Pet owners in Fort Myers are finding a growing aisle of pet-friendly CBD options—everything from daily oils to targeted chews and topicals. Veterinary groups urge a cautious, informed approach: there are currently no FDA-approved cannabis-derived drugs for animals, and while early evidence is promising for issues such as osteoarthritis pain and seizure adjunct therapy, the research base remains limited. Owners should talk with their veterinarian before starting CBD and avoid products with intoxicating levels of THC.
What’s on shelves locally
Specialty hemp retailers such as Hemp Joi in Fort Myers stock pet-specific CBD lines, including tinctures, soft chews, and bacon-flavored oils formulated for dogs and cats. Regional “Your CBD Store” locations carry Sunmed’s pet collection—lower-potency cannabinoid formulas sized for small or large breeds—in tinctures, chewables, and mobility blends. The South Fort Myers shop has also promoted joint-support chews that pair CBD with green-lipped mussel. Independent pet boutiques in the metro (including nearby Estero) advertise CBD oils among their dog health selections, offering convenient curbside pickup.
How to spot higher-quality products
Look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal. To display it, companies must pass third-party audits every two years, follow strict labeling rules, maintain complaint tracking, and submit to random product testing—standards widely cited by veterinary trade outlets. Next, insist on a recent certificate of analysis (COA) for the exact batch from an ISO-accredited lab. Retailers such as Your CBD Store emphasize COA availability for every product, which helps confirm cannabinoid potency and that delta-9 THC remains within legal limits for pets.
Formats and use cases
Tinctures and oils allow precise, weight-based dosing for daily wellness or situational calm; soft chews and treats improve palatability; and some “mobility” formulas add joint-health ingredients like green-lipped mussel or turmeric. Sunmed’s pet line offers size-specific tinctures and chews for dogs and cats, while local boutiques carry a mix of flavors and strengths to suit picky eaters. Whatever the format, choose pet-specific formulas instead of repurposed human products.
Safe use and dosing basics
Most labels provide guidance in milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight; best practice is to start low, increase gradually over several days, and watch for excessive sedation, ataxia, or gastrointestinal upset. Any suspected cannabis exposure warrants immediate veterinary care. Owners should avoid human gummies and never give chocolate-containing edibles to pets.
Florida compliance check
Florida requires permitted businesses to sell properly labeled hemp extract; items “attractive to children” are prohibited. Since 2023, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has stepped up inspections, removing large volumes of illegal hemp products and reminding retailers about amended rules taking effect in 2025. For pet owners, this oversight encourages clearer labels and more transparent sourcing at reputable shops.
Final Thoughts
In Fort Myers, pet-friendly CBD is accessible at dedicated hemp stores, Your CBD Store locations, and knowledgeable pet boutiques. Prioritize NASC-sealed brands, verify COAs, select pet-specific broad-spectrum or CBD-only formulas, and coordinate with your veterinarian—especially if your pet takes other medications or has chronic conditions.