CBD is popularly used by humans who struggle with symptoms of pain, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and fatigue.
It’s not just humans who feel these symptoms – domestic pets such as dogs and cats can go through periods of anxiety and stress during triggering situations such as thunderstorms or being left alone.
Similarly, dogs and cats can go through painful conditions including joint pain and arthritis. Sometimes, however, the side effects that come with veterinary-recommended medication are just too much of a risk.
What a lot of people don’t know is that pets have the same endocannabinoid system as humans, meaning that CBD works to treat their pain, stress, and anxiety in the same way as humans.
The safety surrounding CBD is currently still being researched, but it’s clear that the side effects are far less risky. In a lot of cases, pet owners have claimed that CBD products have cured their pet’s anxiety or pain.
If you’re worried about your pet’s anxiety or pain levels, CBD might be the cure you’re looking for. New to the world of CBD? Luckily for you, there’s an abundance of CBD products designed for pets, from gummies to oils, to suit every pet’s needs. Here are the best CBD products for pets!
Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats
When it comes to researching CBD products, the most popular product type is undoubtedly CBD oil. CBD oil is straightforward to take and dose, plus it’s generally the product that virtually every CBD user will recommend. This Holistapet CBD oil is one of the most commonly used CBD products amongst pet owners.
Suitable for both cats and dogs (as long as you buy the appropriate concentration depending on the size of your pet), this Holistapet CBD oil works to provide quick results.
The handy bottle dropper allows the owner to drop the oil directly into the pet’s mouth (or mixed into their food if they’re fussy), which then takes around 30 minutes to an hour to set in.
During this time, the CBD in the oil works to relax the endocannabinoid system, aiding your pet in whatever way they need.
Holistapet is one of the leading CBD brands for pets for its reliability, high-quality products, and transparency.
This product is extracted through the CO2 method (the safest and best way to extract CBD) and doesn’t contain any THC, meaning the oil has no psychoactive properties to intoxicate your pet.
Every product also goes through third-party lab testing, and all the ingredients are 100% natural and non-GMO.
Pros:
- Reputable brand – Brand is transparent with their ingredients and manufacturing processes
- Both cats and dogs – Concentrations are based on the weight of a pet, making it suitable for cats and dogs
- Easy to take – Dropper bottle allows owner to put the oil directly into pet’s mouth or over the food
Cons:
- No flavor – This oil is unflavored, which might not be pleasant for fussy pets
Royal CBD CBD Dog Treats
If your dog isn’t a fan of CBD oils, you should try giving them CBD dog treats! CBD dog treats work in the same way as CBD gummies for humans, in that it provides your pet with a satisfying treat that helps to calm their anxiety or lessen their pain.
As some dogs can be fussy with taking oils (even in food), this is a good way to create a positive association with CBD.
The Royal CBD CBD dog treats come in three formulas designed for different purposes – calming treats, active treats, and hearty treats. This allows the dog owner to buy the appropriate treats according to their dog’s needs.
Each of the treats is made up of hemp-derived CBD extracts alongside natural ingredients that are used to soothe the body in various ways – for example, chamomile is in the calming treats and blueberries are in the hearty treats.
This also means that the treats are beneficial for the whole body as well as the problem the CBD is tackling.
Royal CBD is one of the most reputable and popular brands of CBD amongst humans, and their line for pets is equally popular as each product is extracted in the same way as human ones. This brand is committed to offering high-quality, full-spectrum products sourced from organic ingredients to ensure the healthiest CBD experience.
Pros:
- Easy to take – Treats are tasty and easier to consume for dogs than oil
- High-quality – Made from 100% organic ingredients
- Reputable brand – One of the most popular and trustworthy CBD brands for humans and pets
Cons:
- Price – High-quality means a higher price
Pet Releaf CBD Capsules
In the same way that humans can take CBD supplements, dogs can consume CBD in the form of capsules. Capsules are a bit of a hit-or-miss with dogs, because while some dogs are fine with taking the tablets, others might absolutely hate it. If you have a particularly unfussy dog, then CBD capsules are a great option!
