Are you wondering about the perfect dosage of CBD oil for your dogs (and cats, too)? In order to accurately determine the appropriate CBD dosage, it is crucial to have access to reliable information. Thankfully, you came to the right place.
Let us help you discover the correct dosage for your furry friends.
Effective Steps to Give Your Pet CBD Oil
Directly on the Gums
The best way to give your dog CBD is to place it on their gums; it allows direct absorption through the mouth’s mucous membrane. This is often called transmucosal absorption. Now, there are several advantages to this method:
- Rapid onset of action: The CBD enters the bloodstream swiftly, resulting in quicker relief from certain health concerns.
- Maximum potency: Because it reaches the bloodstream faster, the oil retains its maximum effect. Thus, the expected therapeutic effects occur in their entirety.
- Bypassed digestive tract: Compared to oral ingestion, which involves passing through the digestive system, applying CBD to your pets’ gums allows it to circumvent the digestive tract altogether. This means that the non-psychoactive cannabinoid is no longer subjected to the breakdown of stomach acids. Thus, it ensures higher bioavailability of the active compounds.
How do you do it?
Administering CBD oil to your canine friends is pretty straightforward and hassle-free. Use a dropper to dispense the desired amount onto your fingers. You may also use a brush to rub the hemp-based oil gently on your pet’s gums.
The best part is this: Many dogs love this method because it is more comfortable for them.
Just a word of caution for you.
Yes, this method has been proven to be very effective, as testified by several dog parents. However, it is still essential that you ensure correct storage and handling to maintain the pet CBD oil’s potency. After each use, make sure to thoroughly wipe off your dropper before putting it back into the bottle. While we love puppy kisses, doggy drool can cause a hemp extract (CBD) tincture to become less effective, as the bacteria in saliva can break down the formula.
Rubbing CBD Oil into the Ears
There is another name for this method. It is called transdermal administration, wherein CBD oil is applied directly to the skin. From there, it will eventually be absorbed and reach the bloodstream.
Here is the step-by-step procedure for applying CBD oil to your dogs’ ears:
- Dispense small drops of CBD oil onto your fingertips. You may also use an empty roll-on bottle.
- Gently rub the hemp extract into the area where your dog’s fur stops growing, specifically on the inner ear flap.
- This application also works for cats. Instead of applying the formulation to their ears, administer it to their paw pads. More blood vessels are there, facilitating a faster onset of effects.
Incorporating CBD Oil into Dog Food or Treats
Another attractive option for giving CBD oil is to mix it into their food or treats, such as soft chews. Before, we thought this administration approach was less effective since the plant compound must pass through the digestive process. However, some new research studies will help us understand the potential benefits of oral administration of CBD products for pets.
The GI tract of mammals consists of numerous receptors. CBD in CBD dog treats has demonstrated the ability to interact with them effectively. Thus, if you administer oil infused with CBD for pets by incorporating it into their food or treats, you may give them health advantages related to their gut health.
CBD oil can help support GI health, balance the microbiome, and relieve digestive discomfort by directly contacting the gut through oral administration.
Micro-Dosing CBD Oil
This approach involves splitting the optimal dose into smaller, more frequent administrations. Rather than a single large dose of CBD, microdosing leads to a consistent concentration of active ingredients in your dog’s bloodstream. Thus, this method may improve the well-being of dogs with joint challenges, and even overall wellness.
Below are some advantages of micro-dosing, particularly in managing common health issues.
Stress management: Consistent CBD levels in the dog’s bloodstream may help reduce stress symptoms and bring calmness to stressed pets.
Improve dog’s mobility: Microdosing provides continuous relief from aches experienced by an aging dog, improving your pet’s quality of life.
Seizure control: Microdosing may help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes, offering relief and stability.
How to Determine the Right CBD Dosage for Your Dog
With the rising popularity of CBD for pets, it’s important to approach dosing cautiously. Here’s a helpful guide to assist you in this process:
Consult with your veterinarian
Talk to your vet before administering CBD dosage to your dog. They can guide your pet’s health status, potential interactions with other medications, and the appropriate CBD oil dosage.
Start Low and Slow
Begin with a small dose and gradually raise it. This gradual approach allows you to determine the ideal amount for your pet’s specific requirements.
Calculate the initial dosage.
An initial dose typically ranges around 6mg per 20 pounds of your dog’s weight, given twice daily. The precise number of drops will vary based on the potency of the CBD extract and your pet’s individual needs.
Observe your pet’s response.
After starting CBD, watch your pet closely for any behavior, mood, or health changes. Look for improvements in stress symptoms, and pet’s mobility. Remember, it may take time for CBD effects to show.
Adjust as needed.
Pets may respond differently, so adjust the dosage accordingly. If the desired effects are not observed, slowly increase the dose. Conversely, decrease the dosage if your pet experiences adverse effects such as fatigue or gastrointestinal issues.
Consider your pet’s health status
Consider your pet’s overall health when dosing pet CBD oil. Healthier pets may need less dosage, while those with more severe issues may need more. Pay attention to your pet’s response and adjust the dose accordingly.
Frequency of administration
Small dogs and cats may only need CBD once daily, while medium to larger pets may benefit most from twice-daily dosing. Again, observe your pet’s response and adjust the frequency as needed.
