We get asked a lot if you can give CBD to pets, here’s our answer…
What if we told you that all mammals have an Endocannabinoid system? It’s not just humans that have the capacity to produce their own (endo)cannabinoids or have the receptors to respond to cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. If you’re wondering what the Endocannabinoid system is, click the link to read our post for a brief explanation, otherwise continue reading as we unfold more truths about CBD and dogs.
Can you give CBD to dogs?
In the UK it is not legal to market CBD for pets including Cats and Dogs, as the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) have not run the scientific tests required to approve it. You may find dog-specific CBD on the UK market which is ‘designed for dogs’, but you’ll find they are using the same CBD sold for human consumption, just with added flavours like salmon.
If you do intend to give CBD to your dog, we would strongly advise you tell your vet first and consider the dosage as well as the method of application. Firstly, dogs are smaller than humans, so dosage will be much less. Secondly, regular CBD oil if added to dog food will not be well absorbed – around 5% to 20% of CBD is absorbed when ingested, which is why as humans we take CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue) as it increases the absorption rate up to 80%. Some people apply the regular oil to the skin where there is little hair, like underside of the ear. But you also have the option of using Water-soluble CBD which is designed to be ingested so the absorption rate is 100%. So take both these types of CBD and their absorption rate into consideration when working out dosage.
All mammals have an Ednocannabinoid system
The reasons we hear why people give CBD to pets, but mostly to dogs, is for pain relief like arthritis or anxiety, especially when travelling, on bonfire night or if a pet has separation issues.
We are in no way condoning the use of CBD for pets, but as we get asked daily, we feel it is our duty to give some insight and information on the matter to help you make your own decision.
The Tonic’s Kate, with her dog Monty
0 Comments