What’s the Difference Between Human and Pet CBD Oil?

It’s easy to assume pet CBD and human CBD aren’t remotely the same; after all, they are meant for different animals. But their similarities may surprise you.

The main difference between human and pet CBD oil isn’t necessarily in the formula itself, but in how much CBD is present. Because pets have much smaller bodies than humans (and have different sensitivities or needs), pet CBD oil products are best for pets, but human CBD oil can still do the trick.

So how can you tell how much CBD to use for your pet, whether it be from a human product or not? And what sort of thing should you look out for if you are considering giving or using CBD oil that’s not formulated for its recipient? Let’s take a deeper dive into these questions and more.

Is There a Difference Between Pet CBD and Human CBD?

While there may not be a difference in terms of chemical makeup and functionality between pet CBD and human CBD, it is necessary to practice different habits and safety measures when giving CBD to your furry friend.

The main reason behind this lack of fundamental difference is the simple fact that CBD produces the effects it does thanks to its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The endocannabinoid system is a complex web of receptors throughout the body and mind that help regulate bodily functions and promote health in general.

In other words, the ECS is a system that, regardless of your cannabis use, is responsible for ensuring the body maintains homeostasis and remains functional. 

Studies show that nearly all animals have their own endocannabinoid system, too, and in the case of many mammals, it closely mimics our own. 

As a result, it’s not necessary to alter CBD or the products it’s in to suit the body of a pet – instead, we need to refocus our concern on how to use CBD safely for a smaller, different body type.

Is There a Difference Between Dog CBD and Human CBD?

There is no difference between dog CBD and human CBD, though products aimed at pets may have lower concentrations of the cannabinoid or include additional ingredients that tend to be good for pet health.

If you purchase CBD dog treats, for example, they will likely offer a lower dosage per treat than something like a CBD gummy meant for humans might.

Can Humans Take Pet CBD Oil?

Humans can absolutely take pet CBD oil because pet CBD oil isn’t really all that different from “human” CBD oil. But that doesn’t mean it’s an advantageous choice to make, especially not if you want to use CBD regularly.

It may not be overly pleasant or useful to take pet CBD, though, as it will likely not contain enough product to deliver therapeutic results to a human-sized body more than a few times.

Pet CBD oil, in an effort to be more attractive and useful for our furry friends, may also lack some of the other components (namely other cannabinoids and terpenes) found in CBD oil marketed for humans. 

In a pinch, it’s safe to take pet CBD oil, but we don’t recommend sticking to this practice in the long-term.

Is CBD for Pets Safe for Humans?

CBD for pets is considered safe for humans because it doesn’t contain anything that could harm the body.

In fact, pet CBD may even tend to be more approachable than some human CBD products; the former is less likely to have the sort of intense dosages that, in some individuals, tend to cause side effects.

Can You Give Pets Human CBD Oil?

In most cases, it’s safe to give human CBD oil to a pet, but you’ll need to exercise caution if you do so. If you’re looking to treat your pet with CBD long-term, it’s probably best to invest in a product designed for their body and needs.

Remember that human CBD needs to affect a much larger, more complex body than pet CBD does. As a result, it tends to be more potent and may contain other ingredients that could irritate or overwhelm a pet’s system.

In small doses, though, human CBD is usually fine to give to a pet. Nevertheless, it’s extremely important to always be sure to double-check for the presence of potentially harmful ingredients before you do so.

Ingredients That Might Be Problematic for Pets

If you’re considering using human CBD for your pet, be on the lookout for elements of your product that might be harmful, including:

• Artificial solvents (propane, butane, etc.): While many CBD products are created using what’s known as CO2 extraction, a process by which the CBD in a plant is extracted using carbon dioxide and high levels of pressure. But, some products use CBD that’s been extracted by solvents, many of which can leave residue that may be toxic to pets. To avoid this, always ensure that your CBD oil is made using CO2 extraction.
  
  
• Too much THC: Hemp plants used to create CBD oil are legally required to have only 0.3% THC or less, which is an amount too low to cause psychoactive effects in both humans and pets. But, without FDA regulation of these products, it’s impossible to know how much THC is in a product without lab testing. Steer clear of products that contain more THC than they should, whether it’s deliberate or not, as THC can be harmful and overwhelming to pets.
  
  
• Environmental toxins: Like all plant life, hemp is vulnerable to toxins like pesticides that may be present as it grows and is harvested. High amounts of these toxins can, in some cases, linger enough to cause problems, especially for the sensitive system of a pet.

In any case, it’s possible that the product you have just doesn’t or can’t work for your pet. Making the investment in high-quality pet CBD is worthwhile even if it’s technically possible to use what you’ve already got.

Is Human CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?

Human CBD oil can be safe for dogs; it may be easier to give a dog human CBD because they tend to be larger than cats, but you’ll still need to take some time to be sure your product doesn’t contain anything that might harm your pet.

What Happens When You Give Human CBD to a Dog?

The effects of CBD on pets are the same regardless of where the CBD comes from, but human CBD that’s more potent may give a dog more intense results than pet CBD. 

Giving a dog human CBD that isn’t safe or is too strong may lead to unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, or fatigue.

Likewise, ingredients that are harmful to pets can cause more serious and long-term issues.

Human CBD for Dogs Dosage

A good starting dose for most humans is generally around 10-20 mg of CBD throughout the day, but a dose this strong of human CBD will likely overwhelm your dog or pet.

A good rule of thumb is to give your pet around 0.05 to .20 mg of CBD per pound of body weight. 

So, for a medium-sized dog of 50 pounds, an appropriate dose of CBD would likely be somewhere between 2.5 to 10 mg. 

Once you’ve determined what a good dose looks like for your dog, you can use as much of your product as necessary to reach this point. 

As always, it’s best to start with a lower dose and work your way up to see how your pet responds and avoid a less-than-ideal experience.

What Kind of CBD Oil Is Best for Pets?

For most pets, a broad- or full-spectrum, pet-friendly CBD oil is usually best, at least in terms of consistently treating mental and physical health ailments. 

Both of these types of oil may contain other cannabinoids (but they should NOT contain more THC than normal if formulated for pets), terpenes, and other beneficial ingredients that create a more well-rounded experience for your pet.

What Kind of CBD Oil Is Best for Dogs?

Dogs can benefit the most from either a broad-spectrum or a full-spectrum CBD oil depending on their needs. 

It’s also possible to use a CBD isolate product for your dog, but many pet owners find that opting for the other options produces longer-lasting and more effective results.