By implementing CBD into your pet’s routine, you will do many good things for your furry buddy. It has been scientifically proven that this hemp derivative has numerous benefits for animal health. Unlike most prescription drugs, it’s safe for daily and prolonged use. And the risk of overdosing is almost non-existent.
But, as with any remedy, these hemp products don’t come without any risk. The chance of side effects is there, although it’s minimal.
Start Small
The minimal dosage for animals is 0.1 mg per pound of body weight. But giving less than a minimal dose to your pet is the best way to start, especially if you give CBD to your furry friend for the first time. If your cat or dog has experience with this supplement, 0.1 mg of cannabidiol per pound will be just fine.
After a few days, if you see no adverse effects, you can increase the dose to a recommended minimum until you see results. Similarly, stop giving this supplement if you see some negative reactions or your pet’s condition worsens.
A minimal amount of CBD can be given as a nutritional supplement or in case of some mild behavioral issues, like excessive barking, yawning due to separation anxiety, minor appetite disorder, etc. The optimum dose will depend on your pet’s specific condition. Some cats or dogs need higher dosages than others, so you should know the maximum allowed CBD amount.
Who Needs Higher Dosage?
The amount will depend on the severity of your pet’s symptoms. If it’s just a temporary health issue, a lower dose might be sufficient. For example, 0.2 mg of CBD per pound can be an excellent adjunct to any conventional treatment your pet gets. This hemp derivative can enhance the effects of most prescription drugs, but only if given in moderate amounts and under medical supervision.
But if you’re treating a severe or chronic condition, you should investigate higher dosages or products with more CBD. For example, if your cat or dog has arthritis, cancer, epilepsy, etc. Never increase the dosage without prior consultation with vets. They know how to match this supplement with your pet’s current therapy and thus ensure the best and safest result.
Factors Affecting Dosage
When starting with CBD, you can follow the dosage instructions on the supplement packaging. Most reputable companies include them in their products. However, you must know that your pet’s dosage requirements may vary.
The optimal dosage for dogs and cats may differ depending on their weight and size. If the animals are healthy, they will respond to the lowest dose well. There’s no need for more than that, as there’s no disease to treat. But, of course, minimal dosage won’t be the same for large and small animals.
A crucial factor to consider is your pet’s health condition. Some acute diseases and temporary issues can be treated with a low CBD dose. For example, your pets can take it a few hours before leaving the house and be exposed to noise, other animals, and anything that scares them. It will keep them calm and relaxed for a while.
However, the low CBD dose doesn’t help with more severe conditions. So, you have to double, triple, or even quintuple it. For example, a single dose of 0.2 mg is enough for pain relief. But in case of chronic discomfort and inflammation, you can talk to your vet about going up to 0.5 mg of CBD per pound.
What are the potential side effects of CBD for pets?
Using CBD for pets has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects:
- Sedation: Some pets may experience drowsiness, especially when starting CBD. Monitor their response and adjust the dosage accordingly.
- Dry Mouth: CBD can reduce saliva production, leading to increased thirst. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water.
- Lowered Blood Pressure: In some cases, CBD may cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. This is typically mild, but it’s wise to observe your pet for any signs of lightheadedness.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: CBD might cause digestive issues like diarrhea or changes in appetite. Introduce it gradually to minimize these effects.
- Interactions with Medications: CBD can interact with certain medications. Consult with your vet if your pet is on other medications to prevent potential complications.
- Allergic Reactions: While rare, some pets may be allergic to CBD. Watch for signs like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Change in Liver Enzymes: Long-term use of CBD may impact liver enzymes. Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor any changes.
Before introducing CBD to your pet’s routine, consult with your veterinarian. They can guide proper dosage and monitor for any adverse effects, ensuring a positive and safe experience for your furry friend.
Determine Dosage According to Product Potency
Once you know the proper CBD dosage for your pet, it’s time to find a product. Many different hemp goods are on the market, but not all are made with the same care. So, it’s vital to choose a reputable company to avoid buying low-quality or fake products.
When choosing a product, you need to pay the most attention to its potency, i.e., the amount of CBD. There is no such thing as 100% cannabidiol. Even isolates have a small number of impurities. Depending on the product, the potency will be expressed per contents (for oils and tinctures), serving (pills), or piece (edibles).
Liquid forms of CBD have the widest potency range. They come with the low as 50 mg of CBD per 30 milliliters of oil to more than 3000mg per the same amount. So, a milliliter of oil can contain from 1.5 mg of cannabidiol up to 300 mg. The latter is recommended for large dogs and only for those with serious health issues.
For example, you calculated that one milliliter of CBD oil has a potency of 5 mg. For an average dog of about 60lbs with occasional anxiety attacks, that means a daily dose of 2 milliliters of oil. Split it into two smaller doses to maintain the effect during the day.
It’s important to start with a low CBD dose and gradually increase it to the right level for your pet’s weight. Before giving them this supplement, you should also be aware of the animal’s age and health history. Your pets won’t experience any side effects of CBD unless you give them the wrong dosage.
