CBD for Pets
Evidence-based guides on how CBD may benefit dogs, cats, and horses. Each guide covers dosing protocols, safety warnings, product selection, relevant research, and frequently asked questions.
Veterinary Disclaimer
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. CBD products for pets are not FDA-approved. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before giving any cannabis-derived product to your pet. Do not use this information to replace professional veterinary care.
Pet CBD Guides
CBD for Dogs: Complete Guide
Learn how CBD oil may benefit dogs, including potential uses for anxiety, pain, seizures, and overall wellness. Dosing guidelines, safety tips, and product selection advice.
DogsCBD for Cats: Complete Guide
Explore how CBD oil may help cats with anxiety, inflammation, chronic pain, and appetite issues. Includes feline-specific dosing, safety concerns, and product recommendations.
CatsCBD for Horses: Complete Guide
Discover how CBD is being used in equine wellness for joint pain, anxiety, gastric ulcers, and recovery. Dosing for horses, competition legality, and product selection.
HorsesCBD for Dog Anxiety: Separation, Fireworks & Thunderstorms
How CBD may help dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias from fireworks and thunderstorms, and generalized anxiety. Dosing tips, timing strategies, and complementary techniques.
DogsCBD for Dog Arthritis & Joint Pain
How CBD may help dogs with osteoarthritis, joint pain, and mobility issues. Research from Cornell University, dosing protocols, and combining CBD with conventional treatments.
DogsCBD for Dog Seizures & Epilepsy
Exploring CBD as a complementary treatment for canine epilepsy and seizures. Research findings from Colorado State University, dosing protocols, and critical safety information.
DogsTHC Toxicity in Pets: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
THC is toxic to dogs and cats. Learn to recognize symptoms of cannabis poisoning, emergency treatment steps, prevention strategies, and the difference between CBD and THC for pets.
All PetsHow to Dose CBD for Pets: Weight-Based Dosing Charts
Complete weight-based CBD dosing guide for dogs, cats, and horses. Dosing charts by animal size, condition-specific protocols, administration tips, and when to adjust doses.
All PetsChoosing CBD Products for Pets: What to Look For
How to evaluate CBD pet products: understanding COAs, hemp sourcing, extraction methods, product formats, red flags to avoid, and trusted brand characteristics.
All PetsVeterinarian Guide to Cannabis: What Vets Need to Know
A comprehensive guide for veterinarians on cannabis therapeutics in veterinary medicine. Legality, clinical evidence, drug interactions, client communication, and professional considerations.
All PetsRelated Resources
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Learn about CBD science, research, benefits, and how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
Dosing Guide
Comprehensive cannabis dosing information for humans by method, tolerance, and desired effect.
Medical Cannabis
Explore how medical cannabis may help with various human health conditions including pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD safe for pets?
Preliminary research suggests that CBD is generally well-tolerated in dogs and cats at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are mild drowsiness and soft stools. However, THC is toxic to pets, so it is critical to use products specifically formulated for animals with verified THC-free or low-THC content via a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA). Always consult a veterinarian before starting CBD.
How is CBD different from THC for pets?
CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and is generally considered safe for pets at appropriate doses. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is psychoactive and toxic to dogs and cats, even at low doses. Dogs have a much higher density of cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, making them extremely sensitive to THC. Pet CBD products should always contain less than 0.3% THC for dogs and 0.0% THC for cats.
What conditions can CBD help with in pets?
The strongest clinical evidence supports CBD use in dogs for osteoarthritis pain (Cornell University, 2018) and seizure management (Colorado State University, 2019). Pet owners also report benefits for anxiety, appetite stimulation, and age-related decline, though clinical evidence for these uses is more limited. CBD is not a cure for any condition and should be used as a complement to veterinary care.
How do I dose CBD for my pet?
CBD dosing for pets is weight-based, calculated in milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Dogs typically start at 1-2 mg/kg twice daily, cats at 1 mg/kg once or twice daily, and horses at 0.5-1 mg/kg daily. Start with the lowest recommended dose and increase gradually over 7-10 days. Always use a measured dropper for accuracy and consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.
Do veterinarians support CBD use for pets?
Veterinary attitudes toward CBD are evolving. Many veterinarians are aware of the emerging research and are open to discussing CBD with clients. In states like California and Nevada, veterinarians are legally protected from disciplinary action for discussing cannabis. However, veterinarians cannot prescribe or dispense CBD in most states. The AVMA has called for more research while cautioning against unsubstantiated claims.