When exploring how to give your pet CBD, there’s no shortage of options—tinctures, salves, treats, and more. One of the most common questions we hear from pet parents is: What’s the most effective way to use CBD to support my pet’s wellness? The answer often comes down to something called bioavailability—how efficiently CBD is absorbed and used by the body. In this article, we’ll break down the different methods of giving CBD to pets and what to consider when choosing the right one for your dog or cat.
What Is CBD Bioavailability?
Bioavailability refers to how efficiently a substance—like CBD—is absorbed into the body and put to use. It affects how much of the compound actually reaches your pet’s bloodstream and how quickly it takes effect. The way you give CBD can significantly impact its bioavailability, making it an important factor when choosing the right product and method for your pet’s wellness routine.
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Understanding CBD Absorption in Pets
The way you give CBD to your pet—whether through an oil, treat, or topical—has a major impact on how well it’s absorbed by their body. Different methods offer different levels of bioavailability. For example, CBD oil applied directly to the gums enters the bloodstream more efficiently than CBD added to food, which first passes through the digestive system.
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While CBD and traditional medications take different routes through the body, research shows that pets have widespread cannabinoid receptors, especially in the nervous and digestive systems, which may influence how CBD supports wellness.
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Why the Way You Give CBD Matters
While all CBD products are designed to support wellness, how you give them to your pet can make a significant difference in how much is absorbed and how quickly it works. Each method—whether by mouth, skin, or food—engages different parts of the body. For example, some routes go straight to the bloodstream, while others pass through the digestive system.
Understanding how each method works helps you tailor your pet’s routine to match their needs—whether you’re looking for faster effects, sustained support, or the easiest method for a picky eater or sensitive pup. Let’s look at the most common options and how they function.
CBD Tinctures: A Versatile and Efficient Option
CBD tinctures—liquid formulas made with full-spectrum hemp extract and a carrier oil—offer a versatile way to support your pet’s wellness. They allow for flexible use and are often favored for their efficient absorption when applied correctly. Tinctures can be given in a few different ways, each with its own absorption profile. When choosing a tincture, look for transparency from the brand, including a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that confirms what’s in the bottle.
Transmucosal Application: Applying CBD to the Gums
One of the most efficient ways to give your pet a CBD tincture is by applying it directly to the gums. This method allows the CBD to be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth, entering the bloodstream more directly and bypassing the digestive system. As a result, more of the beneficial compounds—like cannabinoids—remain active and available for use by the body.
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Tip: To keep your tincture fresh and effective, be sure to wipe the dropper clean before returning it to the bottle—especially if it’s been in contact with your pet’s mouth.
Oral Administration: Adding CBD to Food or Treats
Giving CBD oil with food or treats is a popular and convenient option—especially for pets who resist direct application. While this method may result in slower absorption due to the digestive process, it still plays a valuable role in a pet’s wellness routine.
The digestive tract contains a dense network of cannabinoid receptors, particularly within the enteric nervous system (also called the “second brain”), which helps regulate gut function and communication with the central nervous system.
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Even though effects may take longer to appear, oral administration may still support balance in digestive and neurological systems over time.
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Transdermal Administration: Applying CBD to the Ears
For pets who may not tolerate tinctures by mouth or in food, applying CBD oil to the soft skin inside the ear flap can offer an alternative method of support. This is known as transdermal administration.
While convenient, this is typically the least bioavailable method—meaning less CBD enters the bloodstream compared to oral or transmucosal application. Because of this, it’s important to use a high-potency tincture when applying CBD topically to the ears or paw pads. We recommend a full-spectrum formula like HEAL: CBD Oil for Dogs, which offers a robust concentration of cannabinoids to help ensure effective support.
To apply, place a small amount of oil on your finger or a clean roller top and gently rub it into the area where the fur thins. For cats, paw pads may also be used, as they’re rich in blood vessels and more permeable than skin on other parts of the body.
Micro-Dosing CBD: Smaller Servings for Consistent Support
Whether you give your pet CBD through the gums, in food, or on the skin, one helpful technique is micro-dosing—splitting the total daily amount into smaller servings throughout the day. This approach can help maintain a more consistent level of CBD in the bloodstream, potentially extending its effects and supporting balanced wellness throughout the day.
Research suggests that when CBD is taken orally, it reaches peak concentration in the bloodstream within about 2 hours, and begins to taper off around 4–6 hours later.
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This method may be especially useful for pets who benefit from consistent system support across the nervous, immune, or digestive systems.
Topical CBD for Pets: Supporting Skin Wellness
Just like in humans, a dog’s skin is its largest organ—and it plays a key role in overall wellness. One unique benefit of full-spectrum hemp extract is that it can also be applied topically. When used this way, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors found in every layer of the skin, including CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Topical CBD may be helpful in supporting skin hydration and comfort, especially in areas prone to dryness or environmental stress. At our animal rescue, we’ve found that including topical products in our wellness routine helps maintain healthy skin for pets of all ages and backgrounds.
