How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?

Dog sitting next to cbd dropper

By: Max Martinson

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?

Learn about the proper dosage of CBD oil for your dog, and get more insights into the safe use of this powerful organic option for canine health.

As a general rule, the starting CBD dosage for dogs should be 1mg of CBD per 10 pounds of the dog's body weight, twice daily.

The CBD dosage for cats is a little different, so be sure to review information on both pets if you're planning to use CBD for dogs & cats in your household.

This is a good place to start because it's well within the range that has been determined to be safe for dogs. Studies have shown that 4mg of CBD per kg of weight is well tolerated in healthy dogs.

1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight given twice daily falls well below that range. It's good to start with a clearly labeled, organic CBD oil for dogs so that you can give consistent dosages.

How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog? 

The ideal CBD dosage for dogs varies depending on a number of factors such as your dog's body weight and the specific product you're using.

Crucially, the best way to identify a safe CBD dose for your dog is to consult your veterinarian. CBD may not be appropriate for your dog if they take certain medications, or they may require a lower dose.

CBD oil generally contains more CBD than treats or chews. Use whichever product your dog likes best, and follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions closely.

Additionally, check the calorie count on CBD chews and treats! Ideally, less than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake should come from treats. Of course, this amount will depend on the weight of your dog. Other factors matter too, like their spay or neuter status.

 


CBD Oil Dosing Tips for Dogs

To make CBD a safe addition to your dog's wellness regimen, consider these dosing tips:

1. Consult Your Veterinarian

Discuss CBD oil with your vet, especially if your dog has existing health issues or takes medications. CBD can affect medication absorption and affect liver function, so it is not equally safe for every dog.

2. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Each CBD oil product contains a different concentration per dropper-full. For this reason, follow the manufacturer's CBD dosage chart based on your dog's weight.

3. CBD for Pets, Not People

When shopping for CBD oil for your dog, it's critical to limit your search to products made exclusively for pets. Here's why:

First, some human CBD oil contains ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. The most common one is xylitol, an artificial sweetener. Xylitol is safe for people, but it makes dogs sick and can be fatal when consumed in large amounts.

On a lighter note, human products will also contain more CBD per drop. These concentrations are too high for most dogs, making it difficult to achieve an appropriate dose. Large-breed dog owners can search for maximum-strength pet CBD as a cost-effective solution, rather than giving them higher doses of standard oil.

4. Start with a Low Dose

After clearing CBD with your vet, start with a low dose. Monitor your dog for side effects such as sedation, vomiting, or diarrhea. If needed, increase the dosage gradually under your veterinarian's guidance.

As we mentioned earlier, a good starting point is 1mg per 10 pounds of your dog's body weight.

5. Monitor Your Dog

We're still learning how CBD affects dogs. As a result, some dogs may be more sensitive than others. 

Keep an eye on your dog for any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels after starting CBD oil. If you observe anything concerning, pause the CBD oil and reach out to your vet. 

Choosing a High-Quality CBD Oil 

When selecting a CBD oil for your dog, quality is key. Look for a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer to make sure your dog receives an accurate dose. 

factors for selecting high-quality CBD

When purchasing CBD oil for your dog, ensure the following:

  1. Third-party lab testing to verify potency and purity
  2. Clearly listed ingredients
  3. Reasonable, evidence-based CBD information on the product website

Dog CBD products with these traits are more likely to be high-quality. You can also check the Food and Drug Administration's website for warning letters sent to CBD brands. These products were tested and did not contain the amount of CBD listed on the label.

Conclusion 

Inconsistent guidelines for CBD in dogs can make choosing a dose difficult. However, it's still possible to move forward in a safe and effective way. 

We recommend that you consult your veterinarian before getting started, adhere to the product's dosing instructions, and start with a low dose. Stay in touch with your vet throughout the process, and reach out with any concerns. That way, you can make CBD a safe and appropriate part of your dog's wellness plan. 

    References:

    1. National Library of Medicine - Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases
    2. Colorado State University - CBD for Dogs Insights
    3. Frontiers in Veterinary Science - A Single Dose of CBD Positively Influences Measures of Stress in Dogs During Separation and Car Travel
    4. Waltham Petcare Science Institute - Study Finds CBD is Effective at Reducing Stress in Dogs

    Related product

     
    Lolahemp 60 mL CBD oil for pets

    Looking for Answers?

    Our pet health quiz will point you in the right direction.

    Take the Quiz

    ← Older Post Newer Post →

    Leave a comment

    Looking for Answers?

    Our pet health quiz will point you in the right direction.

    Take the Quiz

    Related Articles

    A bag of bacon flavored cbd treats from Lolahemp next to a very happy dog!

    The Best Bacon Flavored CBD Treats for Dogs

    Bacon flavored treats are a favorite among dogs, and these hemp chews combine CBD with omega fatty acids to be the perfect treat for dogs.

    image of cbd oil being dropped and a dog sneezing with text "can dogs be allergic to cbd?"

    Can Dogs Be Allergic to CBD?

    In this modern age, pet parents are on a continual quest to uncover the most nourishing and wholesome paths for their furry family members. Among...

    image of hemp seeds and a german shepherd with text that says "dog owner guide"

    Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Hemp Seeds? | Nutrients, Risks, & Benefits

    Hemp seeds can be a great addition to a dog's diet as they're high in omega fatty acids, but there are some considerations to make...