CBD Dosage Chart for Dogs: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

dog taking oil
© iStock.com/Vanessa Nunes

Written by Amanda Martinotti

Published: November 9, 2023

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cbd for dogs

Your dog should only have CBD oil that has been made for canine consumption.

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When humans experience crippling anxiety, they will go to a doctor for a prescription. However, many humans have found that medications do not help as much as they may have hoped. Therefore, they are turning to over-the-counter, holistic alternatives such as CBD to help.

On the other hand, when it comes to easing anxiety in your pup, it is important to remember that CBD for dogs is a completely different formula. Also, CBD for dogs should only be given in a prescription from your local vet.

When Do Dogs Need a CBD Prescription?

CBD can help your pup relax without having to administer behavior-altering medication. Plus, if traditional med prescriptions are not helping soothe sore joints and pain, your dog may benefit from a CBD prescription. Finally, if your dog is having seizures, CBD may be able to help ease uncontrollable seizures.

Benefits of CBD for Dogs

While pain management is one of the more common benefits of CBD for dogs, here are a few others you may not be aware of:

  • Manage or reduce the chance of seizures.
  • Aid in relieving aggression that is created from terror.
  • Reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Help ease the effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
  • Reduce symptoms of IBS.
cbd oil for dogs

Cannabidiol oil can reduce IBS symptoms in dogs.

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Overdose Signs of Cannabidiol Oil

Unwanted side effects can happen if your dog has an allergic reaction. They can also experience side effects if they are given too much CBD. Here are some side effects to watch out for:

  • Diarrhea
  • Regurgitation.
  • Inability to relax.
  • quickend or slow-moving heartbeat.
  • Speedy breath.
  • Discolored gums that turn lighter than their normal color.

If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, bring your dog to the vet immediately.

Risk Factors

You may wish to consider other alternatives to CBD if your dog:

  • If your canine is taking the prescription Trazadone. CBD has been proven to interact with Trazadone in a negative way.
  • If your pup is expecting, your dog should not be giving her CBD.
  • Has liver disease or is on a prescription for their liver.
  • Your dog should not take cannabidiol oil if they are already on anxiety medication.
  • Any other medication that your dog is on could cause an adverse reaction to CBD.
cbd oil for dogs

CBD can cause negative side effects if your canine is taking Trazadone.

©Steve Bruckmann/Shutterstock.com

Side Effects

Common side effects that your dog may experience after taking CBD include:

  • Dry mouth.
  • Nausea.
  • Sleepiness.

How to Administer CBD

CBD can be administered through 3 easy options:

  • Applying it directly on their gums is the fastest way for your canine to absorb it.
  • Rubbing it into their skin. Again, make sure that your veterinary professional approves the product first to eliminate the risk of allergic reactions.
  • Apply a few drops of cannabidiol oil directly to your pup’s food or water.

Alternatives to Cannabidiol Oil

If you are feeling apprehensive about CBD for your canine, do not worry; there are plenty of other holistic options to try.

Basil and Rosemary

Rosemary and basil are two herbs that are safe for canine consumption. What’s more, is that these two herbs can help ease pain in tender joints while reducing swelling as well.

Pheromone Spray

If you are looking for a holistic way to reduce anxiety in your dog, you may want to try spritzing some pheromone spray to help alleviate anxiety. However, it is important to remember that while these calming sprays can diminish stress, they may not help with deeper issues. Yet, science has backed that behavioral training mixed with pheromone spray has proven to be very helpful for pups with anxiety.

Essential Oils

Essential oils such as lavender are a great way to help ease anxiety in your dog. Unlike CBD oil, you will not administer the oil for consumption. Rather, you will apply a few drops to your home where your dog has the most anxiety. Another way to administer essential oils is to drip a couple of lavender drops onto your arm and let your dog sniff it. Just be sure to check with the vet first.

CBD for Dogs Dosage Chart

The following chart is meant to give you an estimate of how much CBD to give your pup. Under no circumstances should you follow this chart without a veterinary order and prescription.

Weight in lbsCBD Dosage in MG
5 lbs1 mg
10 lbs2 mg
15 lbs3 mg
20 lbs4 mg
25 lbs5 mg
50 lbs10 mg
60 lbs12 mg
75 lbs15 mg
80 lbs16 mg
100 lbs20 mg
150 lbs30 mg
A dosage chart to give you an estimate of how much CBD your vet may prescribe.

CBD is a beautiful and natural way to help your pet with anxiety and pain. On the other hand, you should never administer CBD without your veterinarian’s orders.

cbd for dogs

Essential oils such as lavender are a great way to help ease anxiety in your dog.

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