The research on the hemp plant has opened up a world of benefits for humans and pets. CBD (Cannabidiol), the primary active ingredient in hemp plants, supports the optimal function of the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining the body’s balance (homeostasis).
Our dogs are also gifted with an endocannabinoid system and can enjoy the benefits of high-quality CBD products. Provided they take it regularly and consistently.
If you struggle to get your pet to eat CBD and also want to know “how long does CBD stay in a dog’s system”, you are at the right place. We’ll share some valuable stuff that will make administering CBD much easier—and your pet will thank and love you for it too.
How Long Do CBD Effects Last in Dogs?
When we talk about how long a supplement lasts in a dog’s body, it means that we are talking about that supplement’s “half-life”. Half-life is the time the concentration of the supplement takes to decrease by half the amount that was originally given.
The half-life of CBD in dogs is about 4-5 hours, which means CBD effects last in a pet’s system for about 24 hours, but it may need to be there at a certain level to achieve desired results.
This means that even though you gave your pet about 2 mg of CBD in the morning, and you know it will stay in their system through the evening, the amount of CBD present in their system by the end of the day may not be sufficient to offer them the desired temporary comfort they need.
If you are giving your dog CBD oil as a whole addition to their health stack, it may only need one dose a day while other dogs might need two, especially if being used to promote relaxation. Again, it depends on your pet’s metabolic rates and physiology.
How Does CBD Work for Dogs?
CBD is usually well tolerated by canines, and very few side effects are reported by owners who have given CBD products to their pets. CBD works with systems in a dog’s body that take care of things like sleep, mood, memory, and appetite.
CBD is a great supplement for your dog as it helps in:
Healthy GI Function: CBD helps to support gut health, so if your pet suffers from gastric upsets too often, CBD can provide much-needed comfort and help maintain its natural gut flora.
Healthy brain function: CBD supports cognitive function in dogs and provides them with important fatty acids that promote optimal brain function.
Joint & Mobility Support: Everyone wants their dogs as happy and mobile as possible and for as long as possible. CBD supports joint and cartilage health which can maintain your dog’s mobility.
Environmental stress alleviation: Dogs that are stressed by daily environmental factors can benefit from CBD’s soothing qualities. CBD promotes relaxation and calmness for better emotional stability.
Factors that Affect How Long CBD Stays in a Dog’s System
Here are some factors that affect how long CBD stays in a pet’s system:
CBD dosing
The amount of CBD administered plays an important role in staying in a dog’s system. Higher doses usually take longer to metabolize and eliminate.
It’s important to follow the doctor’s recommendations on dosing, as excessive amounts may extend the duration of stay of CBD in the dog’s body.
Diet
A dog’s diet can significantly affect CBD absorption and metabolism. CBD is soluble in fat, meaning it is better absorbed when taken with dietary fats.
Dogs who consume a high-fat diet may experience a longer presence of CBD in their system as compared to those who are taking low-fat diets.
Body Weight
The dog’s weight is a crucial factor in impacting CBD duration. Heavier dogs usually have a higher volume of distribution for medications, potentially causing faster metabolism and elimination. On the other hand, smaller dogs may keep CBD in their system for longer.
Activity level
The activity level of a dog also influences the metabolism of CBD. Active dogs have higher metabolism, hence eliminate CBD more quickly than those who are usually sedentary.
Regular exercise can lead to a healthier metabolism, potentially influencing how long CBD stays in your pet’s system.
Biochemical Makeup
Every dog’s unique biochemical makeup contributes to variations in CBD metabolism. Factors such as genetics, liver function, and the efficiency of the endocannabinoid system all play an important role.
Dogs with compromised liver function may process CBD slowly, prolonging its presence in the body.
What Are the Uses of CBD for Dogs?
Here are some notable uses of CBD for dogs:
Joint Discomfort
CBD has become popular for its anti-inflammatory qualities, making it a promising aid for dogs suffering from joint discomfort or arthritis.
By working with the endocannabinoid system, CBD may alleviate pain and decrease inflammation, enhancing mobility and overall joint health.
Stress
Dogs, just like humans, can go through anxiety and stress. CBD works with receptors in the nervous system, potentially promoting a sense of relaxation and calm.
Whether triggered by thunderstorms or anxiety, CBD may provide a natural remedy to ease stress in dogs.
Digestive Issues
CBD may help in regulating the digestive system by influencing the endocannabinoid receptors in the gut. This can be beneficial for pooches dealing with issues like vomiting, nausea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea qualities of CBD could contribute to a healthier digestive tract.
Travel
For dogs that find travel stressful, whether it’s a short ride or a longer journey, CBD might alleviate travel-related stress. By promoting a calmer mind, CBD can make the travel experience more enjoyable and comfortable for our furry buds.
Overall Health
CBD supports the overall balance and health of the endocannabinoid system. Regular use of CBD may lead to a dog’s overall well-being, acting as a preventive measure against various health problems.
Aging
As dogs get old, they may go through challenges like cognitive decline and reduced mobility. CBD’s anti-inflammatory qualities and potential neuroprotective effects make it an important supplement for senior dogs, enhancing joint health and cognitive function.
Situations that Provoke Feelings of Anxiety
Whether it’s loud noises, new environments, or unknown faces, situations that trigger anxiety in dogs can be nasty. CBD may provide an organic way to manage these stressful feelings, providing a sense of calm and balance.
How to Give CBD to Your Dog?
Use CBD Treats Formulated For Dogs
Using CBD oil with your dog can be difficult, especially if they won’t stand still and turn their cute nose just at the smell of the product. You can end up wasting a lot of expensive CBD products and irritate your dogs by forcing CBD oil into their mouth.
