Introduction
One customer came in last January with a video of her spaniel shaking through the New Year fireworks and asked what we hear almost every week: would CBD help him?
You can find bottles marketed as best pet CBD for dogs and cats, but that doesn’t tell you whether the product is suitable for your pet. How much CBD does your pet need? Should you buy a dog or cat formula? What should you check on the label?
This guide breaks it all down, so you know what to look for before choosing CBD for your pet.
Pet CBD products are formulated specifically for dogs and cats — human CBD oils can contain additives that are harmful to animals. Look for THC-free, COA-backed formulations with a clear weight-based dosage guide. Always consult your vet before starting your pet on CBD. I Love Joint stocks both dog and cat CBD formulations, imported from the USA.
Why is pet CBD not the same as human CBD?
We don’t want to scare you guys but the details here matter.
The active compound is the same molecule, but everything around it is different. Human CBD oils and gummies are dosed for bodies of 60 to 90 kilograms, sweetened to taste pleasant, with no thought for animal metabolism. These additives and flavours are toxic for dogs and cats.
The sweeteners are another hidden trap. Xylitol, a sugar substitute common in human gum and supplements, is toxic to dogs in small amounts, according to the FDA. While flavourings are harmless to people, they can cause problems in animals, and no pet parent wants to take that risk.
Then there is THC. Dogs and cats carry far more cannabinoid receptors than humans, so they are far more sensitive to it. Georgia’s THC-free rule works in pet owners’ favour: the only legal CBD here is the kind pets can safely be around (we explain why). But if you buy CBD with hidden THC for your pet, it is toxic for them.
How CBD may support your pet?
Dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system that responds to cannabinoids such as CBD. Early research suggests CBD may support pets in a few areas:
- Joint discomfort: Some studies in dogs with osteoarthritis found improvements in pain and activity.
- Stress and anxiety: Some pet owners use CBD for stress when their dogs become unsettled during car rides, separation, loud music, fireworks, etc. It may help some dogs stay calmer during such tough situations
- Seizures: Research suggests CBD may reduce seizure frequency in some dogs when used alongside standard epilepsy treatment.
- Appetite and skin health: CBD is also being researched for skin-related problems in dogs, including itching and inflammation. These are areas pet owners often ask about, but the evidence is still limited.
Results can vary between pets, and research is still developing. Choose a properly tested product and speak with your vet before using CBD, particularly if your pet takes other medicines.
CBD for Dogs vs Cats — key differences
CBD is not a one-size-fits-all option for pets. That’s because dogs and cats process substances differently.
Dogs have been studied more extensively, including research into joint discomfort and stress. They can also be particularly sensitive to THC, making a THC-free product an important consideration. On the other hand, cats deserve a little more caution when choosing CBD because their metabolism is different and even the research is thinner.
However, for both species, weight matters. A 5 kg cat needs a very different amount from a 30 kg dog. So always check the product’s CBD concentration and follow species- and weight-appropriate dosing guidance.
What to look for in a pet CBD product?
A good pet CBD product should make it easy for you to answer one basic question: What exactly am I giving my pet? Here are the checks worth making before you buy.
1. A clear CBD concentration
The label should tell you how much CBD the product contains. Based on this, you should also be able to work out how much CBD your pet receives per serving or drop.
For example, our premium Ultra Pure Extract CBD oils come with 5%, 10%, and 20% concentration ratios. That is mentioned on the label.
2. A Recent COA
This is the most important thing to look for before buying pet CBD. The product must be THC-free, confirmed by a COA. It should be recent and provided for every batch of pet CBD. If not available, check for any third-party lab reports that you or your vet can examine. Without these reports, don’t think of buying it.
3. A clean ingredient list
CBD should not need a long list of unnecessary synthetic additives.
First and foremost, check the carrier oil. MCT oil and hemp seed oil carry CBD well and suit animal digestion. Then, look for flavourings, sweeteners, and artificial ingredients that your pet doesn’t need.
Finally, before giving any human supplement to a dog, check for xylitol because that can be dangerous for dogs.
4. Traceable sourcing and testing
Knowing where the raw material comes from is another useful check. For pet owners, that gives you a clearer starting point than buying an anonymous bottle with no testing information.
Look for CO2 extraction from hemp flowers, as it has no harsh chemicals, solvents, or contaminants.
At I Love Joint, every product passes these standards. We source our CBD products from the USA, and each one of them is lab-tested, comes with a COA, and is officially imported into Georgia.
ILJ's pet CBD range
I Love Joint carries pet CBD products for both dogs and cats.
Our dog CBD oil is a THC-free formulation built around canine weight bands. The extract comes from American hemp flowers via supercritical CO2, with no synthetic glycols or chemical additives.
