In recent years, CBD oil has emerged as a popular natural supplement for dogs, offering potential benefits for various health conditions ranging from anxiety to arthritis. Understanding how to administer CBD oil effectively involves calculating the right dosage based on your dog’s specific needs and characteristics. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate CBD dosage for your canine companion.
Understanding CBD for Dogs
CBD boasts numerous benefits for dogs, but determining the right amount to give your pet can be quite perplexing. CBD pet products, especially CBD oil, are available in various strengths, and different companies provide different dosing recommendations.
We’re here to simplify things. How much CBD should you administer to your dog?
Our general guideline is to give your dog 2mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight.
However, this serves as a starting point—many clinical studies have used much higher weight-based doses. Starting small and adjusting gradually helps you find the perfect dosage for your dog without overwhelming them with a large amount of CBD initially.
Other factors also influence determining your dog’s ideal CBD dosage. This guide delves deep into everything you need to know about CBD dosing for dogs.
Benefits of CBD for Dogs
The reason for dosing CBD oil for your dog significantly influences their CBD dosage.
Scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD offers a variety of benefits for dogs, both for chronic and occasional issues:
– Anxiety & aggression: CBD’s calming properties may help dogs with separation anxiety, travel anxiety, fear of loud noises, and aggressive behaviors. One study even showed a reduction in aggressive behavior in shelter dogs [1].
– Inflammation and discomfort: Research indicates that CBD may have anti-inflammatory benefits for dogs [2]. Many of our customers use CBD with their dogs to manage their aches and pains.
– Sleep: CBD’s calming effects can support better sleep in dogs, helping them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
– Epilepsy: Research suggests CBD may aid in managing epilepsy in dogs, though further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness [3].
– Appetite: CBD may stimulate your dog’s appetite by addressing issues like physical discomfort and anxiety that may cause them to lose interest in eating.
How to Dose CBD for Your Dog: Steps for Success
There are three main steps to effectively start a CBD regimen that’s right for your dog:
1. Calculate the dosage
You can use the calculator, chart, and formulas provided in this article to calculate the dosage accurately.
Several factors influence your dog’s dosage, primarily their body weight and the reason for administering CBD.
Contrary to advice from some companies, weight does matter when giving CBD to your dog. It makes sense to us pet parents, and most formal clinical research on CBD for dogs supports weight-based dosing.
Your dog’s unique circumstances will also affect their dosage, which may require some trial and error to determine.
2. Select a product
There are several types of CBD products available for dogs, with CBD oil being the most common. In our experience, pure CBD oil is the way to go for no risk of THC exposure.
Each product has its own dosing considerations, which we discuss further below.
3. Administer and adjust as needed
Once you’ve determined your dog’s ideal CBD dosage and selected a product, you can begin giving them CBD. Typically, daily administration for at least two weeks is necessary to start seeing significant results (see more dosing tips below).
Different ways of giving CBD to your dog
Want to know how to give CBD oil to your pup? Check out these easy techniques to try at home.
Old and Simple- CBD Oil Straight from The Dropper!
CBD oil tinctures for dogs are popular among pet owners because of their ease of use. The plastic dropper ensures safety, allowing you to administer the right amount directly into your dog’s mouth. They’re sure to enjoy it!
CBD oil for dogs varies in strength, from a 150 mg bottle for small dogs to a 3000 mg bottle for larger breeds. If you have a medium-sized dog, you might opt for a lower strength meant for smaller pets, especially if you plan to give multiple doses throughout the day. Regardless of your choice, always measure the CBD oil carefully and keep track of the total amount given to avoid overdosage.
The Benefits of This Method
This quick and simple method is hassle-free, allowing you to easily give a CBD product like CBD oil to multiple pets.
Tinctures offer great control over how much CBD you provide to your dog. Once you determine your dog’s daily CBD dose, you can choose to give the full amount through this method or just a portion. You don’t even need to use a full dropper – maybe you give half a dropper and save the rest for another method. Flexibility is important with your busy schedule, and this approach lets you give CBD without needing other components like food.
You can give your dog CBD oil straight from the dropper because it tastes good, and dogs like it. If you want to use this method, it’s best to get a flavored tincture. There are calming CBD oils for dogs with fruity flavors, and peanut butter-flavored oil is also a simple and cost-effective treat. Flavored CBD oils with natural ingredients are the best choice for your pet.
Mix CBD Oil with Your Dog’s Food or Treats
Despite the tasty flavor of peanut butter CBD tincture, some dogs aren’t too fond of being given it with a dropper. Maybe they’ve had bad experiences with unpleasant-tasting medicine in the past. But don’t worry—CBD oil for dogs can also be mixed into their food or treats.
