It can take anywhere from 20 – 90 minutes for CBD items to work on your dog, depending on how you are dosing the CBD.
As loving and caring pet parents, it’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch your four-legged friend battle conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, anxiety, and GI issues. The good news is that administering CBD to your dog can help treat these health problems. If you want to give this treatment a try, you may be wondering how long it takes for CBD to work on dogs?
Understanding How CBD Works in Dogs
Before discussing timing, it’s important to understand how CBD interacts with your dog’s body. Dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps regulate important functions such as sleep, pain perception, immunity, and mood.
When your dog ingests CBD oil, it links to receptors within the ECS, helping to maintain homeostasis, fight off infections, and regulate various bodily functions. This interaction is what allows CBD to provide relief from pain, anxiety, seizures, digestive upset, and more.
How Long Before CBD Takes Effect in Dogs?
The time it takes for CBD to start working in dogs varies based on several factors, but there are some general timeframes to keep in mind:
Generally, CBD starts to take effect in your dog’s body within 30 minutes to an hour. However, every dog is different, and just because CBD is working doesn’t mean you’ll immediately notice its effects.
The onset time depends largely on the administration method:
- CBD given directly to your dog’s mouth or gums (sublingual absorption): Allow 20-60 minutes
- CBD given in your dog’s food or treat (absorbed in stomach): Allow 45-90 minutes
What to Expect: Timeline of CBD Effects
Here’s a general timeline of what to expect when giving your dog CBD:
- Immediate (0-30 minutes): No immediate reaction is typical
- Short-term (30-60 minutes): Initial onset of effects
- Medium-term (1-6 hours): The effects likely last anywhere from four to six hours after your dog feels the therapeutic effects.
- Long-term (Weeks of consistent use): CBD has a cumulative effect in your dog’s body, so the consistency of daily use can improve the outcomes. We recommend administering the same amount of CBD for a minimum of 30 days, even if you aren’t seeing the desired benefits within a week or so.
Factors Affecting CBD Kick-in Time For Canines
Several factors influence how quickly your dog will respond to CBD:
1. Administration Method
With a tincture applied directly to the mouth, the compounds are able to interact with the endocannabinoid system quickly through the bloodstream. If you’re feeding your dog CBD in treat form rather than providing a hemp plant tincture, it may take longer to see effects.
2. Dog’s Size and Metabolism
Studies show that larger dogs may metabolize CBD more slowly than smaller dogs. Smaller dogs may process CBD faster and therefore might need more frequent doses, while larger dogs tend to experience longer-lasting effects.
3. The Condition Being Treated
It can also depend on what condition you are using the CBD oil to help with. For stress problems, CBD oil typically can start to calm your dog within 30-60 minutes. For more chronic issues such as joint pain and mobility, it may take 2-4 weeks for optimal results, especially as you experiment with finding the proper dose for your dog.
4. Consistency of Use
The benefits of CBD will be more noticeable after you’ve been giving your dog the same dose for a few days or weeks. CBD has a cumulative effect in your dog’s body, so the consistency of daily use can improve the outcomes. It might take you a month to see the full benefits of a dog CBD oil dose.
5. Food Consumption
Studies show CBD remains in the body for longer periods of time if your pet consumes fatty foods before administering CBD. CBD is fat-soluble, which means it will stay in the body if it has fat molecules available.
How Long For Signs of Relief to Show After Giving Your Dog CBD
As mentioned earlier, dogs respond differently when giving CBD to them.
Finding the sweet spot requires a little bit of experimenting. It is advisable to start with a low dose of CBD and monitor your pup’s reaction. If you don’t see changes in her within the above timelines, increase the dose amount little by little.
Please note that, at the moment, there’s no standard CBD dose for dogs. How much CBD oil your dog needs will be up to you to determine, for the most part.
However, high quality CBD manufacturers will likely indicate the dosage charts on the label to guide you in adjusting the CBD amount according to your dog’s weight. Generally speaking, large-sized or overweight dogs tend to require higher dosages than underweight ones.
Eventually, you’ll notice a difference when the CBD oil starts working. Finding that therapeutic dose to help your dog’s health conditions will just take some time to figure out – that’s all.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Response to CBD
When determining if CBD is working for your dog, observation is key:
Monitor your dog’s digestion, demeanor, and overall behavior. Unfortunately, our dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling better.
Look for subtle changes in:
- Activity level
- Mobility and ease of movement
- Comfort level
- Sleep patterns
- General demeanor and calmness
Summary – How Long Does CBD Take to Work on Dogs?
CBD can be a valuable addition to your dog’s wellness routine, but understanding the timing of its effects is crucial for success. Most dogs will begin to experience the effects of CBD within 30-60 minutes, with full benefits developing over days or weeks of consistent use.
Remember that every dog is unique, and finding the right dosage and timing may require some patience and adjustment. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on CBD, especially if they’re taking other medications.
By understanding how long CBD takes to work on dogs and what factors influence its effectiveness, you can make better decisions about incorporating it into your pet’s wellness routine and set realistic expectations for results.
If you have any concerns, always consult your vet.
