There is a lot going on the world of pet CBD products, and it can be hard to figure out the right approach. Understanding CBD oil and how to give CBD oil to dogs are popular topics, and for good reason – with the abundance of positive safety and efficacy data available, including recent studies from NASC and two from MARS (surrounding both safety and efficacy). From learning about how CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant, to the science behind cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, it’s important for any pet owner to leverage as much knowledge as possible with the products they choose to incorporate into their pet’s regimen. Whether you’re a pet parent seeking natural solutions, or if you’re simply curious to learn more about CBD oil in particular, you are not alone in your quest for knowledge on cannabinoid based products for pets.
Once you’ve found an expert team making a reputable product, then you are tasked with using the product consistently and properly. A particularly challenging aspect of oil-based CBD products is the administration. CBD oils and CBD tinctures are meant to create a positive impact on your pet’s health, but first … you’ve got to figure out how get them to take it!
Find the Right CBD Oil For Your Furry Family
The first step in finding CBD oil for dogs is to know what it is you’re looking for … hint: high-quality CBD is absolutely paramount! But finding high-quality CBD in a sea of options can be daunting and may even cause decision paralysis. We sat down with our friends at Dog Food Advisor and discussed picking the right CBD oil or product for your pet. Here is a summary of what we recommend:
- Look for the NASC Quality Seal
- Ensure there is a team of expert veterinarians and cannabinoid scientists behind the products you’re considering
- Understand purity and quality – broad and full-spectrum products are going to be less consistent in formulation and purity, compared to isolates or 99.99% pure molecules
- Available COAs
- Third-party testing
- Scientific backing
While the benefits of CBD are clear, it’s important to know that full spectrum CBD oil does include THC which can be tied to unwanted side effects for your pet if consumed in high doses.
Understand CBD Dosage Recommendations
The amount of CBD (cannabidiol) you offer your pet will obviously impact their experience with the CBD product you choose. This is often based on their body weight and how the receptors in their endocannabinoid system receive the specific formulation. For an oil-based product, we recommend 0.2-0.3ml per 10lbs of your dog’s body weight. It is always good to start with a low dose, and increase slowly if your observations are positive.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products at this point in time, achieving a safe dose of CBD should not be overly complicated.
Administer Accordingly
CBD oil can be given with a dropper directly into your dog’s mouth (on or under their tongue, or on their gums) or as a topical supplement. We do not recommend putting CHOU2 PHARMA / CHOU2 PET WELLNESS’ Chill CBD oil onto food, as it’s not designed to survive the upper GI – it’s designed to act quickly and absorb through the glands located within the mouth. That being said, hope is not lost if your dog is picky about droppers or oils. A pup-proof hack we stand by is putting the oil on top of a smear of peanut butter, yogurt or whipped cream – whatever your dog likes! Make sure it’s just a small amount of the tasty treat, with the oil layered over it. This will ensure the product makes contact with the appropriate receptors in their mouth, while also keeping them distracted with a tasty treat.
Chill from CHOU2 PHARMA / PET WELLNESS
CHOU2 PHARMA / PET WELLNESS offers a variety of CBD pet products and CBD dog treats that offer health benefits to support you, your furry friend, and your dog’s health and overall wellness – including our fast acting, uniquely PURE, THC-free CBD oil, Chill.