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 (2). Of course, this amount will depend on the weight of your dog. Other factors matter too, like their spay or neuter status.
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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 (3), 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 (4).
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.
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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.
When purchasing CBD oil for your dog, ensure the following:
- Third-party lab testing to verify potency and purity
- Clearly listed ingredients
- 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 (5). These products were tested and did not contain the amount of CBD listed on the label.
Understanding CBD Dosage for Dogs
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.
You can view Lolahemp's CBD dosage guidelines on our CBD oil for pets product page.
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.
Note that the guidelines are different for cats in many cases, so it's recommended to use a cat CBD dosage chart for your feline friends.
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