Transforming Pet Care with CBD: Perspectives on Pet Wellness

The pet care industry is expected to maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% through 2030.¹ Most experts feel that impressive CAGR reflects a broader, more comprehensive understanding of pet wellness. Today's dog and cat owners have access to personalized meal plans, toys and puzzles designed specifically for mental stimulation, and medical professionals open to supporting a more natural, holistic approach to pet wellness. 

Whether you prefer shopping for pet supplies locally or online, you've likely noticed a steady increase in the number of companies offering CBD oil pet tinctures and treats. Would your vet approve? It's possible. Although veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe or administer cannabis, many are willing to share their perspectives when asked. In fact, most animal care experts with CBD experience report a positive impact on multiple causes of feline and canine distress² – results that could have a significant impact on your pet's overall health and quality of life. We'll explain. 

Topic Overview: How CBD Interacts with Pet Physiology  

CBD (cannabidiol) is the most abundant of at least 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids identified in the oil extracted from hemp flower trichomes.³ According to decades of research, the pleiotropic plant element interacts with multiple molecular targets – including the receptors of a regulatory system common to all animal species, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). With that system involved in nearly every aspect of physical, mental, and emotional well-being, most experts believe supporting ECS function with CBD promotes homeostasis – the internal balance essential for survival.⁴  

Unlike tinctures and topicals made with many other plant oils and extracts, hemp-derived CBD products are not toxic for companion animals. But you may want to resist any temptation to share your personal supply. Most products intended for human consumption are made with carrier oils that can be difficult for dogs and cats to digest.⁵ Instead, we recommend sticking with pet-specific formulas made with oils less likely to cause stomach upset or diarrhea - sunflower oil, olive oil, or hemp seed oil, for example.   

A Deeper Dive: How Your Pet Could Benefit from CBD's Therapeutic Potential  

Once you know that CBD works by interacting with an essential messaging system responsible for regulating nearly every crucial function in human, canine, and feline bodies, it's much easier to see why so many pet owners are embracing the cannabinoid's considerable health and wellness potential. Although most of the evidence supporting the use of CBD pet products is based on a limited number of studies, researchers have documented an impressive list of possible benefits for cats and dogs – including the following examples. 

Calming Stress 

Stress and temporary anxiety can cause your otherwise mild-mannered canine to bark excessively, urinate or defecate indoors, or engage in destructive behaviors. Your cat may start avoiding social interaction, stop using their litter box, become uncharacteristically aggressive, or engage in excessive grooming.^6,7 

During a blinded, parallel investigation conducted at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, dogs administered CBD during a six-month study were rated as significantly less stressed, tense, or uncomfortable than the placebo group.⁸ A 2024 study showed equally positive improvements for signs of stress and anxiety in cats under similar circumstances.⁹ 

Supporting Comfort and Mobility  

Many signs of physical discomfort in dogs and cats are subtle. You may first notice small changes in energy or activity levels or a loss of interest in exploration and play. Over time, your pet might also avoid social interaction, whimper, hiss, or whine, be increasingly reluctant to climb or jump, or refuse to eat.¹⁰

In a 2023 case study, a cat with age-related discomfort impacting their mobility experienced a significant decrease in pain scores. The feline's owner also reported impressive improvements in their cat's quality of life.¹¹ Researchers reviewing the data of five studies detailing the effects of CBD for canine discomfort also found similarly positive reports but cautioned that more research is needed.¹² 

Safety and Potential Side Effects: What to Know Before Giving CBD to Your Pet  

 CBD is not habit-forming and is considered safe for most companion animals. But it's not recommended for cats and dogs (or people) diagnosed with certain medical conditions. The cannabinoid can also interact with or interfere with the absorption of several over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications. If your pet has ongoing health problems or takes medication, we strongly suggest consulting their veterinarian before administering CBD. 

Side effects are also possible.¹⁸ You can, however, reduce your dog or cat's risk of experiencing fatigue, dry mouth, digestive upset, or unfavorable changes in appetite by starting with a partial serving – a smaller amount than printed on most product labels. If your pet isn't getting the relief they need with a partial serving, increase the amount of CBD you're giving them gradually in small increments. Some pet owners add an extra drop (if needed) with every serving; others wait a few days between increases to give their pet's systems time to adapt to incremental changes. 

Product Selection: Choosing the Best CBD for Your Furry Family Member  

As a responsible pet owner, it's important to understand that hemp is known for pulling heavy metals, pesticides, and other potentially harmful contaminants from the soil as it grows. Product manufacturers that don't prioritize third-party batch testing could be selling treats and tinctures that contain less CBD than indicated or products unknowingly tainted with e coli, salmonella, or chemical solvents. 