To help you out in determining the possible optimal CBD oil dosage for your preferred pet, we prepared the right CBD dosage chart below:
CBD Topicals
Did you know that the skin is the biggest organ for dogs, just like it is for humans? Although CBD is often given internally, putting it directly on your pet’s skin can also work well. They have receptors on their skin that interact with CBD and other substances in a hemp plant, similar to humans. This makes topical applications a viable option for targeting skin-related ailments directly.
Addressing Skin Challenges
Skin diseases and infections are common challenges faced by pets. Topical CBD can help alleviate bug bites, scratches, dry paws, and even more serious issues like tumors and cysts. The skin’s three distinct layers contain CB1 and CB2 receptors, allowing for efficient absorption and targeted relief.
Targeted Relief with Topical CBD
Applying CBD topically can target your pet’s ailments directly at the source. Combining internal treatment with topical application can provide comprehensive relief, as seen in cases like Daisey’s mast cell tumor treatment.
Tips for Administering Topical CBD
When applying CBD salve, ensure it reaches the skin’s surface for optimal absorption. Parting the fur and applying directly to the skin ensures maximum effectiveness. Choose non-toxic CBD products to ensure safety, as pets may lick the applied area.
Topical CBD Applications
CBD balms, dog shampoos, and sprays offer various options for topical administration. These methods are gentle and effective, providing comfort and relief for your pet’s skin without contributing to their daily CBD intake. CBD balms address specific skin issues like dry noses, rough paws, and hot spots. Their moisturizing properties and CBD’s soothing effects offer targeted relief and comfort for your pet.
CBD Treats for Dogs
It provides a convenient and enjoyable way to give your dog the benefits of CBD. It’s important to understand that they are similar to CBD oil added to food and need to pass through your pet’s digestive system, which can be harsh and acidic. This means that the absorption of CBD may be lower compared to direct administration along the gumline.
Still, the digestive system has CBD receptors, which means CBD treats can be good for pets with tummy problems. They can also be a way to start using CBD for pets or help with small issues like allergies or brief stress before grooming.
CBD snacks are especially handy for pets who resist taking a tincture by mouth or won’t eat food with CBD oil. But it’s crucial to consider how long snacks take to work. Since they need to be digested, CBD snacks may take longer to have an effect than CBD oil applied directly to the gums.
To ensure the best outcome, give CBD snacks at least 45-60 minutes before an upcoming event, like a car ride. This gives enough time for the CBD to be fully absorbed, maximizing its ability to relieve your pet.
What Health Issues Does CBD for Dogs Address?
CBD is believed to address various health issues based on anecdotal evidence from dog owners. While there isn’t solid scientific data yet, many pet owners report that CBD helps with aches and aging dog’s mobility, and can help manage seizures.
A certain doctor notes that CBD is also used for its relaxing effects, appetite stimulation, and calming effects for stress.
Can You Give CBD Oil to Both Dogs and Cats?
Absolutely, you can administer CBD oil to dogs and cats. As per the World Health Organization, evidence from studies and reports indicates its safety for animals. Research demonstrates its ability to alleviate discomfort for your dog, could soothe your pet’s unease when separated from you, and may improve the well-being of dogs with joint challenges. Additionally, CBD may assist in managing seizures. Pet owners’ firsthand experiences further validate CBD’s potential advantage for pets.
However, further research is necessary to grasp CBD’s impact on pets completely. Seeking guidance from a veterinarian is crucial to assess if CBD is suitable for addressing your pet’s health concerns.
Does CBD Oil for Dogs Come with Side Effects?
CBD extracts have gained immense popularity thanks to their potential remedies for various ailments. However, pet owners should still be aware of some possible side effects.
Common side effects of CBD include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. These symptoms may arise, especially when dogs are given higher doses of CBD.
It is crucial that you do not go beyond the ideal CBD dose. This information is typically located on the label of the CBD oil bottle. If you buy CBD products from Stirling, everything you need to know is written on our product labels. By so doing, you will not have to guesswork about the appropriate CBD dosage for your dog.
Qualities of the Best CBD Oil for Dogs
Made from organic ingredients
High-quality CBD products are crafted using all-natural ingredients, free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Stirling even adds other active ingredients, like MCT Oil and other essential oils, further enhancing the products’ potency.
Third-party lab tested
Reputable brands conduct rigorous third-party lab testing, verifying their products’ potency, purity, and safety. Stirling makes these independent laboratory tests available on its website to assure pet owners regarding the quality and consistency of the CBD tincture.
Clear labeling
If you want an effective CBD product to improve your dogs’ regimen, buy from brands with clear and readable labeling. Stirling CBD products for pets all have this feature, which helps pet owners make informed decisions and provide their furry companions with the correct CBD dosage.
THC-free
One crucial factor of high-quality CBD oils is that it is THC-free. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis that can be harmful to pets. Opting for THC-free CBD oil ensures that your dog receives the therapeutic benefits without any psychoactive effects.
Conclusion
With the right guidance, you can help your pet experience the maximum effect of CBD. CBD oils are effective tools for supporting your dog’s well-being. We hope this blog covers every issue you need to address. Here’s to many tail-wagging moments and countless adventures ahead with your four-legged friend by your side!
