Here’s the part that surprises most pet owners: dogs have more CB1 cannabinoid receptors in their cerebellum than humans do. More receptors means more sensitivity, which is precisely why THC is dangerous for dogs (way too reactive) and why CBD, which doesn’t bind to CB1 receptors the same way, works so well for them. The endocannabinoid system isn’t a human thing. It’s a mammal thing. Your dog or cat has one too.
🧪 Lab Tested | 👩💼 Woman-Owned | 🏆 Est. 2017
Before starting CBD for your pet: Consult your veterinarian, particularly if your pet takes any medications. CBD can affect how certain drugs metabolize in the liver. The information in this guide is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
How CBD Works for Pets
Dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) with the same basic architecture as the human version: CB1 receptors (concentrated in the brain and nervous system), CB2 receptors (in immune tissue, peripheral organs, and skin), and the enzymes that produce and break down the body’s own cannabinoids. The ECS regulates pain signaling, immune response, appetite, sleep, and stress response in mammals.
CBD in pets works through the same indirect mechanisms as in humans: modulating CB2 receptor activity, inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down anandamide (the body’s own calming endocannabinoid), and interacting with TRPV1 receptors involved in pain and inflammation. The difference is scale. Dogs and cats are smaller, and their ECS is more sensitive to cannabinoid compounds, which is why dosing by weight matters significantly more for pets than for humans.
Gamble, L. et al. (2018). “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 165. PubMed: 30083539.
What Pet Owners Use It For
The pet CBD market is driven almost entirely by four categories of use. None of these are medical diagnoses, and CBD should not be used as a replacement for veterinary treatment of any condition.
Anxiety and stress responses
Thunderstorms, fireworks, separation, travel, and vet visits are the most common triggers owners cite. Many observe that CBD settles reactive behavior without sedating the animal. “It works well to calm our elderly dog during a thunder storm,” Susan W. “have 9lb chihuahua. that had bad temper. within 3 days she was a happy little girl,” tom s. “Been using the oil for about 2 weeks now and its helping with my anxious dog,” Basma E.
Joint discomfort and mobility in senior pets
A 2018 Cornell veterinary study found statistically significant improvements in pain scores and mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis given CBD at 2mg/kg twice daily. Owner observations track this. “My poor baby has been struggling significantly the past few years with arthritis. I decided to give this a try and it’s helped her sooooo much! She’s still slow but in less pain,” Diana B. “after a few drops he is running around like a puppy again!” Amanda T.
General calm and mood
Some owners use CBD not for a specific condition but as a general wellness supplement. They observe that their pets seem more settled or less reactive overall. “I gave this product to both my cat who has a spinal issue and my dog who is very anxious and they both have positive reactions and seem calmer,” Kayla A.
Appetite and digestion
Anecdotally common but less studied than anxiety and pain applications. Some owners report improved appetite in older pets or pets recovering from illness. This remains the area with the least clinical evidence, and a veterinarian should be consulted if appetite loss is a primary concern.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs and Cats?
CBD itself has a strong safety profile in pets when dosed appropriately. The 2018 Cornell study found no adverse effects at 2mg/kg twice daily over four weeks. The WHO’s 2019 report on cannabidiol concluded that CBD is generally well tolerated in animals. The primary safety concern with pet CBD products is not CBD itself; it’s other ingredients and, critically, THC content.
Potential side effects at appropriate doses are mild and temporary: slight sedation or lethargy, temporary decrease in blood pressure (observable as brief lightheadedness when standing), or increased thirst. These are more common at higher doses and typically resolve on their own.
The most common safety failure with pet CBD is using a product formulated for humans (one that may contain added terpenes, essential oils, flavors, or trace THC) rather than a product specifically formulated and tested for pets.
World Health Organization. (2019). “Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-Review Report.” Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, 40th Meeting. who.int.