The best way to ensure you're purchasing high-quality CBD for your pet is to stick with products made by reputable CBD brands that invest in third-party batch testing through an independent lab. When you choose CBDistillery® CBD oil pet tinctures, you can shop with confidence. Our products are rigorously tested, quality-assured, and made with 100% clean ingredients. You'll also find a QR code linked to a third-party certificate of analysis on every product label. You have two options. 

CBDistillery® Wag Distilled 150mg CBD Pet Tincture  

Every 1 dropper (1ml) serving of CBDistillery® wag distilled 150mg CBD Pet Tincture delivers 5mg of cannabidiol. Based on a 20 drop per ml average, that breaks down to 0.25mg of CBD per drop. For pets weighing less than 25 pounds, we suggest administering half of a dropper (or less) at mealtime. You can administer the oil orally or add a serving to your pet's food dish or water bowl. 

CBDistillery® Wag Distilled 600mg CBD Pet Tincture 

A 1ml dropper of CBDistillery® wag distilled 600mg CBD Pet Tincture has 20mg of CBD – an amount that breaks down to 1mg per drop. Once you've identified the ideal amount of CBD for your dog or cat, you can use that calculation to use our more potent tincture to reduce the cost of incorporating the cannabinoid into your pet's wellness routine. 

How Could Your Pet Benefit from the Therapeutic Potential of Hemp-Derived CBD?  

The expert botanists at CBDistillery® formulated wag distilled CBD oil tinctures specifically for dogs and cats. They're made with 100% clean ingredients, nothing artificial. If you could both benefit from the advantages of living your lives distilled, consider trying one of our Man's Best Friend CBD Oil Packs. They're available in regular or extra strength. 

According to the results of a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most (human) CBD users report positive results using our hemp-derived products for relaxation, better sleep, mild or temporary anxiety, and pain, stiffness, and inflammation after physical activity within 7-14 days of consistent use. If you're leaning towards trying CBD pet (or human) products but not quite sure where to begin, consider scheduling a personal consultation. All CBDistillery® products are made from US-grown industrial hemp and backed by our 60-day satisfaction guarantee. 

References 

1. Hamurari A, Murphy I. (2023) The Growth and Opportunity of Pet Wellness for Pet Care Brands. THG Ingenuity. 

2. Kogan L, Schoenfeld-Tacher, et al. (2019) US Veterinarians' Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions. Front Vet Sci. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6338022/ 

3. Marzo V, Piscetelli F. (2015) The Endocannabinoid System and Its Modulation by Phytocannabinoids. 12, Neurotherapeutics 692-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0374-6 

4. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

5. Schwartz S. (2024) MCT Oil for Dogs: Why Your Dog's Tummy Might be Upset and What to Do. Dogileptic. 

6. Cahn L. (2023) Anxiety in Cats. The Vets. 

7. Kriss R. (2024) Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment. American Kennel Club. 

8. Hunt A, Flint H, et al. (2023) A Single Dose of Cannabidiol (CBD) Positively Influences Measures of Stress in Dogs During Separation and Car Travel. Front Vet Sci. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604. PMID: 36908527; PMCID: PMC9992179 

9. Weller J, Flint H, et al. (2024) Investigating the Effect a Single Dose of Cannabidiol Has on Measures of Stress in Cats When Being Transported in a Carrier and Meeting a Novel Person in an Unfamiliar Environment. Front Vet Sci. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1476296 

10. Signs and Symptoms of Pain in Both Cats and Dogs. (N.D.) Countryside Veterinary Clinic. 

11. Gutierre E, Crosignani N, et al. (2023) A Case Report of CBD and THC as Analgesic Therapy in a Cat with Chronic Osteoarthritic Pain 

12. Patikorn C, Nerapusee O, et al. (2023) Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol For the Treatment of Canine Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Intervention Studies. Front Vet Sci. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1248417. PMID: 37781283; PMCID: PMC10540436 

13. Lee L. (2023) 5 Common Reasons Your Dog May Be Itching (And What to Do About It). GoodRx. 

14. Skin Problems in Cats. (N.D.) Cats Protection. 

15. Baswan S, Klosner A, et al. (2020) Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S286411. PMID: 33335413; PMCID: PMC7736837 

16. Silver R. (2022) How CBD Can Help Support Your Pet's Digestive Health. Animal Wellness Magazine. 

17. Rock EM, Bolognini D, et al. (2011) Cannabidiol, a Non-Psychotropic Component of Cannabis, Attenuates Vomiting and Nausea-Like Behaviour Via Indirect Agonism of 5-HT1A Somatodendritic Autoreceptors In the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus. 165(8) BJ of Pharmacol 2620-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01621.x. PMID: 21827451; PMCID: PMC3423241 

18. Bergamaschi M, Mateus R, et al. (2011) Safety and Side Effect of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis Sativa Constituent. 6(4) Curr Drug Saf 237-49. https://doi.org/10.2174/157488611798280924