
Arthritis is a much more common issue affecting over 80% of dogs over the age of 8. The ECS helps regulate the pain receptors and inflammation. Taking CBD daily could help your dog increase mobility and live a more fulfilling life.
Cats
Cats are typically more independent than dogs but can still suffer from mental issues like anxiety and depression. Many cat owners have seen dramatic changes after giving their cats CBD daily.
CBD is also used to help calm down aggressive cats. According to Healthy Pets, 47% of cat owners listed aggression as their cat’s primary behavior problem.
CBD Dosage Chart for Pets
To find your pet’s ideal dosage, you need to know their weight. The amount of CBD they need is affected by their mass. A pet’s perfect dose typically falls between 2 and 5mg for every 10 pounds.
For example, if your dog weighs 30 pounds, an effective and safe dosage will be between 6 and 15mgs.
Check out our CBD dosage chart below to find your pet’s ideal weight.
How to Give CBD to Your Pet Safely
Pet owners are usually extremely cautious about giving their dog, cat, horse, or pet gerbil CBD for the first time.
You need to remember that CBD won’t get your pet high; the side effects are infrequent and mild, and most important, cannabis (even THC) has never killed any type of animal.
While CBD is safe to give your pet, especially if you follow our CBD dosage chart above, we recommend slowly introducing the new compound to your animal.
Start Slow
Begin with a low dose of 2mg per every 10 pounds. Give your pet their dose every single day. Regular CBD use improves the ECS’s ability to produce endocannabinoids, leading to benefits.
Increase Dosage Over Time
You should only increase your pet’s CBD dosage if you don’t see results. Most pet owners find the ideal dose between 2 and 5mg per every 10 pounds.
After a week of consistently giving your pet 2mg/10 pounds, increase the dosage to 3mg. Stick with the new dosage for at least a week before increasing it further.
For example, if you have a 30-pound dog, begin with 6mgs for 1 week. If your dog is handling the CBD well, but you’d like to see better results, bump up the dosage to 9mgs a day. We don’t suggest going past 5mg/10 pounds, but all dogs and conditions are different.
CBD may take a few weeks to start delivering results. Be patient and give the suggested CBD dosage a chance before going beyond the recommended amount or stopping CBD use.
Monitor Results
Keep track of your pet’s dosage history and changes in behavior by keeping a journal. After a month of daily use, you should begin to see results.
Shop CBD Pet Products from CannaCubans
At CannaCubans, we’ve optimized our pet products to fit the typical CBD dosage for most pets. Our CBD Dog Treats are available in 2mg beef-flavored chews, and our Organic CBD Tincture for Pets features a 3.75mg serving size.
If you have any questions about our organic CBD pet products sourced from USDA organic hemp, please contact us.
