How Long Does CBD Last & Stay In A Dog’s System?

how long does CBD stay in a dogs system

Canine Bible is reader-supported. We receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. This doesn’t affect rankings. Learn more.

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, has become a popular natural remedy for addressing various health issues in dogs, from anxiety and pain to inflammation and seizures. However, a crucial aspect of using CBD effectively is understanding how long it stays in your dog’s system. CBD typically stays in your dog’s system for at least 8 to 18 hours. The more potent the CBD is, the longer you can expect it to last in the system. However, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Many factors, including your dog’s dosage, potency, and size, affect how fast or slow dogs absorb CBD and how well it works once it’s inside your dog’s body. This post breaks down everything you need about CBD’s interaction with your dog once it’s in their system.

How Long Does CBD Stay In A Dog’s System?

CBD’s duration in a dog’s system can vary based on several factors, but a general understanding of its half-life provides a helpful starting point. The half-life of CBD in dogs is the time it takes for half of the substance to be eliminated from the body. According to studies, CBD has an average half-life of 4 to 9 hours.[1],[2],[3] To understand how long CBD will remain in the body, consider that it generally takes about 4-5 half-lives for a substance to be eliminated from the system almost entirely.[4] Here’s a breakdown of how long CBD will remain in a dog’s body with half-lives of 4 and 9 hours.

Half-Life of 4 Hours

  • After 4 hours: 50% of the CBD will remain.
  • After 8 hours: 25% of the CBD will remain.
  • After 12 hours: 12.5% of the CBD will remain.
  • After 16 hours: 6.25% of the CBD will remain.
  • After 20 hours: 3.125% of the CBD will remain.

Half-Life of 9 Hours

  • After 9 hours: 50% of the CBD will remain.
  • After 18 hours: 25% of the CBD will remain.
  • After 27 hours: 12.5% of the CBD will remain.
  • After 36 hours: 6.25% of the CBD will remain.
  • After 45 hours: 3.125% of the CBD will remain.

On average, CBD stays in a dog’s system for at least 20 to 45 hours. This is how long it takes for the CBD to be mostly eliminated from the dog’s system. However, traces of CBD can remain in the system for a longer period, potentially up to several days.

How Long Do The Effects of CBD Last On Dogs?

The effects of CBD are most noticeable during the first 8 hours after administration. However, the effects decrease over time as the compound is metabolized and eliminated from the body.

The chart below shows the peak concentration of CBD typically happens within 0 to 30 minutes to a few hours. This is when the effects are most potent. After the first half-life period, 50% of the initial CBD dose remains in the system, and the effects start to decrease. This reduction leads to a noticeable decrease in the intensity of its effects. After 12 hours, the effects continue to diminish and are barely felt.

CBD Half-Life Graphic

CBD Concentration Over Time

100%
50%
25%
12.5%
6.25%
3.125%
0 Hours
4 Hours
8 Hours
12 Hours
16 Hours
20 Hours

How Understanding Half-Life Can Help Better Dose Dog CBD

Understanding the half-life is key for dog owners because it can help them determine the optimal dosage frequency to maintain consistent therapeutic levels in the dog’s bloodstream.

According to the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, a short half-life “may require more frequent dosing to maintain desired exposures and avoid unnecessarily high peak concentrations.”[5] Shorter half-lives mean the substance is out of the system much quicker and requires more frequent dosing to maintain its effects. On the other hand, an overly long half-life can create prolonged “accumulation and subsequent elimination.” This means a substance with a long half-life will typically last much longer in the body, which may pose accumulation problems if frequent dosing occurs and affects interaction with other substances in the body.

Most pet owners advocate for an eight-hour dosage interval, which may be appropriate given that after 8 hours, the CBD concentration in a dog’s body is typically between 25% and 50%. A 12-hour dosage interval might be best to avoid administering another dose too soon, which could lead to excessive accumulation and potential side effects.

However, when and how much CBD to administer will depend on the purpose of your dog’s CBD treatment. Read our CBD oil dosage for dogs guidelines article to understand the dosage better and assess how much CBD your dog needs.

Factors That Affect How Long CBD Stays In Your Dog’s System

Several factors can influence how long CBD stays in a dog’s system and how effectively it works. Here are the key factors:

1. Method of Intake

Different CBD products have varying absorption rates and bioavailability, influencing how quickly and efficiently CBD is metabolized once in the bloodstream.[6]

  • Sublingual absorption: Dog CBD oil (tinctures) is administered under their tongue, bypassing the digestive system and going directly into the bloodstream through the tiny blood vessels. This method is the most effective for pets because they will quickly feel the effects.
  • Oral ingestion: Dog CBD treats, pills, or capsules must pass through your dog’s digestive system. This process, called first-pass metabolism, means that the CBD is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and then metabolized in the liver before it enters the bloodstream. As a result, it takes longer for your dog to feel the effects of the CBD.
  • Topical application: CBD can also be applied topically to dogs’ skin through balms, shampoos, creams, or lotions. When applied topically, CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the skin but generally does not enter the bloodstream significantly. Instead, it mainly acts locally at the application site to potentially provide relief from skin conditions or localized discomfort.

