Are Dog and Human CBD Oil the Same?
CBD products are becoming increasingly popular for both humans and dogs, along with other pets.
However, many dog owners wonder whether the CBD oil is all the same inside these products.
Short answer: Dog and human CBD oil are essentially the same as far as how the oil itself is created, but some human CBD oil can vary in quality and contain ingredients that can be dangerous for your dog in the final product.
This article will explore dog and human CBD oil, the differences to be aware of, and whether it’s safe to give human CBD to your dog.
By the way, I also have an article on the best CBD oil for pets, if interested.
Are Dog and Human CBD Oil the Same?
The short answer is yes as far as the CBD oil itself and its creation. However, it’s not recommended to give CBD to your dog unless the oil is of high-quality and contains no harmful additives.
CBD oil, whether it’s for dogs or humans, is extracted using the same processes. Most CBD oil comes from the hemp plant— the oil is extracted from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the plant, often using CO2 gas or other methods.
Both humans and dogs have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is comprised of receptors and signals that regulate some of the most critical processes in the body, like temperature control, pain control, and inflammatory responses.
CBD oil works with the ECS in humans and dogs to alleviate anxiety, reduce joint inflammation, manage pain, and more.
In this way, dog and human CBD oil are the same for the underlying oil. However, the differences start to appear when companies prepare their final products. You’ll see potential differences with additives, THC levels, and proper dosage.
Differences Between Dog and Human CBD Oil
Although the oil itself may be extracted the same way, the final preparation of the product may differ.
Because human CBD oil may contain many different additives, it’s crucial to read the ingredient list before giving any to your dog. Never give your dog CBD oil that contains more than 0.3 percent THC, artificial sweeteners, or essential oils.
Carrier oils are also important to consider. While most carrier oils used in human CBD are not harmful to your dog unless consumed in large amounts, some carrier oils are better than others.
Hemp seed oil, for example, offers great additional benefits for your dog like omega-3 fatty acids for improved coat health.
Some websites report that MCT oil is not the best for dogs with sensitive stomachs, while others report it leads to better digestion, so you may need to experiment.
If human CBD oil is organically grown, third-party tested, and free from fillers and harmful additives, it’s generally safe for your dog. Keep in mind, you also have to find the right dosage.
Additives to CBD Products
Human CBD Oil Additives
Human CBD oil sometimes can contain additives that can be dangerous if ingested by your dog.
These additives may include artificial flavorings, scents, and sweeteners to make the oil more appealing to a human palette. It may also contain ingredients that are common allergens for dogs like dairy, corn, soy, and gluten.
Xylitol, for example, is an extremely dangerous artificial sweetener found in some CBD products. You often hear of xylitol poisoning with peanut butter, but the dangerous sweetener can hide in many human products.
Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia, trembling, seizures, liver failure, and in extreme cases, death in dogs.
Essential oils are also often added to CBD oil for scents and added health benefits. While some essential oils are okay to use on dogs, oils like citrus, peppermint, and cinnamon are dangerous.
Low-quality CBD oil can also contain preservatives, fillers, and low-quality carrier oils that are harmful, not just to dogs, but to people as well.
Dog CBD Oil Additives
On the other hand, dog CBD oil uses different additives to make it more palatable for dogs like cod liver oil extract or bacon flavoring.
THC Levels in Human and Dog CBD Oil
In the United States, CBD products are regulated, so they have to contain less than 0.3 percent THC. Despite this, some human CBD oils may contain larger amounts of THC than officially stated.
While expert opinions still vary on whether any THC is okay for dogs, you should never give your dog CBD oil that contains more than .3% THC, so make sure to buy from a quality company with independent lab testing with a certificate of analysis readily available.
The difference in THC content stems from the type of CBD extract.
Full-spectrum CBD extract, for example, contains THC, while broad-spectrum normally does not. THC should still be safe below .3 percent for your dog’s consumption, but having no THC may give you more peace of mind.
CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs and Humans
Even in the scenario where the CBD is exactly the same for dogs and humans, the recommended dosage on the container will be different. Because humans are naturally bigger than dogs, they can handle larger doses of CBD than dogs can.
Giving human CBD oil to a dog using the instructions on the package can lead to a dog taking too much CBD and having negative side effects.
A human’s dosage of CBD oil is higher than what’s recommended for dogs, so you should always start small.
While many vets cannot give advice on CBD because of the regulations in their state, it’s still helpful to check in with them for dosage recommendations.
It’s also good to tell your vet any changes to your dog’s diet and supplement routine, in case they need to prescribe medication.
Always consider the size and weight of your dog as part of the proper dosage. A general rule of thumb is to start with 1-2mg for every 10 pounds of your dog’s weight.
You can increase that dosage over time as you monitor your dog’s reaction, but starting small will prevent giving too much and side effects.
Your dog’s condition will also affect the proper dosage for your dog. If they have serious health issues or pain, they may need a higher dosage than a dog needing to treat anxiety, no matter how big or small both dogs are.
Conclusion
This article should have given you an overview of human and dog CBD oil and helped you understand the differences between the two.
Though the lines between human and dog CBD oil are blurry, there are important distinctions that can affect the health and safety of your dog.
While some human CBD oil may be safe for your dog, the uncertainty in the extraction processes and ingredient quality of many brands makes it a risk.
If you have any doubt about the quality of your human CBD oil, always err on the side of caution and choose a dog-safe CBD oil.