More and more owners give their dog or cat CBD. But what is it, what should you look out for and what do you leave to the vet? In this article we set out the basics for all pets, with separate attention for dogs and cats.
What exactly is CBD oil?
CBD oil is an oil containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Not to be confused with THC, the compound from the cannabis plant that does cause a high. What is special about CBD is that it resembles a substance that occurs naturally in mammals, and therefore interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). That system is involved in a wide range of processes, such as digestion, memory, breathing and the sleep-wake rhythm.
Why do people give their pet CBD?
It is not only people who have an endocannabinoid system, all vertebrates have one. That is why owners give their pet CBD too. Research into CBD in animals is still very much at an early stage, so there are no hard conclusions.
Important to know: for animals too, CBD is a food supplement, not a medicine. Does your animal seem restless or anxious, during loud noises for instance? Discuss that with your vet, who can think along with you about what your animal needs.
Is CBD suitable for (pet) animals?
CBD is given by many owners to dogs, cats and horses. Do make sure the CBD oil contains no traces of THC, because animals are sensitive to it. Do not give animals CBD when they are pregnant or nursing. And bear in mind that CBD can interact with medicines. Is your animal on medication? Then consult your vet first.
Which animals can take CBD oil?
In principle CBD oil is suitable for all vertebrates, because they all have an endocannabinoid system. It is usually given to dogs, cats or horses, but it is possible with smaller animals too. In that case, do make sure you adjust the dose to body weight.
Is every CBD oil suitable for animals?
CBD oil for people often contains a small percentage of THC. Because animals are sensitive to it, you are better off not giving that to your pet. Terpenes are less suitable too, because of their strong smell. We therefore recommend CBD oil based on CBD isolate for your pet. Besides CBD, that contains no other active compounds.
CBD for dogs
For dogs we have a special CBD oil for dogs, made from isolate: 0.00% THC, externally tested. The oil is mixed with salmon oil, which is why most dogs simply like it, and comes in 2% and 4%.
Would you like to go deeper into the subject? In our article about CBD oil for dogs you can read what the research does and does not show, how to dose and what to watch out for in terms of safety.
CBD for cats
Like dogs, cats are sensitive to THC, and a cat is also a good deal lighter than most dogs. That is why our CBD oil for cats is made from isolate (0.00% THC) at a lower concentration, matched to a cat’s weight. This oil is mixed with salmon oil as well.
Start with the 2% oil and give one drop three times a day. Every cat is different, so build up calmly and see how your cat responds. And never give your cat CBD oil meant for people: that often contains a fraction of THC. You can read all about dosing, safety and what to watch out for in our article about CBD oil for cats.
How much CBD do I give my animal?
The dose differs per animal. Important factors are weight and how your animal responds. It remains a matter of trying calmly. As a rule of thumb you can start with about 2 to 5 mg of CBD per 5 kg of body weight per day. With an oil containing 2% CBD that comes down to around 3 to 7 drops a day. At 4% you halve that number. Do you have a 10 kg dog? Then start with two drops of a 2% oil twice a day, and adjust after a week if needed.
How do I give CBD to my pet?
The CBD for animals at Dutch Balance comes with a pipette bottle, which makes it easy to drop the oil into your pet’s mouth. Is your animal no fan of that? Then drop the oil onto its food or onto a treat.
Frequently asked questions about CBD for animals
Can I give my own CBD oil to my pet?
Better not. CBD oil for people often contains a fraction of THC and sometimes terpenes, and animals are sensitive to those. Choose an oil made especially for animals, based on isolate.
Will my pet get high from CBD?
No. CBD is not psychoactive, and the Dutch Balance animal oils contain 0.00% THC.
When should I consult the vet?
Is your animal on medication, pregnant or nursing, or are there health complaints? Then always consult your vet first. CBD is a supplement, not a veterinary medicine.
Buying CBD for your pet
Have a look at our range of CBD oil for dogs or CBD oil for cats. All the animal oils are externally tested, free of THC and made with salmon oil. Questions about the choice or the dose? Feel free to get in touch, we are happy to help.