CBD-Infused Grooming for Skin & Coat Wellness
Bathing your pet with grooming products that include full-spectrum hemp extract is a gentle way to support skin hydration and overall coat health. These topicals interact with receptors in the skin to help maintain balance and resilience in the face of environmental stressors.
- Replenish CBD Dog Shampoo combines full-spectrum hemp extract with ingredients like lemongrass, coconut oil, and olive oil to help cleanse and nourish the skin while promoting a healthy-looking coat.
- Restore CBD Groom Spray offers a convenient way to maintain moisture between baths. With full-spectrum hemp extract, Tremella mushroom extract, and rosehip seed oil, it supports daily skin comfort and barrier function.
CBD Balm Sticks & Salves for Skin Nourishment
Topical CBD salves and balm sticks can be a great addition to your pet’s wellness routine, especially for areas that need extra moisture or support. Because cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the skin, these products can interact locally to help maintain skin comfort and hydration.
- Soothe blends full-spectrum hemp extract with ginger and honey to support the skin’s natural barrier and maintain comfort in dry or sensitive areas.
- Remedy includes ingredients like eucalyptus, peppermint, and arnica, offering botanical support for rough or uneven patches.
- Nourish features deeply moisturizing components like mango butter and hemp seed oil, ideal for promoting soft, supple skin on dry or weather-exposed areas.
For comprehensive support, combining a topical product with a high-quality oral CBD tincture can help address both internal balance and external comfort. This dual approach supports multiple body systems at once—like the skin, nervous system, and immune system. Explore our CBD bundles to find product pairings that are designed to complement each other.
CBD & the Skin: How Cannabinoid Receptors Play a Role
The skin is composed of multiple layers, and research has shown that cannabinoid receptors—including CB1 and CB2—are present throughout each one. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions like skin barrier integrity, hydration, and cellular communication. When applied topically, full-spectrum hemp extract interacts with these receptors to help maintain skin homeostasis and resilience.
Because these receptors are found both internally and externally, many pet parents choose to support their animal’s wellness with both oral and topical CBD. This dual approach can be a helpful way to engage different body systems from the inside out.
Tips for Applying Topical CBD to Pets
When using a topical CBD salve or balm, try to apply it as directly to the skin as possible. If your pet has a thick coat, gently part the fur and apply the product to the base of the hair follicles. The skin’s surface is where the endocannabinoid receptors are most active, so getting the salve to that level helps support optimal absorption.
All of CBD Dog Health’s salves are made with human-grade, natural ingredients and are safe if accidentally licked. For best results, let the product soak in for 5–10 minutes before your pet has access to the area. Think of it like a nourishing skin balm—designed for comfort, moisture, and skin barrier support.
CBD Treats for Pets: A Convenient Wellness Option
CBD-infused treats offer a simple and enjoyable way to add full-spectrum hemp extract to your pet’s daily routine. Like CBD oil added to food, treats must pass through the digestive system, which can affect how quickly the CBD is absorbed. Still, they remain a valuable option—especially for pets who prefer snacks over oils or have dietary sensitivities.
- Nina’s Edibles are crunchy meatball-style treats made with real food ingredients like turkey, duck, anchovies, and organic mushrooms. Infused with 250mg of full-spectrum hemp extract, they provide a protein-rich addition to your pet’s routine.
- Blanche’s Edibles are vegan, grain-free treats made with organic coconut and coconut oil, offering a plant-based alternative designed for pets with dietary sensitivities. Available in small and large bags with 125mg or 250mg of full-spectrum hemp extract.
CBD treats are ideal for daily use or as part of a broader wellness plan. If you plan to use them before a change in routine (like travel or grooming), be sure to offer the treat 45–60 minutes in advance to allow time for digestion and absorption. For more options, visit our CBD Dog Treats page.
Choosing the Right CBD Product for Your Pet
Now that you understand the different ways to give your pet CBD, you can feel more confident choosing a product that fits their needs and your routine. If your goal is to support internal balance—such as promoting neurological function, immune health, or joint comfort—CBD tinctures offer the highest bioavailability and most direct access to systemic pathways. This makes them an excellent choice for foundational, full-body support.
Topical options like salves and grooming products are ideal for skin-focused wellness, while CBD-infused treats provide a convenient, enjoyable method—especially for pets who are sensitive or prefer not to take oils directly.
Many pet parents choose to combine oral and topical approaches to provide both internal and external support. Whatever method you select, be sure to choose a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract product from a trusted source that provides a certificate of analysis to verify quality and potency.
Explore our CBD Guide for Pet Parents.
FDA Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s wellness routine.
