CBD has become a popular supplement for pets in recent years. Dog owners are turning to it for issues like pain, arthritis, anxiety, and even seizures. But when it comes to giving CBD to your dog, one big question always comes up: how much should I give?
Unlike treats or food, CBD is not something you can eyeball. Giving too little might not help at all, and giving too much could cause side effects like drowsiness or diarrhea. The safest way to figure it out is by weight-based dosing. That means you look at your dog’s size and calculate the right amount of CBD in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
This blog will break down exactly how dosing works, what studies have found, and how you can safely figure out the right amount for your own dog.
Think of CBD like coffee. If a very small person and a very tall person both drink the same cup, the effect will not be the same. The smaller person will likely feel it more strongly, while the larger person may hardly notice. The same is true for dogs.
This is why veterinarians and researchers prefer to calculate CBD dosage based on body weight instead of giving one blanket recommendation for all dogs. A 5 kg Chihuahua and a 40 kg German Shepherd need very different amounts, even if they both suffer from arthritis.
How CBD works in dogs
Just like humans, dogs have a built-in system in their bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It helps regulate important functions such as pain levels, inflammation, mood, and even sleep cycles.
CBD, or cannabidiol, interacts with this system in a gentle and natural way. Unlike THC, the compound in cannabis that causes a “high,” CBD does not make your dog feel intoxicated. Instead, it works more like a calming hand that helps the ECS bring the body back into balance.
Researchers have been especially interested in how CBD supports dogs in three main areas:
- Pain and arthritis relief: helping older dogs move more comfortably.
- Seizure management: reducing the frequency or severity of epileptic episodes.
- Anxiety and stress support: easing nervous behaviors during thunderstorms, car rides, or when left alone.
Each of these health concerns is different, which is why CBD dosing is not one-size-fits-all.
Think of it like giving medicine for headaches. A small headache might only need a mild pain reliever, while a severe migraine often requires a stronger dose. Similarly, dogs with mild anxiety might do well on a lower amount of CBD, while those with chronic arthritis or seizures may need a higher, carefully monitored dose.
By understanding how CBD connects with your dog’s ECS, you can see why weight, condition, and careful dosage all matter when using it as part of their wellness plan.
What the research says about effective doses
CBD for pets is still being studied, but several veterinary trials give us a good idea of safe and effective ranges:
- Arthritis and pain relief: A Cornell University study found that about 2 mg/kg given twice daily improved comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
- Seizures: A Colorado State University trial used about 2.5 mg/kg twice daily as an add-on to regular seizure medicine. Another more recent study looked at higher ranges (close to 9 mg/kg per day) and found fewer seizure days.
- Safety: Most studies show CBD is well tolerated up to 5 mg/kg per day, with some dogs handling even higher doses. The most common side effects were mild sleepiness and changes in liver enzymes.
How to calculate dosage by weight
One of the best things about CBD dosing for dogs is that it follows a very simple formula. Instead of guessing, you can calculate exactly how much your pup needs based on their body weight. Bigger dogs need more, smaller dogs need less.
The basic formula looks like this:
Dog’s weight (kg) × target mg/kg = mg of CBD per dose
Let’s walk through it step by step with an example:
- Say your dog weighs 10 kg (22 lb).
- You want to start with a gentle, conservative dose of 0.25 mg per kg.
- Multiply 10 × 0.25 = 2.5 mg of CBD per dose.
Now comes the part where many pet owners get confused. You need to translate milligrams into the actual product in your hand. This is where you look at your CBD oil bottle. Most labels will tell you how many milligrams of CBD are in each milliliter (mL) of oil.
For instance, if your oil has 20 mg of CBD per mL, and your dog needs 2.5 mg, you divide 2.5 ÷ 20 = 0.125 mL. That is about one eighth of a dropper, or just a few drops.
By breaking it down step by step, you can feel confident you are giving your dog the right amount, not too little and not too much.
Practical dosage ranges
Different situations call for different ranges. Here are the commonly referenced ones:
- General wellness or mild anxiety: 0.1–0.25 mg/kg twice daily. This is a gentle starting point.
- Pain and arthritis: 1–2 mg/kg twice daily, based on veterinary research.
- Seizures: 2.5 mg/kg twice daily, sometimes higher under veterinary guidance.
- Upper safety limit: Around 5 mg/kg per day, unless your vet advises otherwise.