The THC Warning
Important: THC is toxic to pets
Dogs and cats are significantly more sensitive to THC than humans. Dogs have a high density of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum, and THC overdose in dogs causes ataxia (loss of coordination), vomiting, tremors, and in severe cases, coma. Even hemp-derived products with trace Delta-9 THC content can cause distress in small dogs at higher doses. Never give your pet a product containing Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, THCa, or HHC. Always use a pet-specific CBD product with COA-confirmed non-detectable THC. If your pet ingests THC, contact a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.
Dosing Guide by Weight
CBD dosing for pets is weight-based. The most studied dose in dogs with joint pain is 2mg/kg (approximately 0.9mg per pound), though many owners start lower. The TribeTokes pet tincture is 300mg CBD per 30mL bottle, delivering 10mg per mL. The dropper marks make precise serving measurement easy.
| Pet weight | Starting dose (low) | Maintenance dose | Volume (10mg/mL) |
| Under 10 lbs | 1 to 2mg | 2 to 3mg | 0.1 to 0.3mL |
| 10 to 25 lbs | 2 to 5mg | 5 to 10mg | 0.2 to 1.0mL |
| 25 to 50 lbs | 5 to 10mg | 10 to 20mg | 0.5 to 2.0mL |
| 50 to 75 lbs | 10 to 15mg | 15 to 25mg | 1.0 to 2.5mL |
| Over 75 lbs | 15 to 20mg | 20 to 35mg | 1.5 to 3.5mL |
Start at the low end of the range. Give one dose, observe for twelve to twenty-four hours, then assess. If no adverse effects are present and the target behavior or comfort level hasn’t improved, increase by 1 to 2mg at the next session. Don’t rush the titration. Smaller, more frequent doses throughout the day often produce more consistent results than a single large dose.
Cats are generally dosed at the lower end of their weight range; they metabolize compounds differently than dogs. If your cat is on any prescription medication, confirm with your vet before starting CBD, as CBD affects the CYP450 enzyme pathway involved in drug metabolism.
How to Give Your Pet CBD
Administration options
1
Directly in the mouth (fastest onset). Use the dropper to place the dose under or alongside the tongue or on the inner cheek. This is sublingual in humans; pets don’t hold it, but oral mucosal absorption still begins quickly. Best for anxious pets who need faster relief (fireworks, vet visit).
2
Mixed into food (most accepted). Add the dose to wet food or a treat. The salmon oil base in the TribeTokes pet tincture makes this easy; most dogs and cats find the flavor appealing without needing to disguise it. Onset is slower (similar to edibles, 30 to 60 minutes) but acceptance rate is high.
3
On a treat or lick mat. Drop the dose onto a high-value treat or spread on a lick mat. Particularly useful for cats, who are often more difficult to dose directly.
4
For anxious pets: time the dose. If using for situational anxiety (thunder, travel, fireworks), give thirty to forty-five minutes before the anticipated stressor for oral mucosal delivery, or sixty to ninety minutes before if mixed into food. Don’t wait until the pet is already distressed.
“The dropper also makes it so easy and quick to use,” Kayla A. “My chows love it. i just wish it came in a jumbo bottle,” alexis g.
What to Expect
Onset depends on the delivery method. Direct oral delivery produces effects in fifteen to forty-five minutes. Food delivery runs thirty to ninety minutes. You may not see a dramatic change; what owners most commonly describe is the absence of anxious behaviors (pacing, panting, hiding) or an increase in willingness to move or play in animals with joint discomfort. The absence of a specific behavior is easy to miss if you’re looking for something to happen rather than something to stop happening.
For joint-related concerns, consistent daily dosing over one to two weeks tends to produce more meaningful results than occasional use. Multiple owners noted improvements that developed over days rather than after a single dose.
Duration of effect runs four to eight hours depending on the pet’s size, metabolism, and delivery method. Most owners using it for anxiety dose once or twice daily; those using it for joint support often settle on a twice-daily schedule (morning and evening).
