CBD (cannabidiol) has exploded onto the market as one of the best natural products for pets. It can certainly help your fur babies with relaxation, ease painful arthritis, and play a role in managing the symptoms of cancer. And while you can find everything from cannabis oils and balms to CBD-infused dog biscuits, is cannabidiol as safe as it’s claimed to be?

Before you decide to introduce CBD to your dog’s diet and wellness plan, you must understand the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD and how to correctly dose your pet based on their particular condition. Unfortunately, many brands that claim to alleviate pain and soothe ailing pets simply don’t contain critical compounds for the most effective results. That’s where THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) comes in. THC is known to provide greater pain relief compared to CBD, and preclinical trials have revealed that THC can actually induce cancer cell death while inhibiting their spread.

My advice, based on a discussion with a holistic veterinarian, is to purchase full-spectrum CBD for dogs, nothing less. While THC is best for its pain management and cancer-fighting properties, I understand if you aren’t comfortable with giving your pet the part of the plant sure to make them “high.”

To help you decide the best route for your dog’s health, I break down the differences between regular and full-spectrum CBD, the safety of CBD and THC, and how to correctly dose pets to maximize the therapeutic results.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is an oil that is extracted from the flowers of the cannabis plant.

Both humans and animals have an endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoids found in CBD interact with the cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, including the brain and immune system. When CBD is consumed, it attaches to the body’s receptors, producing cannabinoids, which are called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids can naturally regulate physiological processes such as pain and memory while restoring physical balance.

Because CBD works naturally in the bodies of dogs and cats (and us humans), it offers a multitude of wellness benefits, such as:

• Pain relief
• Reduced inflammation
• Relaxation
• Decreased anxiety and stress
• Relief from nausea

The problem with cannabidiol products for dogs is that CBD is marketed as the solution for moderating pain, anxiety, and fighting cancer. But, and here’s a very big but, only full-spectrum CBD or those containing the legal amount of THC are effective. You will waste money purchasing regular CBD or low-mg products if you want to help your dog with painful arthritis or cancer. Understanding each of these compounds can also help you choose the right product as part of your fur baby’s wellness plan.

The Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD

When you start shopping for CBD for pets, you’ll come across terms such as CBD isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. These are the three major types of cannabidiol extracts that differ according to the type of cannabis compounds or chemicals they contain.

• CBD isolate only consists of CBD and no other cannabis compounds.

• Full spectrum CBD contains many natural extracts from the entire cannabis plant. These include cannabinoids, terpenes, and traces of tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, of up to 0.3% or more (depending on the product). Concentrate products will contain higher levels of THC that cause a “high” or euphoria.

• Broad-spectrum CBD consists of various cannabis compounds but does not include THC.

What You Need to Know About CBD, THC, and Cancer in Dogs

CBD is primarily known as a relief aid, and THC has always been associated with “getting high. However, marijuana and cancer research have shown that high-quality cannabinoids or combinations of cannabinoids and THC can play an important role in managing cancer.

THC has a bad rap in the drug and pharmaceutical industry; however, it does make a difference in the quality of life of patients who are affected by severe symptoms of cancer. It can alleviate pain, nausea, and poor appetite, particularly after receiving chemotherapy.

Therapeutic levels of THC, which are determined by body weight, provide both people and pets with similar wellness benefits.

Studies have shown that specific components or chemicals in marijuana can support traditional medication as part of a holistic wellness plan. In cases of chemotherapy, research involving delta-9 and delta-8-THC has shown the ability to suppress chronic nausea and vomiting. It is also recognized as a natural aid for pets affected by a poor appetite and weight loss.

Giving Pets Full-Spectrum CBD or THC Products?

When giving your fur baby full-spectrum or CBD plus products, therapeutic levels are achieved at the recommended dose for their body weight. Oil containing trace levels of THC should be fed to pets in minuscule amounts to avoid overdosing. If you’re using a strong or full-spectrum concentrate and notice your fur companion becoming drowsy, a little anxious, or unsteady on their feet, remain calm and monitor their condition. This is simply a mild “high” your dog may experience. Allow them to sleep it off and slowly increase their dosage over a week or two. It will help them build a tolerance, which means preventing the “high” while ensuring they receive CBD’s therapeutic benefits.

There are many wonderful reasons to make CBD a part of your pet’s healthcare plan, so let’s look at correctly dosing CBD products and the potential safety issues concerning cannabis and pets.

Can CBD Hurt Pets?

CBD for dogs offers mild relaxation, can reduce anxiety, and has many other health benefits without the psychoactive properties of THC. It is only THC that will cause a “high” sensation in both people and animals.

Because CBD and broad-spectrum CBD contain very little to no traces of THC, they will not make your pet high. This also means that it is perfectly safe to use as a natural remedy, whether for pain or to stimulate appetite. For nausea, and even seizures in pets, a higher concentration or stronger dose of full-spectrum concentrate is recommended.

You cannot hurt your pets by giving them CBD oil. Personally, I have treated 3 dogs with full-spectrum oil, which is stronger than CBD oil, and even when I’ve given them a little bit too much, they ended up sleeping for a few hours. I would gently encourage them to wake up to ensure that they were responsive and not comatose, and once they were fully awake, I encouraged them to drink water, and they were fine.  

What is THC Poisoning in Dogs?

THC poisoning in dogs can occur if substantial amounts of cannabis are consumed (over the recommended body weight), whether as marijuana butter, oil, biscuits, vapor, or the plant itself. For example, a dog weighing 1 lb that consumes in excess of 1-2 grams of cannabis concentrate or 6-7 grams of marijuana buds could be at risk of THC poisoning. The general rule of thumb is 3 grams of THC per kilogram of body weight to remain within safe and therapeutic levels.

