Pet CBD FAQ — Dogs, Cats & Horses

CBD has a wide margin of safety in dogs, cats, and horses when dosed correctly with a quality, third-party-tested product. The most common side effects are mild drowsiness or loose stool, both of which usually resolve when the dose is reduced. As with any supplement, talk to your veterinarian first — especially if your pet takes prescription medications. VetCBD offers free, one-on-one consultations to help you start safely.

CBD itself is not intoxicating. Our hemp-derived CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight (federal hemp definition), and our broad-spectrum equine product is formulated to be THC-free. Used at the recommended dose, our products will not produce a "high" or intoxication.

For situational support (travel, fireworks, vet visits), give CBD 30–60 minutes before the trigger. For daily wellness use, most pet parents see consistent results within 2–4 weeks of regular dosing. Tinctures absorb faster than chews because they bypass full digestion when given under the tongue or on the gums.

CBD is metabolized by the same liver enzymes (CYP450) that process many veterinary medications, so it can affect the way some drugs are broken down. This is why we strongly recommend talking with your veterinarian — or scheduling a free VetCBD consultation — before combining CBD with prescription medications like anti-seizure drugs, NSAIDs, or sedatives.

Both come from the cannabis plant, but federally legal hemp is defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC. All VetCBD products sold nationwide are hemp-derived under the 2018 Farm Bill. Marijuana CBD contains higher levels of THC and is regulated state by state.

A typical starting dose for dogs is 2mg of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight, given twice daily about 8–12 hours apart. After two weeks at the starting dose, you can increase by 1mg per 10 lbs every two weeks until you see the desired result, up to roughly 5mg per 10 lbs. See our CBD dosage guide for a printable chart.

Cats have fewer cannabinoid receptors than dogs and metabolize CBD differently, so they typically need a slightly higher dose per pound: 4mg per 10 lbs of body weight, twice daily. Always start at the lower end and adjust slowly. Our Standard Formula tincture at 250mg is the most common starting point for cats.

A common starting dose for an average 1,000 lb horse is 50–100mg of CBD once or twice daily. Our 3,000mg equine tincture delivers 50mg per mL, making dosing simple. Because horses vary so much in size and use case (companion vs. performance vs. show), we recommend a free consultation for personalized dosing.

CBD is fat-soluble, so giving it with a small amount of food that contains fat (like a treat or a spoon of food) improves absorption and can make the effects more consistent. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, giving CBD with food is also gentler. Full guide here.

Many pet parents use CBD to support calm during loud or stressful events. Give a dose 30–60 minutes before the event begins. For dogs that experience these triggers regularly, daily CBD use leading up to the event tends to work better than a single dose. Our Calming Chews are a popular pick for situational support.

CBD is one of the most common wellness choices for senior dogs because it may help support joint comfort and a healthy inflammatory response when used consistently. Many senior-dog parents combine our Mobility Chews with a full-spectrum tincture for daily support. Always loop in your veterinarian if your dog has a diagnosed condition.

Tinctures offer faster onset and exact dose control, which is helpful for situational use and picky eaters. Chews are easier to give to a willing dog and great for daily wellness. Many pet parents use both — a tincture for fast support, chews for consistency.

Yes — cats tolerate properly dosed hemp CBD well. The most important rules are: (1) use a low starting dose, (2) choose a product with a clean Certificate of Analysis, and (3) avoid added essential oils, which cats can be sensitive to. Our Standard Formula tincture is olive-oil-based with no essential oils.

Cats metabolize CBD more slowly and have fewer cannabinoid receptors, so they typically need a slightly higher dose per pound than dogs and respond best to consistent, daily use. Start at 4mg per 10 lbs once daily and adjust slowly. See our cat CBD guide for details.

Yes — daily use is how most cats experience the best support. CBD's effects tend to build over 2–4 weeks of consistent dosing. As with any supplement, talk to your veterinarian if your cat is on prescription medications.

Veterinarian-formulated hemp CBD is well tolerated in horses when used at the recommended dose. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild (e.g. brief drowsiness). VetCBD Equine is broad-spectrum and made from American hemp with extra virgin olive oil for stability and absorption.

Our equine product is formulated as a broad-spectrum extract designed to be THC-free at the limit of detection. Every batch is third-party tested; see the latest CoA on our Lab Tests page.

Rules vary by governing body (USEF, FEI, racing jurisdictions, etc.) and change over time. CBD and cannabinoids are addressed in many rulebooks. It is the rider's and owner's responsibility to check the current rules of their specific competition body before use. We recommend a discussion with your veterinarian and a review of the most recent equine-prohibited-substance list for your sport.

Every batch of VetCBD product is tested by an independent third-party lab for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbials. View current Certificates of Analysis on our Lab Tests page. If you'd like the CoA for the specific batch on the bottle in your hand, email us your batch number and we'll send it.

The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is the industry body that sets quality standards for companion-animal supplements in the U.S. Brands earning the NASC Quality Seal must follow strict manufacturing, testing, adverse-event reporting, and labeling rules. VetCBD Hemp is NASC-certified. Learn more about NASC.