CBD for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide to Quality, Safety, and How it Works

CBD for dogs interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in maintaining overall balance and may play a role in managing everyday stress. This is most effective when the product is a high-quality, THC-free formulation like Broad Spectrum CBD, however it is not guaranteed that you will pass a drug test after consuming this product.*

Picking out a wellness supplement for your pet is a big deal and can honestly feel a little scary when you are a Concerned Pet Parent who just wants the best for your furry friend. You might be worried about whether a product is safe or if it may assist your dog with staying relaxed during everyday situations.

We aren't here to give you a bunch of flashy talk; instead, we are going to look at the facts behind how CBD works for dogs. This guide will show you the real science of the endocannabinoid system in dogs and why factors like hemp sourcing and manufacturing standards matter when choosing a pet wellness product. We will explain exactly how it works in their body so you can feel good about your choices.

The Secret "Balance System" Inside Your Dog

Did you know your pup has a built-in system designed just to keep them feeling good? It is called the endocannabinoid system in dogs, or the ECS for short. Think of the ECS as a regulatory network that helps the body maintain internal balance.

This system is made up of three simple parts that work together like a lock and key:

• Natural Signals: These are little messengers your dog's body makes on its own to send "feel-good" vibes.
• Receivers: These are like tiny docking stations found all over their body that wait to catch those signals.
• The Clean-up Crew: These are natural workers that break down the signals once they’ve done their job, so the body doesn't get overwhelmed.

How CBD works for dogs

When you give your pup CBD, it talks to those "Receivers" we mentioned earlier, which is commonly associated with maintaining a relaxed state*. One group of receivers is found mostly in the brain and handles things like mood and movement.

Because dogs have more of these receptors in their brain than humans do, they are sensitive to even trace amounts of THC. That is why Fab CBD is formulated to be THC-free, making sure your pup stays grounded and steady.

Another group of receptors is found throughout the body. CBD helps these receivers do their job better, which are involved in maintaining overall balance*

Helping Your Dog Stay Chill

When looking at CBD for dogs, explained simply, the oil works by supporting the body’s own natural "happy signals". Instead of disappearing quickly, these signals stay active longer, which may help your dog manage everyday stress* from things like loud fireworks or being left home alone.

It is often included in post-activity routines for dogs after physical exercise*, helping your pup feel more relaxed after a long day of playing at the park.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?

Keeping your dog safe is likely your top priority, and you might be wondering, is CBD oil safe for dogs?. Experts say that CBD is generally very safe because the dose it would take to actually hurt a dog is incredibly high. In fact, there are no known cases of a dog having a fatal reaction from just taking CBD.

Because their bodies handle it so well, it is commonly used as part of a daily pet wellness routine* during everyday stress*.

THC Sensitivity in Dogs

Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans are, which is why we at Fab CBD use Broad Spectrum hemp for their dog treats. This type of extract has all the good stuff from the plant but is THC-free, making it a very safe choice for quick snacks or rewards.

Since these products contain no THC, they are perfect for pet parents who want to be extra careful, however it is not guaranteed that you will pass a drug test after consuming this product. This choice may help maintain a sense of calm* without making your pup feel dizzy or confused.

Side Effects and Drug Interactions

While it is safe, there are a few side effects of CBD in dogs that you should watch for. Some dogs might feel a bit sleepy or have a bit of a rumbly tummy, which usually comes from the coconut oil used in the bottle. Your dog might also get extra thirsty and drink more water than usual.

You should be aware that CBD changes how the liver processes certain things. This helps the CBD and the other meds work together as part of a balanced daily routine* instead of causing issues.

What to Look for in High-Quality Dog CBD Ingredients

Finding the best wellness products for your pup starts with knowing exactly what to look for in dog CBD ingredients. You see, hemp plants are natural "phytoremediators," which is a fancy way of saying they act like giant sponges for the soil.