You’ll need to pay careful attention to the daily dose if you are using products containing THC to treat pets.

Signs of THC Poisoning in Pets

THC depresses the central nervous system by slowing heart rate and reducing blood pressure, helping to relax the body, but if too much is consumed, the following signs of THC poisoning in dogs may occur:

• Slow breathing rate
• High anxiety/hypersensitivity
• Salivation
• Uncontrolled urination
• Poor coordination
• Drowsiness

Cases concerning THC death in pets are rare, and animals would have to consume or inhale very large doses of THC before it becomes life threatening. It is important to remember that there is a difference between a therapeutic dosage of full-spectrum CBD and overdosing on THC.

The Importance of Correctly Dosing CBD

We know that THC edibles, smoke, and the marijuana plant itself can potentially poison pets if they are consumed in excess of the recommended bodyweight ratios, but does this ring true for pure CBD?

Pets provided CBD products that contain little to no THC are safe, even if they consume excess CBD oil or edibles. The only signs you’ll need to look out for include sensitivity to the product, such as diarrhea or vomiting, which doesn’t mean that your dog has overdosed, but may have an allergy to it.

The right dose of CBD for pets depends on the purpose. Every condition requires different strengths of CBD to have beneficial therapeutic effects on the body.

When shopping for CBD products, you’ll notice some say 100 mg, 200 mg, or 500 mg, while others have hemp oil as a base. The problem is that CBD has been marketed as beneficial for all types of conditions, regardless of its strength or whether it has been diluted with other products such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil.

This doesn’t mean that a weaker CBD product cannot help pets; it means that you need to know which range is best for specific conditions. Higher oil concentrations, including full-spectrum CBD, are recommended for dogs with chronic pain, severe anxiety, seizures, and cancer.

What is the Best CBD Product for Your Dog?

If you want to give your fur companion CBD oil for the first time, I recommend an introductory product with a lower mg in the CBD range. Products including 200 mg, 300 mg, and 500 mg are great introductory strengths of CBD oil for pets. You can also look for CBD isolate that does not contain any form of THC. CBD-enriched products can also be used as a complementary therapy for cancer without the psychoactive properties of THC.

For dogs with chronic or severe conditions, including pain caused by osteoarthritis, recovery from major surgery, or the pain and symptoms of cancer, a full-spectrum CBD oil with levels of THC is recommended.

What is the Right Dose of Full-Spectrum CBD for Pets?

Pure CBD oil is administered in the form of a tincture. Tinctures are administered by a dropper, making it easier to adhere to the small doses that most pets benefit from. Droppers generally measure CBD oil as 1 ml per drop, making it easier to provide an accurate dosage.

It is always better to start with a lower dose just to see how your pet will tolerate it. If after at least 3 days of tolerance with no symptoms of stomach upset, anxiety, or constant drowsiness, you can gradually increase the dose until you find a manageable amount. For example, dogs with stiff joints should experience a moderate improvement in mobility, energy, and overall comfort to know that you’re at the right level or dosage.

The general dose for full-spectrum CBD oil is 2-5 mg per 10 lbs of body weight. I usually recommend a 1000 mg full-spectrum CBD product to treat pain, inflammation, and cancer. It is very powerful, so always start with less than half of the recommended dose! I cannot emphasize this enough. Always start low and slowly increase to the advised bodyweight ratio. Remember that a 1000 mg full-spectrum concentrate is better suited to medium- to large-sized dogs. I would use a lower mg product for small dogs.

Adhere to the recommended dose on the product packaging or leaflet, or you can speak to a holistic vet about the strength and dosage of CBD oil according to your pet’s physiological needs.

What is the Best Way to Give CBD to Dogs?  

This really depends on your dog! Some don’t mind taking it straight from the dropper, while others sniff it out and turn their noses up. Ideally, pets should take CBD on the gums or on the tongue because it’s the fastest way to get absorbed into the bloodstream. Alternatively, you can drop the oil onto their food and mix it in, or you can disguise it in their favorite treat. I’ll be sharing a video on the best ways to give CBD oil to dogs very soon!

Some pet owners rub the oil onto the skin, such as the inside of the ear, for absorption, but this is the slowest and least effective way of administering the product.

Can I Give My Dog CBD Every Day?

Yes, you can safely give your dog CBD every day. In fact, you can give your dog CBD oil twice a day, depending on the strength of the product and the condition that you’re treating. Dogs affected by stiff and painful joints can benefit from 1 mg per lb of body weight using 1000 mg of full-spectrum CBD oil twice a day.

You can also give your dog small doses of CBD throughout the day to help manage chronic conditions. A consistent dosage ensures that CBD remains in the bloodstream at therapeutic levels so that pets are always comfortable. Cannabidiol taken orally remains active for 6-8 hours after ingestion, so create a timetable to make it easier to stick to a regimen.

CBD is Safe for Pets

If you want an alternative to harsh prescription medication when managing pain, poor appetite, sleeplessness, or anxiety in pets, then CBD is a safe choice.

CBD oil is available in varying strengths from 200 mg to 1000 mg and higher, so be sure to choose the appropriate strength based on your dog’s ailment and symptoms. Cannabis products are also available in different chemical compounds. CBD isolate contains no THC, while full-spectrum or CBD plus contains trace levels of THC, usually <0.3% THC. Arthritis, cancer, and seizures are managed with higher mg and full-spectrum CBD products.

Please feel free to share your experiences and questions about giving CBD oil to your precious fur companions.