2. CBD Type & Quality

Higher-quality CBD products often have higher potency and purity, meaning they contain a more concentrated CBD. This can result in a more prolonged presence in the system than lower-quality, less potent products. Some lower-quality CBD products may contain additives or fillers that can affect how CBD is metabolized and eliminated.

The type of CBD—whether full spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate—also impacts its duration in the system. Full-spectrum CBD generally lasts the longest due to the synergistic effects of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, which may take longer to process than other CBD types.

3. Dog’s Size and Weight

Like most cannabinoids, CBD is fat-soluble. This means it gets absorbed and stored in the body’s fat cells. Dogs that weigh more generally have more fat cells, allowing them to store CBD for longer periods. Consequently, dogs with more fat cells may need more time to metabolize and clear CBD out of their system. Additionally, the higher the dog’s body mass, the longer it takes for CBD to take effect.[7] Larger dogs, with their greater body mass, tend to dilute the concentration of CBD in their bloodstream. As a result, the process of metabolizing and eliminating CBD may take longer. Typically, CBD will metabolize and clear more quickly.

4. Biology

A dog’s metabolic rate, which can vary based on age, breed, and overall health, affects how quickly CBD is processed. Dogs with faster metabolisms will metabolize and eliminate CBD more rapidly than those with slower metabolisms.

  • High metabolic rate: Younger, more active dogs generally have faster metabolisms, leading to quicker processing of CBD.
  • Low metabolic rate: Older or less active dogs may metabolize CBD more slowly, resulting in prolonged effects and staying in their bodies longer.

5. Frequency, Dosage & Potency

The frequency and amount of CBD administered also impact how it is metabolized:

  • Frequency: Regular administration of CBD can lead to accumulation in the body, potentially extending its presence and effects.
  • Dosage: Higher doses of CBD can take longer to metabolize and eliminate. Finding the right balance between dose and frequency is crucial for maintaining effective therapeutic levels without causing unwanted side effects.
  • Greater concentration: High-potency CBD products deliver more CBD per dose. This increased concentration means more CBD is available in the dog’s bloodstream at any given time.

Signs That CBD is Still Active in Your Dog’s System

  1. Increased Calmness:
    • One of the most common signs that CBD is still active in your dog’s system is an overall sense of calm. If your dog is typically anxious or hyperactive, you might notice that it is more relaxed and less reactive to stressors.
  2. Reduced Anxiety:
    • Dogs with anxiety issues often show significant behavioral changes when CBD is active. They may be less prone to pacing, excessive barking, or other anxiety-driven behaviors.
  3. Improved Mood:
    • Your dog may seem happier and more content. This can be observed through more frequent tail wagging, a willingness to engage in play, and an overall positive demeanor.
    • For dogs taking CBD for pain relief, signs such as reduced limping, less stiffness, or a greater willingness to move and play indicate that the CBD is still active.
  4. Pain Relief
    • For dogs taking CBD for pain relief, signs such as reduced limping, less stiffness, or a greater willingness to move and play indicate that the CBD is still active.
  5. Lethargy
    • While CBD can help calm an anxious dog, it may also cause mild lethargy. If your dog seems tired or sleeps more than usual, it could indicate that CBD is still working in their system.

Dogs That Should Not Consume CBD

CBD in dogs is known to be well tolerated. The biggest concern is any possible interaction between CBD and other medications.[8] CBD can affect the metabolizing of the different medicines in your dog’s system. This can alter the effectiveness of these other drugs, either by enhancing their activity or hindering the desired activity. Studies with humans have shown that this interaction has impacted drug concentrations in the blood.

These medications include blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety drugs, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. On the bright side, other medications can have an enhanced effect when combined with CBD. Anti-seizure medications may be more effective, for one. CBD may also relieve pain, allowing users to rely less on NSAIDs and opioids. Also, when CBD was combined with chemotherapy, cancer treatments were more effective. However, you should always address these issues with your vet before treating your pet or combining medications with CBD.

How Long Does CBD Stay In A Dog’s System? — Conclusion

CBD can generally stay in your dog’s system for a minimum of 20 hours to 45 hours. However, the actual presence of CBD in a dog’s system can be detected longer. The length of time CBD remains in a dog’s system can be influenced by factors such as the dosage administered, the frequency of use, the dog’s metabolism, CBD concentration, and individual variations. It’s important to note that CBD is generally considered safe for dogs, but it’s always recommended to consult a veterinarian before giving your pet any CBD products.

For more information on choosing the right CBD product for your dog, check out our detailed guides on the best CBD oil for dogs. If you’re interested in exploring other cannabinoids, read about the benefits of CBG oil for dogs. Additionally, if you’re looking for a tasty way to administer CBD, our article on peanut butter CBD for dogs provides some great options.


Like It? Subscribe & Share!

* indicates required

Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. PubMed
  2. MDPI
  3. FVS Pharmacokinetics CBD
  4. National Library of Medicine
  5. Journal of Medical Chemistry
  6. Molecules
  7. Frontiers in Veterinary Science
  8. Health Status

Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

Similar Posts