Earlier this week we put out our very first post on CBD oil for pets. We’re always getting questions about it – because we recommend it regularly – and we’re finally answering some of those questions on the blog!
And we decided to make it a two-part series because this part – how to use CBD – is important, and it deserves not to have to share the spotlight.
So, if you’re new to CBD, head to the first blog to find out more about what CBD is, and how to find the best one. But if you’re already familiar, stay here and find out how we recommend using CBD with your animal!
How to Use CBD Oil for Pets
These are a few of the most important things to remember/think about when you start using CBD oil for pets:
All animals are different. Treat your beloved beast as an individual. How often and how much CBD is needed will depend on your animal and what you’re using it for. For example, if you’re using it for fear or anxiety, most dogs react much better to getting it well before an anxiety-causing event – not right before.
Start low and slow. As we just mentioned, each animal will take to CBD differently. The recommended amount on the bottle will be perfect for some animals. Others won’t need as much, while others might need a little more. But you want to slowly work up to that amount until you find the sweet spot. If you’re using it therapeutically, you may want to work with an expert to find the right amount to meet your pet’s needs (and this may be more than the amount recommended based on weight).
Give it time. Sometimes, as little as one administration of CBD will have an impact. Sometimes, though, it needs time to build up in the body, and it can take a bit of time to see improvements. Give it time to work. Don’t expect a miracle the first time you use it (although you might be surprised!).
Maintenance. Depending on what you’re using CBD for, you might use it once a week, once a day, or leading up to a specific event. If you use it daily, note that it likes to establish itself inside the body. Once you find that sweet spot for your pet, and maintain it for a bit, you may actually be able to reduce the amount as needed. This is because of something called reverse tolerance. Instead of developing a tolerance to CBD, the body works with the CBD, and so you often don’t need to keep on those higher amounts long-term.
We love tinctures. You can find all kinds of different CBD oil for pets out there, including tinctures, treats, capsules. While these all have their place, in most cases, we’ll reach for the tincture. This is because they’re faster acting – when the CBD comes in contact with the mucous membranes in the mouth, it goes directly into the bloodstream, rather than having to be digested. Tinctures also typically have fewer ingredients to vet – if you’re using it for something like pain or anxiety, you want it to work fast and you need to trust it fully.
In or out of food? If you’re new to CBD oil for pets, start with a basic tincture made with a high-quality carrier oil (we like MCT oil), and put it right into your animal’s mouth. (Just be careful – a lot of the droppers are glass, so you don’t want your pet chomping down on them!) The carrier oil makes it more bioavailable, and putting it in your pet’s mouth gets it into the bloodstream faster. That being said, we know not all animals will like that, so try giving it on a treat or in a small amount of broth. You can also add it to their food if neither of those options work. Just note that, with this method, some of it will need to be digested first, so you may not see the effects as quickly.
Quick Tip: Shake that bottle first. Sometimes there can be some separation or settlement of ingredients – and that’s ok – you just want to give it a good shake to marry everything together once again.
Is CBD Safe?
CBD is considered to be very safe, even long-term.
But, there are a few things to think about when it comes to using it with your furry friend.
As mentioned, every animal is an individual. Most do really, really well on CBD. But some just don’t like it. And let’s be fair – it is a plant, and like any other plant on the planet, so some pets may just not tolerate it as well as others. Some may fight the calm, or not like the feel of it. Some may even be sensitive to it. While these are few and far between, if your dog or cat just does not seem to be a fan, it might not be for them. You might also want to work with an expert to make sure it isn’t the formula itself or pickiness at play…
And, if your pet is on any prescription medicines:
- Talk about the use of CBD with your trusted veterinarian. Note: some vets may not be able to talk about it, or recommend it (due to legal constraints), but many can discuss it even in the most basic sense.
- Separate it from other medications. Even natural ones. For example, if you give a conventional med in the morning, save the CBD for nighttime. You don’t want to overload the system in general and you want to be able to note any changes.
CBD oil for pets can be a wonderful addition to your first aid kit or your pet’s daily health regimen. It can be perfect all on its own, or it can be a great complement to other types of therapies – conventional or otherwise. No matter what you use it for, don’t expect it to be a cure-all, be patient, give it time, be consistent, and we trust you’ll find the sweet spot for your pet, as so many before you have with their own adored beasts.
