Is CBD safe for puppies?

Puppies bring a lot of joy, energy, and life into our homes—but they also present some challenges, such as separation anxiety or insecurity—situations in which many dog owners turn to CBD. It strengthens the mind from within and naturally helps restore balance to the body.

But is CBD safe for puppies? And what should you keep in mind if you want to use CBD for your puppy? We’ll answer these and many other questions in this post. Let’s get started!

CBD for Puppies – When Can I Start Giving My Dog CBD?

Puppies can benefit from CBD just as much as adult dogs. The principle works the same way. However, we recommend waiting until they are about 4 months old before giving them CBD—simply because there are still very few studies in this area. 

It is also important to us that CBD not be used as a substitute for training. It is a wonderful, effective supplement, but it can never replace consistent training and loving guidance.

Does CBD have side effects in puppies?

CBD is generally very well tolerated by puppies and young dogs. There are no serious side effects.

In rare cases, excessive dosing can cause drowsiness, a dry mouth, or loose stools. However, this can usually be avoided by starting with a low dose (approximately 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight) and increasing it very gradually.

5 Common Challenges with Puppies and How CBD Can Help

When a puppy comes home, it’s a very special and exciting time—not just for you as a new dog owner, but for the puppy as well. During this time, you’ll share many wonderful experiences together, but you’ll also face some challenges where CBD can help.

1. Adjusting to a new environment – Everything is new

For a puppy, moving to a new home is a huge step. Suddenly, everything is different: new people, a new environment, new smells—and far away from its familiar littermates, its mother, and the breeder. This change can be overwhelming for a puppy.

How can CBD help your puppy settle in?

CBD can help your puppy feel more comfortable in a new environment by calming the nervous system and reducing stress. It promotes a relaxed state of mind, making it easier for your dog to get used to new people, smells, and situations.

2. Dog School and Training – Learn, learn, learn

Training a puppy requires a lot of attention and consistency. “Sit,” “Down,” “Stay”—these basic commands aren’t “programmed” into the puppy when you first bring it home and need to be learned and reinforced. Whether you want to handle the training all on your own or seek help from an experienced dog trainer is up to you. The important thing is to make the most of this valuable puppyhood to lay the foundation for successful dog training.

How can CBD help your puppy with puppy training?

CBD is an ideal supplement for dog training. It can help improve a puppy’s concentration and inner calm, allowing them to remain more attentive and balanced during training sessions. However, as mentioned earlier, it serves only as a supplement and facilitates learning; it does not, under any circumstances, replace consistent training.

3. Separation anxiety – Learning to be alone takes practice

For many puppies, being left alone is one of the biggest challenges. They are used to always being surrounded by their family—whether human or animal. The absence of their caregivers can quickly lead to stress and separation anxiety. A gentle, step-by-step approach helps the puppy gradually get used to short periods of separation.

How can CBD help your puppy with separation anxiety?

Thanks to its calming effects, CBD can help lower a puppy’s stress levels when it has to be left alone. This can help reduce separation anxiety and make it easier for the puppy to adjust to being left alone.

4. Uncertainties in Everyday Life – Building Confidence

Puppies see the world as a great adventure—but sometimes also as a scary mystery. New situations, strangers, or unfamiliar noises can cause anxiety and stress. This often manifests as fearful behavior or shyness. That big black trash can in the neighborhood? Scary! The mail carrier? Dangerous!

How can CBD help your puppy in everyday life?

CBD can help reduce anxiety and enable puppies to approach new experiences with greater calm. It helps restore the dog’s inner balance and makes it easier for them to cope with unfamiliar situations.

5. Puberty – When Hormones Run Wild

Puppyhood is immediately followed by adolescence. Just like with human teenagers, hormones suddenly go haywire, and commands that were previously well-learned are suddenly ignored. The young dog tests its limits and sometimes exhibits unpredictable behavior. 

How can CBD help your puppy or young dog during adolescence?

During the hormonally turbulent phase of puberty, CBD can help curb impulsive behavior and promote greater emotional balance. This makes it easier to cope with mood swings and helps make training a bit more relaxed during this phase.

What should you look for in CBD products for puppies?

• Proper Dosage – First and foremost, it’s important to ensure the correct dosage. We recommend starting with a very low dose—about 0.5 mg per kilogram of your dog’s body weight—and adjusting it gradually. How much CBD your puppy needs varies from dog to dog, as every organism is a little different. Most dogs settle on a daily dose of 0.5 to 1 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight. The dose should be spread out over the day, for example, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. In particularly stressful situations, you can certainly give a higher dose.
• High-quality products – Pay close attention to the quality of the CBD products you give your dog. There are significant differences in quality, which can also affect effectiveness. For example, a clear label with precise information on the CBD content is important so you can dose it correctly. Find out here how else you can identify high-quality CBD products for dogs.