How should you calculate the proper CBD dosage for dogs? Learn how to use CBD to calm your canine the right way with this guide.
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CBD oil use is on the rise in humans, but what if we told you CBD oil is also growing more popular with dogs?
Our furry friends can benefit from CBD oil to relieve pain and help with anxiety. If your dog suffers from either of these symptoms, or even seizures, CBD oil is something you should look into.
Read on for our guide to CBD dosage for dogs.
Why Is CBD Oil the Right Choice for My Dog?
You don’t want to give your furry friend anything harmful. We’re here to tell you that CBD isn’t harmful to your dog. Actually, CBD can help alleviate some ailments that cause your dog discomfort and make them more bearable.
If your pet suffers from anxiety, CBD will help calm them down. Even if your dog is overly fearful, a dog CBD dosage will help them gain some of their courage back.
If your furry friend has a history of chronic pain, CBD oil will help to relieve some of the pain and discomfort. This will help your dog to go through everyday life pain-free, making them (and you) happier.
What Is CBD?
Before giving CBD to your pet, you most likely want to know what CBD is. CBD’s real name is cannabidiol. It is a naturally occurring substance that is extracted from a cannabis plant.
Yes, the same cannabis plant that THC is extracted from.
CBD is different from THC. Where THC will make you high, CBD does not. CBD is legal in many states and is now being recognized for its healing properties.
CBD works with a part of the body known as the endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of chemicals and receptors known as CB1 and CB2. This system plays a role in your sleep, pain management, mood, and much more.
Even dogs have an endocannabinoid system. This means that CBD is as effective in treating them as it is us humans.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by influencing the endocannabinoid system. It reacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, manipulating them. In this manipulation, the receptors then help with pain management, sleep, seizures, and much more.
Since it doesn’t combine with the CB1 like THC, it won’t make you high. You will experience all the benefits of the cannabis plant without feeling a high haze.
This is the same for your dog. Dogs can get high just like humans. However, CBD is a great alternative for them because dogs can get relief without getting high.
How Can CBD Help My Dog?
CBD can help our furry friends with a lot of ailments, making life easier for them. These issues include anything from fear and anxiety to cancer.
The most popular CBD treatments are the following:
Fear and Anxiety
Some dogs may suffer from anxiety and others from fear. If your dog is one that seems to be overly anxious in certain situations, CBD can help. CBD will help to calm them down and avoid being overridden with anxiety.
If your dog fears thunder or meeting new people, for example, then CBD can help them not to feel so afraid. Since fear can go hand-in-hand with anxiety, it’s not a bad idea to treat both with CBD.
Pain and Inflammation
As our furry friends age, their bodies become stiffer. Some will even suffer from arthritis and chronic pain throughout their body.
No matter what your dog’s age is, treating for their pain and inflammation can be a breeze with CBD. The oil will help manipulate pain receptors so their pain will be less intense. It will also make it much easier for your furry friend to get around.
Cancer
It’s never easy when your dog is diagnosed with cancer. It’s even harder when you see them suffering from the pain every day.
CBD is a great treatment for this issue. CBD can help relieve pain and discomfort from cancer. This will help your dog to feel like their old selves.
Please keep in mind that CBD oil should not replace prescribed medicines. Consult your vet before mixing CBD with medicine to ensure it is compatible. Following these guidelines will help your dog to feel their best during their battle.
Seizures
It’s common for dogs to suffer from seizures. Sometimes they can be a small bump in the road, whereas other times they can lead to further issues.
CBD can help reduce your dog’s seizures, just it does in humans. This will give you peace of mind while your dog experiences relief.
Old Age
Just like any animal, as dogs age, their bodies begin to ache. Some may even develop age-related ailments.
CBD can help relieve pain to make aging easier on your best friend. Even supplements with CBD can be given to help with old joints.
Injuries
If your dog was in an accident, just had surgery, or pulled a muscle, CBD can help dull the pain. It should not be a replacement for medication, but it can help until a vet is seen.
Just like with cancer medications, ask a vet before combing CBD with prescribed medicines to ensure they are compatible.
CBD Dosage for Dogs
Now you’re probably asking, “How much CBD oil should I give my dog?” The answer to this depends on your dog, but we are here to help you figure it out!
To start, if you’re unsure about CBD oil dosage for dogs, or even usage, you can consult with your vet. They will answer any questions you may have and develop a dosage plan with you.
If you feel comfortable with giving your dog CBD, then you can figure out the dosage yourself. It is said that a good starting dose is .5 mg per 1 kilogram of your dog’s weight. Some owners start with .2 mg per 1 kilogram and work up to .5.
Doses can be increased every 4-7 days, .1 mg at a time. It all depends on your dog and how they react to the CBD. Sometimes less is more and other times less isn’t enough.
CBD oils help to make figuring out dosage a breeze by stating how much CBD is in a drop of their oil. Pay attention to labels, and if you have any questions about the product, do not hesitate to call the company.
Calculating a Dose
We answered “how much hemp oil should I give to my dog?” but we still haven’t told you how to calculate a dose.
As stated above, you can talk to your vet about a dosage plan. If you are comfortable coming up with one by yourself, there is an equation to use.
First, you will need to convert your dog’s weight into kilograms. This can be done by taking your dog’s weight in pounds and dividing it by 2.2.
Example: 50 lbs / 2.2 = 23 kg
Now take the number of kilograms and multiply it by the dosage. Here we are using .2 mg as our dose.
Example: 23 kg x .2 mg = 4.5 mg per dose
If you don’t feel comfortable doing the equation, there are online calculators to help.
How to Give CBD Oil to Dogs
CBD oil can be given to a dog via their mouth, mixed in with their food, or it can be placed directly on their skin.
Oil isn’t the only form of CBD for dogs. There are also treats enhanced with CBD to help your dog.
Even supplement chews can come enhanced with CBD. This is great for joint pain!
CBD can even come in small capsules to be given to pets. If your dog doesn’t like taking pills (like most pets) you can put it in some peanut butter and give your dog a treat that will make them feel better.
Keep in mind that CBD oil isn’t limited to just dogs. If your cat or horse is having pain, CBD can be used to help them too. You can see what type of hemp products are available for your pet at Innovet.
Now You’re a CBD Dog Oil Expert
We have discussed why CBD is a good decision for your dog. You even know what CBD is and how it differs from THC. You also know what ailments can be treated with CBD and how to give the correct CBD dosage for dogs.
The only thing to do now is to choose the correct CBD product and watch your furry friend be relieved of pain.
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