Cannabidiol also known as CBD has been in the spotlight for a couple of years now. With so many consumers finding relief for themselves, it’s no surprise that most are turning to CBD for their pets too. One of the main questions we get asked is, “How much CBD should I give to my pets?” which is a very valid question. Since everyone is different in the way their bodies break down the cannabinoid, we would like to take the time to discuss how to dose CBD for pets. But first, let’s talk about CBD, and what it is more commonly used for.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of over 113 cannabinoids found on all forms of cannabis plants. According to the Farm Bill of 2018, any cannabis plant containing below 0.3% THC, is not to be considered a controlled substance as it will not have any intoxicating properties. With that being said, research has found that there are three different types of cannabis plants (Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis). Sativa and Indica are more commonly referred to as marijuana, because they have high amounts of THC, and low amounts of CBD. Ruderalis plants are more commonly referred to as Hemp, as they are going to have high amounts of CBD, and low amounts of THC.
What is CBD Used For?
Often times, CBD is used for its anti-inflammatory properties, but the benefits don’t stop there. CBD has been shown to help with symptoms such as pain, stress, anxiety, and inflammation; although others have experienced positive results when trying to combat things such as ADD, ADHD, PTSD, seizures, Parkinson’s, etc.
How Could Pets Benefit from CBD?
Most common household pets are going to be of the mammal species. This means that these pets are going to be born via live birth and contain fur; unlike reptiles that are hatched from a shell and have scales. That being said, most pets are going to have bodies very similar to ours in the way that they break down and metabolize CBD. Just like people, our pets can also suffer from pain, anxiety, inflammation, and stress; making CBD a great all-natural alternative for pets as well.
How Much to Give Pets
From research conducted, most human consumers find relief anywhere from 10mg to 45mg of CBD. Pets on average need about a quarter of what we need as humans. This leads to the reason why our pet tinctures start at much lower strengths (100mg and 250mg). For us as humans to find any form of relief from a strength that low, we would have to take upwards of 2-3 full droppers to find relief on the low end, making these strengths not that budget friendly.
Does weight play a factor?
Since not enough research has been done, it is hard to say. Typically, genetics, metabolism, age, and overall health are going to play more of a factor then weight. Everyone’s body is different, so the way their bodies break down and disperse CBD are going to vary. The same goes for our pets. A 5lb rabbit suffering from arthritis pain is not going to need as much CBD as a 75lb lab suffering from anxiety while traveling.
While it is difficult to recommend dosages for pets, it all starts with starting low, and working your way up until a good effect is felt. However, a pretty standard recommendation would be to start out with a dose equal to around 1/8 of their body weight and increasing or decreasing as needed.
Read our previous blog: CBD and Kidney Disease by clicking here.
