Cannabis for dogs: effects, use & risks 🌿🐶

Anyone who loves their dog only wants to give them the best - especially if they are in pain or suffering from stress. In recent years, CBD has been increasingly recommended as a natural support for dogs. But is it really a good idea? 🤔

The most important question first: is CBD safe for dogs? Yes, as long as it is used correctly! CBD does not get you high and can help with certain ailments. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider before giving your four-legged friend CBD. In this blog, you can find out how CBD works in dogs, what it is used for and what you should definitely pay attention to. 🐶✨

What is CBD and how does it work in dogs?

Imagine if your dog could tell you what he needs. Maybe he just wants a bit of relaxation after a stressful day - just like we want to unwind on the sofa after a long day at work. Or maybe he's finally had enough of those nasty joint pains that plague him on walks. This is exactly where CBD comes into play. But what's actually behind it? And can it really help?

CBD is not the same as cannabis - and your dog won't get "high"

When you hear "cannabis", you might immediately think of hippies smoking or people snacking on chips on the couch. Understandable. But don't worry: CBD is not the stuff that gets people high.

The hemp plant has various active ingredients, and the two best known are

🌿 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) - this is the substance that has an intoxicating effect.
🌿 CBD (cannabidiol) - has a calming effect and can relieve pain, but does not get you high.

While THC can be dangerous for dogs, CBD is just the opposite: dosed correctly, it can help without making your dog feel "weird".

How does CBD work in your dog's body?

Just like us, dogs have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). It sounds complicated, but all it really means is that their bodies produce small messenger substances that control certain processes. And this is exactly where CBD comes in. Think of it as a little helper that steps in wherever something is out of balance.

💚 Pain? CBD can help by influencing the transmission of pain signals.
💚 Anxiety? Many dog owners report that CBD helps their four-legged friend with separation anxiety or firework stress.
💚 Inflammation? Older dogs with joint problems in particular could benefit.
💚 Stomach problems? Some vets even use CBD for digestive problems.

Of course, CBD is not a miracle cure - but it can be a gentle support to simply make your dog feel better. Some dogs notice a change quickly, others need a little longer. The important thing is to try it out with patience and in the right dosage.

And let's be honest: if your dog feels better, you as a dog owner will feel much better too. 🐶💚

What is CBD used for in dogs?

When our dog suffers, we suffer too. There is hardly anything worse than seeing your own four-legged friend limping, realizing that he is afraid or that his body is causing him problems. You wish you could just talk to him: "Hey, where does it hurt? What can I do for you?" But since that's not possible, many dog owners try all sorts of things - and eventually end up with CBD.

CBD is not a miracle cure, but it can be a real support in many situations. Dog owners have had good experiences with these problems in particular:

🐾 Joint pain & osteoarthritis - Your dog used to run across meadows, now he's slow to get up and walks stiffly around? Does he often stay in his spot, even when you wag the lead? This could be because his joints are hurting. CBD can help to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation so that your dog can move better again - without having to swallow painkillers straight away.

🐾 Anxiety & stress - Fireworks, thunderstorms or being left home alone - for many dogs this is sheer horror. Some tremble all over, others hide away, others bark and howl until the neighbors complain. CBD can help your dog stay calmer without completely "shooting him down". It's like telling him: "Don't worry, this isn't as bad as it feels."

🐾 Epilepsy & seizures - Watching your dog have an epileptic seizure is awful. You feel powerless and can only wait for it to pass. Initial studies suggest that CBD can reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. Of course, it does not replace medication, but it may help to reduce the need for it.

🐾 Itching & skin problems - Your dog is constantly scratching, biting its paws or has bald patches in its coat? This is not only annoying for him, but also for you - especially if you have already tried all kinds of creams and sprays. CBD can soothe the skin and relieve inflammation so that your dog can finally lie down and relax again without scratching all the time.

🐾 Gastrointestinal complaints - Some dogs simply have a sensitive stomach. Sometimes they eat the wrong thing, sometimes they react to stress with diarrhea. CBD can calm the stomach and help everything to settle down again - without having to reach for the next tablet straight away.

