Learning all about CBD’s potential to bring your dog both comfort and relief can be exciting, but before you give it a try, it’s important to make sure you know all you can about these products.
CBD is safe for your dog, but just like most things in life, there is such a thing as too much, and too much CBD can come with a few unpleasant side effects.
There’s no need to worry about that, though. All you need to do is take a look at this easy guide to CBD oil dosages for dogs to find the right amount of this cannabinoid for them.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in both hemp and cannabis plants.
It’s classified as a “cannabinoid,” and it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide a range of potential therapeutic benefits such as relief from discomfort, stress relief, easing of stomach issues, help with sleep, and more.
CBD oil for dogs is essentially the same thing as a CBD product for humans; only it’s specifically designed to provide all-natural relief to members of the canine species. These products come in the form of tinctures, as well as various edibles, such as soft chews and peanut butter.
One of the biggest differences between CBD for humans and CBD for dogs is that CBD dosages for dogs are far lower due to their size, so any product designed for treating them will generally be less potent than human products.
Is CBD Psychoactive?
Upon learning that CBD is abundant in the cannabis plant, many people assume that it offers psychoactive effects. This would obviously raise some alarm bells for anyone looking to give any amount of CBD oil to their pet. However, there’s no reason to worry.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you or your pet high, and it is largely considered to be safe for both human and canine consumption.
Benefits of CBD for Your Dog
How exactly can CBD help dog owners provide their beloved pets with all-natural relief? The proper serving size of a doggy CBD product may offer the following:
- Relief from stiff and achy joints
- Calming effects for anxious pups
- Easing of issues that inhibit appetite
- Easing of issues related to aging
If you’re looking for an alternative to costly medications that come with all kinds of potential hazards for your dog, CBD may be a great option. Just make sure you’re aware of proper CBD dosing, or your dog may incur a few unpleasant side effects, such as dehydration, drowsiness, and diarrhea.
How Much CBD Can I Give My Dog?
It’s important to keep in mind that there is no one proper CBD dose for dogs. It’s all dependent on the size of your dog. To get a better idea of how to best treat your pet with this fantastic cannabinoid, take a look at these quick tips.
The CBD Oil for Dogs Dose Calculator
While there is no exact science as to the proper CBD edible dosages for dogs, there is a general rule of thumb that can help you calculate a good serving size. That rule of thumb states that about 3.5mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight should be an effective CBD dose for your dog.
Of course, there are always hidden variables and outliers in these situations, so you may have to do some experimenting to find the right fit for your pup. During this trial and error phase, your best bet is to start with a low amount, see how it affects your pup, and then gradually increase or decrease the dose as you see fit.
CBD for Small Dogs
Small dogs range from 20-30 pounds, which means that somewhere between 7 and 10.5 milligrams of CBD should be an effective serving size.
CBD for Medium Dogs
Medium dogs range from 30-50 pounds, which means that somewhere between 10.5 and 17.5 milligrams of CBD should be an effective serving size.
CBD for Big Dogs
Large dogs range from 50-90 pounds, which means that somewhere between 17.5 and 31.5 milligrams of CBD should be an effective serving size.
Is There CBD for Puppies?
Puppies are generally healthier and more spry than the average dog that might benefit from CBD, but that’s not always the case, nor is it always the case that a puppy has no need for CBD.
There is no age limit for providing your pup with CBD products, but you will want to make sure they’re at least old enough to safely consume whatever CBD product you may be looking to give them.
When Should I Give My Dog CBD?
Knowing the right time to provide your dog with CBD is just as important as getting the serving size right. Follow these tips, and you should have no problem providing your pup with the relief they need right on time.
For Achy Dogs
If your pup is constantly stiff and achy, you can incorporate CBD into their daily routine. One serving in the morning and one with dinner can do the trick.
For Anxious Dogs
If you’re looking to help your dog calm down during a time when they commonly become stressed out and anxious, such as during a car ride to the vet, give them their CBD about a half hour before that event takes place.
For Addressing Spontaneous Symptoms
There are times when you may want to call an audible and provide your pup with some relief when unpleasant symptoms of a health condition pop up without notice. That’s totally fine, provided they haven’t had any CBD in the last 4-6 hours.
Getting the Right CBD Dosage for Dogs
We hope this guide helps you on your journey toward finding the perfect amount of CBD for your beloved pet. Remember to start with a small amount, carefully observe how it appears to affect them, and then move slowly forward from there.