These Pet Releaf CBD capsules are designed to ease occasional discomfort predominantly in the form of physical pain rather than anxiety. With a solvent-free delivery system, your dog won’t be exposed to harsh chemicals, nor will they choke on the capsules.
The dosage requirements are simple, as Pet Releaf offers a useful guide on how many capsules to give your dog depending on its size.
The ingredients are all organic and free from harsh chemicals and preservatives, with the ingredients being full-spectrum hemp extract, coconut oil, rice concentrate, and pullulan which provides the shell to the capsule.
Pet Releaf is also a USDA Certified Organic, USHA Certified, and NASC Certified brand.
Pros:
- Certified organic – Brand is reliable and completely organic
- Solvent-free – Dogs won’t consume any harsh chemicals
- Easy dosage – Dosage requirements depend on the size of the dog
Cons:
- Might not be easy to take – Some dogs might struggle to consume the capsules compared to gummies
Charlotte’s Web Canine Hemp Infused Balm
CBD balms and lotions are often used by humans who prefer to allow the benefits of CBD to seep through their skin whilst providing gentle moisture to the skin barrier. These balms also exist for dogs, too!
The Charlotte’s Web canine hemp infused balm is most ideal for dogs with sensitive skin. Unfortunately, it’s quite common for certain breeds to experience skin problems or skin sensitivities, and sometimes topical treatments can seem too harsh on the skin. Instead, you should opt for CBD balm.
This CBD balm is applied to the skin like a regular balm and works to moisturize the skin while the CBD provides pain-relief to the sensitive area. There aren’t many dosage requirements for this CBD balm, other than to apply to the dog’s skin as and when.
The concentration is deliberately weaker to prevent overdosing your dog.
Charlotte’s Web is one of the most reputable brands of CBD for humans and pets alike. Using hemp grown in the USA, this brand is committed to providing high-quality CBD products made from natural non-GMO ingredients.
The balm itself goes through rigorous testing (over 20 times) including third-party lab testing to ensure the best results.
Pros:
- Supports skin health – Balm works to moisturize the skin whilst providing pain-relief
- Soothing – Scent and ingredients make for a soothing balm experience
- Cannot overdose – Apply to the skin as and when
Cons:
- Weak – Not as strong as other CBD products
Medterra CBD Joint Support Pet Chews
Unfortunately, there is a gap in the market for CBD products specifically for cats. Fortunately, we have found this great CBD chew product that is suitable for both cats and dogs (as long as you buy the appropriate concentration).
The Medterra CBD joint support pet chews is designed specifically to aid joint pain in both cats and dogs. These chews contain hemp extracts which helps to relax the muscles and joints, but it also includes natural ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.
All of these ingredients are naturally occurring pain relievers that help to alleviate pain from daily wear and tear, age, and injuries. Chondroitin is particularly effective as it provides elasticity and water retention for the cartilage, which helps to support the joints.
The best part about these chews is that they come with a peanut butter flavoring, which is one of the most popular flavors amongst both dogs and cats. Plus, each chew contains 10 mg of CBD, so it’s easy to monitor the serving size for each pet.
Pros:
- Tasty treats – Flavored with peanut butter for easy consumption
- Great for pain relief – Filled with natural ingredients designed to soothe joint pain
- For dogs and cats – Dosage means this is suitable for both dogs and cats
Cons:
- Not for anxiety – Ingredients are designed to support joint pain, not to aid anxiety and stress
Buyer’s Guide
What to consider when looking for CBD products for pets
If you’re new to the world of CBD products, you might be overwhelmed by the options available. It’s not just CBD oils – there’s an abundance of chews, gummies, capsules, balms, topicals, and more!
Here is what to consider when looking for CBD products for pets.
Method of Consumption
When you’ve got a particularly fussy pet, trying to shove drops of oil or a capsule down their throat can be a nightmare. Especially if you have an anxious dog or cat, because you don’t want to add to their stress by shoving your fingers into their mouth.
Of course, if your dog or cat is fine with orally taking oils and capsules (such as worming tablets), then this shouldn’t be an issue.
If you are having issues with getting your dog or cat to take their CBD product, you might want to consider getting CBD treats. Treats and chews are brilliant for fussy pets, because it will give them a sense of accomplishment from eating a tasty treat whilst calming them down.
