By Jeff Gallagher, founder of Made By Hemp. Helping people find real hemp since 2013. Last updated June 2026.
Our pets are family, so it’s no surprise that more pet owners are looking into CBD for pets as part of their everyday care routine. Like us, dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system, the network that CBD interacts with. This guide covers what CBD for pets is, whether it’s safe, how much to give, and how to choose a quality product, so you can make an informed decision with your veterinarian.
Is CBD safe for pets? Will it get my pet high?
No, quality hemp-derived CBD will not get your pet high. Our pet products are made from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC, the compound responsible for the marijuana high. That low level is not intoxicating.
This is exactly why it matters to use a proper, hemp-derived product made for pets: high-THC marijuana products are not safe for animals. Always choose a pet product backed by a current third-party lab report (COA) so you know what’s in it. As with any new supplement, talk to your veterinarian before you start, especially if your pet is pregnant, nursing, or already taking medication.
How CBD for pets works
Dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) just like we do, a network of receptors found throughout the body that helps keep things in balance. The cannabinoids in hemp extract, including CBD, interact with that system. That shared biology is why pet owners approach CBD for their animals much the way they would for themselves: as a wellness supplement to support everyday balance.
How much CBD to give your pet
Every pet is different, so the honest answer is: start low and go slow. A common starting point many pet owners use is roughly 1 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, once or twice a day, then adjust gradually based on what you observe. The chart below is general guidance, not a prescription. Your veterinarian is the best source for what’s right for your specific animal.
| Pet weight | Common starting serving |
|---|---|
| Under 20 lbs (most cats & small dogs) | ~2 mg |
| 20 to 50 lbs | ~4 mg |
| 50 to 75 lbs | ~8 mg |
| 75 lbs and up | ~12 mg |
How to give CBD to your pet
The right format mostly comes down to your pet and what’s easiest for both of you:
- CBD oils and drops - the most flexible option, since you can fine-tune the serving drop by drop. Add it to food or give it directly. See our CBD oil for dogs and CBD oil for cats.
- Paw balm and topicals - applied to the skin rather than ingested, like our CBD pet paw balm for rough or dry paws.
- Treats and chews - a pre-measured option some pets take more readily than drops.
Pets have a sharper sense of smell than we do, so getting the format right makes a real difference. If drops are a struggle, mixing them into a favorite food usually does the trick.
Our CBD for pets
Hand-selected CBD oils and balms for dogs and cats, every one backed by third-party lab testing.
How to choose a quality pet CBD
- A current third-party lab report (COA) for every batch, so you know exactly what’s in the bottle. See ours on our lab results page.
- Less than 0.3% THC, clearly stated and made specifically for pets.
- A short, recognizable ingredient list with no unnecessary additives.
- A company with a track record. We’ve been doing this since 2013.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBD safe for dogs and cats?
Quality hemp-derived CBD made for pets, with less than 0.3% THC and a current lab report, is widely used by pet owners. That said, every animal is different, so talk to your veterinarian before starting, especially if your pet is pregnant, nursing, or on medication. If your pet behaves unusually after taking it, stop and contact your vet.
Will CBD get my pet high?
No. Our pet products are hemp-derived with less than 0.3% THC, which is not an intoxicating amount. High-THC marijuana products, on the other hand, are not safe for animals, which is why a proper hemp pet product with a COA matters.
How much should I give?
Start low, around 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, and adjust gradually based on what you see. Use the weight chart above as a general starting point and check with your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.
Can cats have CBD too?
Yes. Cats have an endocannabinoid system just like dogs, and we carry products made specifically for them, including CBD oil for cats. Because cats are smaller, servings are typically lower, so start small.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving CBD or any supplement to your pet. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.