And dogs, we care for you also—even some humans don’t like the natural bitter taste of hemp, which is why we want to inform you about CBD hemp chews that are infused with a pre-measured amount of CBD and other natural ingredients.
These hemp chews are made with simple human-grade ingredients that are vegan-friendly and are a treat that you will feel great about giving to your dog.
Whenever you’re buying CBD treats for your dogs, we advise you to check the ingredients list and make sure that there aren’t any artificial ingredients involved such as colors, rendered fats, or butylated hydroxyanisole that can cause stomach upsets in your pooch. If you want to make homemade delights, try a CBD pet treat recipe for a special touch.
Mix CBD Oil For Dogs With Food
If your dog is a bonafide bowl cleaner then adding CBD oil to its meal is a great idea. If they are motivated, they have no problem licking the bowl clean even with a few drops of CBD added.
Luckily, the flavor of the CBD pet treats is covered by the taste and texture of their dog food or treats, making it a no-brainer choice.
Just in case the natural flavor of full spectrum CBD oil is too strong for your pet even when mixed with their regular food, you can choose bacon-flavored CBD oils to further hide the scent.
Be Direct With CBD Oil
If you have a dog that catches even the smallest change in their food’s flavor, making them consume it after you’ve added CBD is very difficult.
But don’t worry as here being direct with CBD oil for your dog comes into the picture. This approach also is not very easy and might make you feel like you’re doing bad to your dog, but don’t think too much, just open their mouth and boom, put oil in it.
Studies have shown that consuming CBD under the tongue allows the compounds in the oil to enter the bloodstream quickly and more effectively.
Therefore, if your pet is going through an issue that it may need quick relief from, direct administration of CBD oil could be the best approach.
How Long Does CBD Take to Kick in for Dogs?
CBD works differently in different dogs. There’s no one answer to “How long does it take to work?” The amount that works for one pooch might not work for another.
Also, it depends on the purpose you are using CBD for your dog, which will vary according to the reason. We advise you to start low and slow. Don’t be in a haste for CBD to work. You want CBD to work according to its own time with your dog’s system.
Try the recommended dosage on the label for about 7-10 days and then adjust accordingly. If you notice benefits, you can continue with the same dosage.
If you don’t notice any CBD effects at that dosage, increase the dosage slowly, then wait another 8-10 days, and so on. When determining if the CBD oil starts working, observe your dog’s digestion and behavior. Unfortunately, dogs can’t tell when they’re feeling great either.
If you know your pet well, you will be able to recognize even the most slight health benefits, especially if they have joint discomfort and show differences in their movements. Note down details in a notebook, even if they’re small, subtle differences.
Each pet will need a different amount of CBD oil according to their dog’s weight, age, size, and breed.
What is the Right CBD Dosage for Dogs?
It’s crucial to give your dog the right amount of CBD. It’s usually given in the form of oil and about 1-2 milligrams per 10 lbs of body weight.
With a true USDA organic, and void of any chemical extractions, full-spectrum CBD oil doesn’t have any risk of overdose.
With CBD oil, it’s easy to control the dosage you are giving to your dog, although there are several kinds of products. And also the dose you give your dog will depend on many factors, including the potency of the CBD product.
How Does CBD Make a Dog Feel?
CBD, or cannabidiol, affects dogs by working with their ECS (endocannabinoid system), a complex network of receptors that play an important role in maintaining balance in the body. When dogs take CBD, it may induce a sense of calmness and relaxation.
This is primarily attributed to CBD’s ability to impact serotonin receptors, which are related to mood regulation.
Moreover, CBD has anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce discomfort or pain in dogs, making them more comfortable. This is particularly great for older dogs or those dealing with issues like arthritis.
Additionally, CBD may help manage anxiety and stress in dogs by modulating the ECS to induce a more balanced emotional state.
It’s crucial to note that individual responses may vary, and factors such as dosage, dog’s size, and overall health should be kept in mind.
Responsible dog owners should consult with doctors before giving CBD to their dogs to ensure appropriate dosage and usage.
Overall, many pet owners report positive results, with their dogs enjoying a greater sense of well-being and enhanced quality of life when appropriately administered CBD.
Summary
CBD oil is a great supplement for a dog’s overall health & wellness and gives them relief whenever they want.
CBD will stay in your pet’s system for about a day, but depending on the dosage, the severity of symptoms, and its physiology, your dog may need more or less than a full recommended regular dose of CBD.
It’s crucial to speak to your dog’s doctor before starting any new supplementation routine, including CBD oil supplementation, to ensure that it’s a good fit for your specific dog’s health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD work for dogs?
Yes CBD works for dogs and is used to manage various ailments in them such as arthritis, anxiety, pain, aggression, etc.
How quickly does CBD take effect in dogs?
If your dog is given a proper dose of CBD, you will notice a calmer, more relaxed behavior in about an hour. The benefits of CBD will also be more prominent after you give your dog the same amount for a few days or weeks.
Does dog CBD oil expire?
Yes, everything has a use time. CBD or hemp seed oil that has sat around for more than 3 years can lose its cannabinoids and omega fatty acids.
Will CBD oil calm my dog?
Yes, studies show that CBD oil can reduce fear-based aggression in dogs. However, behavioral obedience training is always recommended.
How Long Do The Effects Of CBD Oil Last For Dogs?
CBD effects especially when used for calm usually last for about 6-8 hours in the dog’s system. However, we recommend using CBD regularly so that the effects build over time.