National Pet CBD Month
October 1 - October 31
About National Pet CBD Month
National Pet CBD Month is observed throughout October, raising awareness of cannabidiol (CBD) as a wellness supplement for pets and educating owners about its potential uses, safety considerations, and the importance of choosing quality, laboratory-tested products. The month encourages responsible, informed conversations between pet owners and veterinary professionals about pet healthcare options.
What is National Pet CBD Month?
National Pet CBD Month is an annual awareness campaign dedicated to educating pet owners about CBD products designed for animals, particularly dogs and cats. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound also found in cannabis, CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects and is considered safe for pets when sourced from properly formulated, THC-free products.
The month-long campaign brings together pet wellness brands, veterinarians, animal welfare advocates, and pet owners to share information about responsible CBD use for animals. The focus is on education, safety, and the importance of consulting a vet before introducing any new supplement into a pet’s routine.
When is National Pet CBD Month?
National Pet CBD Month takes place throughout the entire month of October every year. It was established by cbdMD, the parent company of Paw CBD, in 2019, and has since grown into a widely recognised awareness campaign across the pet wellness industry.
Why It Matters
Pet owners increasingly seek natural wellness approaches to support their animals’ quality of life. CBD has attracted interest as a potential supplement for managing anxiety, supporting joint comfort in older animals, and contributing to general wellbeing. However, the market for pet CBD products is vast and varies widely in quality and formulation, making consumer education critical.
One of the most important messages of National Pet CBD Month is the need for THC-free products. THC, even in small amounts, can be harmful and toxic to dogs and cats. Their endocannabinoid systems are far more sensitive to THC than a human’s, and exposure can cause distress, disorientation, and in severe cases, serious health consequences. National Pet CBD Month emphasises that pet-safe CBD products must be laboratory-tested and verified to contain no detectable THC.
The campaign also highlights the importance of third-party laboratory testing, clear labelling of ingredient concentrations, and the role of the veterinarian as a trusted guide in pet health decisions. As awareness grows, so does the need for high standards and transparency from manufacturers.
How to Get Involved
- Talk to your vet: Before introducing any CBD product to your pet’s routine, consult a veterinary professional. They can advise on appropriate dosages and flag any potential interactions with existing medications.
- Research products carefully: Look for CBD products specifically formulated for pets, with clear indication of CBD concentration, THC-free status, and a certificate of analysis from an accredited third-party laboratory.
- Share your experience: If you already use CBD products for your pet, share your experience responsibly on social media to help other owners make informed decisions.
- Learn the difference between hemp and marijuana: Both come from the cannabis plant, but hemp-derived CBD products contain negligible or no THC, making them the only acceptable source for pet CBD products.
- Follow pet wellness brands this October: Many pet CBD companies run educational content, special offers, and Q&A sessions with veterinarians throughout National Pet CBD Month.
History of National Pet CBD Month
National Pet CBD Month was established in 2019 by cbdMD, Inc., a North Carolina-based publicly traded company that owns the Paw CBD brand. Paw CBD was created specifically to address the growing demand for pet wellness CBD products and to provide pet owners with educational resources about safe, responsible use.
The initiative emerged at a time when the pet CBD market was expanding rapidly following the passage of the 2018 US Farm Bill, which legalised hemp-derived CBD products at the federal level. With the market growing quickly, cbdMD saw an opportunity to lead an industry-wide education effort and to establish standards for pet-safe CBD products. Since its launch, National Pet CBD Month has been supported by veterinarians, animal welfare organisations, and pet wellness brands across the United States.
Noteworthy Facts
- CBD was first isolated from the cannabis plant in 1940 by Roger Adams, a chemist at the University of Illinois.
- The US pet CBD market has grown significantly since the 2018 Farm Bill, with billions of dollars in annual sales across food, treats, tinctures, and topicals.
- Dogs have a higher density of cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, making them particularly sensitive to THC, which is why only THC-free products are safe for them.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) encourages veterinarians to discuss CBD with pet owners and provide evidence-based guidance.
- Pet CBD products are available in a range of forms including tinctures, soft chews, baked treats, peanut butter, and topical balms.
- Some research has explored CBD’s potential role in supporting dogs with osteoarthritis pain and situational anxiety, though large-scale clinical trials are still underway.
Hashtags
#NationalPetCBDMonth #PetCBD #PetWellness #CBDForPets #DogWellness #CatWellness #PawCBD
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