Research has shown that Cannabidiol (CBD) is not toxic for pets, and that it is generally very unlikely that your pet will overdose on CBD. However, much like humans, large doses might cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, lethargy, drooling, imbalance, and incontinence.

As reported by ASPCA, most cases where pets have ingested CBD need no treatment, aside from symptomatic care for gastrointestinal upset. This might be different for products that contain THC, though, which can cause intoxication. A toxic chemical will poison your pet, and can cause death. However, an overdose is when an animal consumes too much of a comparatively safe substance. Thus, you should always make sure the CBD oil is THC-free. 

CBD for Pets

In the UK, CBD products made for pets are not legal. However, a veterinarian can prescribe “human” CBD for your pet, and suggest a dosage, after an assessment. Vets tend to recommend using THC free products, as THC can have adverse effects on dogs, including THC poisoning. For this reason, broad-spectrum CBD — which contains all occurring compounds found in the hemp plant, apart from THC — is often used. 

Hemp products for pets, on the other hand, are legal. These are extracted from the same cannabis plant, but from the seeds instead of the stem and leaves (like CBD), and also don’t cause a high.

Benefits of Hemp Oil for Pets

Hemp seed oil can offer several potential benefits for animals when taken alongside a well-balanced diet. This includes: 

1. Healthy Skin and Coat: Hemp seed oil contains fatty acids that can help improve the appearance and health of your pet’s skin and coat. 
2. Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seed oil can help reduce pain and inflammation in pets with conditions like arthritis. =
3. Boosts Immune System: Hemp seed oil is rich in antioxidants, which can help boost your pet’s immune system and protect them against illness, infection and disease.
4. Antioxidant: Hemp contains high amounts of vitamin E, which aids cell renewal, immunity and disease prevention.
5. Appetite: Hemp seeds contain omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid which can help to increase energy levels and promote a higher metabolism. 
6. Gut Health: Hemp seed oil has a high amount of fibre, which helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.
7. Anxiety: Hemp seed oil may be able to reduce anxiety and stress, which could help pets manage stressful situations, such as fireworks, visits to the vets, or being left alone.

Recommended Hemp Products for Pets

Hemp seed is extracted from the same plant as CBD, but from the seeds instead of the stem and leaves. It doesn’t contain cannabinoids, but is thought to offer some of the same therapeutic benefits.

When choosing hemp seed oil for your pets, there are several factors to consider to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product that will benefit your pet:

1. Quality and Purity: Look for hemp seed oil that is organic and free from pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals. Quality control measures should be in place to ensure purity of product.
2. Cold-Pressed: Cold-pressed hemp seed oil retains more of its nutritional value compared to oils extracted using heat or chemicals. This ensures your pet gets the maximum benefits from the oil.
3. CBD Content: If you’re specifically looking for CBD in the hemp seed oil, check the label for the amount of CBD per serving. Dosage recommendations for pets vary based on factors like weight and health condition, so it’s important to choose a product with a CBD concentration suitable for your pet’s needs.
4. Manufacturer Reputation: Research the manufacturer’s reputation and commitment to quality. Choose a reputable company with good customer reviews and transparent business practices.

Need additional help? Take our CBD Quiz for product recommendations in minutes or get in contact with our expert team – we’d love to hear from you.

We are Purity Hemp, the UK’s #1 Online CBD provider. Backed by science, and built on the principles of traceability, transparency & trust, we are dedicated to improving the health & wellness of people around the world. We are proud to be one of the only companies to guarantee full traceability from seed to shelf with our premium range of CBD products, tested by third-party, independent quality control analysts.