CBD for Pets: A Complete Guide

Pets are more than just animals. They give us love, peace and sincere emotions, so it is understandable why owners want to provide them with the best care. Natural methods of maintaining health that do not overload the body and act gently are increasingly attracting attention. One such tool is CBD (cannabidiol), a natural and safe compound derived from hemp that is being actively studied in veterinary medicine and is already being used for dogs and cats.

CBD can help reduce anxiety, relieve pain, support joints and improve the overall condition of your pet. That is why our brand, Tereno, has created special CBD products for animals, so that caring for your four-legged friends is safe, natural and as effective as possible.

What is CBD and how does it work in animals?

CBD is a natural substance derived from hemp. Unlike THC, it has no psychoactive effect, meaning it does not alter consciousness or cause "euphoria." That is why CBD is considered safe and suitable for use in both humans and animals. Its effect is mild, aimed at maintaining balance in the body.

Dogs and cats, just like humans, have an endocannabinoid system. This is a natural mechanism consisting of receptors in the brain, organs and tissues. It is responsible for important functions such as appetite, sleep, mood, pain response and immunity. When a pet receives CBD, it interacts with these receptors, helping the body to function harmoniously.

Thanks to this interaction, CBD can maintain a natural balance without putting strain on internal organs. Pet owners note that cannabidiol helps reduce anxiety in stressful situations, alleviates chronic pain and promotes overall calmness in their pets. And most importantly, this happens without any mental changes, so your pet remains itself but feels more comfortable.

Potential benefits of using CBD

Pets, like humans, can experience stress, pain, or sleep problems. Thunderstorms, trips to the vet, or even a change of scenery can cause them anxiety. This is where CBD can provide gentle and natural support. It works to reduce excessive excitement and help your pet calm down faster without the use of strong medications.

Another important benefit is the reduction of pain and inflammation. Older dogs and cats often have joint problems or suffer from the effects of injuries. CBD helps to reduce discomfort, promotes better mobility and maintains your pet's quality of life. Here are the main effects of using CBD for pets:

• reduction of anxiety and stress;

• relief of pain and inflammation;

• support for joints and mobility;

• improved sleep quality;

• increased overall sense of calm and harmony.

In addition, CBD can be useful for normalising rest patterns. Animals that sleep poorly due to pain or anxiety often appear lethargic and less active. Cannabidiol helps improve sleep quality, which has a positive effect on their behaviour and energy levels during the day.

Thus, regular and proper use of CBD can be an effective tool for maintaining your pet's health and comfort. It works gently, helps maintain activity even in old age, and makes your pet's life more peaceful and harmonious.

Safety and possible side effects

CBD is considered safe for pets, especially when using certified products designed specifically for them. Its action is mild and natural, and in most cases, pets tolerate the supplement well. At the same time, it is important to understand that any active substance can have its own specific effects on the body. That is why owners should closely monitor their pet's reaction after adding CBD to their diet.

To avoid misunderstandings, it is also necessary to clearly distinguish between CBD and THC. While the former acts as a natural support agent without psychoactive effects, the latter can be dangerous for animals. Our Tereno products do not contain THC and undergo mandatory quality control and laboratory testing, so they are safe for pets to use. It is also important to mention the possible mild side effects of taking CBD:

• drowsiness;

• dry mouth;

• change in appetite;

• temporary lethargy.

These effects are usually short-lived and disappear after reducing the dose or allowing the body to adapt. In most cases, animals respond well to CBD, especially if the recommendations for gradual introduction are followed.

Therefore, the main rule for safe use is to choose certified products and determine the correct dosage. This ensures that CBD will be a reliable tool for maintaining your pet's health without unwanted side effects.

You may also find this article useful: How to choose a quality CBD product: 5 tips from experts

How to choose a CBD product for your pet

Choosing a CBD product for your pet is a task that requires attention and understanding of the details. Today, there are dozens of different products on the market, but not all of them are of the same quality and safety. It is important for animals, just like humans, to receive only supplements that are made from pure, high-quality raw materials and do not contain unwanted impurities. That is why owners should focus not only on price or convenience, but also on the origin and composition of the product.

The first criterion to pay attention to is the organic origin of the hemp. Plants grown without pesticides and heavy metals ensure the purity of the final product. The next key aspect is the complete absence of THC. While microdoses of this substance may be safe for humans, they pose a danger to animals, ranging from behavioural changes to serious health problems. That is why CBD products must undergo rigorous testing for THC content and quality. Here are the main factors to consider when choosing the right CBD product for your pet:

1. Organic hemp without pesticides or heavy metals.

2. Complete absence of THC in the composition.

3. Product form (oil, drops or treats, depending on convenience).

4. Concentration appropriate for the animal's weight and condition.

5. The presence of quality certificates and laboratory tests (COA) confirming the safety of the product.

In addition to origin and composition, the choice of product form is also important. Oils or drops are convenient because they can be easily added to food or dripped under the tongue. CBD treats are suitable for animals that refuse liquid supplements but need regular support. The choice of concentration is no less important: too low a dose may not produce results, while too high a dose may cause unwanted effects.

Finally, the reliability of the product is confirmed by certificates and laboratory tests. They guarantee that the product does not contain harmful impurities and that the CBD content corresponds to the declared amount. This is exactly what Tereno offers, creating a CBD line for animals that is trusted by owners who want to take care of their pets without compromising on safety.

Dosage recommendations

The correct dosage of CBD is the main factor that determines both the benefits and safety for your pet. Animals have different weights, activity levels and body sensitivity, so the dose is always selected individually. The general rule is simple: start with the minimum amount, gradually monitor your pet's condition and only increase the dose if necessary. This method allows you to achieve the desired effect without overloading the body and without the risk of side effects.

