Table of Contents

How Long for CBD Dog Treats to Work?

If you own a dog (especially one that’s been around a long time) or know someone who does, you’re probably aware of how anxious or easily frightened some of them can be.

Independence Day might be a dog’s least favorite holiday, considering that fireworks to a dog might sound like the sky is falling or that danger is right outside.

With the fireworks festivities often lasting into the late hours of the night, this sends more sensitive dogs running for cover in trembling terror.

And even though they can’t communicate it to us, dogs can suffer from many of the same age-related and neurological illnesses that humans can experience.

Reduced mobility, arthritis, seizures, and anxiety are a few examples of illnesses that can also reduce the quality of life of our furry best friend.

Along with dogs’ stress when encountering other animals and people, it can be a struggle to keep our companions content and comfortable in everyday life.

What Can We Do To Help?

Fortunately for canines and humans who care for them, there is a solution to this rapidly growing problem: Cannabidiol, or CBD.

If you’ve already heard of it, it might have only been in the context of how it affects humans specifically and perhaps the skepticism around whether or not it can be seriously considered as a treatment.

CBD is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, treating illnesses that traditional medicine can sometimes struggle to address.

While humans have various options for consuming CBD, dogs must rely on either a drop of the oil administered orally or as an edible treat.

If your dog is stubborn about taking medicine, dog treats are a good place to start to convince your pet, as CBD sometimes has a naturally earthy flavor that might be off-putting.

If your canine friend has a chronic illness or simply has trouble staying calm, CBD can help alleviate symptoms, and dog treats are a great way to provide that relief.

So, how long for CBD dog treats to work?

While recommended dosages can vary based on the dog’s weight and size, the dog can feel the benefits minutes after consumption.

More significant chronic illnesses may require more time to decrease in severity, so there’s no need to panic if symptoms don’t improve immediately.

How Do I Choose A Treat?

If you’re ready to give CBD a try, there are many different treats to choose from.

Safety is obviously the top concern when choosing any product to give to your pets, and CBD treats are no exception.

Given that the medical cannabis industry is still in its infancy following legalization in several states, anything you use to treat your dog must be:

Made by a reputable brand with a track record of either sales or credible testimonials. Just because CBD isn’t FDA-approved doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of products on the market that are easy to access.
A high quality product on its own, if it means spending a few extra bucks it is worth it and could make a significant difference in the quality of treatment.
Made specifically to treat animals, CBD designed for humans can contain additives and/or trace amounts of THC that could be slightly toxic for dogs. Your pet may not even be willing to eat edibles meant for humans, since dogs prefer flavors that closely mimic their food. You or I might enjoy watermelon or mint flavors, but your dog? Not so much.

Controversy

CBD is the center of a continuing conversation about better managing chronic pain, stress, and anxiety.

One of the major roadblocks to wider acceptance and research funding is the fact that it is derived from cannabis plants, the source of the federally-illegal drug marijuana.

Despite being produced from the same cannabis plants as marijuana, CBD contains virtually no THC, the active substance in marijuana.

As a result, CBD doesn’t produce the same psychoactive effects and isn’t used recreationally.

Coming from the same source as a mind-altering drug is what makes CBD a taboo subject for many in society, despite the fact that it doesn’t produce a high whatsoever.

In part because of limited legality in the United States, there is also not currently enough conclusive research on the health benefits of CBD for the medical community to unanimously endorse it as treatment.

In addition, the FDA has not yet approved an over-the-counter CBD product, which unsurprisingly impacts on how quickly it can gain traction and credibility.

Moving Forward

Suppose this sounds like an answer to your prayers.

In that case, it is highly recommended that you do some research of your own and consider consulting a veterinarian before diving in.

This is because CBD can produce some mild side effects and interact with other medications you might be treating your pet with.

The expanding legality of cannabis is opening up the doors for more research and development of CBD products for both humans and their pets.

There is a promising future for these products as medicine and it will be interesting to watch how CBD’s usefulness as medicine develops over the next decade.