Balms are also great for pets who don’t like oral consumption because it goes directly on the skin, though the potency is weaker.
If you want to give your pet CBD oil without putting the dropper into their mouths, you can always mix the correct dosage of oil into their food. In theory, they should eat the food without realizing the CBD oil is in there.
Flavors
Not all CBD products for pets come with flavors. Some are complete with beef, chicken, or even peanut butter flavorings to make the product more edible for the animal.
However, some CBD products are unflavored, which can be a problem for fussy dogs who don’t like the taste. To be on the safe side, we recommend opting for flavored CBD dog treats to create a positive association with taking the chews.
Don’t use human CBD
While pets have the same endocannabinoid system as humans, this doesn’t mean you can give your pet CBD products that are designed for humans.
The potencies of human CBD products are far higher than what dogs and cats can tolerate, not to mention that a lot of CBD products for humans contain a sweetener called xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.
Target the issue
If your pet is struggling with joint pain, there’s no point in giving them a CBD product designed to treat anxiety and stress.
You’ve got to know exactly what is troubling your dog and buy them the appropriate CBD product that will target the specific issue. The packaging should say what each product is designed to do.
Reputable brand
You don’t want to give your pet any old CBD product from a random brand. While CBD is safe and beneficial for humans and animals alike, it’s still not approved by the FDA, which is why it’s so vital to research reputable brands.
Transparency is a huge sign of a reputable brand, because if a brand has nothing to hide, then they will feel pride in showing their ingredients list, extraction process, and more.
Speaking of the extraction process, only look for products that went through CO2 extraction. This method is the safest and best way to get the most CBD cannabinoids from hemp plants, plus it involves no harsh solvents or chemicals.
We also recommend looking at customer reviews, as this will give you the best idea of how beneficial the products and brands are.
Is CBD good for pets?
Dogs and cats have the same endocannabinoid system as humans. This is a chemical communication system that controls everything in the body with the aim of achieving homeostasis, which is essentially keeping the internal environment stable and healthy.
CBD is compatible with the endocannabinoid system, which is why CBD products are used for such a variety of purposes in humans and pets.
Here are some of the benefits of giving CBD to pets:
- Relieves the mental and physical strain of anxiety and stress
- Works as a pain-relief to joint pain, arthritis, and injuries
- Reduces seizure activity
- Treats IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Supports healthy heart and bones
- Treats anorexia by stimulating the appetite
- Reduces nausea
- Supports the immune system and those with auto-immune illnesses
- Improves sleep
- Improves skin sensitivities like psoriasis
CBD products work in the same way for pets as they do humans. In a lot of cases, pet owners are reluctant to use medication that comes with a huge list of side effects. As the side effects of CBD products are so few and rare, it’s always worth giving these products a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs?
Veterinarians are generally huge recommenders of CBD products for dogs, cats, and other pets. As domestic pets like dogs have the same endocannabinoid system as humans, there’s little evidence to suggest that consuming CBD products is unsafe for dogs and humans alike.
CBD oil is probably the most popular type of CBD product, which is why vets will regularly recommend giving dogs (and other pets) CBD oil to treat their anxiety, pain, seizures, nausea, and more.
The only reason a vet might not recommend CBD oil for dogs is because CBD products are yet to be approved as safe by the FDA.
Does CBD help aggressive dogs?
It is said that CBD can reduce the aggression levels in particularly angry dogs. This is because CBD offers all the calming benefits of hemp without the THC (which would make the dog high), so it works to aid their aggression.
As a lot of aggressive dogs have anger issues stemming from anxiety and stress, CBD products can be the answer to dealing with this aggression as it works to ease symptoms of anxiety.
Plus, if your dog has recently become aggressive due to an injury or pain, CBD products are designed to soothe pain with organic ingredients, which in turn can stop them from being aggressive.
The only risk with this is that you will have to get close to your dog for them to consume the product, so be careful if you’re having to push a capsule or oil down their throats.
Flavored CBD treats might be the best option in this situation so you don’t have to get your fingers too close to their teeth if they’re prone to biting.