Your Guide to Using CBD for Pets

Did you know that millions of dogs and cats use CBD? We break down CBD's potential benefits and explain how you can find the best CBD product for your furry friend.

Key Takeaways

• CBD is widely used by pet owners to promote calm behavior, support joint health, and more.
• Only use CBD products that were made specifically for pets, as human products can contain ingredients that are toxic to animals.
• Check that your chosen CBD product was third-party tested for potency and purity.
• Dosage is usually calculated based on body weight.

See More: Your Guide to Cannabis Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Is CBD Good for Pets?

Meredith Farrow, founder of Clean Remedies, says:

"CBD has many potential benefits for pets, like supporting joint health and calming effects. It's important to use pet-specific products that have been third-party tested."

CBD is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. From 2018 to 2024, the number of cat and dog owners who've tried CBD roughly tripled.¹

If you're a pet parent, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, CBD has plenty of potential benefits. Research is ongoing, but it's thought to help support calm behavior, joint pain, mobility, coat health, and more.

However, these potential benefits can only shine through if you use your pet CBD products correctly. That means getting the right product and using the correct dosage.

We'll break all that down and more to help you help your furry friend live their best life.

What Is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that is naturally produced by hemp plants. It's actually one of more than 100 cannabinoid molecules found in hemp.

THC is another cannabinoid. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. It shouldn't cause psychoactive or intoxicating effects.

What Is the Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD?

CBD products are usually divided into two categories, based on the presence of THC.

Products that contain the full range of natural compounds found in hemp are called full-spectrum CBD products. Under U.S. federal law, hemp plants may not contain more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

Of course, that means they can contain small amounts of THC. In turn, that means full-spectrum CBD products may also contain small amounts of THC.

At these concentrations, below 0.3%, the THC shouldn't pose any risk to your pup. In fact, it might do the opposite. THC is thought to make CBD more effective than it would be alone. It's a phenomenon called the entourage effect.

Still, some people prefer their products with no THC at all. That's where broad-spectrum CBD comes in. It still contains many of the natural, potentially beneficial compounds found in hemp, but with the THC removed.

What Kind of CBD Products Are There?

There are all kinds of CBD products. Common examples include CBD oils, tinctures, treats, capsules, and topical creams and balms.

We'll dive into some specific products in a moment. First, we need to cover a few basic rules that you should keep in mind no matter what CBD product you're looking for.

The most important thing is to always use CBD for pets, not humans. Products made for humans, like gummies, may contain ingredients that are toxic to pets, like xylitol.

The next thing is to ensure your CBD products have been third-party tested. The market for pet CBD products isn't strictly regulated. For example, the FDA hasn't approved any pet CBD products.

That means it's up to us pet parents to ensure the products we buy are safe for our furry friends. We need to avoid products that might contain contaminants, like heavy metals, or toxic levels of THC. Reputable manufacturers should let an independent company test their products.

Clean Remedies tests all of its CBD products with an independent lab for potency and purity. You can see the results of these tests by checking the certificate of analysis attached to each product.

You should also consider what kind of CBD product would be best for your cat or dog's specific needs. Let's cover a few examples.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is usually made by mixing hemp extract with a carrier oil, like organic safflower oil. It's similar to CBD tincture, which uses alcohol to extract the hemp compounds.

CBD oil is one of the most popular options among pet parents. It's incredibly versatile and simple to use. You can give your pet a dose straight from the dropper, mix the oil into their food, or use it to make your own homemade CBD treats.

It's also easy to adjust the dose of CBD oil. You just measure out a little more (or less) as needed.

CBD Chews

Some pets might not be interested in CBD oil. But one thing most pets are interested in is a delicious treat.

CBD treats are a great way to give your pet CBD without them even realizing it. They come in pre-measured doses, which can make things simple. The downside is a little less flexibility, though you can always break up treats to roughly adjust the dose.

CBD Topicals

Oral CBD products, like oils and edibles, cause systemic effects. That means they are absorbed into the bloodstream and impact the whole body.

But what if you want to apply CBD to, say, your dog's paws? That's where CBD topicals come in. Think balms, creams, and rubs.

CBD topicals aren't designed to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, they provide targeted relief.

However, you should watch out for your pet licking the area to which you applied your CBD topical. That's especially true if it includes ingredients they might find tasty.

Bonus: The Benefits of CBD for Pain, Sleep, and Stress

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD?

As we mentioned, CBD has plenty of potential benefits. Millions of pet parents use CBD to support their furry friends' overall wellness.

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD for Dogs?

One of the most common reasons people give CBD to their dogs is to promote relaxation and support calm behavior. Research suggests that CBD can help dogs cope with situational anxiety during stressful events, like car rides or vet visits.²

One massive study of tens of thousands of dogs found that those who took CBD demonstrated "lower-than-average aggression levels."³

CBD is also widely used to support joint health in dogs. Multiple studies have found that CBD may help with arthritis pain.⁴

Joint problems are particularly common in senior dogs. Older dogs represent 30-40% of veterinary patients, and 80% of senior dogs experience osteoarthritis.⁵

CBD may therefore be particularly useful for supporting the wellness of dogs as they age.

Some research, including at Colorado State University, suggests CBD may be able to reduce seizure frequency or severity in dogs with conditions like epilepsy.⁶

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD for Cats?