Meanwhile, our cat CBD formulation uses a lighter concentration suited to feline metabolism, for finer control over the small doses cats need. The sourcing, extraction, and transparency all stay the same as above.
You can get your hands on the best cat and dog CBD oil here at our online shop. And if you prefer to speak to someone in person, we have four stores in Tbilisi and Batumi:
- Tbilisi — Vake
12–14 Napareuli Street, Tbilisi 0154
+995 551 717 969 - Tbilisi — Old Tbilisi
17 Atoneli St, Tbilisi 0105
+995 551 717 969 - Tbilisi — Liberty Square
9 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi 0101
+995 551 717 969 - Batumi
Amirejibi 1, Batumi
+995 591 058 921
Bring your pet’s weight when you visit, and we will point you to the right product.
Pet CBD Dosage guidance (general)
There is no universal CBD dosage for pets. General pet CBD dosing starts from 1 to 2 mg per 10kg of body weight daily. This can go up to 6 to 12 mg for pets weighing 30-35 kg. This is because a pet’s body weight, species, age, health and other medications all affect how CBD should be used.
Below is general guidance on CBD dosage for pets:
| Pet's weight | Starting dose (once daily) |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 kg (most cats, toy breeds) | 1 mg |
| 5 to 10 kg | 1 to 2 mg |
| 10 to 20 kg | 2 to 4 mg |
| 20 to 30 kg | 4 to 8 mg |
| Over 30 kg | 6 to 12 mg |
Whatever your furry little one’s starting dose is, make sure to monitor their body for five to seven days before changing anything. Include these questions in your checklist:
- Is there a drop in energy levels?
- Did your cat lose appetite & thirst?
- Have their bowel movements or toilet habits changed?
- How good is their mood after taking CBD?
- Is there vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive drooling?
Just remember, more CBD does not automatically mean better results. Start with a light dose and increase it gradually.
Note: If anything concerns you, stop the dose and call your vet. Weight and health status affect safe dosage.
When to talk to your vet?
Some situations are non-negotiable, and in all of them you must talk to your vet before you buy CBD for cats and dogs:
1. Your pet takes daily medication.
CBD is processed by the same liver enzyme system that handles many common drugs, so interactions are possible (NIH review). Only a professional vet can check the combination.
You don’t have to stop your pet’s medication or change the dose yourself. Give your vet the name of the CBD product and its CBD concentration so they can assess the combination properly.
2. Your pet has liver disease, epilepsy, or is pregnant or nursing.
These conditions deserve a little extra care. Firstly, because there isn’t enough safety research to recommend giving CBD to pregnant or nursing pets. Secondly, none of these situations come under the do-it-yourself territory.
3. You are unsure about anything.
Finally, if you’re simply unsure about whether to start, what dose to use, or whether CBD fits your pet’s current treatment, that’s a good enough reason to visit a vet.
Vets sometimes recommend exploring CBD as a supplement, but they can only advise on what they know.
The next time you visit your veterinarian, don’t forget to bring a few things like:
- Pet CBD product or a clear photo of the label
- COA of the product
- Your pet’s current medication list
- Any recent blood test results (in case of liver issues)
It is much easier to make a sensible plan before the first dose than to figure out what went wrong afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
THC-free CBD products sourced from high-quality hemp are generally considered safe for dogs. However, you must always consult your vet before starting.
CBD Dosage depends on your pet’s weight, metabolism and other factors. A common starting point is 1- 2 mg per 5 kg of body weight, and this can go up to 15 mg for 30 kg.
Yes. Compared to dogs, cats have a different liver metabolism. They also need extra care with concentrated botanical compounds. So you must use cat-specific formulations.
At I Love Joint, we stock dog and cat CBD formulations in Tbilisi and Batumi. We also have an online store for doorstep delivery.
No. On its own, CBD does not produce the “high” effect as THC does. It is extremely well tolerated in cats and dogs.
What to look for when buying CBD oil?
Pet CBD has gone from a niche idea to something plenty of owners now ask their vets about. And while it can have a place in a pet’s routine, it deserves the same care you’d give any supplement.
Always check your pet’s weight, start with a low dose, and give your furry companions some time to adjust. Speak to your vet before use, especially if your pet takes medication or has an existing condition.
If you are searching for the best pet CBD, look past the flashy label. Check what is actually inside the bottle, how much CBD it contains, and whether the product has COA verification backing.
At I Love Joint, we keep things simple with separate CBD formulations for dogs and cats. No synthetic glycols or additives. Every product is legally imported and 100% THC-free.
Want to buy the best pet CBD products for your pets? Check out our pet CBD range online or visit us in-store. Avail 15% discount with a valid medical CBD prescription.
