The word about the benefits of CBD is out. It can help with pain, inflammation, anxiety, sleep, even cancer, with minimal side effects. In fact, CBD is such a boon, it’d be a shame not to use it to its fullest potential.
Cannabinoids are effective thanks to the endocannabinoid system, which nearly all animals have. Basically, CBD also works on our furry friends.
Our pets may not be able to express themselves as thoroughly as us, but it doesn’t mean they’re not ailing.
So it’s natural to wonder, “how much CBD oil can I give my dog?” to ensure the maximum benefits for your beloved pet.
When it comes to giving CBD to your dog, finding the right dosage is essential. Read this article to learn all about giving the right amount of CBD to your pup.
CBD Products for Dogs
Some CBD products are tailored specifically for dogs. They can come in the form of CBD oil drops, dog treats, topicals, or capsules.
But no matter the mode of administration chosen, what you need to look at is the potency of the product you’re using.
Additionally, there may be differences in the additives used and the general quality of the product. Always purchase your CBD from reputable vendors who grow their plants in the best conditions and practice third-party lab testing.
Can I Give My CBD to My Dog?
Most likely, you can. Whether it’s in your oil drops or the treats you get for your dog, CBD is still CBD, and there shouldn’t be any significant difference between the products you use and the ones marketed for dogs.
However, as mentioned above, you’ll want to make sure your CBD doesn’t have any excipients that could be harmful to your dog. Avoid CBD products that contain substances such as essential oils and artificial flavoring.
Should I Avoid Full Spectrum CBD Products for My Dog?
As you might know, there are different types of CBD products. CBD isolate consists strictly of pure CBD with no other cannabinoids, such as THC.
On the other hand, full spectrum CBD contains all the compounds present in the cannabis plant, including THC, though in trace amounts. Finally, broad spectrum CBD is in the middle, as it contains every cannabis compound save for THC.
While you don’t want to get your dog high on THC, the law dictates it can’t be present in amounts higher than 0.3 percent in CBD products.
This percentage is so small that it won’t have any toxicity for your dog. In other words, full spectrum CBD is just as safe as CBD isolate when it comes to medicating your pet.
Do not, however, give THC drops or straight marijuana to your dog.
Are There Any Risks?
Generally speaking, CBD is incredibly safe for dogs. At high dosage, dogs can become somwhat sleepy or sedated, but those effects aren’t dangerous at all and should resolve on their own over time.
There doesn’t seem to be any interactions with other drugs your dog might need, such as anti-inflammatory medication. If you want to remain on the safe side, however, consult a veterinarian who has experience with CBD products.
Benefits of CBD for Dogs
While there isn’t much research on giving CBD to pets yet, the anecdotal evidence from people who have treated their dogs with CBD points to it being very beneficial.
CBD can provide substantial relief for dogs with arthritis and inflammatory conditions. It can also help with pain, especially back and joint pains.
CBD might also be helpful in reducing the frequency of seizures for dogs, and be beneficial for dogs with cancer.
In humans, CBD is extremely useful in treating anxiety. While the data lacks when it comes to dogs, there’s no harm in trying, considering how the risks are practically nonexistent. It could change your dog’s life for the better.
How Much CBD Oil Can I Give My Dog?
To derive the most benefits, finding the right dosage for your dog is crucial. It’ll depend on various factors such as weight and the severity of your dog’s condition.
The bigger the dog, or the more severe the condition, the higher the dosage required will be.
For dogs with arthritis or seizures, dosages of roughly 1-2 milligrams per pound of body weight, twice daily, have been used.
However, you should find the dosage adapted to your pup, which might take some experimentation.
You can start by giving your dog 1 milligram of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, two to three times a day. So, if your dog weighs 30 pounds, start with a dose of 3 milligrams, two or three times per day.
CBD should start providing your dog relief roughly 30 to 60 minutes after administering, and be at its strongest for one to six hours.
Pay close attention to your dog’s reaction. If you’re not observing the desired effect after a week of daily use, you can start gradually increasing the dose every three or four days until you find the ideal amount.
Once you found the optimal dosage, you can stick to it going forward. If you notice any deterioration in your dog’s health, however, you should lower the dosage, or even stop giving your dog CBD altogether, and ask your veterinarian for advice.
How to Dose CBD
CBD doses are typically expressed in milligrams (mg). Your bottle of CBD oil will give you the total amount of CBD present in the bottle.
To calculate how much to give your dog, you should divide the quantity of CBD present in the product by its volume. To put it simply, divide the number of milligrams by the number of milliliters (ml).
For instance, if your bottle has 100 milligrams of CBD in 10 milliliters of liquid, it contains 100/10 = 10 milligrams of CBD per milliliter.
In that case, if you want to give your dog 20 milligrams of CBD, you’ll need to dose 2 milliters.
CBD for a Happy and Healthy Dog
If you were wondering, “how much CBD oil can I give my dog?”, you now have the answer. Chances are, you’ll have to experiment to find the ideal dosage for your furry ball.
Start low and gradually increase from there. Monitor your dog’s reactions closely to make all the necessary adjustments.
Just like with humans, CBD can dramatically improve your dog’s well-being, so it’s worth taking the time to find the sweet spot.
Consult our Supplies list to give your dog the best care