A customer asked me whether she could give a few drops of her CBD oil to her dog, who gets very anxious during thunderstorms. I told her no – not with her own bottle, anyway – and she was surprised. The reason isn't that CBD is dangerous for animals as such; it's more subtle than that.
The real problem: THC, not CBD
CBD products for humans in Switzerland can contain up to 1% THC, a perfectly legal level that's safe for us. For animals, it's completely different: their nervous system has a much higher density of cannabinoid receptors than ours, which makes THC far more powerful and potentially dangerous for them, even in very small doses. That's why CBD products formulated specifically for animals must respect a much stricter limit, below 0.2% THC, compared with 1% for human products.
Why you shouldn't share your own bottle
Even a perfectly legal, good-quality human CBD oil simply isn't designed to meet the lower limit required for animals. Giving your own bottle to your dog or cat, even in small amounts, exposes them to a THC level that can be a problem for their body. Always use a product specifically formulated and labelled for animals – never your own bottle.
What veterinary research says so far
The safety profile of CBD itself, without THC, is fairly well documented in dogs and cats, with no known cases of serious overdose. It's used empirically for anxiety and for age-related joint discomfort. That said, there's no dosage yet officially recognised and standardised by the veterinary profession; ranges vary widely depending on the source and the animal's weight.
The essential reflex: your vet
Before giving anything to your pet, talk to your vet. They know your companion's general health, any treatments in progress and possible interactions, and can point you to a dose suited to their weight and situation. This is especially important if your pet is already on medical treatment, since CBD can interfere with how some medicines are metabolised – exactly as in humans.
How to recognise a good pet product
Look for a product clearly labelled for animal use, with a COA showing THC below 0.2%, ideally non-detectable. Be wary of any seller who simply suggests giving a human product at a reduced dose – it's not good practice, even with good intentions. Discover our CBD for pets.
"I ended up finding a product specifically for animals after talking to the vet. My dog is much calmer during thunderstorms now, and at least I know what I'm giving him." – a customer of the shop
My straight advice
Never give your own CBD oil to your pet. Talk to your vet first, and if you decide to try it, choose only a product specifically formulated for animals with verified THC below 0.2%. It's the only way to do things properly on this subject.
CBD is not a medicine.