While this is cool for the environment, it means if the hemp grows in bad soil, it can soak up heavy metals and toxins that end up in the final product. Because dogs have small livers, they are even more sensitive to these toxins than we are.

Sourcing and Extraction Standards

To keep things safe, Fab CBD only uses organically grown Colorado hemp. Colorado has some of the strictest rules for farming, making sure the hemp is non-GMO and free from nasty pesticides. 

For the extraction part, they use the Supercritical CO2 extraction method. This is the "gold standard" because it pulls the good stuff out of the plant using only pressurized air no harsh chemicals or toxic solvents required.

Carrier Oils: Why MCT Matters

The type of oil mixed with the hemp is also a big deal when looking at carrier oils in dog CBD (MCT, hemp seed). Fab CBD uses MCT oil (derived from coconuts) because it is much easier for your dog to digest than heavy vegetable oils.

MCT oil goes straight to the liver for quick energy, which helps the body absorb the CBD much faster, which allows the product to be absorbed more efficiently*. It is also very stable and less likely to cause a rumbly tummy.

Full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD for pets

When you are shopping, you will see two main types of extracts: Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum. Full Spectrum CBD contains the "whole plant" profile, including tiny amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). This creates the entourage effect, where all the plant parts work together and may help maintain general wellness* and relaxation*.

On the other hand, Broad Spectrum CBD has all those great plant parts but is completely THC-free. This is often chosen for everyday use or behavioral wellness* because it is easy to use and super safe for casual use. It is important to know that while these products are made to be clean, it is not guaranteed that you will pass a drug test after consuming this product.

CBD oil dosage chart for dogs

Knowing how to administer CBD oil to dogs is all about their weight. Instead of just guessing, you should follow a CBD oil dosage chart for dogs based on milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). A good rule of thumb is to start with 0.5 mg/kg for general wellness and go up to 2.5 mg/kg for more serious needs.

Here is a step-by-step example of how to do the math:

1. Find the concentration: In a 600mg bottle (30ml), there is 20mg of CBD in every 1ml dropper.
2. Check your dog's weight: Let's say your dog weighs 20kg (about 44lbs).
3. Calculate the dose: For a standard dose of 1.0 mg/kg, you multiply 20kg x 1.0mg to get 20mg.
4. Give the oil: Since 1ml equals 20mg, you would give your pup one full dropper to may help maintain a sense of calm*.

Always start with a small amount and slowly increase it over a week to may help maintain your dog's balance during everyday stress*.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got more questions about using CBD oil as part of your dog’s daily routine? Check out these quick answers to the most common things people ask about using CBD oil for dogs.

Will CBD oil make my dog feel "high"? 

No, your dog will not get "high" from quality CBD for dogs because it is made from hemp with less than 0.3% THC. Fab CBD uses Broad Spectrum CBD to make sure their pet products are THC-free, which means they do not cause intoxication, however it is not guaranteed that you will pass a drug test after consuming this product.*

How long does it take for CBD to work in dogs? 

The time it takes to see the effects* depends on how you give it to them. If you put sublingual oil directly under their tongue, it typically takes 20-40 minutes to work. If they eat CBD dog treats, it usually takes 45-60 minutes because they have to digest the treat first.*

Can I give my dog CBD oil every day? 

Yes, you can give your dog CBD every day to may help maintain general wellness*. Because CBD stays in a dog's system for about 4 to 9 hours, giving them a dose twice daily is a great way to maintain stable levels and may help maintain your dog’s balance during everyday stress*.*

What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for pet CBD? 

A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, is a report from an outside lab that proves a product is safe and high-quality. It verifies how much CBD is actually in the bottle and makes sure there are no scary contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals.*

Should I talk to my vet before giving my dog CBD? 

Yes, you should always chat with your vet before starting any new supplement for your pet's wellness. This is super important if your dog is already taking other medications for swelling, as CBD can change how their body processes those meds.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.