Last updated: October 2026
More and more dog owners in Ireland are asking about CBD oil for their pets. If you’re one of them, you probably have practical questions: Is it the same as the CBD oil people take? What strength does my dog need? How do I give it? What should I check before buying? This guide answers those questions in plain English. It won’t make promises about what CBD will do for your dog, because nobody honestly can, but it will help you buy carefully and use it sensibly.
Talk to your vet first
Before anything else: speak to your vet before giving your dog CBD, especially if your dog takes any medication, is pregnant, is very young or old, or has any health condition. CBD for pets is not a veterinary medicine, and your vet knows your dog’s history. Bring the product and its lab report with you so they can see exactly what’s in it.
Is pet CBD oil different from human CBD oil?
The CBD itself is the same, but good pet oils are made differently in three ways:
- Strength is set for animals. Pet oils use strengths and drop sizes chosen with an animal’s size in mind.
- The carrier oil is pet-friendly. Many pet oils, including ours, use salmon oil instead of hemp seed oil, so dogs and cats like the taste.
- No flavourings or sweeteners that aren’t safe for pets. Never give your dog human CBD products such as gummies, which can contain ingredients like xylitol that are dangerous to dogs.
Choosing the right strength for your dog
The main thing that decides strength is your dog’s size. Here’s how our three pet oils line up:
| Pet oil | Total CBD (10ml) | Suits | Typical starting amount | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% for dogs & cats | 500mg (2.5mg per drop) | Cats and dogs up to about 35kg | around 5 drops a day in food | €32.99 |
| 10% Big Dog | 1,000mg | Dogs of about 35 to 55kg | around 3 drops a day in food | €59.99 |
| 20% XXL | 2,000mg | Large and giant breeds over about 50kg | 3 to 4 drops a day in food | €99.95 |
These are starting points, not prescriptions. Start at the low end, watch how your dog gets on and follow your vet’s advice.
How to give CBD oil to a dog
- Shake the bottle so the CBD is evenly mixed.
- Add the drops to food or onto a small treat. Most dogs happily eat salmon-flavoured oil mixed into their dinner.
- Same time each day. Once a day, morning or evening, is the usual routine.
- Start low. Begin with the lower amount for a week or two before changing anything.
- Keep a note. Jot down the date and number of drops so you and your vet can see what you’ve been giving.
What to watch for
Most owners notice nothing unusual, but every dog is different. Stop and contact your vet if you notice anything that worries you, such as unusual tiredness, an upset stomach, loss of appetite or any change in behaviour. If your dog gets into the bottle and swallows a large amount, call your vet.
What to check before you buy
- Made for pets: a product designed and labelled for animals.
- Clear strength: the total mg of CBD in the bottle, so you can work out the amount per drop.
- Simple ingredients: CBD extract and a pet-friendly carrier oil. Avoid added flavourings or sweeteners.
- Independent lab report: showing the CBD content, THC “not detected” and tests for heavy metals and pesticides. Our guide on reading a CBD lab report explains what to look for.
- A seller you can contact: a named company that will answer questions.
- No medical promises: be wary of anyone claiming a pet CBD product will treat or cure anything.
Can cats have CBD oil?
Our 5% pet oil is suitable for cats as well as dogs. Cats are smaller and can be fussier, so start with a smaller amount than you would for a dog, mix it into wet food and, as always, check with your vet first.
Storing pet CBD oil
Keep the bottle somewhere cool and dark with the lid tightly closed, and store it well out of reach of pets and children. Salmon oil smells very appealing to dogs, so don’t leave the bottle anywhere a determined nose can find it.
Travelling with your dog
If you’re taking your dog abroad, remember that rules on CBD products differ between countries. Check before you travel, and keep the product in its original labelled bottle.
