Your Cart is Empty
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS $75+
Vet visits are essential for your dog’s health—but they’re not always easy. If your pup trembles during car rides or panics in the clinic, you’re not alone. Many pet owners ask: Can I give my dog CBD oil before the vet?
Yes, you can. CBD oil for dogs is a natural way to help calm your furry friend before stressful situations. In this guide, we’ll explain how it works, the proper dosage, safety info, and the best CBD options for dogs.
CBD oil is gaining popularity as a natural anxiety relief for dogs, especially before vet appointments. Though not FDA-approved, research suggests CBD may help manage:
Nervousness and separation anxiety
Pain or discomfort that amplifies stress
Fear-based aggression or timid behavior
One study even found that CBD reduced aggressive behavior in anxious shelter dogs, showing promise as a calming aid in high-stress situations like vet visits.
CBD for Dog AnxietyThe number one reason dog owners may consider giving CBD before visiting the vet is to calm anxiety. A number of studies have linked CBD to anxiolytic effects. In fact, one study found that CBD helped to reduce aggressive behaviors induced by anxiety in shelter dogs. Even for humans, CBD is often said to have mild relaxing effects. For dogs, it’s often just enough to take the edge off of a stressful situation.
If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort, it may worsen anxious behaviors when visiting the vet. Luckily, CBD may also help to reduce symptoms related to pain or inflammation, which could help your pet feel more at ease all around.
One study found that regular daily doses of CBD helped to control pain caused by osteoarthritis in dogs. In general, research has found that CBD could be useful for many different types of pain, likely because the Endocannabinoid System plays an important role in creating sensations of pain.
Much of the research regarding CBD involves animal subjects, and we’re happy to report that CBD is generally well tolerated by mice, dogs, and animals of all kinds. In most cases, the side effect profile of CBD for dogs is thought to be similar to the side effects of CBD for humans.
CBD side effects are rare and usually mild. The most common side effects related to CBD use include changes to appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. In many cases, adverse effects are linked to taking doses that are too high.
Generally, the side effects of CBD are temporary and non-threatening. You should just keep an eye on your pet, monitor their dosing routine, and discontinue use if you notice any odd behaviors that you believe could be linked to CBD. In many cases, you may just need to lower the dose, although poor quality formulas could also be the culprit behind adverse reactions.
Look for a safe CBD product by finding a brand that uses U.S. grown hemp, solvent-free extraction techniques, and third-party lab testing to ensure the quality and potency of products. You also want to pay attention to the full ingredients list to ensure that there are no ingredients that your pet may be allergic to before choosing a CBD product.
Most dogs can begin taking CBD once they are at least 12 weeks old, though it’s best to consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen—especially for puppies or senior dogs. Factors such as your dog’s breed, weight, developmental stage, and overall health may affect whether CBD is appropriate and how much should be given.
For puppies, low doses are key and should only be used to address specific issues like separation anxiety or discomfort during teething. For older dogs, CBD can be especially helpful for managing joint pain, inflammation, or stress.
Always choose a high-quality CBD oil formulated specifically for pets and start with the lowest effective dose based on your dog’s size and age.
The right CBD dosage for dogs depends on your pet’s weight, age, diet, and overall health. A good rule of thumb is to start low and increase gradually until you see the desired calming effect.
General starting guideline:
👉 1–2 mg of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight
Example dosages:
20 lb dog → 2–4 mg
50 lb dog → 5–10 mg
100 lb dog → 10–20 mg
Always monitor your dog’s reaction and consult your veterinarian—especially if your pet has a health condition or is taking other medications.
Want more detailed info? Read our full guide: How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?
If you’re wondering whether CBD works right away for dogs, the answer is: it depends. While some calming effects can be felt after a single dose, CBD typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to kick in—so it’s best to give it to your dog about an hour before the vet visit.
The form of CBD matters too. Tinctures and treats usually begin working within an hour after ingestion. That said, CBD is even more effective when given daily, not just as a one-off before stressful events. Regular dosing helps regulate your dog’s endocannabinoid system, leading to more stable, long-term relief from anxiety.
If vet visits are a recurring source of stress, a daily CBD routine may make a noticeable difference in your dog’s behavior and comfort.
