How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog? Dosing Guide

The health effects of CBD oil have prompted the rise in various CBD products including oils, drinks, foods, and various infused foods. And since the legalization of medicinal and recreational cannabis, the overall interest in CBD and THC has quadrupled within the past few years.

But what about CBD oil for dogs? As of today, there are dozens of different CBD oils available for our canine friends. But how much CBD oil can you give your dog safely? And are there any negative side effects to worry about? We have done a bit of research into CBD oil as it relates to canines, and in this article, we’ll answer these questions.

CBD Oil Dosing for Dogs

When it comes to CBD oil dosing for dogs, there really isn't a standard rule. Every dog will respond differently according to its breed, size, gender, and overall state of health. It also depends on the type of CBD oil that you use and the element that you are looking to relieve for the dog.

Most veterinarians who are in favor of CBD oil for dogs typically recommend starting with a very small dosage and adjusting it as needed until you find the sweet spot for your particular canine. However, below is a widely accepted CBD oil dosage recommendation for dogs based on their weight.

Our rule of thumb for pets is to start with 1-2 mg per 10 lbs. of body weight. This can be given once daily or split into 2 doses throughout the day. However, it's always important to get your vet's approval before administering CBD oil to your dog and to follow their instructions.

How Can CBD Help My Dog?

Many studies have discovered that CBD has a positive effect on humans, but the research on its effects on dogs is still underway. No studies have stated conclusively that it can help them mitigate symptoms associated with health issues. CBD compounds interact with the central and peripheral nervous system in humans, which helps maintain body balance and keep it in a healthy and optimal state. CBD is considered a holistic treatment that treats a variety of ailments, including arthritis and anxiety. And though there are no conclusive studies on its side effects on dogs, many pet owners agree that CBD products are a viable holistic treatment for their pets. You can find a considerable number of pet owners online who've shared their experiences. Most pet owners agree that CBD products do provide great health benefits. For example, CBD is often used to calm anxious pets, control their moods, and even reduce the pain from serious illnesses such as cancer and Advanced arthritis. Although CBD-based treatments are not yet scientifically validated, it appears that pets have mostly positive reactions.

CBD Benefits for Dogs

Let's take a closer look at some of the other ways that it may benefit your dog.

May Increase Appetite

CBD is thought to have a beneficial and integrative relationship with the body's ECS (endocannabinoid system). This could help promote and support a healthy digestive system. Your dog will have a more sustainable appetite if its digestive system is in a good state. This is especially helpful if your dog has stopped eating due to stress or illness.

May Improve Mobility Issues

CBD oil may help your dog improve its mobility, especially if it's recovering from illnesses or advanced joint issues related to arthritis. Dogs that have better-functioning joints can exercise more often and for longer periods of time--which is also needed for good heart health. So if your dog has been suffering from leg, hip, or back pain, CBD oil may help to mitigate some of the pain associated with these problems.

May Help with Mood Issues

Anxiety in dogs can be caused by many things. The most common causes of anxiety in dogs are loud noises, unfamiliar people, traveling, and fear of being alone. Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs that are very attached to their owners-- especially if they're young.

CBD doggie treats have become popular in many pet communities and seem to be a safe way to help dogs suffering from anxiety and those who suffer from epileptic seizures.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil in Dogs?

Although CBD and hemp oil products have not been officially approved by the FDA for treating dogs, it's important to know all about CBD oil and any documented side effects that your dog might experience.

According to some studies, it may cause an increase in alkaline phosphatase (or ALP) in the liver. Scientists are still not sure if this specific liver value is medically significant, but it could indicate that CBD can cause irritation or damage your dog's liver.

Also, other drugs, especially anti-inflammatory medications, may interact with CBD. Even though research is still ongoing about this issue, you should always consult your veterinarian before beginning any CBD treatment with your dog.

Dry Mouth

There have been cases where CBD has shown to cause dry mouth in dogs. You may need to reduce or stop giving CBD to your dog if your dog shows signs of reduced saliva production. Canines use saliva for many purposes, including dental hygiene and food digestion.

If the saliva production suddenly stops or slows down, it can impact their health and cause damage to their teeth, and gums, or make it difficult and even painful to swallow. You may notice your dog trying to make up for the loss of saliva by drinking more water. Although this may seem to be a good idea, it's not the best way to treat your dog's dry mouth issue.

Vomiting

Vomiting is another potential side effect of CBD oil for dogs. In some cases, a dog might not like the taste of CBD oil and may reject it. This is why many owners choose to inject CBD oil into their dog's food or use CBD-infused treats.

There are also many CBD products that contain artificial flavoring, which can help to reduce the bitter-sour taste of cannabidiol. It's best to choose the right CBD product and dosage for your dog. However, you should consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog begins vomiting after taking CBD oil.

Diarrhea

CBD oil for dogs can cause diarrhea in some cases. However, it can be fairly difficult to determine if it’s causing a dog's diarrhea, or if it's simply a result of non-related eating habits. To determine if CBD oil is the problem, you can try to remove CBD from your dog's daily routine to see if it improves.

You can test this by resuming your dog's normal diet without CBD and then seeing if the diarrhea issue goes away. If your dog's diarrhea doesn't disappear but returns after you give it CBD oil, it might be time to consider a change in CBD oil. If diarrhea persists, it's time to see your veterinarian.

Low Blood Pressure

CBD oil may make your dog a bit more sleepy and sluggish--especially if you give the dog too much too soon. Remember that CBD oil can have sedative effects, and it's always best to start with low dosing. When starting your dog off on CBD oil, be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of fatigue or lethargic behavior, especially in the minutes and hours following the treatment.

Conclusion

CBD can have many benefits for your dog. It interacts with the endocannabinoid systems and may help with discomfort caused by illness and improve mood. It may also increase things like appetite and mobility.

Though CBD has become a widely accepted holistic treatment for certain issues in humans and pets, it's still not approved by the FDA and may cause side effects. So always consult your vet before you start your dog on a CBD regimen and follow up if you notice any negative changes in the dog's health or behavior.

See also: 

• How to Give CBD Oil to Dogs: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks

• Can a Cat Overdose on CBD Oil? Risks & Precautions

Featured Image Credit: 24K-Production, Shutterstock