Owning a pet is a beautiful journey on its own. Little furry babies are similar to having a newborn human baby, and they, too, need love and affection like human children. However, they are sometimes born with anxieties or develop them as they grow through experiences. When dogs are anxious, they behave differently. Therefore, pet owners need to interpret their behavior and help them live better lives than otherwise.
Seeing them anxious can keep you awake at odd hours, especially at night. Moreover, you may want to seek immediate help, but it may not always be available. But surely, we may go to any lengths to ease their distress and cure their ailments. If you have seen your pet suffer and felt you were out on a limb, you may want to consider reading about CBD oil for dogs .
If you have decided to go for CBD oil, your next question will be how much is the correct CBD dosage? This is because CBD oil dosage is often challenging to figure out. But once you get the hang of the basic math, calculating the right CBD oil dosage is child’s play.
CBD is derived from cannabis plants and is also known as cannabidiol. It is a non-narcotic drug that significantly affects the lives of our fur babies. Further, CBD oils improve conditions like arthritis, pain, and cancer and help with anxiety and other mental health issues.
Although humans use it, its effectiveness in controlling seizures, anxiety, arthritis, cancer conditions, and pain in pets is well known. First, let’s dig into the article where we have explained how you should calculate the right CBD oil dosage. In addition, we have specifically mentioned CBD dosing charts to help you cross-check your calculated doses.
CBD is safe for your dog in lesser quantities. Since animals such as chordates have features similar to humans, CBD has been tried and tested on animals like cats, dogs, horses, and others. CBD oil for cats also helps them with anxiety.
Dogs have an endocannabinoid system responsible for regulating their internal body functions, and it is crucial to keep this system healthy. Because it helps pets maintain homeostasis within their bodies and further helps them live better lives than otherwise. Now, let us discuss the benefits of using CBD for treating different health conditions in dogs.
Cannabidiol lowers anxiety levels in dogs and cats alike. For example, a dog may bark incessantly when anxious, which happens when dogs experience separation anxiety from their owners. Nevertheless, if used in the right amounts, CBD oil for may help them overcome and control their anxiety.
CBD is effective in treating epilepsy and seizure attacks. FS Guimarães conducted a study on rats that proves the antianxiety action of cannabidiol. In conclusion, they said that its use might also apply to reducing the episodes of seizures in mammals.
According to American Veterinary Medical Association research, CBD oil can help animals deal with nausea and vomiting better. However, the data they collected is controversial among veterinarians.
CBD has excellent analgesic properties. Its main applications include treating muscle and joint pain that dogs and cats may suffer. Moreover, it may also help lower the symptoms of arthritis and improve joint mobility.
Researchers have proposed the use of cannabidiol in treating cancer. However, there is no substantial evidence to prove the effectiveness of CBD as an anti-cancer drug .
While it is overwhelming for pet owners to see their dogs anxious, giving CBD oil to dogs provides some relief. Calculating the right dosage of CBD oil is challenging for most dog owners. So, consider the following five factors to get the most out of the drug:
Now, let us discuss each point and how they are an excellent starting point in deciding the correct dosage.
The dog’s size matters when calculating the CBD dosages. Like any other dog medicines, CBD products must also be administered after calculating the correct dose by weight. But, too much CBD oil harms the dog’s health; hence, brush up your arithmetic skills and do the math for your fur baby.
Anecdotally, smaller dogs need lower doses of CBD products in comparison to their larger counterparts. Therefore, some manufacturers put the right doses on the label or guide with the CBD product. As a result, it becomes easy to give your dog the right dose of CBD.
On the other hand, large dogs require higher doses of CBD oil to show significant effects. So, before you start calculating the correct CBD dose, check your pet’s weight. Rarely a higher potency CBD oil works better than its lower equivalents.
Although CBD comes in various forms, CBD administration in dogs has limited variability. Therefore, dogs are commonly administered CBD mainly in 3 forms – topical application, CBD oil, and CBD dog treats.
Among these, CBD oils top the list in terms of the bioavailability of the drug. Moreover, it has a longer duration of action. However, its taste is not palatable, and most dogs refuse to take it. You could try CBD dog treats if your dog is fussy about the taste. Alternatively, CBD capsules are a good option, too. The treat has a fixed amount of CBD per serving. As a result, it allows you to feed your dog the correct dosage as desired.
Note that the effects of CBD edibles take time to show the impact. For example, a serving of CBD often takes 45 to 90 minutes to deliver effective results. Furthermore, the medicine is well digested and metabolized by the dog’s body, and thus only a fraction amount is utilized.
If your dog’s anxiety is associated with physical pain or discomfort, try using the topical alternative. Topical CBD products allow local drug application and prevent its systemic side effects. Moreover, they are fast-acting and applied as required. Besides, topical CBD doesn’t get absorbed into the bloodstream, and instead, it acts locally on the deeper layer of the skin. In some cases, droppers aid in administering CBD oil orally.