Buying pet CBD oil in Ireland
CBD Éire stocks three CBD oils for pets, made by the Irish CBD company Dr. Hemp Me and blended with salmon oil. Every batch is independently lab tested. Order before 2pm on a working day for next-day delivery anywhere in Ireland, with free delivery on orders over €50 and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Questions to ask your vet
- Is CBD suitable for my dog, given their age, size and health?
- Could it interact with any medication my dog takes?
- What amount would you suggest starting with, and how often?
- What should I watch for, and when should I call you?
- Should we review it at my dog’s next check-up?
Worked examples by size
These examples show how owners typically use our pet oils. They’re a starting point to discuss with your vet, not a prescription.
| Dog | Approximate weight | Oil | Typical start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Russell, cat | 5–10kg | 5% (2.5mg per drop) | 2–3 drops a day |
| Cocker spaniel, collie | 12–25kg | 5% | around 5 drops a day |
| Labrador, golden retriever | 30–40kg | 5% or 10% Big Dog | 5 drops of the 5%, or 3 of the 10% |
| German shepherd, Rottweiler | 35–55kg | 10% Big Dog | around 3 drops a day |
| Great Dane, Irish wolfhound | 50kg+ | 20% XXL | 3–4 drops a day |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using human products. Human gummies and flavoured oils can contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
- Starting too high. Begin at the low end and change slowly.
- Changing several things at once. If you switch food, add a supplement and start CBD in the same week, you won’t know what made a difference.
- Skipping the vet. Especially important for dogs on medication, older dogs and pregnant dogs.
- Buying without a lab report. You should be able to see the CBD content and a THC “not detected” result.
Building a routine your dog will accept
Dogs love routine, and a calm, predictable way of giving CBD makes life easier for both of you. Give it at the same meal each day, in the same bowl, and keep the amount steady for at least a week before you think about changing it. If your dog is fussy, put the drops on a small piece of their usual treat rather than mixing them into the whole meal, so you know they’ve had it all. For dogs on a special diet, ask your vet which treats are suitable.
If you share the job with family members, keep the bottle and a simple log in the same place, so nobody doubles up. A note on the fridge with the date and number of drops is all you need.
Older dogs
Many of the owners who contact us have older dogs. Senior dogs are more likely to be on medication and to have health conditions, so a conversation with your vet is especially important before you start. Start at the lowest amount, keep a careful note and book a review with your vet after a few weeks.
Is CBD for pets regulated?
Pet CBD products are sold as supplements, not as veterinary medicines, and they can’t be marketed as treating or curing anything. That’s why a responsible seller will always point you back to your vet, show you an independent lab report and avoid medical promises. If you see a pet product making bold health claims, that tells you more about the seller than the product.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog human CBD oil?
It’s better to use a product made for pets, with a strength and carrier oil chosen for animals. Never give dogs human gummies or flavoured products, which can contain ingredients that are dangerous to them.
How much CBD oil should I give my dog?
It depends on your dog’s size and the strength of the oil. Start at the low end of the guidance on the product, increase slowly if needed and follow your vet’s advice.
How do I give CBD oil to my dog?
Mix the drops into food or put them on a small treat, once a day at the same time.
Is CBD oil safe for dogs?
Speak to your vet before giving your dog CBD, especially if your dog takes medication or has a health condition.
Will CBD make my dog high?
No. CBD isn’t intoxicating. Choose a pet oil whose lab report shows THC “not detected”.
Can cats take the same oil?
Our 5% pet oil suits cats as well as dogs. Start with a smaller amount and check with your vet first.
Why is the oil salmon flavoured?
Salmon oil is a carrier that most pets like the taste of, which makes it easier to give.
More CBD guides
- 10%, 20% or 30%: which CBD oil strength?
- How to read a CBD lab report
- CBG vs CBD: what’s the difference?
- CBD gummies vs CBD oil vs capsules
- CBD oil in Dublin
- CBD oil in Cork
- CBD oil in Galway
- CBD oil in Limerick
- CBD oil in Waterford
Pet CBD products are for animals only. They are not veterinary medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your vet before use. Keep out of reach of children.