The TribeTokes Pet Tincture
TribeTokes Pet CBD Tincture is 300mg CBD per 30mL bottle, with wild salmon oil as the base. The salmon oil serves two purposes: it’s a natural omega-3 supplement beneficial for skin and coat health in dogs and cats, and it’s a flavor most pets accept without hesitation. No MCT oil, no artificial flavors, no added terpenes or essential oils that could irritate a pet’s more sensitive system.
At 10mg per mL, the tincture is dosed with the included dropper. COA-confirmed non-detectable Delta-9 THC, formulated specifically for pet safety. Rating: 5.00/5 from 16 verified pet product reviews.
Browse at tribetokes.com/cbd-for-pets. COAs at tribetokes.com/certificates-of-analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
CBD itself has a well-documented safety profile in pets at appropriate doses. The primary risks come from products containing THC (toxic to dogs and cats), added essential oils or terpenes (which can irritate some animals), or incorrect dosing. A pet-specific product with COA-confirmed non-detectable THC, dosed by weight starting at the low end of the recommended range, presents low risk for most healthy pets. Consult your vet before starting CBD, particularly if your pet takes any medication, as CBD affects the CYP450 enzyme pathway that metabolizes many drugs.
Start at 1 to 2mg for small pets under 10 lbs, scaling up by weight from there. The Cornell veterinary study used 2mg per kilogram of body weight twice daily in dogs with osteoarthritis and found it effective. TribeTokes pet tincture delivers 10mg per mL, making the dropper a practical dosing tool. Start at the low end, observe for twelve to twenty-four hours, then increase by 1 to 2mg at a time if needed. Don’t rush the adjustment.
Not recommended. Human CBD products may contain terpenes, essential oils, flavors, or trace THC levels that are safe for people but problematic for pets. Cats in particular are sensitive to many plant compounds that humans tolerate easily. Use a product formulated and tested specifically for pets, with COA-confirmed non-detectable THC and no added botanical compounds beyond what is safe for animal consumption.
Direct oral delivery (dropper into the mouth) produces effects in fifteen to forty-five minutes. Mixed into food, onset runs thirty to ninety minutes. For situational anxiety, dose thirty to sixty minutes before the anticipated stressor rather than waiting until the pet is already distressed. For joint or mobility concerns, consistent daily dosing over one to two weeks tends to produce more meaningful cumulative results than single doses.
No. CBD is non-psychoactive regardless of dose. It does not bind to CB1 receptors the way THC does and does not produce intoxication. At higher doses, pets may show mild sedation or sleepiness, but this is a dose-response effect, not a psychoactive one. THC is what makes pets high, and THC is toxic to dogs and cats. A pet-specific CBD product with confirmed non-detectable THC carries no risk of intoxication.
Formulation and base ingredients are the primary differences. Human CBD tinctures typically use MCT oil or hemp seed oil as a carrier. Pet-specific products use bases that are safe and appealing to animals; TribeTokes uses wild salmon oil. Human products may also contain terpenes, herbal extracts, or essential oils that are safe for people but potentially problematic for cats and some dogs. Concentration may also differ; pet products are formulated for smaller doses appropriate to animal body weight.
Yes, though cats require extra care. Cats metabolize compounds differently than dogs: they lack certain liver enzymes (glucuronyl transferase) that process many plant compounds and are therefore more sensitive to ingredients that dogs and humans handle fine. Use only a pet-specific CBD product with no added essential oils, terpenes, or botanicals beyond the carrier base. Dose at the low end of the weight range. Check with your vet if your cat takes any medication, as the interaction risk is higher for cats than dogs.
Contact a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. THC toxicity in pets presents as loss of coordination, urinary incontinence, tremors, vomiting, slow heart rate, and in severe cases, coma. Treatment is supportive (fluids, warmth, monitoring) and the prognosis is generally good with prompt care, but time matters. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
CBD Formulated for Pets
300mg CBD per bottle. Wild salmon oil base. COA-confirmed non-detectable THC. 5.00/5 from 16 verified pet product reviews. Safe for dogs and cats.