CBD oil is being touted as a natural way to calm your dog, one with a low risk of overdose and adverse reactions. But do those risks remain low if your dog takes CBD oil every day? Is it all right to add this compound to your dog’s daily diet?
Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil Daily?
Yes, you definitely can give your dog CBD oil every day. Most dogs will benefit from twice-daily CBD use, with the intervals between administrations ideally ranging from 8 to 12 hours apart.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?
The recommended amount for canines is around 0.2mg per pound. For a 10-pound dog, that’s an amount of 2 mg.
Body weight is key, as it indicates how many milligrams your dog can tolerate effectively and what the most effective usage amount is likely to be. After considering your dog’s weight, check the label to learn how many milligrams there are per serving/ml, and use the following directions for use chart to get a rough idea:
| Dog’s Body Weight | Recommended CBD | Example Dog Breeds |
| 10 lbs. | 2 mg twice a day | Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier |
| 20 lbs. | 4 mg twice a day | Boston Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu |
| 30 lbs. | 6 mg twice a day | Bulldog, Beagle, Siberian Husky, Spaniel |
| 60 lbs. | 12 mg twice a day | Boxer, Poodle, Golden Retriever, Labrador |
| 100 lbs. | 20 mg twice a day | Great Dane, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Mastiff |
If you know the exact weight of your dog and it doesn’t fit perfectly into one of the above categories, it’s okay to round up or down. It doesn’t have to be precise and a milligram or two either way isn’t going to harm your dog.
How Long Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil?
You can give your dog CBD oil for as long as they feel the benefits. If you don’t notice any difference in your dog’s health or behavior and they have been taking it for many months, there’s probably no need to continue.
You could try increasing the amount or asking your vet to confirm if there are any benefits or any need to continue, but at this point, you can probably stop.
If they are clearly benefiting from the CBD oil, it really all comes down to whether you can afford to keep buying it. There are no biological reasons why they can’t continue those daily amounts; it’s all about your bank balance and whether the benefits are notable enough to justify the price.
All pet parents want the best for their pets, but these are difficult times and basic needs may take priority.
Do I Need THC-Free CBD Products?
Although THC can be harmful to dogs, the concentration of THC in full-spectrum CBD products is very low. Legal CBD will always contain 0.3% THC or less, and considering your dog is consuming just a few drops of oil a day, it’s simply not enough to cause any issues.
In fact, your furry friend could benefit more from full-spectrum CBD than CBD isolate, as full-spectrum products contain a range of potentially synergistic cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Will My Dog Benefit From CBD Oil?
Is CBD oil right for your dog? Based on anecdotal evidence, your pooch may benefit from using CBD oil if they have any of the following issues:
- Behavioral Issues: Including increased aggression and anxiousness that may be related to environmental changes, age, and hormones.
- Separation Anxiousness: It’s normal for dogs to look a little distraught when you leave and to get overly excited when you return, but if your absence causes them great stress and leads to howling and barking, it’s an issue that needs to be resolved.
- Mobility Issues: Many dog breeds struggle to support their hind legs as they age. There isn’t much you can do to reverse this, but keeping your dog fit, healthy, and strong could slow the rate of decline.
- Immune Support: High-quality CBD oil could support your dog’s immune health.
Can Dogs Take Too Much CBD?
If you accidentally give your dog too much CBD oil or it gets its paws into the CBD dog treats, you should keep an eye out for adverse reactions, make sure your pooch stays hydrated, and seek emergency medical help if you notice any severe symptoms, including excessive vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, or unresponsiveness.
Severe symptoms are rare, and your dog probably won’t be in immediate danger, but the risk of adverse reactions increases with high amounts.
Do Dogs Have an Endocannabinoid System?
Dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). There isn’t a great deal of scientific evidence concerning how this system works and how it responds to daily usage, but it’s believed that a dog’s ECS works the same as a human’s.
Dogs seem to have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans do, which means they could be more susceptible to CBD. This could be one of the reasons why they are so sensitive to THC, a compound that can cause serious adverse reactions in amounts that are harmless to humans.
CBD works by targeting these receptors and supporting varying bodily processes. If they become overly saturated, as with an overdose, your dog may experience adverse reactions but these will cease once the excess CBD has been flushed out of their body.
Do Vets Recommend CBD Treatment For Dogs?
Most of what we know about CBD for dogs comes from anecdotal reports, which means it’s less about concrete science and more about dog owners discussing their own experiences.
CBD has only been legal and widely available for a few years, so the scientific and medical communities are still researching its uses and how it may benefit humans and animals.
Your vet may not be familiar with CBD. However, if you raise the subject with them, they might recommend it as a supportive approach to canine wellness, or advise that you use it for non-medical reasons.
Most vets agree that CBD is highly suitable for dogs and many animal experts now work with CBD companies and even endorse specific brands. In fact some brands partner with cannabis and hemp veternarians for the best outcomes for your furry friends.
