The world of green herbs is an enticing and vast one. From their very controversial status to the array of medical benefits recently discovered, society is slowly accepting the green buds with both arms. As the doors of cannabis opened up and research started flowing, the craze for CBD grew, owing to its long list of benefits and non-intoxicating characteristics. For those who are just stepping into the green land, CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most prominent compounds of the cannabis plant.

As the benefits of cannabidiol come forward into the limelight, pet owners have been inspired to pass it over to their four-legged friends. This led to a creation of a market where you could purchase a variety of CBD products for pets. From the very famous cannabis (CBD) oil to CBD treats, CBD creams, CBD pills and capsules, to CBD drops, we now have a collection of products that you can give to your pets.

If you're a pet owner looking to dive deep into the Cannabis world, this article is curated for you. We discuss CBD for Dogs and Cats, the correct dosage and to provide answers to your doubts. 

Let's get started!

Endocannabinoid System and Pets - How does CBD work?

 

When trying to understand how CBD works, it is very essential to know more about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is through the ECS that cannabis compounds react with our body, creating the effects linked to the green buds. 

The Endocannabinoid system is present in each animal, ranging from the most complex mammals to simple invertebrates. Discovered in the 1990s, the ECS is meant to keep the internal balance while the external environment changes. It interacts with every other system in the body, producing endocannabinoids to induce the creation of neurotransmitters or hormones. The endocannabinoids travel through the bloodstream and attach to cells throughout the body. They are essentially messengers that instruct and tell the different systems how to react, thereby affecting the entire bodily process. 

What is CBD Oil?

CBD Or Cannabidiol Oil is derived from the Cannabis plant, singling out one cannabinoid from the host of other natural compounds. It contains CBD as the primary product and in the UK, CBD products are legal only if they contain less than 0.2% THC. 

CBD Oil can be sourced from hemp or the cannabis plant. However, CBD from any of the mentioned sources do not contain any intoxicating characteristics and can be consumed without getting high. 

CBD for Dogs and Cats can be found in many different forms. However, CBD oil is one of the most popular ways to transmit Cannabidiol to our best friends. It is easier to adjust the dosage with oils, and you can simply mix it with the food. No fussy behaviour there!

CBD oil for pets is also available in different flavours allowing the pets to enjoy the perks of CBD. Apart from Oil, you can also try tasty CBD treats, topicals, and more depending on what your dog or cat will prefer. 

CBD for Dogs and Cats - The ideal dose

Cannabis and CBD oil is more of recent development and is still new to us. While we try to understand the benefits and effects of CBD on humans, our four-legged friends are not very far behind. There are multiple studies and research that vouch for the benefits of CBD for our pets, but many owners are still very confused about the right dosage. We get a lot of questions like how much CBD should I give to my dog or what is the ideal CBD oil dosage for cats? 

Let's answer all your doubts!

The most generally accepted dosage is to start with 1-2mg for every 10 pounds of weight. Some studies also prescribe a higher per mg dose for cats as they have a lower number of receptors. However, make sure you look at the CBD oil concentration before following the rule of thumb. 

The CBD mentioned on the bottle of oil is the amount available in the entire bottle and not on a per-dose basis. If a 30ml bottle contains 600mg CBD, an ml of the oil will contain 20mg CBD. Doing the maths, a 50 lbs puppy can take a 0.25ml containing 5mg CBD. I know it gets confusing, which is why we have a dosage chart given below. 

Let's take a look further into the ideal CBD dosage for cats and dogs.

ideal CBD dosage for pets

The ideal dosage for your pet is dependent on slight experimentation. Like the human body, everybody is different in the animal land too. Even if you choose the best quality CBD oil for dogs or the best CBD treats for cats, the right dose may still vary and with it, the effects of CBD. It depends on the receptors and how they work in the body to understand the ideal dosage, especially if you're looking for medical benefits. It is always a great idea to start with the lower end of the range and note down the effect after 30-60 minutes. If the required result is reached, you don't have to change the dose. If not, you can increase it slightly and note the effects again. 

Even while opting for CBD treats or any other type of consumption for your pets, you can find the CBD content and figure out the per dose mg for the furry friends. 

| Also Read: Cannabis Edibles Dosage mg Chart - Find the Right Dose |

Tips on the CBD Dosage for Pets

As discussed above, we know that the potency of the CBD oil and the weight of the pet are the major factors that decide the correct CBD dosage. Another factor that influences the dosage is the ailment that you're treating. A more severe condition might demand a higher dose than others. 

Here are some tips on CBD for dogs and cats:

  1. It is recommended to consult the veterinarian before you start with any treatment. They would be able to provide a professional light on the entire situation.
  2. Take into account other health conditions of your pet as that can influence the effect and potency of the CBD.
  3. Always buy the highest quality CBD oil from a trusted source. Look at the complete ingredients list and ask for more if you're not satisfied. Look for CBD products that have an authentic certificate. 
  4. Buy the correct potency, keeping in mind the size and weight of the pet. 

How long does it take CBD to start working?

When taken sublingually, CBD starts working in 30-45 minutes. However, when you take CBD in food or treats, it has to pass through the digestive tract, break down, and start the work. Therefore, it might take time to start with the effect. However, both ways are equally effective. 

How long does the CBD Effect last?

The potency and time of the effect are dependent on many factors, including the pet's activity level, size, breed.. But the usual time frame is 4-8 hours. 

This brings us to the end of our guide of CBD for dogs and cats, and the ideal dosage. I hope it was helpful and informative. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

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