There hasn't been as much research into CBD's effectiveness for cats as for dogs (and humans, for that matter). However, some studies do suggest that CBD might provide similar benefits for cats, including supporting joint health and calm behavior.

For example, one 2025 study found that CBD "induces mild sedation and enhances compliance" in cats.⁷  Another study, also from 2025, found that 80% of cats given CBD and CBDa demonstrated improvements in stress and social behavior.⁸

As the American Animal Hospital Association notes, "CBD is frequently used to treat stress and anxiety issues in cats.”

Is CBD Safe?

Research suggests CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated in dogs and cats, when given at an appropriate dose.

For example, a large study by the National Animal Supplement Council found that "hemp-derived cannabinoids are well-tolerated in healthy dogs."⁹

Does Dog CBD Have Side Effects?

Like many natural compounds, CBD can have side effects. Some studies suggest CBD causes adverse effects in 0.4-3.3% of dogs.¹⁰ Higher doses of CBD are more likely to cause side effects.

Side effects are often mild. They include drowsiness, digestive issues like diarrhea and loose stool, and dry mouth.

You should always monitor your pet carefully after giving them CBD. In part, that's to make sure it's actually doing what you want. But it's also an important safety precaution that can help you catch and address any potential reactions, like sleepiness or digestive upset.

Make sure to look out for signs of THC intoxication, too. Examples include urinary incontinence, dizziness, vomiting, disorientation, drooling, and tremors.

Can CBD Interact With Other Medications?

Repeated use of CBD may also cause an increase in liver enzymes in pets, particularly dogs. That's because CBD is processed in the liver.

This means CBD can interact with other medications. Make sure to check with your vet before giving your pet CBD, especially if they have a liver condition or are taking other medications. If you're planning on giving your dog CBD long-term, it's a good idea to get bloodwork done to keep an eye on their liver enzymes.

CBD products generally aren't designed to replace veterinary medicine. Instead, they're supplements designed to support your dog's health and well-being.

What Dose of CBD Should I Give to My Pet?

So, how much CBD should you give your pet?

Your pet CBD product should come with dosage recommendations. It's usually a good idea to follow these.

That's because CBD dosage varies widely. Many factors can affect the required dose, including breed, tolerance, and weight.

Body weight is usually the most important factor. Smaller pets generally need smaller doses. Larger pets need larger doses.

Here's an example. Our 350mg CBD oil for pets comes with the following dosage recommendations:

• Up to 1/2 dropper, or 6mg of CBD, for animals up to 25 lbs.
• Between 1/2 and 1 dropper, or 6- 12 mg of CBD, for animals between 25 and 75 lbs.
• 1-2 droppers, or 12-24 mg of CBD, for animals over 75 pounds.

That said, these are just general guidelines. Every pet is different and may respond to CBD in different ways.

For that reason, it's usually a good idea to start with the smallest dose possible and gradually increase if needed. Some pet owners find that even small doses, like 2 - 4 mg, are effective for things like anxiety or arthritis. Others find larger doses necessary.

Keep in mind that the effects of CBD can last between 4-12 hours, whereas CBD can stay in a dog's system for days or weeks after their last dose.

Where Can I Get CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats?

As we explained, it's vital you get pet-specific CBD products that have been third-party tested.

One great option is Clean Remedies' PAWS CBD Oil for Pets. It's a small-batch CBD tincture crafted from the whole hemp plant, including the full spectrum of its potentially beneficial natural compounds.

PAWS has just two ingredients: Hemp extract and organic safflower oil. That's it.

Conclusion

CBD has various potential benefits for pets, including promoting relaxation and supporting joint health. Make sure to use pet-specific products that have been third-party tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best CBD For Pets?

The best CBD for pets is a product that was created specifically for pets and was third-party tested for potency and purity. Ideally, it would be made from hemp grown organically.

What Does CBD Do For Pets?

CBD works by interacting with your pet's endocannabinoid system. Research suggests that CBD may provide various potential benefits for pets, including supporting joint health, promoting relaxation, and reducing inflammation.

What Is the Difference Between CBD and Pet CBD?

Both human and pet CBD come from the hemp plant. However, human products may contain ingredients that are toxic to pets, like xylitol, or too much THC. Human products are also often formulated in doses appropriate for, well, humans, who are usually much larger than pets.

Keep Reading: Is CBD Legal? Legality, Drug Testing, & More

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Sources

1. Pet Owners Turn to CBD Supplements to Ease Dog & Cat Anxiety
2. Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel | Journal of Animal Science | Oxford Academic,  CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
3. Scientists studied 47,000 dogs on CBD and found a surprising behavior shift | ScienceDaily
4. Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal intervention studies, CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
5. What to include in senior dog wellness exams: 5 clinical assessments for vets, Arthritis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
6. Evidence for the Use of CBD to Treat Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy
7. Evaluation of Cannabidiol Oil’s Effects on Sedation, Behavioral Responses to Handling, and Nociceptive Thresholds in Healthy Cats - PMC
8. Effect of CBD/CBDA in Client-owned Cats on Urinary Behavior
9. Safety study of cannabidiol products in healthy dogs - PMC
10. CBD For Pets: What You Should Know 

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Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.