Using Pet CBD for Your Pooch: How Long Does CBD Last in a Dog?

All doggo parents want the best for their pup. That’s why more dog parents are giving their fur babies CBD.

As dogs age, they can’t run and jump like they used to. They might be more tired, or experience stress easily. CBD alleviates many of these symptoms and improves their quality of life.

If your dog has health problems or is suffering from age-related side effects, you want nothing more than to get Fido back to when he/she was a puppy.

If you’re trying CBD for dogs, you may ask yourself some common questions, like “How soon will my dog show the effects of CBD?” and, most importantly, “How long does CBD last in a dog?”

These questions aren’t easy to answer, but we’ll cover the most critical factors influencing how dogs react to CBD and how pet parents can introduce this cannabinoid to dogs for maximum benefits.

What to Know About Giving CBD to Your Dog

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the hemp plant. CBD isn’t psychoactive and is generally safe for humans and animals. However, you will need to know the difference between hemp and CBD for dogs.

Mammals have an endocannabinoid system, which means that cannabinoids in hemp interact with various cell receptors in our peripheral and central nervous systems.

More studies are emerging that prove CBD is an effective way to improve your pet’s quality of life. In a Cornell study, dogs were given CBD, and 83% of participants showed a decrease in stress-related behaviors and even joint pain.

For more on CBD and its benefits, visit this CBD blog for related articles.

Factors That Influence the Effects Of CBD on Dogs

How CBD interacts with a dog depends on two vital factors: their physiology and the dosage you give them.

Physiology

Humans domesticated wolves 15,000 years ago, and dogs have changed drastically. Today, we can find dogs in various breeds that differ in physiology.

Some dog parents prefer lap puppies, like Shih Tzus. Other dog parents can’t get enough of gentle giants like Great Danes.

What does this have to do with CBD? All dogs are different, and no two pups will react similarly to CBD. Every dog has a different physiology, which can impact how they metabolize CBD and their overall CBD regimen.

Some of the physical factors to consider when giving CBD to your dog include:

• Diet
• Weight
• Activity level
• Overall biochemical makeup

Dosage

Every CBD manufacturer recommends a minimum CBD dosage for your dog, but sometimes you may need to give Fido more or less than this amount.

If you give your pup too much, they’re at risk for developing mild side effects of CBD for dogs. But if you give doggo too little, they won’t experience the maximum benefits?

How do you know which dosage to give your dog when using dog CBD oil?

Start by looking at the amount of CBD in the product. Dogs new to CBD should start with the lowest amount of CBD possible, such as 100 mg per container.

Use the recommended dose on the container; depending on the product, it could be half a dropper of CBD oil or one treat per day. Once your pet builds a tolerance, give them a product with more CBD, such as 125 or 150 mg.

You can also go by your dog’s weight. If you have a larger dog, such as a 50-pound German Shepherd, you can start your dog with a more potent product or a higher dose.

How Long Does CBD Stay in Dogs System?

Once you include CBD in your dog’s daily wellness plan, the cannabinoid builds up in their system. The higher your dose, the longer the CBD is in the system. But how long does CBD last in a dogs system?

While CBD's effects generally last 4-6 hours, the endocannabinoid system is always working. When CBD enters the body, it reacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors to transmit signals in different directions.

Even long after the doggo takes CBD, the endocannabinoids the body produces will continue moving in that same direction. That’s why CBD administration can impact and regulate various bodily processes long-term.

Some people want to know, ‘How long does CBD last for my dog? As stated, the more CBD you give Fido, the longer it stays in its body. This also depends on the pet’s size.

For a general timeframe, if you’re administering CBD at the smallest possible dose, CBD oil typically may last in the body for three days.

But if you give your dog the maximum dose or a highly potent product, it could stay in their body for at least 10 days.

Introducing CBD to Dogs

Now that you understand the effects of CBD and how long it lasts in a dog’s system, it’s time to try some products.

If you’re new to CBD oil for dogs, you will quickly notice that the market is vast–even for pet products. So, where do you start?

First, decide which product to give your dog. There are two main types of pet CBD products: treats and oils.

Treats contain extra calories, so many dog parents prefer giving their fur baby the oil. Pet parents can mix CBD oil with their food.

From here, you can gauge which dose to give them. A half dropper of 100 mg CBD is a good place to start if you have a small dog or a larger dog using CBD for the first time.

Does CBD For Dogs Work? - How to Spot the Effects

Since CBD isn’t psychoactive, it can be challenging to know if your dog is benefitting from hemp products.

However, there are subtle signs that prove CBD is working in your dog’s system to improve their quality of life.

Better Coat

Many dog breeds suffer from various skin problems, such as itchiness and inflammation from skin allergies. These conditions result in your dog's dull coat and behaviors like excessive scratching and biting.

CBD is touted for its anti-inflammatory benefits. A study by CannPal discovered that CBD reduced skin inflammation and itchiness by 51%.

Since your pet won’t be scratching and biting as much, it will have soft, thick, and lustrous fur with no more skin lesions or patchiness.

Improved Mobility

As dogs age, their activity levels slow down. They may sleep more, stop jumping, and walk slower than they did as puppies.

Is this due to old age? Or aches and discomfort? While your vet may have an idea, your dog can’t exactly tell you they’re in pain. That’s why there’s no harm in giving CBD to your dog.

