Dog CBD Oil Dosage Calculator: How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog?

cbd oil for dogs dose calculator

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This is the most comprehensive guide to CBD dosage for dogs. Do you know how much CBD oil to give your dog? Are you wondering how to calculate the correct dosage amount in CBD dog treats and other CBD dog products? Dog CBD doses vary by multiple factors, making it crucial to understand how to administer CBD to your dogs. There are no clear guidelines or regulated doses, and CBD concentrations vary from brand to brand, making it even harder to obtain the proper dosage. Our CBD oil for dogs dose calculator and guide will help find the right dosage for your pet. Let’s dive right in!

CBD Dosage Calculator for Dogs

CBD Dosage Calculator for Pets


Dosage Strength References:

Mild dosage: For health and wellness purposes, boost immune function, and prevent potential health issues.
Regular dosage: For treating afflictions such as allergies, appetite loss, mild inflammation, minor aches, pet stress, anxiety, and other mild ailments.
Strong dosage: For treating more severe pet health issues such as cancer-related symptoms, tumors, extreme anxiety, epileptic seizures, chronic pain, and more.

How to Find The Optimal CBD Oil Dosage For Dogs

Here are some essential tips when determining the correct CBD oil dosage for your furry friend.

  1. Start with a low dose: A dog’s health condition, weight, and size significantly affect how much CBD oil they require. However, starting safe and low is a key recommendation. Our CBD oil for dogs dose calculator can guide you on the initial dosage your dog should start with, ensuring a safe introduction to CBD.
  2. Increase the dosage slowly: After commencing with a daily dose, give your dog time to adjust. Continuing with the initial dose for at least one week is recommended. If you don’t see the desired improvement in your dog’s condition, you may consider gradually increasing the amount of CBD oil. Adjustments should be made every 3-4 days, paying close attention to your dog’s response. Keeping a log of your dog’s behavior and any changes in symptoms can be invaluable in finding the perfect dosage. If you notice any adverse reactions, such as lethargy or digestive issues, it may indicate that the dose is too high, and you should reduce it accordingly.
  3. Make ongoing adjustments: Dogs can develop a tolerance to CBD, which may necessitate dosage modifications. If the effects of CBD seem to diminish, consider altering how often your dog receives CBD oil or the timing of doses. Experimentation should be conducted safely and carefully, always prioritizing your dog’s health and well-being.

Most importantly, consulting with a veterinarian knowledgeable about CBD use in pets can provide you with personalized advice and ensure that CBD supplementation is suitable for your dog’s specific health needs.

The Importance of Correct Dosage

CBD oil for dogs has been shown to offer numerous health benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improvement in skin conditions. However, these benefits can only be realized when the CBD is dosed accurately. Correct dosing ensures that your dog receives the full therapeutic effects of CBD without any unwanted side effects.

Risks of Incorrect Dosage

  • Underdosing: Administering a dose that’s too low may lead to no noticeable improvement in your dog’s condition. This could lead to the false assumption that CBD is ineffective for your pet, when, in fact, the dosage just wasn’t sufficient to address their specific needs.
  • Overdosing: While CBD is known for its safety and non-toxic profile, excessive dosages can still cause adverse effects. Symptoms of CBD overdose in dogs may include excessive sedation, upset stomach, or changes in behavior. Although these effects are generally mild and temporary, they underscore the importance of adhering to recommended dosage guidelines.

Factors That Influence CBD Dosage For Dogs

Dog size, weight & age For instance, a 50-pound dog will be more susceptible to two drops of CBD oil (of the same potency) than a 150-pound dog. Larger dogs require higher doses than smaller dogs to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
The ailment Usually, more severe health issues (i.e., cancer) require higher dosages and a more potent concentration of CBD. The less severe the condition (i.e., anxiety or wellness), the lower the dosage.
THC levels Make sure you avoid products with any THC. THC is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. Look for products with less than 0.3% THC
Dog health conditions To avoid drug interaction, Talk to your veterinarian if your dog is on prescriptions. If your dog cannot effectively digest CBD due to a health condition such as liver or kidney problems, make sure you seek medical advice.
CBD product potency CBD companies offer different potencies. From 75 mg for small dogs to 250+ mg for large dogs. Make sure the potency is appropriate for your dog’s size.
Breed Some breeds may have different sensitivities to CBD, which can affect the dosage. For instance, breeds with a higher fat content may metabolize CBD more slowly, potentially requiring adjustments to the standard dosage recommendations.

