CBD Oil for Dogs

Your dog is family, so it makes sense to want the same care for them that you choose for yourself. CBD made especially for pets has become one of the most popular ways dog owners add a little extra calm and comfort to their pet’s day.

This guide covers what CBD oil for dogs is, why pet parents use it, the different types to choose from, how much to give, how to pick a quality product, and a few safety basics every dog owner should know. There is also a section for cat owners.

What Is CBD Oil for Dogs?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the natural compounds found in the hemp plant. Like people, dogs have an endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that helps the body maintain balance. CBD interacts with that system, which is why so many pet parents add it to their dog’s daily routine.

CBD for pets comes from hemp, not marijuana. Hemp is legally defined by its very low THC content, the compound in marijuana that causes a high. That means a hemp CBD product made for pets will not make your dog high.

Pet CBD products are made differently from human ones. They use digestive-friendly base oils such as hemp seed oil, coconut oil, or olive oil, pet-friendly flavors, and serving sizes based on your animal’s weight.

Why Pet Parents Use CBD for Dogs

Calm during stressful moments

Thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, trips to the groomer or the vet, house guests, and time home alone can all leave a dog anxious. Dogs often show stress in quiet ways: panting, pacing, whining, hiding, or barking more than usual. Calming CBD chews combine CBD with soothing botanicals like chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root to help your dog relax and settle down when life gets loud.

Hip and joint mobility

Active dogs, big breeds, and senior dogs all put a lot of miles on their joints. Hip and joint chews pair CBD with familiar joint-support ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to support comfortable movement and mobility as your dog ages.

Healthy skin and coat

Skin and coat chews add omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and fish oil to CBD to support healthy skin and a shiny coat. For dry or cracked paw pads and noses, a CBD paw balm goes on right where it is needed.

Everyday wellness

Many owners simply give their dog a consistent daily serving of CBD as part of an overall wellness routine, alongside a balanced diet, exercise, and regular vet checkups.

Types of CBD for Dogs

• Tinctures (oils). A dropper bottle lets you measure a serving and add it to your dog’s food or give it by mouth. Tinctures are the easiest format to adjust to your dog’s size.
• Chews and treats. Pre-measured, tasty, and easy to give, especially for picky eaters. Many are made for a specific purpose, such as calming, hip and joint support, or skin and coat.
• Topical balms. Applied directly to paw pads, noses, and dry spots. Balms stay at the skin, so they are a good fit for targeted care.

Our Made By Hemp CBD Tincture for Dogs comes in two strengths: 200mg for small dogs and 500mg for large dogs and horses. For dry or cracked paw pads and noses, try our Made By Hemp Paw Balm.

How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog?

Serving size depends on the product’s strength and your dog’s weight, so always start with the serving guide on the label.

For a tincture, follow the serving directions on the label for your dog’s weight, add one serving to food or give it by mouth with the dropper, and repeat twice daily or as your veterinarian directs. A few more tips:

• Start at the low end of the label range and watch how your dog responds.
• Be consistent. Many owners find CBD works best as part of a daily routine. Give it a couple of weeks before deciding how it suits your dog.
• Plan ahead for big moments. For a known stressful event like fireworks or a long drive, give a serving ahead of time so it has a chance to work.
• Never use a human product or guess at a serving. Products for people are dosed and flavored for people.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

Talk to your veterinarian before you start, especially if your dog is pregnant, nursing, very young, or takes any medication. CBD can interact with some medications. Your vet knows your dog’s health history and can help you decide what is right for them.

When starting a new product, watch your dog closely. Some dogs may get sleepy, drool, or have an upset stomach. If you notice anything unusual, such as vomiting, unsteadiness, tremors, or unusual tiredness, stop and contact your veterinarian.

Keep human cannabis products and sweeteners away from your dog

• Marijuana products. Dogs are far more sensitive to THC than people are. Edibles, flower, and other marijuana products can make a dog seriously ill. Store them well out of reach.
• Xylitol. This sugar substitute, found in some human gummies, candy, gum, and peanut butter, is dangerous for dogs, according to the FDA. Never share human CBD gummies or edibles with your pet.
• If your dog gets into something, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.

How to Choose a Quality CBD Product for Your Dog

• Made for pets. Choose a product formulated for dogs, with a pet-friendly base and a serving guide by weight.
• A lab report you can read. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab confirms how much CBD is in the product and checks THC levels. Ask for one before you buy. Ours are on our Lab Results page.
• Know the spectrum. Full spectrum products keep the plant’s natural compounds, including trace THC within the legal hemp limit. Broad spectrum products keep the other compounds but have the THC removed. The CBDfx chews below are broad spectrum and THC free.
• Simple, recognizable ingredients. Look for US-grown hemp, a clear ingredient list, and no artificial sweeteners.
• A brand that answers questions. If a company cannot tell you where its hemp comes from or how it was tested, keep looking.

What About CBD for Cats?

Cats have an endocannabinoid system too, and many cat owners use CBD for the same reasons dog owners do, such as keeping calm through grooming, travel, a move, or a new pet in the house. Cats are smaller and more sensitive than most dogs, so always choose a product made for cats rather than sharing your dog’s.

Cats can be picky. A tincture is the easiest format: mix it into wet food, or place a drop on top of a paw for your cat to lick off. Shake well, follow the label, and give it consistently for about two weeks to see how your cat responds. Check with your vet first if your cat is pregnant or nursing.

Keeping Pets Calm and Safe Through the Holidays

Holidays, fireworks, and house guests are some of the most stressful times of year for pets. A little planning goes a long way:

• Make a quiet space. Set up a calm room or crate with their bed, toys, water, and a treat, away from the noise.
• Watch the door. Guests coming and going are the easiest way for a nervous pet to slip outside. A sign asking visitors to knock, or a baby gate, helps.
• Keep people food out of reach. Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, xylitol, fatty leftovers, and cooked bones can all make pets sick.
• Pet-proof the decorations. Tinsel, ornaments, light cords, candles, and plants like mistletoe and lilies are all hazards for curious pets.
• Plan for the loud nights. For fireworks and big gatherings, a calming chew given ahead of time can be part of your dog’s plan.

Our CBD Picks for Dogs

CBDfx chews come in two textures. Hard chews suit dogs who like something to crunch, and soft chews are easier for small, senior, or picky dogs. Each chew has 20mg of broad spectrum, THC-free CBD.

Hard chews

Soft chews

CBDfx publishes this serving chart for its 20mg calming chews. Check each package for its own directions.

Size of dog	CBDfx calming chews (20mg each)
Up to 25 lb.	½ treat daily
26 to 50 lb.	1 treat daily
51 to 100 lb.	2 treats daily
Over 100 lb.	3 treats daily

For paws and noses

Browse more in our CBD for pets collection. Questions about a product? Contact our team, we are happy to help.