CBD oil for dogs, also known as cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound and active ingredient extracted from the hemp version of the cannabis plant.

The cannabis plant has two varieties, hemp and marijuana. The hemp plant is rich in healthy cannabinoids (CBDs) and low in psychoactive compounds (THC). Marijuana has an opposite profile - it has fewer cannabinoids (CBDs) and is rich in psychoactive THC.

Taking CBD is safe for dogs. Pet owners must also buy quality CBD oils and treats. The use of CBD in veterinary medicine is on the rise, and the pet market is flooded with low-quality CBD products.

CBD Legal Status and Products

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-sourced CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol has psychoactive properties and makes people "high." THC is toxic to pets. Therefore, all pet CBD products are made from hemp plants, THC-free, and legal.

CBD extracts for pets, including full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate formulas, come in various forms, such as CBD oils, CBD treats, and CBD-infused topicals.

When buying CBD products, pet owners must double-check the legal status of hemp in their states. Hemp is legal on a federal level, but in some places, vets can be reluctant and legally restricted from discussing CBD use in pets.

Before making a purchase, research different pet CBD brands. Always buy from reliable manufacturers whose CBD products are third-party lab-tested.

Determining CBD Amounts

The specific amount of CBD for dogs depends on weight, age, and overall health. The general rule is to give dogs 1-5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight.

See a vet to determine the best CBD amount for your dog's needs. Different dogs of different sizes, activity levels, digestion, and diets can react to CBD differently. 

Veterinarians usually recommend starting with a lower amount of cannabis and increasing the amount to allow the dog to get adjusted, reducing the risk of adverse effects and ensuring safe use. Once the dog gets used to the supplement, you can increase the amount to achieve the desired health benefits.

Choosing a CBD Product

When choosing a CBD product for pets, dog owners must rely on research and consider several factors, such as brand, sourcing, ingredients, potency, and form.

Research different CBD brands and buy from reputable ones. Reading reviews from other customers is the best way to learn about a brand's transparency and reliability.

Next, you need to check the CBD sourcing. The best CBD for dogs is extracted from organic hemp, and not marijuana. Organic means it is free of heavy metals, pesticides, and contaminants (such as synthetic cannabinoids or vitamin E acetate). Hemp means it is non-psychoactive and free from THC (which is psychoactive and toxic to pets).

All ingredients used in the CBD oil or treats must be traceable, high-quality, and preferably organic. Some formulas include additional active ingredients to boost efficacy.

CBD comes as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate formulas. The full-spectrum CBD is considered the gold standard for CBD oils and CBD-infused edibles or topicals.

It is also important to choose the right product form. CBD is available as oils, treats, and topicals. Each form has its perks and is suitable for specific conditions and needs.

Read the Certificate of Analysis (COA) of the CBD product you choose. The COA is a document issued by an independent lab that confirms the product is pure, properly concentrated, and accurately labeled.

Finally, consider the CBD product’s price, the manufacturer's customer service, and return policy when making a decision. You can buy CBD from various sources, including online retailers, pet stores, and veterinary clinics.

CBD Safety and Risks

CBD products are safe for dogs, puppies over six months old, and senior dogs, according to current research. 

Based on the results of a clinical trial published in JVIM in 2023, "it is recommended to monitor liver function in dogs receiving CBD chronically." This is because cannabis affects liver enzyme production and may interact with other medications.

To support safe CBD use, buy high-quality CBD products and start with a lower cannabis amount. The quality ensures the products are pure, adequately labeled, and free from cannabinoids with psychoactive properties (THC) and contaminants (example: heavy metals).

Starting small with a low CBD amount gives the dog's body time to adjust.

When to See a Vet

Always see a veterinarian before starting your dog on CBD. Talking to a vet is particularly important if the dog has existing health conditions or is taking other medications.

If there are side effects noted, it is also critical that you see a veterinarian and have the cannabis amount adjusted. High amounts of CBD may cause unwanted effects. See your trusted vet promptly if you notice adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior after taking CBD.

Once the medical use of CBD is established, it is recommended that you see a vet regularly to monitor the dog's response to CBD treatment and its liver enzyme levels.

Immediate veterinary attention is critical if the dog accidentally consumes human cannabis products sourced from marijuana and exhibits signs of toxicity. Pale gums, rapid breathing, and altered heart rate are all red flags associated with THC-rich, CBD oil or edibles made for humans.

FAQ

Is CBD safe for all dogs?

Yes, CBD is safe for all dogs older than six months, according to the available literature. However, just because it is safe, it does not mean it is always suitable, and more research is warranted. Talk to your veterinary medicine practitioner to confirm whether your dog needs CBD products.

How much CBD should I give my dog?

You should give your dog between 1 and 5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Different dogs benefit from different dosages. The exact CBD oil amount depends on the dog’s weight, age, and health condition.

Can CBD interact with my dog’s medications?

Yes, CBD may interact with your dog's medications. If your dog is taking medications, it is best to consult a veterinarian before supplementing with CBD.

Will CBD make my dog “high”?

No, CBD will not make your dog "high". CBD products for pets are sourced from the hemp plant (not marijuana) and do not contain THC (the cannabinoid with psychoactive properties). Hemp-sourced medical cannabis for dogs has less than 0.3% THC, which is not enough to make dogs "high."

How long does it take for CBD to work in dogs?

It takes between 30 and 60 minutes for CBD oils to start working and anywhere from 45 to 120 minutes for CBD chews/treats. The exact onset of effects after CBD use depends on the dog's size, metabolism, and stomach content, as well as the quality of the CBD formula.

Where can I buy safe CBD products for my dog?

You can buy safe CBD products for your dog from trustworthy manufacturers specializing in pet CBD oils and treats. To avoid safety concerns and ensure quality, check if the CBD manufacturers have their hemp products tested by a third-party lab.

Try our CBD for dogs and explore our many options for various focuses.