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?

CBD oil response can vary from dog to dog. To be on the safer side or when a dog is just starting on CBD, underdose is preferred at first. This will let you monitor any adverse effects. If your dog doesn’t show signs of improvement or discomfort, you can gradually increase the dosage amount to the manufacturer’s dosing guidelines. Know that dosages depend on the product type (oils, treats, capsules, etc.). Consult your veterinarian before you give your pet any CBD treatment. All reputable CBD companies offer a detailed dosage guide along with their products. If your product doesn’t have one, refer to our CBD dosage for dogs chart or manually calculate the proper amount for your dog, as shown below.

IMPORTANT: The example below is specific to a brand/product and is for demonstration purposes only. To calculate the correct dosage amount for your dog, you need to replace the values below with your own CBD oil product values and the dog’s weight.

How to Calculate Dog CBD Oil Dosage Manually

Values to use for calculating how much oil you should give to your dog:

  • Product:
    • Brand: King Kalm CBD
    • CBD Potency: 150 mg
    • Bottle size: 30 ml
  • Dog Weight: 50 pounds

Step 1: Determine the size of your CBD bottle in milliliters (ml).

This value is displayed in the bottle. In our case, it’s 30 ml.

Step 2: Determining the total milligrams (mg) of CBD in each milliliter (ml) of oil in your bottle

To calculate the total milligrams (mg) of CBD in each milliliter (ml) of CBD oil, you need to divide the potency (150 mg) by the bottle size (30ml). This gives you 5mg of CBD per one milliliter (ml) of oil.

Step 3: Determine how much CBD per pound your dog needs

Although there is no fixed rule to determine your dog’s exact dosage per pound, a safe rule of thumb is 0.2 mg of CBD per pound (weight). To calculate this, we need to multiply 0.2 mg times our dog’s weight (50 lbs), which equals 10 mg of CBD.

Step 4: Proceed to calculate

So, for a 50-pound dog that needs 10mg of CBD (per our calculation in step 3), you would administer 2 ml of the 150mg CBD formula because this formula contains 5mg of CBD oil per 1 ml (per our calculation in step 2).

Here is a table depicting different formulas and dog weights to help you understand the concept better.

CBD formula(MG)Bottle (mL)CBDmg/mlDog WeightCBD needs in (mg)CBD Dosage
75mg formula30ml2.5mg/ml25 pounds5mg2ml
150mg formula30ml5mg/ml50 pounds10mg 2ml
300 mg formula30ml10mg/ml25 pounds5mg0.5ml
600 mg formula30ml20mg/ml100 pounds20mg1ml
Your formulaYour mLFormula MG/mLDog’s
weight
(Dog weight) times (0.2)Your dosage

CBD For Dogs Dosage Chart

Basic dosing rule for dogs: 1-3 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Weight (in pounds)Mild Dose
(1 mg per 10 lb)
Regular Dose
(2 mg per 10 lb)
Strong Dose
(3 mg per 10 lb)
101 mg 2 mg3 mg
202 mg 4 mg6 mg
303 mg 6 mg9 mg
404 mg 8 mg12 mg
505 mg 10 mg15 mg
606 mg 12 mg18 mg
707 mg 14 mg21 mg
808 mg 16 mg24 mg
909 mg 18 mg27 mg
10010 mg20 mg30 mg
11011 mg22 mg33 mg
12012 mg24 mg36 mg

How to Calculate CBD Oil Dosage Using A Chart

Consider the following details

  • Dog weight: 60-pound dog
  • Product details:
    • CBD potency: 250 mg
    • Bottle size: 30 ml
  • Condition: Anxiety (This condition falls under the regular dose column)

Step 1: Refer to the chart above. In this case, a 60-pound dog needs 12 mg of CBD oil. (regular dosa column)

Step 2: Divide the CBD potency (250 mg) by the bottle size (30 ml). This gives you 8.3 mg of CBD per one milliliter (ml) of oil.

