How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?

If you're considering giving your dog CBD oil, you probably have a lot of questions. How much should I give? What strength or potency should I use? How often can I give it? What if I give too much? Don't worry - this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the optimal CBD oil dosage for your dog.

CBD oil is growing in popularity for both humans and pets due to its potential health and wellness benefits. But finding the right dosage can be tricky. Every dog is different, so there's no universal dosage chart you can follow. The ideal dosage depends on your dog's weight, age, health conditions, and more. With a bit of guidance, you'll be able to find a CBD routine that works for your pup.

How CBD Oil Can Benefit Dogs

Before we dive into the dosage calculator, let's first go over the reasons you might want to give CBD to your dog. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD is non-intoxicating. It won’t make your dog high.

However, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors found throughout the body. This system helps regulate various functions like pain perception, mood, sleep, and more. When CBD enters the body, it indirectly influences the activity of receptors to help your dog maintain homeostasis or balance.

Research on CBD for dogs is still limited. But existing studies and anecdotal evidence suggest CBD may provide the following benefits:

• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Improved mobility and relief from joint discomfort
• Neuroprotection and enhanced brain health
• Relief from skin conditions like itchiness and inflammation
• Anti-nausea and immune-boosting effects
• Anti-tumor effects that may combat cancer

Of course, more research is needed to confirm CBD’s therapeutic effects. But millions of pet owners are already using CBD and reporting excellent results. If your dog struggles with any health issues that CBD may address, it’s certainly worth giving it a try!

Now let’s go over how to find the optimal dose to maximize the benefits while avoiding side effects.

CBD Oil Dosage Calculator for Dogs

There are a lot of factors that determine proper CBD dosage for dogs. To make it easy, we’ve created a dosage calculator so you can find the perfect starting dosage for your pup. Here are the factors accounted for in the calculator:

1. Your Dog’s Weight

A dog’s weight is one of the most important factors for determining dosage. Larger, heavier dogs need higher doses than smaller breeds. The dosage calculator allows you to enter your dog’s weight and automatically adjusts the dosage accordingly.

2. Concentration of CBD Oil

CBD oil comes in different concentrations or strengths. For example, a 30mL bottle may contain 300mg, 600mg or 1200mg total CBD. The potency you choose impacts dosage - higher concentrations often require smaller servings. Select your product’s potency in milligrams to calculate the optimal dose.

3. Your Dog's Health Needs

Dogs may need different dosages depending on their health concerns. Issues like chronic pain may require a higher dose for relief, while milder concerns like general wellness may need less. The calculator lets you choose a condition to optimize the dosage.

4. Your Dog's Sensitivity

Some dogs tolerate CBD better than others. Factors like age, metabolism and natural sensitivity to new supplements can vary how much CBD your dog needs. The calculator lets you adjust for sensitivity to find the right dosage.

With these key factors accounted for, the calculator provides a suggested total daily dosage in milliliters. It also shows the equivalent in drops for easy dosing. Now let’s walk through how to use the calculator step-by-step.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Dosage for Dogs

Figuring out the right CBD oil dosage for dogs can bring up a lot of questions, especially for first-time users. Here we cover some of the most common FAQs:

How much CBD oil should I give my dog for the first dose?

Always start with a very low dose when first introducing CBD oil. Give your dog just 0.25 mg for every lb of body weight twice a day. So a 50 lb dog would get 6.25mg (0.25 x 25) of CBD total per day. Monitor for a week before increasing.

How often can you give a dog CBD oil?

Most experts recommend giving CBD oil 2-3 times per day. Splitting the dosage into smaller servings ensures steady levels of CBD in your dog’s system all day long. For example, give one dose in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one at bedtime.

What’s the ideal CBD dosage range for dogs?

The ideal dosage range is usually between 1-5mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. But this varies based on potency, the condition being treated, and your dog's sensitivity. Always start low and increase slowly within the recommended dosage range.

How long does it take for CBD oil to start working for dogs?

It takes consistent use of CBD oil for at least 1-2 weeks before you’ll notice the full effects. Many owners see subtle improvements after just a few days though! Monitor your dog closely to see when symptoms start to improve.

Can I give my dog CBD oil twice a day?

Yes, it’s recommended to split up your dog’s total daily CBD dosage into 2 or 3 servings throughout the day. This maintains steady CBD levels for optimal benefit. For example, give one dose in the AM, one in PM, and one midday.

What happens if I give my dog too much CBD oil?

