It’s not news that cannabidiol (CBD) is high in popularity and hemp products are all the rage. Across the U.S., people are jumping at CBD products for their posted benefits from its calming effects to alleviating pain. But what about animals? Just like their human owners, dogs can benefit from CBD, too. In recent years, with ongoing research up to 2026, CBD has gained even more traction for pets, supported by studies on its safety and efficacy for various conditions.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, a.k.a. THC, and the main part of cannabis that produces that high sensation, CBD is extracted from hemp or cannabis. Put simply, it's a type of chemical naturally found in cannabis. It contains less than 0.3% THC and is often in gels, gummies, oils, extracts, supplements, and more. But don’t fret: CBD is not psychoactive the same way THC is, and it is safe for both you and your dog. In fact, studies suggest CBD has a range of potential health benefits for your pets.
Whether you’ve used CBD products before or not, you might be uncertain about using them for your dog. We’ve got you covered and can cure your curiosity about all things dogs and CBD. Here’s a quick overview of how CBD can help your dog and answers to some of the questions you may have. This updated guide incorporates the latest veterinary insights and research to provide accurate, evidence-based information.
Dogs' endocannabinoid systems (which humans also have) affect their whole body: brain, heart, eyes, stomach, mood, and more. Cannabinoids (CBD) affect that system and have a range of effects.
CBD has been proven to help humans with depression, anxiety, inflammation, and more. The same goes for dogs. Some even say hemp calming for dogs is one of the best ways to combat your dog's anxious behavior including destruction and hyperactivity.
Here are a few more benefits of CBD for dogs:
Additional research highlights CBD's potential in supporting cancer treatment, immune function, and even heart health in pets. It may also aid in managing chronic conditions like allergies, pruritus (itching), and neurological issues. Overall, CBD benefits for pets extend to promoting relaxation, joint health, and digestive wellness, making it a versatile supplement for daily use.
Yes, CBD can help with dog anxiety, as supported by multiple studies. In one Cornell University study, 83% of dogs given CBD chews before a stressful event showed reduced stress or anxiety-related behaviors. CBD is particularly effective for separation anxiety, noise phobias (like fireworks or thunderstorms), car travel stress, and general fear-based reactivity. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to promote calmness without sedation. Many pet owners report improvements in excessive barking, whining, and destructive behaviors when using CBD for anxiety management. For best results, administer CBD 30-60 minutes before anticipated stressors.
Similar to humans, using CBD can pose some risks. Common issues include drowsiness and dry mouth, but everyone reacts differently. It all depends on how much CBD you give your pet. Higher doses make them more likely to experience side effects. It’s important to follow proper dosage. Give your dog a low dose when trying it out and raise it later over time as needed. Products should have a dosage chart on the seller’s website.
To help avoid those side effects, some suggest avoiding ingredients like artificial sweeteners and essential oils. Is it necessary to use pet-specific CBD products? Products designed for humans have the same CBD as products meant for pets. If the item is not made for pets specifically, read the label to check for the THC percentage and ingredients that could harm pets, such as artificial sweeteners, chocolate, and essential oils. And if you still have concerns, check with a veterinarian . Recent studies confirm CBD's good safety profile in dogs, with minimal side effects at physiological doses, but always monitor for interactions with other medications.
Veterinarians' recommendations on CBD for dogs vary due to regulatory constraints. While CBD is not FDA-approved for pets, many vets can discuss its potential benefits if state laws allow, but they cannot prescribe it. The AVMA notes it's illegal for vets to prescribe or dispense cannabis products for animals in the US. However, experts like Dr. Joseph Wakshlag from Cornell recommend discussing CBD for conditions like osteoarthritis, seizures, and anxiety. Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs? Often, yes, for its safety and efficacy in pain relief and stress reduction, but always consult your vet first to ensure it's appropriate for your pet's health needs.
Typically, CBD can stay in your dog’s system for up to 24 hours . Some factors that can affect how long CBD will stay in your dog’s body include weight, diet, and frequency of CBD use. Updated research shows effects typically last 4-8 hours, while traces may remain in the system for 24-48 hours or longer, influenced by metabolism, dosage, and potency. How long does CBD stay in dog system? It varies, but smaller dogs may clear it faster (1-2 days), while larger or chronic users retain it longer.
Whether you’re a brand-new dog owner or you’ve owned dogs for years, there’s always something to learn when it comes to a new puppy. When it comes to CBD, yes, you can give your puppy CBD. Start small with the dosage, see how they react, and go from there. Puppies may benefit from lower doses for anxiety or growth support, but consult a vet due to their developing systems.
CBD comes in a range of products, from capsules to oils and even CBD dog food. Typically, CBD is in the form of oils, creams, lotions, gels, and treats. Check out your local pet stores to see what’s available near you or online for the slew of products out there. Look for USDA organic, third-party tested products to ensure quality and safety.
Monitor your dog's reaction and see if its symptoms are improving or not. Because CBD impacts every pet differently, you'll want to test different products and find out what works best. Most importantly, discuss with a veterinarian whether CBD is a good choice for your dog. It’s also wise to schedule a visit with your vet and make sure your pet’s health is well-supported all around. With evolving research, CBD remains a promising natural option for pet wellness in 2026.
If you're located in Tulsa or the surrounding area and are looking for the right vet for your furry friend, get in touch with the team at Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists today. We'll talk soon!
CBD effects typically last 4-8 hours, with traces remaining in the system for 24-48 hours depending on factors like dose and metabolism.
Many vets discuss CBD's benefits but cannot prescribe it due to regulations; consult your vet for personalized advice.
Benefits include pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved mobility, seizure control, and support for digestion and immune health.
Start at 1 mg per 10 lbs body weight; see the chart above for details and adjust with vet input.
Similar to general CBD, vets may recommend oil forms for ease of dosing, but regulatory limits apply.
See above; generally 24-48 hours for clearance.
Brand-specific charts recommend starting low; use calculators for precise amounts based on weight.
Yes, studies show it reduces stress behaviors in 83% of cases for issues like separation and travel.
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