CBD Dosage for Dogs: What’s the Right Amount?

As responsible dog owners, we want to research the best ways to care for our dogs. This means looking at alternative ways of helping with things that can affect our pets, like upset tummies. The problem many responsible dog owners face when considering alternative, natural methods for alleviating discomfort is how much of these products to give to their dogs. 

Many times, there are no general guidelines issued by regulatory agencies to help us determine what amount to give them. This can put dog owners in a difficult situation and leave them guessing.

If you’re considering using CBD oil for your dogs, you may find yourself in this situation. Since the Farm Bill of 2018 was passed, there has been a massive surge of CBD-related products made available for pets. 

At VetCBD, we want to help end the confusion and provide our customers with products they can rely on to support their dogs naturally and safely. As such, we aim to provide you with information about CBD and related products so you can make informed decisions about your dog’s healthcare and overall wellness. 

If you’re new to the idea of using CBD products for your dog, we’re here to help. CBD can be incredibly beneficial for dogs when administered properly. As always, it’s important you speak to your veterinarian before starting CBD. 

What Are The Health Benefits of CBD?

Cannabidiol, or “CBD” is a plant-based compound found in the flowers of certain varieties of the cannabis sativa plant. This plant is grown in numerous variations, including those that produce marijuana. The species that CBD is extracted from is commercially grown hemp – a variety of cannabis with low levels of THC. 

The hemp plant provides a myriad of benefits for your dog and has other components outside of CBD that are important for use. These include other cannabinoids (plant-based compounds), flavonoids, and terpenes.

In order for your dog to receive the maximum benefit of CBD, your dog’s CBD oil should be in “full-spectrum” form. CBD oil is generally distributed in three different ways: isolate oil, broad-spectrum oil, and full-spectrum oil. The two most popular oils found in pet products are isolate oil and full-spectrum oil. Isolate oil only contains CBD; no other parts of the hemp plant are extracted with this oil. As such, this oil cannot provide maximum benefit to your dog, or give them what is called the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect refers to all parts of the hemp plant working together synergistically to yield the highest return of benefit. 

Full-spectrum CBD can be incredibly beneficial for your dog. Here are some of the benefits of supplementing your dog’s health and wellness routine with CBD oil: 

• Joint support. CBD oil has soothing properties that may help your dog when experiencing occasional discomfort. Dogs with joint issues may also benefit from continual use of CBD oil and may be able to find supported mobility. 
• GI support. CBD oil may help with some tummy troubles.
• Calming support. It can be a difficult situation for both dog and owner when your dog experiences stress, especially when apart from you. CBD oil can help your dog maintain a sense of relaxation and calmness. 
• Brain support. We want our dogs with us as long as possible, and part of keeping our dogs healthy is helping their brains function optimally. Your dog’s endocannabinoid system regulates things like sleep, mood, memory, and appetite. CBD oil interacts with this system and can help to promote normal, healthy brain function. 

What Is The Right Dosage Amount for Dogs?

Making sure your dog gets the right amount of CBD oil is crucial to ensuring the oil works and is well tolerated. 

While CBD is generally very well tolerated by dogs, it’s always important to speak to your dog’s veterinarian to determine if CBD is a viable option for them and to make sure that it will not interfere with any other medications or courses of treatment they currently have prescribed. 

While there is currently no standard guideline for CBD dosage in dogs, a good rule of thumb is 0.2mg of CBD per pound of body weight. If you have a 20-pound dog, for instance, you would give your dog 4mg of CBD. It can be difficult to determine how much 4mg of CBD is if you are using a tincture. At VetCBD we provide usage guidelines on our products to take out the guesswork.

You can start off with half the recommended amount and adjust it up or down as needed. Every dog is different and will respond differently to CBD, therefore every dog will require a different amount based on their size, their body chemistry, and their overall health. 

If you’re looking for veterinarian formulated, lab tested CBD for your dog, cat, or horse, check out our CBD tinctures and CBD calming soft chews. We offer free support from veterinary professionals by email or phone, and a 30 day money back guarantee!

Signs That Your Dog May Benefit From CBD

If you think your dog may benefit from CBD, speak to your veterinary care provider. Know also that VetCBD’s products have been formulated by a  veterinarian with numerous years of experience in CBD. As such, we look for the following signs that a dog may be a candidate for CBD:

• Change in behavior. Dogs that have become antisocial or aggressive may be experiencing some kind of environmental-related stress or other issues where they could benefit from CBD oil. 
• Mobility/discomfort related issues. Dogs with mobility challenges may benefit from the soothing effect of CBD oil. 
• Mood/behavioral issues. If your dog chews through the floor every time you leave the house, you may have a dog that is experiencing separation stress. CBD oil may help lessen their agitated response and help them settle into a sense of calm. 

What to Expect After You Give Your Dog CBD?

Just as every dog differs in their optimal amount for CBD, their reaction may also vary. Some dogs will respond quickly, while benefits in another dog may take a few weeks. It all depends on your dog’s own body chemistry and overall health. 

How Often Can I Give My Dog CBD?

CBD oil can be administered to your dog on a daily basis, with some dogs benefiting from multiple daily doses. You can give your dog additional CBD oil every eight to twelve hours, as needed. While CBD is usually effective within one to two hours of being ingested, some dogs may need more to help receive the right benefits. It’s important to be cognizant of your dog’s behaviors to determine whether additional doses are needed and how frequently your dog may need it.  When you are ready to incorporate CBD as part of your dog’s wellness routine, consider exploring what VetCBD has to offer to help your pup thrive.