You don’t have to be a vet to understand proper CBD dosage for dogs. Giving your dog CBD is a mere back-of-the-napkin calculation combined with simply observing your dog for signs of effectiveness.
So while you may know how to dose CBD for humans, we’re here to teach you how to do the same for your four-legged friend.
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How Does CBD Work in Dogs?
CBD affects dogs in mostly the same ways it affects humans. Both dogs and humans have endocannabinoid systems in our bodies, which naturally receive cannabinoids like CBD to regulate our various bodily processes.
If your dog is stressed, anxious, in pain, or suffers from seizures, it’s worth seeing if CBD will help regulate their endocannabinoid systems and give them some relief.
How Does CBD Benefit Dogs?
Once you land on the correct CBD dosage for dogs, you may notice a rapid effect on symptoms like anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, bowel problems, pain, urinary tract problems, and overall health. However, effects may vary in different dogs, so be sure to pay close attention.
How to Choose a CBD Product for Your Dog
Your dog may not cooperate as you place a CBD oil tincture in its mouth. Depending on how that experience goes, you may also want to opt for CBD doggy treats, which contain set doses for convenience. Or you can try mixing CBD oil with their food or favorite treat.
CBD Dosage for Dogs
How do you find the right CBD dosage for dogs? Start with the same strategy you use to determine the right amount for humans: begin with a small dose and work your way upwards. Feel free to refer to our handy CBD dosage calculator for reference.
The best bet is to start between 2 mg and 4 mg of CBD for every 10 lbs of your dog’s weight. Try this dose twice daily, with about six hours between doses. As you try to find the right dose, wait at least three days before making changes to establish a reliable baseline.
- For very small dogs (Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians), start with 1-2 mg of CBD.
- For small dogs (Pugs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Boston terriers), start with 3-5 mg of CBD.
- For medium dogs (French bulldogs, beagles, corgis), start with 6-10 mg of CBD.
- For large dogs (labradors, poodles, boxers), start with 12-16 mg of CBD.
- For very large dogs (Old English mastiffs, Great Danes, St. Bernards), start with 20-30 mg of CBD.
Make sure you’re giving them the good stuff — a high-quality, broad-spectrum, CO2-extracted hemp oil is a great bet.
Some dogs will take CBD as part of their daily health regimen (e.g., to help with seizures, chronic anxiety, etc.). Others will take it a la carte to deal with a trip to the vet, Fourth of July fireworks, and separation anxiety.
The important thing to note is that every dog may require a different dose. There are a lot of variables at play — your dog’s weight, metabolism, health, and severity of certain conditions may require more or less CBD. It’s best to increase their dose by 2 mg at a time and wait three days to observe.
Remember, CBD is safe, and you’re unlikely to see any bad side effects. However, side effects aren’t unheard of, so it’s important to increase the dose slowly to find the right amount.
CBD Dosage Calculator for Dogs
Use our free CBD Dosage calculator to find out how much CBD to give your doggie.
CBD Calculator
Please consult your doctor before taking CBD or a vet before giving CBD to your pets. CBD is not approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Our articles and calculator on CBD are for information purposes only. Learn more about the FDA's stance on CBD.
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FAQ
How do I give my dog CBD?
The easiest way to give your dog CBD oil is to add it to their food. Remember that because CBD is fat soluble, it will be absorbed better if it accompanies fatty foods like peanut butter. Most kibble contains enough fat to make this work. You can also give your dog oil by gently holding their mouth and squirting the oil under their tongue or giving them a CBD treat.
Should my dog have an empty stomach for CBD?
No, CBD is absorbed better when accompanied by other fatty foods — CBD and other cannabinoids are fat-soluble. It’s best to give your dog CBD with a meal, if possible, or with some of their favorite treat, like peanut butter.