CBD Oil Can Be Mixed with Any Dog Treat or Food
To give your dog CBD, add the right amount directly to their dry or wet food and mix it in. If you’re worried about the taste, our CBD oil tinctures also come in a natural flavor. You can also put a bit of CBD oil on a hard treat or in their water – and don’t forget to give them some pats and kisses!
Oil Can Be Dropped onto Any Edible
You can mix CBD tincture into your dog’s food or snacks, like apple slices or broccoli. Make sure they eat the entire CBD-infused treat to get the full dose.
Stick to the same total amount of CBD daily, but you can be flexible about when and how you give it to them. For example, you could add a few drops to their morning meal, a bit more with a treat in the afternoon, and some with their dinner. Just make sure the total amount of CBD each day is right for your pet’s weight and needs.
Treat Your Pupper to a CBD Treat
Even when treating our dogs, we want everything we give them to be beneficial, nutritious, and healthy. If we’re super busy, taking the time to measure out precise amounts of oil to administer directly into our pet’s mouth or food can feel like too much effort. In that case, CBD treats could be just the solution for us (and our furry friends)!
If we’re in the mood for some baking, we can whip up our own homemade CBD treats for dogs! This process is straightforward, and there are plenty of recipes available online. Most of these recipes include healthy, natural ingredients like sweet potato, pumpkin, blueberries, oats, and coconut.
Easy Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Make your own CBD dog treats at home with just three ingredients. Mix a quarter cup of CBD-infused peanut butter, a cup of oats, and a third cup of pumpkin puree. Shape the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Let the treats cool before serving. It’s that simple!
CBD Dosage for Dogs Based on Use
The amount of CBD you give your dog depends largely on the reason for administering it. Here are recommended CBD dosage formulas as starting points for different scenarios:
– Anxiety, aggression, and fear of loud noises: For anxiety and aggression, a higher dosage of CBD is recommended, calculated using this formula:
(0.4) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = daily CBD dosage in mg
For acute situations, start the daily doses several days before the stressful event to allow time for the CBD to take effect (e.g., if your dog is anxious about the July 4th fireworks, begin daily doses on June 30th).
– Sleep support & general wellness: For sleep support and overall wellness (e.g., skin and heart health), a lower dosage of CBD is sufficient:
(0.2) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = daily CBD dosage in mg
– Physical Discomfort & Inflammation: For achey joins and inflammation management, a higher CBD dosage is recommended:
(0.4) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = daily CBD dosage in mg
– Epilepsy: Consult your veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog for epilepsy. They can advise whether CBD is suitable and, if so, recommend the appropriate dosage.
CBD Dosage Chart: A Quick Reference
| Pet weight | Low dose | Medium dose | Strong dose |
| About 10 pounds | 1 mg | 3 mg | 5 mg |
| About 20 pounds | 2 mg | 6 mg | 10 mg |
| About 30 pounds | 3 mg | 9 mg | 15 mg |
| About 40 pounds | 4 mg | 12 mg | 20 mg |
| About 50 pounds | 5 mg | 15 mg | 25 mg |
| About 60 pounds | 6 mg | 18 mg | 30 mg |
| About 70 pounds | 7 mg | 21 mg | 35 mg |
| About 80 pounds | 8 mg | 24 mg | 40 mg |
| About 90 pounds | 9 mg | 27 mg | 45 mg |
| About 100 pounds | 10 mg | 30 mg | 50 mg |
General Guidelines
Start with a low dose (2mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight) and adjust as needed. Consider your dog’s individual factors and the reason for giving CBD.
Dosage for Specific Conditions
For anxiety and aggression, use the formula: (0.4) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = their daily CBD dosage in mg. For sleep support and general wellness, use the formula: (0.2) x (your dog’s body weight in lbs.) = their daily CBD dosage in mg.
CBD Oil for Dogs: Types and Benefits
CBD Oil Products
CBD oil is a versatile delivery method, allowing for customization of the dose. Oils come in various strengths and can be mixed with food or given directly.
CBD Treats and Edibles
CBD treats and edibles are a convenient and tasty way to give your dog CBD. Treats are fixed-dose, meaning each piece contains the same amount of CBD.
CBD Topicals and Salves
CBD topicals and salves are a great option for skin issues and localized relief.Apply directly to the affected area for targeted relief.
Measuring CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs
Measuring CBD oil doses for dogs can be confusing due to variations in oil strength and dropper size:
Most oils come with 1-milliliter (ml) droppers.