Technically, no, you cannot give your dog too much CBD. Since CBD doesn't interact with the brain stem or negatively impact respiration, it's not possible to consume a lethal amount. However, more isn't always better.
The endocannabinoid system is a regulatory system, so too much CBD can actually dysregulate certain bodily processes, potentially making it less effective. It's essential to find the smallest effective dose for your dog.
Here are general dosage recommendations based on your dog's weight:
Always start with the lowest dose and adjust gradually to find the optimal amount for your dog’s needs. It's also a good idea to speak with your vet to determine the correct dosage tailored to your pet's specific situation.
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, giving your dog too much—especially low-quality or improperly formulated products—can lead to mild adverse effects. Though not toxic in the traditional sense, overdosing on CBD oil may result in:
Lethargy or excessive drowsiness
Vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of coordination or disorientation
Drooling or dry mouth
Decreased appetite
Mild tremors or restlessness
If you notice any of these symptoms after giving your dog CBD, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian. Most side effects are temporary and resolve once the CBD is metabolized, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution—especially when introducing a new supplement.
To avoid complications, always use pet-specific CBD oil, follow dosing instructions carefully, and start with the lowest effective dose.
There are many different types of CBD products that are made for pets, but we’ll let you in on a little secret–any high quality, natural CBD products made without additives or flavoring can be given to your dog.
In general, CBD is CBD, so long as it is made using safe, effective manufacturing methods and is accurately labeled so that you can precisely measure your pet’s dosage. There are, however, a few different types of CBD formulations to choose from, like full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.
CBD isolate is a type of formula that contains only CBD, where all other hemp compounds are removed. The other types of CBD formulas usually contain trace amounts of other minor cannabinoids, like CBG or CBN, as well as hemp-derived terpenes. These other compounds also offer their own therapeutic benefits that may be useful for managing your pup’s timid or aggressive behavior before visiting the vet.
Although you can essentially use any high quality CBD products that's made with dog safe ingredients, there may be some benefits to buying a product specifically formulated for pets. For instance, these pet products usually offer smaller doses that are more appropriate for dogs, which may make it easier to measure the right dosage every time.
Our Vida Paws CBD Pet Tincture is a natural, broad-spectrum CBD formula with no additives or flavorings. You can grab it in two varieties that offer either a 5 mg or 10 mg dose of THC-free CBD oil per mL. This clean, effective formula is exactly what most pet owners are looking for to help promote calmness just before a visit to the vet.
Vet visits don’t have to be a nightmare—for you or your pup. CBD oil for dogs offers a natural, effective way to ease anxiety and make routine check-ups more manageable. When used properly, it can help calm your dog, reduce stress-related behaviors, and even soothe pain or discomfort that might make vet visits more challenging.
Just remember to start with a low dose, give it 30–60 minutes before the appointment, and consider incorporating it into your pet’s daily wellness routine for the best results. Most importantly, choose a high-quality CBD product formulated for pets to ensure safety and effectiveness.
If your dog dreads the vet, CBD could be the calming solution you’ve been looking for.
Try Vida Paws Pet CBD Oil—easy, broad-spectrum relief for your furry friend!
CBD may interact with certain medications, such as those metabolized by the liver, so it's important to consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog CBD if they are taking any medications.
The most common symptoms of an allergy to CBD in dogs include itching, skin irritation, and digestive upset. If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction to CBD, it's important to stop use and consult with a veterinarian.
It is not recommended to give your dog human CBD oil as the dose may be too high and could be toxic to them. CBD products specifically formulated for pets are recommended.
It's recommended to give your dog CBD about 30 to 60 minutes before a vet visit. This allows time for the CBD to take effect, helping to calm your dog during the appointment.
Some vets may be cautious about recommending CBD due to the lack of extensive research and regulation surrounding its use in animals. Legal restrictions and uncertainty about appropriate dosages also contribute to their hesitancy.
CBD can be administered to a dog in several ways before a vet visit, including directly placing drops of CBD oil in their mouth, mixing it with their food, or giving them CBD-infused treats.
CBD oil does not have an immediate effect on dogs; it usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to start working, depending on the dog's metabolism and the method of administration.
A potential negative side effect of CBD for dogs includes drowsiness or lethargy. In some cases, dogs might also experience mild digestive issues like diarrhea or changes in appetite.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
