- Is CBD safe for my pet?
- Yes! Every animal – from common pets like cats or dogs, to larger animals like horses and cows – is equipped with the same types of cannabinoid receptors as us (this is called the Endocannabinoid System). It can be a great idea to add CBD to your pet’s diet. READ MORE
- Why give animals CBD?
- Common reasons include reducing anxiousness, supporting overall health, promoting appetite, easing discomfort, and more! READ MORE
- What should I look for when buying CBD for my pet?
- It’s important to make sure you’re giving your pet reliable, clean CBD products! Make sure you’re buying from brands (like us!) that conduct third-party tests on their products to ensure that they’re as potent as they say they are and that they’re free of things like pesticides, mold, metals, etc. READ MORE
- How much CBD should I give my cat or dog?
- Just like with people, how much CBD your pet needs will be unique! It’s always best to start small (1-3 drops) and give more as you see fit. READ MORE
Is CBD safe for my pet?
It sure is! And science backs it up. In our opinion, one of the coolest developments related to cannabis was the discovery of the ECS (Endocannabinoid System) by researchers in the 1990s. While research is still being conducted into the many roles this system plays in the body, the most important takeaway here is that every animal (vertebrates and invertebrates alike) has an ECS. In fact, the first known animals to express cannabinoid receptors were the sea squirts, which evolved over 600 million years ago!
This system in the body helps with the regulation of functions like sleep, appetite, the immune system, and more – and its incredible discovery means that every animal has the innate capability to regulate the effects of cannabinoids, whether they’re the body’s own natural endocannabinoids (did you know you produce your own cannabinoids?!) or plant-derived phytocannabinoids, such as CBD and THC.
Knowing that our pets are naturally equipped with cannabinoid receptors, just like us, has many people turning to CBD for the incredible potential benefits that these products may provide for their pets! To learn more, you can read our blog about how the ECS affects the body here.
While many people may (understandably) be concerned about getting their pets “stoned”, CBD products for pets are formulated specifically to be non-intoxicating and cannot contain more than 0.3% total THC.
Why give animals CBD?
Common reasons people give CBD to their pets include reducing anxiousness, helping with pain relief, easing general discomfort, promoting a healthier appetite, encouraging better sleep cycles, and more. And with no more than 0.3% total THC, CBD products for pets are formulated to be non-intoxicating. Our Companion tinctures are made using full-spectrum, pesticide-free hemp grown in the Pacific Northwest!
What should I look for when buying CBD for my pet?
If you’re looking for CBD for your pets, quality should be the biggest determining factor! The ingredients used should be things you’re familiar with and can pronounce, and it’s important to choose
something that’s specifically formulated for pets. For example, at Fairwinds, we use avocado oil as the base for all of our tinctures except Companion Pet Support – because coconut oil is healthier for animals like dogs, cats, and others!
You also want to make sure you’re buying from a brand that tests their products via an unbiased third party to confirm there are no pesticides present. Some companies (like Fairwinds!) also go an extra step and test for molds, metals, mycotoxins, and other gross things you wouldn’t want to give your animals – or yourself. It’s also important to see if the brand you’re buying from tests for potency so that you can rest assured you’re getting what you’re paying for.
How much CBD should I give my cat or dog?
The most common dosage guideline for pets is 1mg of CBD for every 5lbs of weight, but there’s no way to guarantee this amount will be right for every animal. Some may need more, and others less – just like people, every animal has their own unique tolerance and absorption rates for CBD. You can check out the two different potencies of our Companion tincture by clicking here!
All of the things we’ve discussed are important when it comes to human consumption, too! The biggest difference is that as humans, we have the ability to assess our own needs & understand the effects of different products. Since our animal companions don’t have that ability to share with us, these factors are of crucial importance when it comes to selecting what CBD product to give to your pet. When giving CBD to your pets, it’s imperative to start small. More tincture or treats can always be given, but it doesn’t work the opposite way. As the effects of CBD can take up to two hours to be felt, it’s always recommended to wait for at least two hours before potentially administering any more CBD.
Still have more questions about CBD and your pet? Feel free to send us an email at support@fairwindscbd.com, and we’ll be happy to help!