Step 3: Divide 12/8.3 = 1.445 mL (roughly 1.5 mL) to make things easier.

So, for a 60-pound dog who needs 12mg of CBD, you’d give him 1.5 ml of a 250mg CBD formula. If you have a dropper like the one on the right side, you will fill it up one time until the oil hits the 1.0 mL mark and give it to your dog. Then, you would fill it up to the .50 ml mark to complete the required dosage for your dog.

Now let’s say you have a 100 lb dog and just bought a 300 mg CBD oil formula (30ml bottle), and your pup suffers from epileptic seizures; repeat the same calculations but use your numbers. Remember that epileptic seizures require a strong dose.

CBD Dog Dosage Tiered System

If you are still unsure how much CBD oil to give your dog, many experts recommend using a tiered system based on its size.

  • Tier 1: 0.05 mg per lb of bodyweight
  • Tier 2: 0.125 mg per lb of bodyweight
  • Tier 3: 0.25 mg per lb of bodyweight

Regardless of your pet’s size, you should start with Tier 1, using that dosage twice daily. After one to two weeks of proper monitoring of your pet’s reaction to tier-one dosage, move up to Tier 2. Only if necessary, ditto for Tier 3.

Dosage For CBD Dog Treats

To calculate the correct dose for CBD dog treats, you can use our CBD dosing chart by weight (see above), or the safe rule of thumb is 0.2 mg of CBD per pound (weight). The same calculation concept applies to both. When buying CBD dog treats, serving-size suggestions should come with it.

Here is a basic dosage example:

  • 1 treat = 5 mg CBD
  • 0.2mg X 1lb body weight

So, if Fido weighs 50 pounds, here is the formula: 0.2mg X 50lbs = 10mg (this is how much CBD your dog will need). Now, since one treat equals 5mg of CBD, your dog should get two treats per day to meet the required amount of CBD, which is 10 mg in this case. Pretty simple, huh?

Dosage With CBD Capsules

Each bottle comes with 50 capsules, but depending on the potency you buy, the amount of CBD in milligrams will vary per capsule.

Here is a quick example:

  • 100mg bottle: 1 capsule = 2mg of CBD
  • 250mg bottle: 1 capsule = 5mg of CBD
  • 500mg bottle: 1 capsule = 10mg of CBD


If you have a dog that weighs 50 pounds, the regular dose would be 50 lbs X 0.20 mg = 10mg of CBD. The dose would be one capsule from the 500mg bottle, two capsules from the 250mg bottle, or five capsules from the 100mg bottle.

Dog CBD Dosage By Health Condition

Remember that we cannot give you exact values as each dog has a different weight, CBD potency per brand varies, and the severity of their symptoms is different. However, you should consider administering three levels of CBD to your dog. (i) Mild dose for health, preventive, and wellness purposes (ii) Regular for health concerns, and (iii) Strong for more severe health problems.

The FDA does not allow CBD product manufacturers to make medical claims, as it has not approved CBD. You should talk to your veterinarian if you plan to use CBD to treat medical conditions.

NOTE: To understand this better, refer to our dosing chart and dosage level sections.

CBD Dosage For Dogs Fireworks

If your dog suffers from noise-related phobias, such as fireworks, administering a regular dose of CBD can help calm it down and relax it. If you don’t notice any changes in their behavior, you should consider administering a stronger dose.

CBD Oil Dosage For Dogs With Anxiety

The amount of CBD oil you should give your dog will depend on the severity of its anxiety. If the symptoms include mild anxiety, your dog may only need regular doses to manage it. In case of a more severe anxiety condition, you can buy a high-potency oil or opt for a more potent dose of your current CBD oil. This is especially true for large dogs. One dose per day should work fine.

CBD Oil Dosage For Dog Seizures or Epilepsy

If you notice your dog is about to have a seizure, you should give him a strong dosage to stop the convulsions. If the seizure persists or you don’t notice any difference, increase the dosage until you see a return to your dog’s normal behavior. However, if your dog suffers from epilepsy (recurrent seizures), a regular dose should work to keep seizures from happening. Two regular doses per day for more severe cases, but one dose per day should be okay if they only tend to happen every other day.

