Pet owners are increasingly turning to CBD to support their animals’ health and wellbeing — and the science behind why it works is the same science that explains why CBD works for humans. Dogs, cats, and most mammals share the same endocannabinoid system (ECS) that CBD interacts with. Here is everything you need to know before giving your pet CBD.
Do Pets Have an Endocannabinoid System?
Yes — and this is the foundation of why CBD works for animals. The endocannabinoid system is one of the most evolutionarily conserved biological systems in vertebrates. Dogs, cats, horses, and most other mammals have CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout their nervous system, immune system, and organs — the same receptors that CBD interacts with in humans.
In fact, dogs have a higher density of CB1 receptors in their cerebellum than humans do, which is one reason they are more sensitive to THC than people — and why THC-free CBD products are essential for pets.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
CBD itself appears to be well-tolerated by dogs and cats based on available research. A 2018 pharmacokinetic study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that CBD was safe and well-tolerated in dogs at doses of 2mg/kg twice daily, with no serious adverse effects observed. A 2019 Cornell University study found that CBD oil significantly reduced pain and increased mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis.
The critical safety consideration is THC. THC is toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause THC toxicosis in pets, with symptoms including disorientation, loss of balance, urinary incontinence, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. Always use verified THC-free CBD products for pets — never give your pet a full-spectrum human CBD product without confirming the THC content from a lab report.
All CBD Wellness pet products are THC-free and independently verified by third-party laboratory testing.
What Can CBD Help With in Pets?
Anxiety and Stress
This is the most common reason pet owners turn to CBD. Dogs and cats experience anxiety from separation, thunderstorms, fireworks, car travel, veterinary visits, and changes in routine. CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors and the ECS may help reduce the physiological stress response. Many pet owners report noticeable calming effects within 30–60 minutes of administration.
Joint Pain and Mobility
The Cornell University study mentioned above found that 2mg/kg of CBD twice daily significantly reduced pain scores and increased activity in dogs with osteoarthritis. This is one of the strongest pieces of clinical evidence for CBD in pets and has made CBD a popular option for senior dogs with mobility issues.
Inflammation
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties — well-documented in human research — appear to translate to animals as well. CB2 receptors, which CBD modulates, are heavily concentrated in immune tissue and play a key role in regulating inflammatory responses.
Seizures
CBD’s anticonvulsant properties are the most clinically established of any cannabinoid application — the FDA-approved drug Epidiolex is a purified CBD formulation for human epilepsy. A 2019 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 89% of dogs with epilepsy who received CBD had a reduction in seizure frequency. While this research is preliminary, it has generated significant interest in the veterinary community.
Appetite and Nausea
CBD may help stimulate appetite and reduce nausea in pets undergoing chemotherapy, recovering from illness, or experiencing digestive issues. This is particularly relevant for cats, who are prone to appetite loss during stress or illness.
How to Choose a CBD Product for Your Pet
Not all pet CBD products are created equal. Here is what to look for:
- THC-free verification — Confirm via third-party COA that THC is Not Detected (ND). Do not rely on label claims alone.
- Species-appropriate formulation — Products designed for pets use appropriate carrier oils and flavors. Human tinctures often use MCT oil, which is generally safe for dogs but should be confirmed.
- Third-party lab testing — Every batch should have a current COA from an accredited laboratory. View CBD Wellness pet product lab results here.
- Natural ingredients — Avoid products with artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs), artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives.
- Appropriate potency — Pet products should be dosed by weight. Look for products with clear mg/mL concentrations so you can calculate accurate doses.
CBD Dosing for Pets
The most commonly used starting guideline is 1–2mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, given once or twice daily. Start at the lower end and observe your pet’s response over 5–7 days before adjusting.
| Pet Weight | Starting Dose | Moderate Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 lbs | 1–2mg | 3–5mg |
| 20–50 lbs | 3–5mg | 6–10mg |
| 50–100 lbs | 5–10mg | 11–20mg |
| Over 100 lbs | 10–15mg | 20–30mg |
Always consult your veterinarian before starting a CBD regimen, especially if your pet is on other medications. CBD can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism, potentially affecting how other medications are processed.
CBD Wellness Pet Products
CBD Wellness developed our pet line using the same proprietary formulation standards as our human products — with species-appropriate adjustments for safety and palatability.
- 500mg Natural Bacon CBD-Rich Pet Tincture — Dogs love the flavor. Easy to add to food or administer directly. Rated 5.0 stars.
- 500mg Natural Chicken CBD-Rich Pet Tincture — Ideal for cats and picky dogs. Rated 5.0 stars.
- 800mg CBD Beef Chips — Crunchy beef-flavored treats. Great for training and daily dosing.
- 800mg CBD Beef Bites — Soft beef-flavored chews. Rated 5.0 stars with 8 reviews.
- 1250mg CBD Protein Pet Food Additive — Mix into any pet food. Rated 5.0 stars. Ideal for pets who resist direct administration.
All CBD Wellness pet products are THC-free and third-party lab tested. View lab results here.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian before starting your pet on any new supplement.