To make this process simple and convenient, we have developed a CBD calculator. It allows you to select the animal's weight, identify the symptoms and their severity, and then you will receive a clear dosage schedule. The calculator shows not only the initial dose, but also possible next steps if there is no noticeable improvement after a few weeks. This helps owners avoid chaotic attempts and act systematically and safely. The approximate doses for dogs of different weights and symptom severity are as follows:

1. 10 kg, mild symptoms: initial dose 5 mg (1 drop of 10% oil), gradually increasing to 10 mg.

2. 20 kg, mild symptoms: initial dose 10 mg, gradually increasing to 20 mg.

3. 10 kg, moderate symptoms: initial dose 10 mg, increase to 20 mg if necessary.

4. 20 kg, moderate symptoms: initial dose 20 mg, with a possible increase to 40 mg.

5. 10 kg, severe symptoms: start with 20 mg, if problems persist – up to 40 mg.

6. 20 kg, severe symptoms: initial dose of 40 mg, increase to 80 mg if necessary.

These figures should be considered as basic guidelines. Each animal is unique: one may feel relief even from the minimum dose, while another may need a higher concentration. That is why it is important to follow the principle of gradualness: start with the smallest recommended amount and increase it only when your pet's condition requires it.

Special attention should be paid to animals with chronic diseases or those already receiving medication. In such cases, consultation with a veterinarian is mandatory, as a specialist will help to take into account interactions with other drugs and determine the optimal dosage. Combining the clear recommendations of the calculator with the advice of a specialist will make the use of CBD as effective, safe and comfortable as possible for your four-legged friend.

How to introduce CBD into your pet's diet or life

Introducing CBD into an animal's diet should be simple and comfortable for both the pet and the owner. There are several ways to make this process as convenient as possible. The choice of method depends on the animal's character, habits and receptiveness to new products. The main rule is to do it gradually so that the body has time to adapt.

Most often, CBD is added to food or water. This masks the taste and smell, and the animal receives the supplement along with its usual food. Another method is to administer drops under the tongue, which act faster because the substance enters the bloodstream directly. For picky animals, CBD treats that combine health benefits and enjoyment may be the ideal solution. Here are the main ways to introduce CBD into an animal's diet or life:

• adding oil to food or water;

• using drops under the tongue for a faster effect;

• using special CBD treats;

• combining different methods for convenience and better adaptation.

Regardless of the method you choose, as we have already mentioned, it is important to start with the minimum dose. If you give a large amount at once, your pet may react with drowsiness or decreased activity. Therefore, gradually increasing the dose allows you to achieve the desired effect gently and without stress on the body.

Another point is observation. The owner should closely monitor the behaviour of their pet: has anxiety decreased, has mobility improved, has sleep become more peaceful? This will help determine whether the chosen method of CBD administration is suitable and whether the dosage needs to be adjusted. This approach makes the use of CBD not only effective but also safe. However, the best option for maximum benefit and safety is still to consult with a veterinarian.

Real stories and research

In the field of animal health, the scientific base is developing gradually but is already yielding interesting results. One of the first publications by Cornell University can be found on their veterinary centre's website. The article "CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy" describes how, in a study, more than 80% of dogs with osteoarthritis who received CBD experienced pain reduction and were able to be more active and feel more comfortable. This provides practical confirmation that cannabidiol can help improve the quality of life for animals with joint problems.

As for epilepsy, this disease often becomes a challenge for owners and veterinarians. Colorado State University is conducting a clinical study that examines CBD as an adjunct to standard anticonvulsant therapy in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Preliminary pilot data has already shown that CBD support combined with traditional therapy has reduced the number of seizures. The main goal of the study is to find a dosage that provides optimal seizure control with minimal side effects.

Of course, current results have limitations: often these are small samples, short observation periods, or the use of CBD as an adjunct rather than monotherapy. But these studies lay a solid foundation for further development in the field. For pet owners, this means that science supports interest in CBD, but it is important not to take these results as a definitive prescription and to always consider the individual condition of the animal and consult with a specialist.

When to see a vet

The use of CBD to support animal health can be beneficial in many situations, but there are times when the owner's self-monitoring is not enough. If your pet has serious health problems or is already taking other medications, consulting a vet is a must. This allows you to avoid unwanted interactions and choose the optimal care regimen.

It is also important to remember that even natural remedies can affect different animals in different ways. Some respond well to minimal doses, while others may experience changes in behaviour or well-being. In such cases, expert advice will help to adjust the dosage in a timely manner or choose a different method of application. Therefore, we suggest familiarising yourself with situations when it is necessary to consult a veterinarian:

• the animal has chronic diseases (heart, kidney, liver, endocrine disorders);

• the pet is taking other medications and needs to be monitored for possible interactions;

• there are severe side effects: prolonged lethargy, refusal to eat, vomiting or diarrhoea;

• the symptoms do not disappear even after several weeks of using CBD;

• the animal's behaviour has changed dramatically and unusually for it.

Consulting a veterinarian in such cases is not just a precaution, but a responsible step. A specialist can not only confirm the safety of CBD use, but also help determine the correct treatment strategy, taking into account the individual characteristics of the pet.

This approach allows you to combine the benefits of natural remedies with professional veterinary support. As a result, the animal receives the most balanced care possible, and the owner can be confident that their decisions are truly safe and beneficial.

In conclusion, it can be noted once again that CBD for pets can be an effective tool for maintaining health, as it helps to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, improve sleep and support the activity of pets. However, the benefits of its use are only possible if the right product is chosen, it is gradually introduced into the diet and the body's reaction is carefully monitored.

It is important to remember that even natural remedies require a responsible approach. Using certified products, such as those from our company Tereno, calculating the dosage using special calculators, and consulting with a veterinarian will ensure that CBD is a safe and effective addition to your pet's care.