CBD & Your Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

If you're anything like us, your pets aren't exactly pets.

They're family. They have their own side of the bed, ridiculous routines, favorite snacks and somehow contribute absolutely nothing financially while living better than most of us do.

So as CBD has become more common, pet owners have naturally started asking:

Can animals use CBD too?

The answer is more interesting than you might think.

Your Dog Has an Endocannabinoid System Too

Humans aren't the only ones with an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Dogs, cats and other mammals have one too.

The ECS is a biological signaling system involving naturally produced endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes throughout the body.

That's one of the reasons scientists have become interested in studying how cannabinoids like CBD interact with animals.

So What Does the Research Say?

Veterinary researchers have studied CBD in dogs in areas including mobility and osteoarthritis-related discomfort, seizure frequency, behavioral and stress responses, and general safety.

Some studies have produced promising results.

But there's an important distinction:

Promising research isn't the same thing as a proven treatment.

Many veterinary CBD studies are still relatively small, formulations vary, and researchers are continuing to investigate appropriate amounts, long-term use and possible medication interactions.

Basically, there's legitimate science behind the interest in CBD for animals — but there's still plenty left to learn.

CBD and THC Are NOT the Same Thing

This is especially important for pet owners.

CBD is non-intoxicating. THC is not.

Dogs can be particularly sensitive to THC, and accidental cannabis exposure can require veterinary care.

So please don't give your dog a random human cannabis edible.

Human products can also contain ingredients that are unsafe for animals, including chocolate or xylitol.

Those puppy-dog eyes are convincing.

Stay strong.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

Studies so far suggest CBD can be reasonably well tolerated by many dogs under studied conditions, but that doesn't mean it's incapable of causing side effects.

Researchers have reported things like gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in certain liver enzyme measurements.

And because animals metabolize compounds differently than humans, your dog isn't simply a tiny person who needs a smaller version of your serving.

If your pet has a medical condition or takes medication, talk with your veterinarian before introducing CBD.

Not All Pet CBD Is Created Equal

Here's something we wish more pet owners knew:

“Pet CBD” isn't a special CBD molecule.

What matters is the product around it — its concentration, ingredients, cannabinoid profile, THC content and testing.

When you're shopping, look for:

• The amount of CBD per treat or serving, not just per package

• Clear ingredient information

• THC results

• A current third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA)

• Batch information that matches the product you're buying

  
  

A cute dog on the package doesn't tell you what's actually inside.

A lab report does.

Why This Matters to Us

Burning Acre has been making cannabinoid products for years, but one of the products we're proudest of isn't made for humans at all:

Our nationally award-winning CBD dog treats.

And if we're making something people are giving to a member of their family, we think we have a responsibility to take that seriously.

That means caring about ingredients.

Testing our products.

Being transparent about what's in them.

And being willing to say “we don't know yet” when the research isn't definitive.

CBD isn't a magical cure-all.

But it is a fascinating cannabinoid that researchers are actively studying in animals, and we're excited to see where the science goes next.

The Bottom Line

Your pets have an endocannabinoid system too.

CBD is being legitimately studied in veterinary medicine, and some of the research is promising — but there's still plenty to learn.

Choose products carefully. Read the lab results. Keep THC and human cannabis products away from your pets. And when it comes to your animal's health, work with your veterinarian.

Because they deserve good products and good information too.

Even if they still refuse to contribute to the mortgage.

— The Burning Acre Team 🐾

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Talk with your veterinarian before introducing CBD or other cannabinoid products, particularly if your pet has a medical condition or takes medication.