Cannabis Gift Guide for Pets: Keeping Fido's Stress Down

Your furry friends deserve something special this holiday season. As you shop for the best gifts for the people in your life, don’t forget to consider pets, too. CBD for pets is a growing market that’s constantly innovating to find new ways to support our closest companions. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite cannabis gift ideas for pets to help you bring a little extra joy to your celebrations.

Is CBD Good for Pets?

CBD is generally safe for most pets, so long as you use appropriate products and doses. The jury is still out on how cannabinoids like CBD affect animals, especially over time. But, there is some promise for the future of cannabis for pets; some studies have found that low doses of CBD can help treat anxiety, chronic pain, and even pet seizures.

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For pets with needs like these, CBD can be a lifesaver. It may act as a natural solution for treating some kinds of chronic symptoms. However, not all pets are a good fit for CBD products. We always recommend checking with your veterinarian before using CBD for your furry friends.

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Likewise, it’s important to distinguish between CBD and THC. While hemp-derived CBD may be okay for most pets, marijuana-derived CBD is not. Neither is any form of THC. Stay away from products made from marijuana or that contain any THC, as it can be harmful and even toxic for animals. 

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Since pets generally have a higher number of cannabinoid receptors in their brain, they may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of THC than humans. This is also why it’s important to properly store cannabis products if you have them. Getting into human products like edibles is a leading cause of cannabis toxicity in pets. 

6 Great Cannabis Gift Ideas for Pets and Pet-Lovers

Now that you know what to look for and avoid, you’re ready to fill your cart with the best CBD products for pets. There’s no shortage of options to choose from, but we’ve broken down each of the main product categories you’ll want to consider. Let’s explore how you can find the best CBD for cats, dogs, and other four-legged friends this holiday season (and beyond!). 

1. Pet CBD Oil & Tincture

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CBD oil for pets is perhaps the most popular product option out there. Tinctures are another great pick so long as they’ve been formulated for consumption by pets. 

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Both of these product types work by providing a low dose of CBD that’s been added to a carrier ingredient. For pet CBD oil, the carrier ingredient is usually something like hemp oil. Traditional tinctures are made with alcohol, but most pet-friendly options actually use an oil-based formula. Make sure that you select a product that’s made with ingredients that are safe for pets!

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CBD oil is great because it’s easy to precisely dose and add to your pet’s daily life. You can mix pet CBD oil into food, give it directly to your pet, or even incorporate it into their hygiene routine. 

2. CBD Pet Treats

There are few things that pets love more than treats. CBD pet treats make things even better – they usually contain specific doses of CBD and are often formulated with other ingredients that benefit pet health. 

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Many CBD pet treats look like traditional pet biscuits, but they should explicitly state how much CBD is in each serving. Choose from flavors like peanut butter, bacon, cheese, and more to satisfy your pet’s needs and appetite.

3. CBD Capsules for Pets

Those looking to use CBD medicinally for pets will love the convenience of CBD capsules. These products look like small pills and are usually filled with a CBD-rich supplemental powder. 

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Again, paying attention to doses and ingredients as you shop around is important. You can also make your own by purchasing a CBD supplement for pets and adding it to pet-safe capsules.

4. CBD Pet Chews

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Like CBD pet treats, CBD pet chews are ingested orally and work their magic as your pet digests them. Chews are usually smaller than biscuits, so they’re more likely a vitamin than a true “treat.” Still, they come in all kinds of yummy flavors and unique formulas, so we don’t think your pet will be complaining! 

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Some brands, like Medterra, even create specially formulated pet chews that focus on different goals, like joint pain or skin and coat health.

5. Topical CBD for Pets

Eating or swallowing CBD isn’t the only way pets can take advantage of its benefits. Topical CBD products like balms, salves, or creams also help reduce inflammation, pain, and soreness. They work by binding to endocannabinoid receptors in the top layers of your pet’s skin, effectively numbing the area to inflammatory and pain signals. 

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A CBD balm is a great gift for pets who tend to deal with itchy or sore paws or other skin conditions. Plus, many are made with moisturizing ingredients that help protect your pet’s skin health overall.

6. CBD Shampoo and Conditioner

Like other CBD topicals, a CBD shampoo or conditioner can soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Choose a gentle formula that doesn’t use any harsh dyes or fragrances for an even better experience.

Tips for Safe Cannabis Use in Pets

Whether you’re buying pet CBD for a friend or your own furry companions, it’s important to know how to stay safe. Keep these tips in mind – and be sure to pass them on! – as you shop for the best results.

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• Shop smart. CBD products, including CBD for pets, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means it’s up to consumers to ensure that what they’re buying is legitimate and safe. You can avoid sketchy products or those that straight up don’t work by only shopping with reputable sellers and brands you trust. 
• Find the purrfect product for your pet’s needs. Think about what your pet could benefit from the most. For example, you might want to opt for a topical CBD product over CBD pet treats if your pet’s main struggle is itchy, inflamed skin. Choosing a product that makes sense helps you avoid unnecessary side effects. 
• Start with low doses and adjust from there. It’s easy to take too much CBD, even as a human – imagine how your pets might feel! A few milligrams of CBD is usually all it takes to produce effects. Start with the lowest recommended dose, which is likely displayed on the product’s packaging, and then work your way up as needed. Remember that not all pets respond to CBD the same way; stick to the doses that work for your pet, not what others say works for theirs.
• Consult your veterinarian. Once again, checking with your pet’s vet before you start using CBD is essential. Your pet may have health concerns or take prescription medications that could interact with CBD. Plus, your vet can help you determine how much CBD is appropriate to use. 

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It’s also not a bad idea to verify that the product you’re buying is THC-free. You can do that by looking for its certificate of analysis, which should either be linked on the packaging (via a link or QR code) or on the page you purchase the product from. If you can’t find any lab analyses of what’s in the product, it’s probably not one worth buying.

Where to Find CBD Products for Pets and Humans

You owe it to your pet (and yourself!) to only shop with sellers and manufacturers you know and trust. The market is packed with products that make unsubstantiated claims or don’t put your pet’s health first. But you can always count on The Green Dragon CBD to offer top-quality and safe CBD for pets and humans alike.

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From CBD pet treats to chews, oils, and more, we have some of the best products at prices you won’t want to miss out on. Prepare for the holidays, or give your furry friends something special with the finest CBD money can buy. Check out our full shop for even more ways to bring CBD into your life, or feel free to contact us for a free consultation. We’re always here to give you the knowledge and guidance you need to find the right cannabis products.