Dosing CBD For Dogs
Dosing CBD For Dogs
Like all products — quality matters. Some are better than others. But buyer beware. It’s a big business and not everything is marketed accurately.
There is currently a lot of controversy around using CBD for pets. In short, the FDA has not approved it. But that isn’t stopping many companies from continuing to market CBD for pets.
I am a big fan of CBD for my dogs and myself. I have seen amazing results with my friends, family, and clients.
Dosing CBD for Dogs:
The key is to understand how CBD dosing works, what’s in your bottle, the quality of your product and how to use this information for your pet. I’d be happy to discuss
How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog
A good rule of thumb is 2mg - 10mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Start at a low dose and adjust as needed to meet your dog’s needs. Even that’s a big range. So I want you see you have some room to work.
But don’t be afraid to inch up to higher doses. Weight ultimately doesn’t matter, nor dose species. So your dog ma require more than you in some cases. The key is to find the effective dose that works.
Example: The mg you see on the bottle: 400, 500, 1000 represents how many mg are in the bottle total. Then you must understand the amount of product drawn into the dropper.
Calculating CBD Dosage
Dosing CBD for dogs requires careful consideration of the CBD concentration in the product and your dog's weight. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it is key to finding the right balance and observing the effects on your pet.
Example Dosing:
200 mg CBD in a 30 ml bottle: Approximately 6.67 mg of CBD per 1 ml (full dropper)
400 mg CBD in a 30 ml bottle: Approximately 13.33 mg of CBD per 1 ml (full dropper)
1000 mg CBD in a 30 ml bottle: Approximately 33.33 mg of CBD per 1 ml (full dropper)
Adjust as needed by using partial droppers or more frequent doses
If you find your dog too sleepy — it just means you’ve gone a little too high on your dose.
So you can see with a little math, you can use ANY mg bottle and achieve the dose you need.
How do you administer CBD To Dogs
Providing CBD to your dog in the most effective way is essential to maximize its potential benefits. There are several methods of administering CBD, each with its unique advantages and considerations regarding bioavailability—the rate at which CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream.
1. Sublingual Application of CBD
Sublingual administration involves applying CBD oil directly under your dog's tongue or along the gum line. This method allows for rapid absorption through the capillaries in the mouth, bypassing the digestive system. The effect is generally felt within 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and efficient option.
Bioavailability: High bioavailability due to direct absorption into the bloodstream. It's an effective way to ensure your dog receives the intended dose promptly.
2. Mixing CBD with Food or Treats
Adding CBD oil to your dog's food or treats is a convenient and palatable way to administer CBD. When mixed with food, the CBD is ingested and passes through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. The onset of effects is usually slower compared to sublingual administration.
Bioavailability: Moderate bioavailability due to the digestive process. However, it's a simple and popular choice, especially for dogs who may be resistant to direct application.
3. Topical Application of CBD
CBD-infused balms, salves, or oils can be applied topically to specific areas on your dog's skin. This method is effective for addressing localized issues like sore muscles, joint pain, or skin conditions.
Bioavailability: Lower bioavailability compared to sublingual or ingestion methods, as the CBD primarily interacts with localized receptors. It's best suited for targeting specific areas of concern.
Application Methods may be combined when appropriate.
CBD Interactions and Best Practices
It's essential to be aware of potential interactions between CBD and sedative medications. Always start with a high-quality CBD product, adjust dosages carefully, and monitor your pet's response.
Alternative CBD Products
I am a huge fan of the CBD Muscle rub, CBD Calm Roller, and CBD Soothe Roller. Each of these is for topical use. And they can be used easily with your dog.
For the bottles of CBD liquid, use "drops" or partial droppers instead of full doses of the higher mg. It is always recommended to choose a high quality product, begin with low & slow usage, monitor your pet, and refine your usage as needed.
CBD is considered appropriate for topical use though many will use a topical sublingual application at the gum line.
In case you missed the article Benefits of CBD for Dogs! or What’s the Difference Between CBD and Hemp — be sure to read them.
If you have tried CBD for your pet and felt it didn’t work. I’d love to chat with you to understand more about your product and usage as part of my research. This article may give you some insight as to “why CBD May Not Work”.