In the end, it's like us humans: What helps one person may have little effect on another. But if your dog is struggling with pain, anxiety or other complaints, CBD can provide gentle support. Because at the end of the day, we all want just one thing: for our best friend to be well. 🐶💚

What CBD products are available for dogs?

If you look into CBD for dogs, you'll quickly realize that there are countless products on the market. Oils, treats, capsules - but what is actually right for your dog? Don't worry, we'll go through it together.

1. CBD oil - the classic

CBD oil is what most dog owners try. Why? Because it's easy to dose and works quickly. You can drip it directly into your dog's mouth (if he's willing) or mix it into his food.

✅ Fast-acting - absorbed through the mucous membranes
✅ Individually dosed - perfect for finding the right amount for your dog
✅ Versatile - from anxiety to pain

But: Some dogs don't like the taste. If yours turns up his nose, you can mix the oil into liverwurst or yogurt - then it is often better accepted.

2. CBD treats - for gourmets

Not every dog will let oil drip into their mouth - and this is where CBD treats come into play. They taste good and already contain a fixed amount of CBD, so you don't have to worry about the dosage.

✅ Easy to use - no dripping, no measuring
✅ Perfect for on the go - if you want your dog to stay more relaxed when stressed (e.g. in the car)
✅ Delicious! - At least for dogs 😄

But: The effect sets in more slowly, as the CBD has to be digested first. So if you want a quick relaxing effect, oil is the better choice.

3. capsules - for those who swallow everything

Some dogs are like vacuum cleaners - they'll eat anything. For these candidates, there are CBD capsules. They contain a precise amount of CBD and dissolve in the stomach.

✅ Neutral taste - perfect for dogs that don't like CBD oil
✅ Exact dosage - you know exactly how much your dog is getting
✅ Long-lasting effect - as the CBD is absorbed via the stomach

But: Capsules are not suitable for every dog. If your four-legged friend is suspicious of medication and gives tablets a wide berth, this could be a challenge.

What you should definitely look out for

No matter which product you choose, quality is the be-all and end-all. Not every CBD product is really suitable for dogs. Make sure that it is:

✔️ THC-free - THC is toxic to dogs!
✔️ Made from organic hemp - pesticides have no place in a dog's bowl
✔️ Lab-tested - so you know what's in it

In the end, it comes down to what works best for you and your dog. Some dogs love their CBD treats, others prefer a few drops of oil. The important thing is that your four-legged friend feels comfortable with it - after all, that's what matters.

Dosage and use of CBD for dogs

CBD can help your dog - but only if you use it correctly. Just pour a few drops into the food as you feel? Not a good idea. Every dog is different, and it depends on size, weight and sensitivity. But don't worry, you don't have to be a chemist to find the right amount. Here's a simple guide to give your four-legged friend exactly the support they need.

How much CBD does my dog need?

The right dose depends mainly on your dog's weight. Imagine giving the same amount to a Chihuahua and a Great Dane - it won't work. Here is a simple table to give you a rough guide:

Weight of the dog	Mild discomfort (e.g. restlessness)	Moderate discomfort (e.g. pain, anxiety)	Severe discomfort (e.g. epilepsy, severe pain)
Up to 5 kg	1-2 mg	2-5 mg	5-10 mg
5-10 kg	2-4 mg	5-10 mg	10-15 mg
10-20 kg	4-8 mg	10-20 mg	20-30 mg
20-30 kg	8-12 mg	20-30 mg	30-40 mg
Over 30 kg	10-15 mg	30-40 mg	40-50 mg

But don't panic: Your dog won't suddenly get high if you give a drop too much. CBD is well tolerated as long as you increase it slowly and listen to your dog's body.

How do I give my dog CBD without making him suspicious?

Not every dog is thrilled when something "suspicious" suddenly appears in their food. But with a few tricks, it usually works:

🐾 Dripping directly into the mouth - the quickest way! Some dogs simply put the CBD under their tongue. If yours is one of them: congratulations, you've got it easy!