CBD Oil Dosage For Dogs With Cancer

Cancer is painful for our furry friends, especially if they are under chemotherapy treatment or at an advanced cancer stage. That is why, with these cases, you want to start with strong CBD dosages. Administer a full dose 2 times a day or every eight hours, depending on how your pup feels.

CBD Oil Dosage For Dogs With Arthritis

Giving them a strong CBD dose twice a day should do the work for dogs with osteoarthritis. A regular dose is advised if your dog is developing or showing signs of osteoarthritis.

How to Give CBD Oil to Dogs

Watch this short video on administering CBD oil to dogs the right way.

How Often to Dose Your Dog With CBD Oil

Initially, CBD oil is commonly administered once or twice a day to maintain steady levels of CBD in your dog’s system. This frequency ensures that the therapeutic effects of CBD are consistent, helping to manage symptoms effectively. Splitting your dog’s daily CBD dosage into two parts is recommended, giving each dose 6-8 hours apart. However, giving the entire dosage at once is sufficient for one-time uses.

How to Choose The Best CBD Product?

Always talk to a professional and follow best practices when buying and giving CBD to your pet. There are dozens of CBD products available in the market, so it can be tedious to find the right one. Here are some tips when looking for CBD products.

  • Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate containing less than 0.3 percent THC
  • Made from U.S.-grown hemp
  • Third-party tested
  • Meant to be taken orally
  • Look for transparency and lab reports
  • Organic
  • Free of toxins

If you are looking for the best CBD product for pets, check out our reviews of the best CBD oil for dogs, best CBD dog treats, best dog CBD shampoos and the top CBD peanut butter for dogs options.

Frequently Asked Questions

While CBD is known for its safety and low risk of severe side effects, it’s theoretically possible to give your dog too much CBD. Symptoms of an excessive dose may include lethargy, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. These effects are typically mild and temporary, but they underscore the importance of adhering to recommended dosages and consulting with a veterinarian for guidance.

Your dog’s initial CBD oil dosage typically depends on its weight. A standard recommendation is 1-2 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. However, the specific condition being treated and its severity can also influence the starting dose. It’s best to begin with the lower end of the dosage spectrum and observe your dog’s response before making any adjustments.

CBD can interact with other medications and supplements by affecting how your dog’s body metabolizes these substances. This is particularly relevant for drugs processed by the liver, as CBD may inhibit the enzymes involved in drug metabolism, leading to altered effects of the medication. If your dog is on prescription medications, especially those with a grapefruit warning, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before introducing CBD oil. This ensures that potential interactions are carefully managed and your dog’s health is not compromised.

Adjusting your dog’s CBD oil dosage over time is a process that should be approached with caution and observation. If the initial dosage does not provide the desired effects after a consistent one to two weeks of daily administration, you may consider gradually increasing the dose. Incremental adjustments of 0.5-1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight can be made weekly until you observe the desired effects. Constantly monitor your dog’s reaction to each dosage adjustment and consult a veterinarian if unsure.

Conclusion

Accurate CBD oil dosage is paramount for dogs’ safety and well-being. These benefits hinge on finding the correct dosage, which varies based on weight, breed, severity of symptoms, and individual response. By approaching CBD supplementation with care, consideration, and professional guidance, pet owners can confidently navigate this promising treatment option, contributing to their beloved dogs’ overall well-being and longevity. Consulting with a vet can provide personalized guidance that considers your dog’s health history, current conditions, and any other medications or supplements they’re taking. This step ensures the efficacy of the CBD treatment and its safety, addressing any potential interactions or concerns specific to your pet.

As the world of canine supplements evolves, another cannabinoid, CBG (cannabigerol), is gaining attention for its potential benefits in dogs. Just like CBD, understanding the right approach to dose is crucial for harnessing CBG’s full potential without compromising your dog’s health. If you’re curious about expanding your pet’s wellness routine beyond CBD, read our CBG oil for dogs article.


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