Finding The Right CBD for Your Pet: What You Should Know

Our pets are our best friends, so they deserve the best. 

For pet owners looking for something to help add calm to their dog or cat’s day, or improve mood, CBD can be an excellent option. Before buying CBD for your dog or cat, it’s important to do your research first. While there are plenty of great CBD products for pets out there, not all are created equal.

Ingredients To Avoid in CBD Pet Products

Preservatives, Fillers & Inferior Oils

When we say preservatives… you say? No thanks. 

Just as we care what we put in our bodies, we also care what goes into our pets’ bodies. When shopping for CBD oils or bites for your dog or cat, watch out for inferior oils like palm oil, fillers including soy and corn, or harmful preservatives such as BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene). 

CBD pet products should have the same quality of ingredients as those for humans—clean hemp oil, effective active ingredients, and reliable, appropriate doses.

What To Look For in CBD Pet Products

Organic Ingredients

When shopping for CBD for your four-legged friend, it’s always important to check and see if the ingredients being used are organic. In general, organically grown products tend to be more nutritious and contain lower levels of pesticides and heavy metal residue than standard agricultural products. If you also got a bad taste in your mouth after reading “heavy metal residue” we are right there with you. While growing organically isn’t only better for the soil, it’s also better for our pets’ bodies, as well as our own.

Third-Party Tested & Certificate of Analysis (COA)

When you give CBD to your dog or cat, you want to make sure it is THC-free, meaning it contains trace amounts (less than 0.01% or 100ppm) of THC. And while a CBD pet product might be labeled THC-free, there is a sure fire way to see if that’s actually the case.

Most quality CBD companies will have their products third-party tested by a fully-accredited independent lab to ensure their products are pure, potent and that your dog or cat is getting exactly what the label says. A certificate of analysis, completed by an independent lab, should show you that the CBD oil or treats contain high levels of CBD and most importantly, are THC-free. If you don’t see a COA listed on a company’s website, we would take that as a bad sign. Transparency is key when it comes to CBD for your best friends.

Tips For Starting Your Dog or Cat on CBD

Now that you know what to look for (and look out for) you’re almost there!

Consult Your Vet

While CBD has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by animals, we always recommend chatting to your vet about it first, especially if your dog or cat is on regular medications.

Compare CBD Chews and Oils

If you’re shopping for CBD for your pet for the first time we recommend starting with an oil. CBD oils can be used on their food and dosing is flexible so you can start small and see what they respond to best. CBD Oil will work quickly, taking effect in 30-60 minutes, while Chews may take 1-2 hours as they pass through their digestive system and liver. Upstate Elevator’s Salmon Oil Hemp Extract is rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids to help promote healthy skin, coat and brain function.

CBD pet chews or bites are excellent for on the go. Bring them on a hike, or while traveling. CBD treats provide a simple way to provide quick relief to your animal. You can even use them as a training reward! If your pup needs help with mobility and flexibility try Upstate Elevator’s Hemp Chewy Joint Bites made with full spectrum Vermont grown hemp. For a dose of calm for your cat, Upstate Elevator’s Hemp Chewy Calm Bites are crafted with lemon balm and L-Theanine to bring some zen to your overexcited furry friend.

Find the Right Dose

When starting your dog or cat on CBD, we suggest starting small. Try the recommended dose or even less, then monitor your pet’s behavior and go from there. Remember, it’s better to under dose, rather than overdose. It can also take some time to see results so stick to a schedule that works for you and your pet. Whether it’s a chew first thing in the morning, after their nightly walk, or with their food, making it a ritual can help give them the calm they need, when they need it.

The Best for Our Best Friends

At Upstate Elevator we are a team of pet owners and animal lovers, so we get what they mean to you. Keeping your animal happy and healthy is always the top priority. 

Our hemp CBD products for pets are crafted with certified organic Vermont grown hemp, so you know your four-legged friends are getting the cleanest hemp oil with no toxins or agricultural chemicals. We want the best for your family, no matter how many paws they have. 

If you have questions about our CBD pet products, reach out! We are happy to lend a paw.