The potency of a CBD oil means how many milligrams of CBD drug are present per milliliter of oil. About ½ to 1 ml of CBD oil per serving is enough for pets. For instance, a 40ml bottle of CBD oil would provide dogs with about 40-80 servings.
Small dogs need the lowest potency CBD oil, and the larger dogs are given a higher potency CBD oil. Thus, giving them lower potency oils may prove ineffective and cause cost barriers in the long run.
Dogs are generally a pretty active breed; they play and run a lot due to their playful nature. As a result, they have a typically high metabolism. Your dog’s metabolism levels determine how long the CBD will last in your dog’s system. Interestingly, drug metabolism is unique and differs from dog to dog. So, it’s always recommended to consult your vet before giving CBD to avoid reactions to different medications your dog might be on.
Although CBD oils are very effective in dogs with anxiety issues, they are not a cure. They do not prevent or treat any medical ailments completely. Hence, a doctor’s opinion is always advised before starting any drug for your furry friend.
Keeping this in mind, the severity of your dog’s symptoms determines how much mg of CBD they need. A smaller CBD dosage is enough for small dogs, and Similarly, large dogs require a larger CBD dosage. Moreover, high potency oils given to dogs with severe symptoms with the doctor’s prior consent help ease symptoms faster.
It is not advisable to take direct recommendations on how much CBD oil your dog should receive. However, we can provide you with a general outline of how you can adjust a more accurate CBD dosage.
To start with, give your dog 2-6 mg of CBD daily for a week and observe their symptoms. If no visible signs appear, increase the dose by 2-4 mg of CBD for another week. It is safe to repeat this method till you find the correct dose to give your dog.
Furthermore, most brands provide dosage information behind the pack, which is a good point of reference. However, remember that you should start with lower doses of CBD and work your way up. Starting from a low dose of CBD helps prevent overdose of CBD oil.
Dogs are smaller in size compared to humans. They often weigh less, too. Hence, they require low doses of CBD as opposed to humans. As already discussed, the dog’s size matters when calculating the CBD dosages.
Smaller dogs require lower doses of CBD products than their larger counterparts. As a result, some manufacturers put the proper amounts on the label or guide with the CBD product. This makes it easy to give your dog the right dose of CBD.
Before calculating the correct CBD dose, check your pet’s weight. Then, let us discuss the recommended doses of CBD oil for dogs based on their weight.
Lightweight dogs are those who weigh about 2 to 17 lbs. They require very low doses of CBD. If high doses are given to small pets, it might be harmful to them. Also, note that small pets have a faster metabolism, which promotes quicker removal of CBD from the body. If CBD remains within the dogs’ body for a lesser time, the risk of developing side effects is less.
If you give your dog CBD for the first time, a small dose of 1-1.5 mg is enough. You can gradually increase the dose when your dog gets used to it. For treating anxiety:
It is advisable not to give your tiny pets a strong dose to prevent side effects. The maximum dose recommended is 14 mg CBD in a day.
The amount of CBD that small pets need is not more than 2-3 mg of CBD oil per day, and this dose depends on how well your dog is tolerating the CBD oil. Further, for most dogs, about 5 mg should help lower anxiety levels if the above doesn’t work.
The maximum dosage recommended for small dogs is 22 mg a day. You could give it two-three times a day, depending on the severity of their condition. However, do not exceed the maximum dose recommended.
Medium dogs require higher doses of CBD compared to small and extra small dogs, and this is because they have a huge body and higher body weight. A dose of 4 mg is a good starting point when considering giving them CBD for the first time. Eventually, more CBD can be given based on the tolerance limit of your dog.
For treating anxiety or depression, poor appetite, or ADHD, 4-5 mg of CBD is enough. This dose should be given two times a day, at least for a week. Then decide whether a reduction or increase in dose is needed. Avoid going beyond 34 mg in a day.
The amount of CBD required for large dogs is often high. So, follow the general guidelines for favorable outcomes for medium and small dogs. However, consider giving them a higher dose for better results. This is because a large dog has a huge body and a high body weight.
Further, in large dogs, metabolism is slower compared to smaller animals. So, the drug stays within the body for a longer duration. This results in a lesser time required for CBD to exit the body. Hence, the best advice for pet owners is to give highly potent CBD oils in lesser doses. This is cost-effective and dramatically enhances the dog’s health conditions.
Based on the dog’s weight, the following chart can be referred to when deciding the dosage of CBD.
Based on the potency of the CBD oil, the following dosing chart can be referred to select the correct CBD for your pet.
CBD oils are available in various forms. Unfortunately, there is no one correct method to administer CBD oil. However, the most preferred method by dog owners is orally using a dropper. If your pets are uncooperative, you can even mix it with their food or treats.