Depending on the product strength (our pet CBD oils come in 250mg, 500mg, and 1000mg bottles), here’s the amount of CBD in each full dropper of oil:
– 100mg CBD oil = 3.3mg CBD per 1 ml dropper
– 250mg CBD oil = 8.3mg CBD per 1 ml dropper
– 500mg CBD oil = 16.7mg CBD per 1 ml dropper
– 1000mg CBD oil = 33.3mg CBD per 1 ml dropper
– 1500mg CBD oil = 50mg CBD per 1 ml dropper
– 3000mg CBD oil = 100mg CBD per 1 ml dropper
– 5000mg CBD oil = 166.6mg CBD per 1 ml dropper
For example, if your dog needs 10mg of CBD per day and you have a 1000mg oil, you’d administer roughly one-third of a dropper daily.
Safety and Precautions
CBD may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. Monitor your dog’s response to CBD and adjust the dosage as needed.
Interactions with Medications
Consult with a veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog, especially if they’re taking medications.CBD may interact with certain medications, so it’s essential to discuss potential interactions.
Consulting with a Veterinarian
Importance of Professional Guidance
Consult with a veterinarian to determine the right CBD dosage for your dog. A veterinarian can help you navigate potential interactions and side effects.
What to Discuss with Your Veterinarian
Discuss your dog’s individual factors, medical history, and current medications. Ask about potential interactions and side effects, as well as the best CBD product for your dog.
Delta-8 THC for Dogs
Is Delta 8 THC suitable for dogs? Most pet owners wonder if the hemp-derived compound can offer their furry friends the same potential health benefits as CBD. Here’s what you need to know.
The cannabis plant contains many cannabinoids, including Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta 8 is a minor cannabinoid that makes up only a tiny percentage of the THC in the plant.
Despite its low concentration, Delta 8 THC has been shown to have some potential health benefits. Like other cannabinoids, it binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and may help to modulate the endocannabinoid system.
So far, most of the research on Delta 8 THC has been done in animals, so we don’t yet know all of the potential health benefits it may offer. However, some studies have shown that Delta 8 THC may help relieve anxiety and nausea and may also have neuroprotective properties.
Currently, there is no FDA-approved research on the safety and efficacy of Delta 8 THC in humans. However, some animal studies have shown that it is well-tolerated and has a wide margin of safety.
Still, other products like CBD may benefit pets suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and other conditions.
Due to the lack of research, we don’t yet know if Delta 8 THC is safe for dogs. However, many pet owners are using hemp-derived CBD products to provide their furry friends with the potential health benefits of cannabinoids.
Final Thoughts: CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD oil can be a valuable addition to your dog’s wellness regimen when used responsibly and with proper guidance. By understanding how to calculate and administer the correct dosage, pet owners can harness the potential benefits of CBD while minimizing risks.
You can use our CBD dosage calculator and chart to determine the right CBD dosage for your dog. Consult with a veterinarian to ensure you’re giving your dog the optimal CBD dosage. Remember, every dog is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the right CBD dose for your dog.
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post contains no legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
Other Articles About Cannabis Products
- CBD for Vertigo – Discover the Potential
- Finding the Best CBN Gummies for Sleep Support
- What Are the Best Forms of CBN Available Today?
- Organic 50mg Delta-8 Gummies: Benefits and Effects
- CBG and CBD: Differences and Similarities
- What is Full Spectrum THC?
- 100mg Delta-8 THC Gummies Review From BioWellnessX
- Indica vs Sativa Edibles: What’s the Difference?
- Delta 8 Edibles Review And Where to Buy Them!
- Is Delta-8 or CBD Better For Pain? The Top 5 Differences!
References:
- Farm Bill- Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill – 07/25/2019 | FDA
- Controlled Substances Act- The Controlled Substances Act (dea.gov)
- Forbes – 9 Science-Backed Benefits of Hemp Oil
- Mayo Clinic – CBD: Safe and Effective?
- National Institutes of Health: Cannabis and Cannabinoids: What You Need to Know
FAQs About CBD Dosing for Dogs
Accurate CBD dosage is crucial for effective treatment and to avoid adverse effects. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the right CBD dosage for your dog.
Consider your dog’s specific factors when determining the appropriate CBD dosage, as weight, age, health status, and medication can influence their tolerance and response to CBD.
Enter the weight of your dog in pounds to find the recommended CBD dosage. Choose the desired dosage strength and product type for a personalized calculation.
Typically, for humans we want full-spectrum CBD for the entourage effect of all those beneficial cannabinoids. For dogs, however, we don’t want to risk even the smallest amount of THC exposure, so pure CBD isolate oil is our recommendation.