Studies show that CBD improves mobility in dogs with various disorders. While they may not jump and play the same way they did as a puppy, it may help make their life a little easier.

Boosted Mood

Many dogs express stressful behaviors. Dogs are sensitive to noises, new people, and even other dogs. Even boredom can stress out your pet.

Stress isn’t the only negative emotion that dogs feel. Sadness and loneliness are also common emotions that pet owners see in their pets, especially when their human is at work all day or on vacation. They can also feel angry and frustrated for various reasons.

The good news is CBD is favored for its potential to improve mental health. A study by Waltham showed that dogs who took CBD were less stressed with lower cortisol levels

After giving your dog CBD, you may notice less whining, reduced barking, and fewer destructive behaviors like chewing.

Can Your Dog Take Too Much CBD?

Even though CBD comes with mild side effects, you may be worried about how much CBD oil to give Fido.

So, can your dog take too much CBD or even overdose? Technically, yes. If your dog takes too much CBD, it may show side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If you notice these symptoms, take your dog to the vet.

The good news is there are many ways to decrease the likelihood of an overdose.

First, don’t give your dog CBD treats. We all know how much dogs beg for treats, and they may convince their human to give them an extra soft chew. Mix CBD oil into their food to ensure you give your dog a safe dosage.

How to Select the Best CBD for Dogs

If you decide to give your dog CBD, the next step is to find the highest quality product. There are a few things to consider when choosing a CBD product or brand.

Certificate of Analysis

A certificate of analysis (COA) is a third-party test that shows the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids, including THC, in the product.

Most brands offer this test result on their website. If you can’t find it, contact them and request the COA. Don’t buy CBD for your dog without reviewing the COA.

CBD Type

Most pet owners can find two types of CBD for dogs: broad-spectrum and full-spectrum. Broad-spectrum CBD includes CBD and all the cannabinoids in the hemp plant, plus the terpenes. Other cannabinoids and terpenes have various benefits and can strengthen the effects of CBD.

Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes plus less than 0.3% THC. While many pet parents may shy away from full-spectrum, understand that a small amount of THC won’t get your pet high or cause severe side effects.

When all plant compounds work together, the entourage effect produces better results. However, seeing the COA first is detrimental since high amounts of THC aren’t safe for dogs.

Product Type

While humans can take several CBD products, two are available to dogs: CBD oil and treats. As stated, we suggest giving CBD oil to a dog for more accurate dosing.

However, most CBD oils have a hemp flavor; while you can mix it into your dog’s food, the food may not mask the taste.

On the other hand, treats are tastier, and Fido is more inclined to devour them. If you stick to treats, choose ones with less CBD to avoid giving your dog too much.

Expiration Date

If you were wondering does dog cbd oil expire, the answer is yes.

Over time, CBD and other cannabinoids break down, diminishing the product’s effectiveness. Using an expired product may fail to deliver the desired benefits for your pet.

This is why it’s essential to choose a product with a shelf life of at least a year and store it properly in a safe, cool, and dark place.

FAQs

Do vets recommend CBD for dogs?

The FDA hasn’t approved the medical use of CBD for animals, so your vet is very limited in what they can say about hemp products for pets. Even though the research is positive, there aren’t enough studies to prove that CBD can support many medical conditions.

You should inform your vet of any supplements you give your pet, such as CBD. If your dog has any side effects from CBD, call your vet or take Fido in immediately.

How many times a day can I give my dog CBD drops?

It depends on their dosage. Some manufacturers require giving them drops once daily, while others recommend twice daily.

If your dog has a large dosage, it may be best to break it up into two separate doses, while dogs on smaller doses may use it once a day.

Is it safe to give my dog CBD?

Overall yes. Only 1.12% of calls to Animal Poison Control Centers are related to cannabis, meaning that dogs tolerate non-psychoactive CBD well.

That said, CBD does come with mild side effects. Giving your dog too much can lead to more side effects, so start them off at a low dose and increase if necessary.

Can you give CBD oil to dogs on an empty stomach?

All owners should give CBD to their dogs during mealtime. This will give them more incentive to eat it and make it easier on their stomachs.

Does CBD have long-term effects on dogs?

There hasn’t been enough research to make any conclusions. We know CBD is safe if you give them the dosage the manufacturer recommends. This study states that dogs handle 4 mg CBD/day for six months.

My dog didn’t react well to CBD. How do you detox the CBD out of a dog’s system?

First, don’t give them any more CBD. Otherwise, as the owner, you can only ensure they drink water. The CBD will leave your dog’s body, even if it might take a few days.

If your dog still shows side effects after a couple of days, take them to the vet.

Give Fido the Highest Quality CBD for Dogs

It’s heartbreaking to see your dog struggling to walk, in a bad mood, or constantly scratching. Fortunately, CBD can improve the quality of your dog’s life in different ways.

If you just started giving CBD to your pup, you may ask yourself this question: how long does CBD last in a dog? The effects of CBD will last about six hours, but Fido’s endocannabinoid system will continue working days after taking that first dose.

If you’re interested in trying CBD, the first step is to find the best product.

We make our CBD for pets like our human products: we start with the highest-quality, organic hemp. For the most accurate dosing, we offer CBD oil to mix into your dog’s wet or dry food.

While we sell full-spectrum CBD, we also provide a certificate of analysis to ensure our products are consistently below 0.3% THC.

Shop our CBD products for pets!