Avoid mixing with poultry food as it may disrupt your furry friend’s digestion. After adding it to food, wait some time for the food to absorb. A high dose of CBD treats seizures compared with a moderate dosage for anxiety.
Alternative methods of administering CBD are by topically applying it to the desired spot. This avoids systemic complications and promotes increased action since most drugs focus on the required area. In addition, to make CBD more acceptable to pets, manufacturers have introduced CBD capsules, too.
To calculate the right dose, ensure you have done the following:
Now, apply the following formula:
2.5 mg x your dog’s weight = Minimal Dose
For example, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, the minimum dose required would be:
Further, you can also calculate the potency of CBD oil that will be most useful for your pet. For this, calculate the amount of CBD in each serving. This amount is often 1 mL.
Under the care of a vet, consumption of CBD is relatively safe. However, be careful of how much CBD you administer when taken on your own. CBD helps ease your pet’s many symptoms and behaviors when given in the right dosage. However, if excess CBD is given, it may lead to specific side effects. For example, an excessive dose of CBD may increase the pressure in the eyes, causing pain and discomfort to your pet. Hence, it is essential to be cautious when using CBD oil.
After giving your dog or cat a dose of CBD oil, keep a check on their behavior. If they appear calm even when you leave for work, this may have worked out positively. However, if they pant excessively, vomit, or lack balance when walking, you may have given them an excess of oil.
In addition, a surplus dose of CBD may lead to hypotension or decreased blood pressure in mammals. Hence, you should be vigilant when giving these drugs to your fur baby.
Yes. CBD oil is most beneficial when used daily to enhance your pet’s health. However, giving low mg CBD is advised. This is important, especially when giving your dog CBD for the first time. If not excreted well from the body, they may cause specific side effects.
Moreover, you can gauge how well your dog responds to CBD with lesser doses. Hemp CBD products are often well tolerated by cats and dogs alike. However, very few may need very high doses to show results.
CBD needs to be taken with caution for your dog because it has severe side effects. Avoid taking CBD without the proper guidance of a veterinary doctor. However, a general outline of adjusting a more accurate CBD dosage is discussed below.
To start with, give your dog or cat 2-6 mg of CBD daily for a week and observe their symptoms. If no visible signs appear, increase the dose by 2-4 mg of CBD for another week. It is safe to repeat this method till you find the correct dose to give your pet.
Furthermore, most brands provide dosage information behind the pack, which is a good point of reference. However, remember that you should start with lower doses of CBD and work your way up. Starting from a low dose of CBD helps prevent overdose of CBD oil. How much CBD should be taken exactly needs to be calculated. To calculate the right dose, ensure you know your pet’s weight and the doses by the manufacturer.
Now, apply the following formula:
2.5 mg x your dog’s weight = Minimal Dose
For example, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, the minimum dose required would be:
You can safely give your dog or cat the correct CBD dose.
Under the care of a vet, consumption of CBD is relatively safe. However, when taken in the dosage recommended by your doctor, CBD helps ease your pet’s many symptoms and behaviors. For example, an excessive dose of CBD may increase the pressure in the eyes, causing pain and discomfort to your pet. Hence, it is essential to be cautious when using CBD oil.
After giving your dog or cat a dose of CBD oil, keep a check on their behavior. If they appear calm even when you leave for work, this may have worked out positively. However, if they pant excessively, vomit, or lack balance when walking, you may have given them an excess of oil. In addition, a surplus dose of CBD may lead to hypotension or decreased blood pressure in mammals. Hence, you should be vigilant when giving these drugs to your fur baby.
The ideal CBD dosage chart for cats and dogs is given below. However, do not omit the factors responsible for determining the dose of CBD. Furthermore, if you’re still unsure about the dose for your pet, visit your vet.
Over recent years, CBD is becoming a popular choice for relieving joint pain, muscle pain, anxiety, and other disorders in pets. In addition, CBD helps pets feel better when administered in the right dosage. With the increase in demand, manufacturers are working towards developing tastier treats infused with CBD supplements.
Limited studies are available owing to their novelty in the market. However, users have found effective results. CBD is safe for consumption in its natural state. Animals can tolerate CBD well. Nevertheless, it is imperative to understand its benefits for pet ailments and make an informed decision before buying.
CBD is derived from the cannabis plant variety. However, the FDA has not approved the use of CBD yet. The study of its effectiveness is poorly understood. But, most users have found the drug to be effective for their pets. People often find it difficult to calculate the right dosage for their pets. Hence, for the ease of the pet owner, manufacturers provide dosing information on the label of the CBD product.
Anecdotally, many people believe dogs enjoy having a treat more than the oil form of CBD. In addition, to make CBD more acceptable to pets, manufacturers have introduced CBD capsules, too. However, CBD oil is the easiest to deliver, and the best CBD oil is the one that your dog best tolerates and shows results. Hence, choose your brand wisely. We hope this article has answered your question about how much CBD oil I should give my dog for anxiety.