If you give your dog too much CBD, side effects may include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and changes in appetite or thirst. Very high doses may cause imbalance and coordination problems. Start with small doses and monitor your dog to avoid overdose.

Now that you know how to use the CBD dosage calculator for dogs, you can quickly find the perfect dose to start your pup on the path to wellness! Monitor closely for the first few weeks and adjust as needed until you notice max benefits.

Finding High-Quality CBD Oils for Dogs

To ensure your dog benefits from CBD, it’s crucial to choose a high quality product. Here’s what to look for:

• Organic hemp sourced in the US - Hemp absorbs toxins from soil. Organic hemp ensures purity and safety. Domestic sources offer better oversight than international hemp.
• Full spectrum extract - These contain all beneficial compounds from hemp including essential terpenes and minor cannabinoids that create an “entourage effect” for maximum benefit.
• 3rd party lab tested - Reputable brands test for purity, potency and safety through independent labs. Check for recent Certificates of Analysis.
• CO2 extracted - CO2 extraction yields pure, contaminant-free CBD oil with no harsh solvents. It’s the gold standard for CBD extraction.
• Naturally flavored - Artificial ingredients can be harmful for dogs. Seek oils flavored with natural ingredients only. Unflavored works too!

Choosing organic, domestically sourced full spectrum CBD oils ensures your dog receives all the beneficial compounds from hemp. Research brands thoroughly and check reviews to find quality CBD oils before purchasing.

Talk to Your Vet Before Starting a CBD Routine

While CBD is generally very safe for dogs, it’s always wise to check with your veterinarian before trying any new supplement. This is especially important if your dog takes any medications, has underlying health conditions, or is pregnant/lactating. Your vet can review potential interactions and advise you on an appropriate dosage schedule.

Remember to introduce CBD slowly and monitor your dog’s symptoms and reactions. Adjust the dosage incrementally until you find their “sweet spot.” Stay observant for the first few weeks to ensure they tolerate it well. With patience and perseverance, your furry friend can start reaping the wellness benefits of CBD!

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Oil for Dogs

What is CBD oil?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a compound found in cannabis plants. CBD is extracted from hemp, the non-psychoactive variety of cannabis. It will not get your dog high. CBD oil that contains less than 0.3% THC is legal in most states.

How is hemp different from marijuana?

Hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant. However, hemp contains very low levels of THC (less than 0.3%), which is the compound responsible for marijuana's psychoactive effects. Hemp also has higher levels of CBD.

What are the benefits of CBD oil for dogs?

Research shows CBD may help relieve chronic pain, reduce seizures, ease anxiety and stress, improve skin conditions, and provide neuroprotection and anti-tumor effects. However, more studies are still needed.

Are there any side effects?

CBD is generally very safe for dogs. Mild side effects may include drowsiness, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth or changes in mood or appetite. These typically resolve on their own. Seek veterinary advice if side effects persist.

Can I give human CBD oil to my dog?

You should avoid using human CBD oils as they may contain additives or higher concentrations of THC unsafe for dogs. Always choose a pet-specific product formulated just for dogs.

How long does CBD oil take to work?

It can take 1-2 weeks of consistent CBD use to see the full therapeutic effects. You may notice more subtle improvements after just a few days though. Effects depend on the condition treated, dosage, and your dog’s body chemistry.

Is it safe to give CBD with my dog’s medications?

CBD may interact with certain medications. Always consult your veterinarian before using CBD oil with any prescription medications or supplements your dog takes. Your vet can review potential interactions.

How should I store CBD oil?

Store CBD oils and chews in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve potency. Refrigeration can further extend shelf life, but is not required.

What is the shelf life of CBD oil?

With proper storage, CBD oil has a typical shelf life of 12-24 months. Check the expiration date on products to ensure freshness. If stored longer, potency may slowly diminish over time.

Should I give CBD treats or oils?

Both CBD oil and treats/chews can be effective. Oils allow precise dosage control and can be given orally or mixed with food. Chews and treats make dosage easier but are harder to adjust.

What’s the best time of day to give CBD to my dog?

Most vets recommend giving CBD 2-3 times throughout the day with food to keep levels steady. Common dosage times are morning, midday, and evening. Find a routine that works for your schedule.

How long does CBD stay in a dog's system?

Research shows CBD metabolites can be detected up to 72 hours after administration. However, most therapeutic effects taper off within 8-12 hours. This is why multiple daily doses are recommended.

I hope these answers help explain some of the key questions surrounding CBD oil and its use for dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before starting CBD to ensure it's the right choice for your pup.