I got asked by a fellow pet owner if it’s safe to give human CBD products to his dogs. In terms of CBD oil, it’s relatively safe to give it to your canine.

However, you have to be very careful with the dosage, especially for dogs with lingering illnesses. To provide you with a better understanding of the topic, I have discussed here CBD oil for dogs vs humans. I have talked about the differences, safety concerns, and the best CBD options for your dog.

CBD Oil for Dogs vs Humans?

Humans aren’t the only species to have an endocannabinoid system. Canines also have cannabinoid receptors that allow them to enjoy the benefits of CBD oil and similar products.

Due to this fact, many pet owners wonder if they can share their CBD tinctures with their pets. Chemically speaking, there’s no major difference between CBD oil products made for humans and those for pets. The tricky part is the dosage and quality.

Since humans are bigger than dogs, the CBD dosage is more concentrated. If you’re planning to give human CBD oil to your pet, you must pay close attention to the dosage. I suggest that you seek your dog’s vet’s advice first for the proper dosage it needs.

If the CBD oil is human-grade, there’s no reason for it not to be safe for dogs. Just make sure that it’s pure and doesn’t have any chemicals that might be dangerous for animals. Most of all, CBD oil shouldn’t have any traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive counterpart of CBD.

CBD oil quality is a big factor

Quality is also a very important consideration. Although the 2018 Farm Bill provided a level of regulation for hemp production, you should still practice caution where you source your CBD oil.

Basically, CBD oil can be extracted from hemp or marijuana. Both are cannabis plants, but marijuana is illegal at the federal level. Unless your state is one of the marijuana-embracing localities, most of the CBD oil you can get is hemp-based.

Hemp oil is actually a good choice. The hemp plant doesn’t contain THC, which makes it safer for dogs to use.

However, you should always read the label and ask for lab documentation. Make sure that you read all the chemicals found on the CBD oil since some manufacturers tend to skip some things on their labels.

For your dog’s safety, I suggest buying a pet CBD oil that has been tested by third-party laboratories. This will ensure that the pet tincture is safe. The label will also include if the CBD oil is suitable for pet use.

Is CBD oil safe for dogs?

If given in proper dosage, CBD oil is very safe for dogs. It’s actually beneficial for many canines, especially those who are suffering from pain and lingering illnesses.

However, veterinarians have warned about very high doses that can cause side effects like diarrhea and vomiting. All of these can be prevented through proper dosage and advice from your dog’s vet. My dog’s vet also said that he rarely saw adverse side effects to dogs who are taking CBD oil.

Aside from that, dogs with impaired liver functions should be given a lower than normal dose. This is because the cannabinoid compound found in CBD oil is processed in the liver’s enzyme system. You won’t want to tax the dog’s internal organ if it’s already suffering from complications.

However, you should remember that CBD oil’s use for dogs still begs for more studies. Many pet owners and vets swear by the benefits, but you should always practice caution. No matter how healthy your dog is, you should still ask the advice of a veterinarian.

Proper CBD dosage for dogs

Much like pharmaceuticals, CBD oil dosage varies per dog. Some sources claim that it’s safe for a dog to consume one milligram of CBD for every 10 lbs.

of its body weight. However, the exact dosage will be a sliding scale based on the dog’s health, size, and overall tolerance level.

The best person to ask for your dog’s CBD dosage is the vet. Most of the time, the vet will recommend starting on the lowest dosage then adding more based on how your dog’s body will react to it.

What’s the best way to give CBD oil to your dog?

For the best benefits, you should give your dog CBD oil with food. This will also limit the potential intestinal irritations that may occur, especially on higher doses.

The fastest way to give CBD oil to your dog is under the tongue (sublingually). However, not all dogs can tolerate this method since they will gag and even spit the CBD out.

It’s important to check what your dog finds it comfortable. If CBD oil alone causes irritations, try treats or adding the oil to the dog’s kibble.

Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?

No, hemp seed oil and CBD oil are two different products, but both can be beneficial for your dog.

Hemp seed oil is produced by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. Meanwhile, CBD oil can also be extracted from the hemp plant, but only using the leaves, flowers, and stalks,

However, hemp seed oil doesn’t contain all the cannabinoid compounds. This means fewer benefits for your dog. If you want your dog to reap the maximum benefits of cannabinoids, you should only give it high-quality CBD oil.

Can my dog overdose on CBD oil?

Just like any substance, your dog can overdose on CBD oil if you give too much. This is why proper dosage is imperative.

Never give your dog CBD oil with traces of THC, as this will cause adverse effects that will land your pet in the vet’s clinic. Some dogs will also experience severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration when given large amounts of CBD oil in one sitting.

If your dog showed adverse symptoms after taking CBD oil, you should immediately bring it to the vet. This might be a sign of overdose or hypersensitivity.

How long does it take for CBD dog treats to work?

Most CBD dog treats will kick in within 30 to 60 minutes. However, it may take more than an hour on some canines, depending on how fast they digest food.

Still, CBD treats are one of the safest ways of giving cannabinoids to your dog. The CBD dosage is pre-determined, so there’s no guesswork about how many drops or milligrams you can give your pet.

There are some veterinarians who consider the use of CBD oil for dogs. But since the benefits are anecdotal, they don’t usually recommend or prescribe it.

Still, your dog’s vet can help you select the right CBD product and brand if you’re keen to give it. They can also advise about the dosage as well as the potential side effects.

Conclusion

CBD oil for dogs vs humans, is there a difference? Technically, there’s no major difference since it’s extracted from the same plant. As a dog owner, you just have to be careful with the dosage you’re giving your pet. Unlike humans, canines can only tolerate a lower amount of CBD at any given time. Dogs have a smaller size so they require less amount.

CBD should be given with meals or through treats. You should observe your dog for any abnormal signs and behavior after giving CBD to it. Contact your vet if you notice any problems.

Thank you for reading!

CBD Oil For Dogs vs Humans: Is There Really A Difference?