How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?
Originally posted on https://intrinsichemp.com/how-much-cbd-oil-should-i-give-my-dog/
If you’re familiar with the constantly growing number of CBD products currently on the market, then you already know that CBD is an incredibly effective remedy for a wide array of common health concerns. CBD can be used to treat conditions that range from acne and eczema all the way to anxiety, arthritis, sleep disorders, and more. In fact, this natural remedy is quickly proving to be one of the most versatile on the market.
Even if you’re familiar with the many uses of CBD for humans, you might not know that this compound can be equally beneficial for furry friends—specifically dogs and cats! If you have a pet that suffers from anxiety, seizures, or pain, CBD could be a life-changing option for both the human and animal members of your family. However, you might have lots of questions about administering CBD to your pet. Read on for the answers to common questions, including: “How much CBD hemp oil should I give my dog?” “What conditions is CBD effective for in dogs?” “How can I give CBD to my dog?” and more.
Which Canine Conditions Are Treatable with CBD?
Much like humans, dogs can enjoy relief from a wide range of conditions with proper CBD usage. In dogs, as in humans, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which contains receptors that affect mood, memory, pain, and homeostasis in the body. This means that CBD can be helpful for dogs that suffer from:
Pain
CBD is particularly effective for older dogs that experience arthritis or hip and joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce these signs of aging and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Stress and Anxiety
If your dog struggles with stress or anxiety, CBD can be used to provide a calming effect. Dogs commonly experience separation anxiety, panic attacks, or stress associated with things like thunderstorms, unexpected visitors, or new additions to the household. CBD can help your dog feel more relaxed in these situations.
Seizures
Though no formal studies have been completed regarding CBD treatment for dogs, many veterinarians and owners have found that CBD is effective if your dog suffers from seizures. CBD may help to reduce the frequency or intensity of seizures, dramatically improving your dog’s day-to-day experience.
Skin and Coat Conditions
Because CBD hemp oil is rich in phytonutrients and essential fats, it also gives your dog an overall boost in wellness, resulting in healthier skin and hair.
How Much CBD Oil Can I Give My Dog for Pain, Seizures, or Anxiety?
Once you’ve decided to try out CBD for your dog, the next question is clear: how do you determine the right dose for your pup? In general, it’s best to start with a small dose and work your way up as needed, increasing the amount once every five days until the treatment becomes effective. CBD doses are generally measured by milligrams. We recommend:
Dogs 10-20 lbs: 2-3mg
Dogs 20-60 lbs: 4-5mg
Dogs over 55 lbs: 8-10mg
You can also calculate a dosage more precisely using your dog’s body weight. Most experts recommend starting with 0.2mg of CBD per one kilogram of body weight. Here’s an example of how to calculate the dose for a 60-pound dog:
- Divide your dog’s weight by 2.2 to convert from pounds to kilograms:
60/2.2= 28 kg. - Multiply the number of kilograms by 0.2 to determine the number of milligrams in a dose:
28 x 0.2= 5.5mg.
- Use this number to administer CBD treats or drops of CBD oil, based on the concentration of CBD in the product you choose.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are also lots of helpful dosage charts and calculators available online! As a general rule, start your pet on a low dosage of CBD to test their reaction, and work your way up gradually. Most experts recommend a dose that stays below 0.3mg/kg, which should be effective for the majority of pet conditions.
How Can I Give CBD to My Dog?
When it comes to actually administering CBD to your dog, there are three basic options: a CBD tincture or oil, CBD capsules, or CBD-infused treats. As most dog owners know, it can be a real challenge to give your pooch a pill, so treats and tinctures that can be mixed into food are the most popular options. You’ll have the flexibility to experiment with exact dosages using an oil, but the treats may be more appealing to your pup in the long run. So, you might consider starting with an oil to establish the right dosage for your dog’s needs, then switching over to treats once you have a routine in place.
Are There Risks Associated with CBD for Dogs?
While CBD is safe—and often beneficial—for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering a CBD regimen for your pet. Most importantly, be sure that you purchase high quality, CBD-only products; THC and other marijuana products can be harmful to pets, and quality products assure that no harmful additives will be introduced. In addition, be sure to choose CBD products designed only for pets, as many intended for human use contain substances that are dangerous to pets, such as xylitol, nuts, or chocolate.
Finally, be sure to monitor your dog’s behavior when you give them CBD. Start with a low dose and look out for side effects like increased thirst, low blood pressure, or drowsiness—these may indicate that the dose is too high or your dog is not responding well to CBD treatment.
Due to FDA Regulations, we recommend that you do your own research on CBD products. We also suggest that you read the reviews on our website, where our customers record their real-world results of using our products.