CBD has gone mainstream over the past few years as a cure-all for everything from aches and pains to seizures and anxiety. As a result, pet owners have more CBD treatment options than ever. However, treating a dog with CBD is quite a bit different than a person, since you can’t exactly ask your dog if it’s working. Too much and your dog may get lethargic, too little and it won’t work, so how do you find the sweet spot?
In this article we’ll help you find the perfect CBD dosage for your dog and explore different types of CBD for dogs, so you can properly use CBD to improve your dog’s health and happiness.
Can I give my dog CBD oil?
Yes, CBD oil works just as well for dogs as it does for humans, and treats the same conditions as well. Unlike cannabis oil, CBD oil has no psychoactive effects.
How much CBD should I give my dog?
The rule of thumb when giving dogs CBD is: for each ten pounds of bodyweight, give 1-5 mg of CBD. Choosing a dosage in this range mostly comes down to what you are treating and how severe the symptoms are. The more severe your dog’s condition (for instance, arthritis pain), the higher on that scale you should dose.
CBD oil for dogs dosage chart
| Weight | Minimum dose | Average dose | Maximum dose |
| 10 lbs | 1 mg | 3 mg | 5 mg |
| 20 lbs | 2 mg | 6 mg | 10 mg |
| 30 lbs | 3 mg | 9 mg | 15 mg |
| 40 lbs | 4 mg | 12 mg | 20 mg |
| 50 lbs | 5 mg | 15 mg | 25 mg |
How can I tell if I gave my dog too much CBD?
Figuring out CBD oil dosage for dogs is tricky partly because the only way to determine the effect is by reading your dog’s behavior. The right amount of CBD often has a stimulating effect on dogs, but if your dog is more tired or less active than usual after a large dose, you may have given them too much. Don’t worry though! Dogs can’t “overdose” on CBD, and side effects like nausea and diarrhea are rare.
How to give a dog CBD oil: types of CBD for dogs
So now that you know how much CBD to give your dog, how do you actually give your dog CBD? It depends on the type of CBD! See the main options in the following section.
CBD treats and biscuits
The easiest way to give a dog CBD oil and provide an accurate dosage is with CBD treats or biscuits. That way, you know how much CBD is in each treat, and can dose accordingly by just feeding your dog the treat.
CBD tincture
Tinctures that come in a dropper are common but they work best when the drops are held under the tongue for 30-60 seconds, and, unless you’re the world’s greatest dog trainer, you probably can’t get your dog to do that. Tinctures are also a bit more difficult to dose accurately since you have to measure by the drop.
CBD capsules
Capsules are another option: you can either administer the CBD capsules yourself orally or just empty the capsule into their food.
How dogs can benefit from CBD oil
CBD’s popularity is growing because it has a wide range of benefits and minimal side effects. You can use CBD oil for dog seizes, cancer, or anxiety as a way to manage symptoms, or as a form of preventative care to improve your dog’s health and longevity.
Fights pain
All those years of chasing after squirrels and playing catch add up, and most old dogs have small aches and pains that limit their mobility. These pains are caused by chronic inflammation, and CBD reduces inflammation in the joints and bones. This makes CBD an excellent pain reliever for dogs with arthritis.
Reduces anxiety
Dogs are often struck with anxiety just by you leaving the house, and anxiety can lead to all sorts of problematic behavior. CBD has a mild sedative effect that will soothe your dog’s anxiety.
Prevents cancer
Research on CBD’s anti-cancer effects is growing, and it works both preventatively and as a treatment for dogs with cancer. CBD:
- Boosts the immune system
- Helps kill cancer cells
- Has properties that fight and prevent tumors from forming
Increases appetite
Dogs lose their appetite for a number of reasons: pain, stress, anxiety, or nausea are chief among them. Good news: CBD is beneficial for all of these symptoms. Just as CBD oil soothes pain, it can soothe your dog’s digestive problems and help them gain healthy weight.
Conclusion
Veterinary drugs like painkillers can have a host of unpleasant side-effects. These medications help manage symptoms, but often strain your dog’s health or wellbeing in other ways. CBD is a more holistic approach that not only treats symptoms but improves overall health, with very few downsides.