Dosage chart by weight
Here is a table showing common ranges. These numbers are per dose, usually given twice daily.
|
Dog weight |
Mild start (0.25 mg/kg) |
Pain relief (2 mg/kg) |
Seizures (2.5 mg/kg) |
|
5 kg (11 lb) |
1.25 mg |
10 mg |
12.5 mg |
|
10 kg (22 lb) |
2.5 mg |
20 mg |
25 mg |
|
15 kg (33 lb) |
3.75 mg |
30 mg |
37.5 mg |
|
20 kg (44 lb) |
5 mg |
40 mg |
50 mg |
|
25 kg (55 lb) |
6.25 mg |
50 mg |
62.5 mg |
|
30 kg (66 lb) |
7.5 mg |
60 mg |
75 mg |
|
40 kg (88 lb) |
10 mg |
80 mg |
100 mg |
|
50 kg (110 lb) |
12.5 mg |
100 mg |
125 mg |
This chart is meant as a guide. Always confirm with your veterinarian before using higher amounts, especially if your dog is on other medications.
How to translate mg into product amounts
CBD products for pets come in different forms: oils, chews, and capsules. To use the chart, you need to know how much CBD is in your product.
- Oils and tinctures: Check the label for mg per mL. Example: if the oil has 20 mg/mL, then a 0.5 mL dropper has 10 mg of CBD.
- Chews and treats: Each chew usually lists mg of CBD. If one chew has 5 mg and your dog needs 10 mg, give two.
- Capsules: These are fixed doses, so you may need to round slightly up or down depending on your dog’s weight.
Think of it like measuring flour when baking. If your recipe needs exactly one cup, and your measuring cup holds half a cup, you know you need two scoops. With CBD, your scoop is the dropper or the chew.
Step-by-step dosing plan
-
Start low: Begin with the low end of the range.
-
Monitor: Watch for changes in behavior, comfort, or symptoms over 3–7 days.
-
Adjust slowly: Increase by small steps (20 to 30 percent) if needed.
-
Check with your vet: Especially if your dog has health issues or is taking other medication.
-
Reassess every few weeks: Improvement may take time, especially for chronic conditions.
Safety and Monitoring
CBD is considered safe for most dogs, but there are still things to watch:
- Mild side effects: Sleepiness, diarrhea, or reduced appetite.
- Liver enzymes: Some dogs show elevated ALT on blood tests, which is why vets recommend monitoring.
- Drug interactions: CBD can affect how the liver processes medicines like NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, and steroids. Always mention CBD if your dog is prescribed other drugs.
- Quality matters: Choose products with third-party lab reports (Certificates of Analysis). Avoid products with THC, xylitol, or other harmful ingredients.
The right dose is safe and helpful, but too much or a low-quality brand could do harm.
Why you still need your Vet
It may be tempting to follow online charts and skip the vet visit. But every dog is unique. Age, breed, health conditions, and medications all affect how CBD works. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for animals, which means product quality and claims are not closely regulated.
Your vet can help:
- Decide if CBD is appropriate for your dog.
- Set a safe starting dose.
- Recommend lab tests for long-term use.
- Spot possible drug interactions.
Final Thoughts
CBD can be a safe and useful supplement for dogs, but dosage is not guesswork. The right amount depends on your dog’s weight and health condition. Studies suggest around 2 mg/kg twice daily for arthritis and 2.5 mg/kg twice daily for seizures, but always start low and work up carefully.
Think of it like adjusting the heat on your stove. Too low, and the food does not cook. Too high, and it burns. The key is to find the sweet spot for your dog. With patience, careful monitoring, and your vet’s help, CBD may give your dog more comfort and a better quality of life.
Ready to find the right CBD support for your dog? At Greenstone, we craft high-quality, vet-trusted CBD products made with transparency and care. Explore our range today and give your furry friend the comfort they deserve.
FAQs
Most studies used twice daily dosing, especially for arthritis and seizures. Once daily might help with mild issues, but for serious conditions, twice daily is more reliable.
For pain and mobility, you might see changes in a week or two. For seizures, improvements are usually tracked over several weeks.
Only if it is free from THC, artificial sweeteners, and harmful additives. Always check the label and lab report.
Most dogs tolerate CBD well, even at higher doses, but too much may cause lethargy, diarrhea, or wobbliness. Lower the dose and talk to your vet if you see these signs.