The reasons you may be interested in giving your dog CBD treats can vary. Maybe you’re interested in the calming effects that CBD may have on your dog’s behavior. Or maybe you have an elderly dog starting to experience the side effects of a well-lived life.
Depending on the reason, you may wonder, “How long does it take for CBD dog treats to take effect?”
Certain CBD uses benefit from a quicker or more delayed onset time, so knowing what to expect concerning this is important. CBD dog treats typically take 30 minutes to 4 hours to kick in, but factors like dosage, metabolism, and a dog’s weight and size can influence how long it takes in total.
How Long Do CBD Dog Treats Take to Work?
There isn’t a clear-cut answer to how long CBD dog treats kick in because it depends on the product. The onset time can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. That’s a wide time gap, but this is because onset time also depends on personalized factors, such as weight, metabolism, and tolerance.
Generally, we like to say that most dogs fall between those times and can expect to feel effects from a CBD dog treat between 30 minutes and 2 hours. It’s good to understand what’s happening in your dog’s body when given CBD to understand better the effects, especially if your dog is acting hyper and needs calming.
When CBD is administered to dogs as a dog treat, it is absorbed into the digestive system and enters the bloodstream. Once there, it’s distributed throughout the body, interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Within the ECS, CBD doesn't directly bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors like THC does. Instead, it influences the ECS indirectly by enhancing the activity of endogenous cannabinoids (such as anandamide) or interacting with other receptors and signaling pathways.
It’s believed that the interaction between CBD and the ECS may produce various effects, such as supporting mood, affecting pain sensation, and influencing the immune response. However, further research on the impact on dogs’ bodies is still needed.
CBD Dog Treats Effect Vs. CBD Dog Oil
CBD must pass through the digestive system and be metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This process means the onset of effects can be slower, typically taking 30 minutes to 2 hours, as the CBD must be digested and metabolized before it starts working.
The effects of CBD from treats can last longer, generally 6 to 8 hours, because the CBD is released more slowly as it needs to be digested. CBD treats work similarly to how CBD gummies work for humans since they are both edible; however, CBD gummies for human aren't ideal for dogs since they are not easily chewed, tend to stick to their mouths, and may take a while for dogs to swallow CBD gummies.
When administered sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food, CBD oil can be absorbed more directly into the bloodstream. This can lead to higher bioavailability and faster onset of effects compared to treats. The effects can be felt more quickly, often within 15 to 30 minutes — which can be a plus for a stressed dog.
While the onset is quicker, the duration of effects from CBD oil might be shorter. They typically last 4 to 6 hours, although this can vary based on the dog’s metabolism and the dosage.
While CBD oil can be added to food or administered directly into the dog’s mouth, some dogs might not find the taste appealing, making administration potentially more challenging. Treats are generally more convenient and easier to administer CBD, as most dogs already look forward to receiving treats.
How Long Do CBD Dog Treats Work to Calm a Dog Down?
The calming effects of CBD dog treats usually begin to take effect within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. Larger dogs may require higher doses to achieve the same calming effect, which might influence how long the effects last.
As pet parents, we know the situations that stress our dogs out. Before a car ride, a nail clipping, or a thunderstorm, you may wish to give your dog the highest quality CBD treats and tools to better manage his or her stress or fear.
Similarly, before a fireworks event, you can give your dog CBD ahead of time to help manage their anxiety and keep them calm during the loud noises.
How Long Do Hemp Dog Treats Take to Work?
You might have looked on Amazon for pet treats, but we must clearly distinguish between hemp oil treats vs. hemp-derived CBD treats. Amazon doesn’t allow for the sale of cannabinoids, which means if you’re shopping on Amazon for hemp pet treats, you’re not going to get any real benefits towards supporting the endocannabinoid system.
Hemp treats are generally made from hemp seed oil, which is rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids but contains no cannabinoids and will not produce any calming benefits. However, they might be combined with other chamomile valerian root and amino acids, like L-theanine, known for their calming effects, which could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to kick in.
Do Hemp Calming Dog Treats work faster?
As we mentioned, hemp-calming dog treats often contain a blend of ingredients with quicker onset times than CBD. Sometimes, these additional ingredients may lead to quicker onset times, especially if they work synergistically to promote relaxation.
How long do Hemp dog treats last?
The effects of hemp dog treats typically last between 4 to 8 hours. Like humans, dogs have individual variations in how they respond to hemp extracts. Some dogs may experience longer-lasting effects, while others may have a shorter duration of action.
Factors for Overall Dog Treat Effect
There are a few factors to consider when shopping for CBD treats for dogs.
Brand
You know the saying, “Our body is a temple”? Many pet owners apply this to their dog’s body, too. As they should. Our furry friends should only get the best. One of the first things to look at when considering dog CBD is the brand. A brand’s reputation and transparency can indicate CBD's quality in its products, as well as the safety of the dog treats.
Potency
Potency is one of the dominant factors in determining the effects of dog CBD. CBD treats with a lower dose of CBD will have a lower potency. Of course, there are factors besides the dose that can affect the potency of CBD products.
For those interested in controlling the potency and ingredients of their dog's treats, making your own can be a great solution. You can make your own CBD Dog treats that includes premium ingredients and allows you to customize the CBD dosage to suit your dog's specific needs.
Dog Weight & Size
A dog’s weight and size are major factors in CBD products' potency. How much CBD you administer to your dog should be according to their weight and size, so it’s crucial to follow a dosage guide
The Takeaway: How Long Do CBD Dog Treats Take to Kick In
CBD dog treats typically take about 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, depending on various factors such as the dog's size, metabolism, the treat formulation, and whether the treat is consumed on a full or empty stomach. While smaller dogs and those with faster metabolisms may experience quicker effects, larger dogs or those with slower metabolisms might take longer.
It's important to start with a lower dose and monitor your dog’s response, making adjustments as needed. Consulting with a veterinarian can also help ensure CBD dog treats' safe and effective use. By understanding these variables, pet owners can better manage the timing and dosage to achieve the desired calming effects for their dogs.