🐾 Mix it into their food - If your dog is skeptical, you can simply add the oil to their food. Many don't even notice that there's anything different.

🐾 Smuggle it into a treat - cheese, yoghurt, a piece of sausage - anything your dog loves is suitable as a "camouflage". One drop and it's gone.

🐾 CBD treats or capsules - If your dog doesn't like the oil at all, there are also ready-made treats or capsules that you can give like a normal treat.

How often should I give CBD?

Most dog owners give CBD once or twice a day. In stressful situations, such as an upcoming visit to the vet or New Year's Eve, you can give a dose one to two hours beforehand. For chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, it will take a few days before you notice a change.

Start slowly and observe

Every dog reacts differently to CBD. Some relax immediately, others need a few days before you notice a change. Therefore:

✅ Start with a small dose - don't give the maximum dose straight away. First see how your dog reacts to it.
✅ Increase after a few days - If you see no change, you can slowly increase the amount.
✅ Be patient - CBD is not a magic pill. It can take a little while for the body to adjust.

And if you're unsure, just ask your vet. In the end, only one thing matters: that your dog feels good.

Risks & side effects: Is CBD safe for dogs?

When it comes to our dog, we are cautious - and that's a good thing. After all, he's not a guinea pig, but our best friend. So the question arises: Can CBD harm my dog? The short answer: No, if you do it right. But as with everything in life, there are a few things you should know.

Does CBD have side effects?

Most dogs tolerate CBD great. But just like us humans, there are four-legged friends who are a little more sensitive to new things. If your dog is in a funny mood after the first dose of CBD, it could be due to the following:

🐾 Tiredness - Some dogs seem more relaxed than usual after CBD - almost as if they've earned an extra long nap. This is completely normal and often disappears after a few days.

🐾 Dry snout - CBD can slightly reduce saliva production. If your dog is suddenly drinking more than usual, this could be the reason.

🐾 Sensitive stomach - If your dog reacts with diarrhea or slight stomach rumbling, the dose may have been a little too high. Simply give a little less and see if it gets better.

🐾 Interactions with medication - If your dog regularly takes medication, you should ask your vet in advance. CBD can increase or change the effect of some medications.

Can my dog get too much CBD?

In short: not really. CBD is not a narcotic and there are no dangerous overdoses. However, if your dog has had a generous dose, he may be a little more sleepy or wobbly on his feet for a few hours. He may also seem a little confused for a short time - as if he has just had a huge feast and now needs a digestive break. No need to worry! This usually passes by itself.

Are there dogs that are better off not taking CBD?

As good as CBD can be for many dogs, there are a few situations in which you should avoid it:

🚫 Pregnant bitches - There are not enough studies on whether CBD is safe during pregnancy. Better safe than sorry!

🚫 Dogs with severe liver problems - CBD is broken down by the liver, and if this is already compromised, this could be problematic.

🚫 If your dog is already taking a lot of medication - In this case, be sure to ask your vet first to rule out any interactions.

Conclusion: Safe or not?

CBD is absolutely safe for dogs if you stick to the correct dosage and use a good product. If your dog does react a little strangely - stay calm, observe and adjust the dose. And if you are unsure, ask your trusted vet. In the end, only one thing matters: that your dog feels good - and so do you. 💚🐶

Conclusion: Can CBD help my dog?

Every dog is different. One dog sleeps peacefully on the sofa all day, while another panics when the garbage collector comes. Some still run around the meadow like puppies at the age of ten, while others already have problems getting up at the age of six. And that is precisely why there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question: Will CBD help my dog?

But one thing is certain: CBD can provide gentle support. 🐾 It can help dogs that are afraid, have difficulty moving or are simply no longer really centered. It is not a miracle cure, but it is a way of giving our four-legged friends a little more quality of life - without the side effects of many medications.

The most important point? Patience and a close look. 👀 CBD doesn't work immediately for every dog, sometimes it takes a few days. You may first notice that he lies down more relaxed, is less tense or no longer walks so stiffly.

And if your dog feels better with CBD? Then you've done everything right. 💚🐶