How Is CBD Oil Different For Pets Than Humans?

CBD products are taking over the wellness space for both humans and pets. With the therapeutic properties of CBD becoming more readily apparent, pet parents everywhere are wondering just how effective CBD for pets is. 

Many also wonder what the difference is between CBD for humans and CBD for pets. Why can’t you and your fur baby share the same CBD oil? 

CBD offers many of the same benefits for pets as it does for humans, such as relieving stress, improving mood, and managing pain. However, several biological aspects separate humans and animals, so there is a difference between CBD oils for humans and pets. 

Read on for more about CBD for pets vs. humans and what’s the difference.

CBD for Pets vs. CBD for Humans

In principle, CBD for pets is pretty much the same as CBD for humans. Cannabidiol (CBD) originates from hemp, and there is typically no difference in the way the oils are manufactured. 

CBD is extracted from hemp plants and then suspended within a carrier oil that allows it to be easily imbibed, usually hemp seed oil or MCT oil. CBD for pets may be made with carriers such as liver oil or olive oil instead. 

From there, different ingredients may be added depending on whether it’s for humans or pets. CBD for dogs typically incorporates some kind of appealing flavor, like bacon or peanut butter, to entice your pup into taking it. 

But the biggest difference between CBD for dogs (and other pets) and humans is the concentration of CBD within the oil. 

Generally, pets are much smaller than humans and require a much smaller dose of CBD. Administering human CBD oil to your pet may cause unintended harm.

Although CBD is generally safe for humans and adverse side effects are rare, dogs and cats are more at risk because they’re so much smaller than us.

Also, many human CBD products contain small amounts of THC. Although these trace amounts often aren’t enough to cause intoxication in humans, pets shouldn’t ingest any amount of THC. There isn’t enough research to justify its use, and it could cause toxicity in dogs.

It’s typically recommended to give pets CBD oil specifically designed for them. It has the ideal CBD concentration to suit their needs, is THC-free, and has a taste that they will find enjoyable.

What Happens if I Give My Pet Too Much CBD?

Pet CBD is formulated to have a lower concentration than human CBD. Pet owners need to be mindful about how much CBD they’re administering to their furry companions to avoid unwanted reactions.

Thus far, there is no evidence of cats or dogs overdosing from CBD, at least in the traditional way. However, high doses can cause negative side effects. If your pet consumes too much CBD, they may become lethargic or uncoordinated, causing them to stumble around a little or rest until the feelings subside.

Other potential side effects include extreme drowsiness, reduced appetite, an upset stomach, and in some cases, diarrhea. In general, CBD has a good safety profile and is unlikely to cause severe side effects, but it’s still best to err on the side of caution.

It’s easy to minimize the risk of potential side effects by following recommended guidelines and administering the correct CBD dosage for pets. Products labeled as “CBD for pets” are best since they are designed with your pet’s needs in mind.

Final Thoughts on the Difference Between CBD for Pets and Humans

Generally, the difference between CBD for pets and humans has nothing to do with the CBD formulation itself. Many companies add extra ingredients to their oils to make it easier for consumption, depending on whether it’s for humans or pets. 

Added flavors are perhaps the most common factor in this regard since our flavor preferences vary drastically from our pets. Most notably, though, is the difference in CBD concentrations. Companies design CBD oils to suit their target consumer’s needs. Our pets are a lot smaller than us, which means one serving for a human is not the same as a serving for a dog or cat.