CBD oil is a great option for dogs with anxiety, joint pain, and other inflammatory conditions. It’s also a highly safe supplement that’s better tolerated than many prescription medications.
But with pups coming in so many shapes and sizes, it’s important to get the dosage right.
There are three key factors in dosing CBD oil for dogs
#1. The concentration of a CBD product
#2. A dog’s size and weight
#3. A dog’s physical and/or behavioral needs
There are currently no official dosage instructions for CBD and dogs, leaving it up to brands and animal healthcare practitioners to make their own recommendations.
The majority of CBD experts, including us, recommend a starting dose of 0.2mg of CBD oil per pound of a dog’s weight.
From there, owners can gradually increase their dog’s dose to 0.7 mg per lb if they feel it’s needed.
Calculating CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs
As CBD products make their way into an increasing number of homes, figuring out the right dosage for individual dogs is important.
The following guidelines are intended to help owners calculate a proper CBD dose based on product concentration and a dog’s weight.
- CBD is dosed in milligrams (mg) per pound (lb) of a dog’s weight.
- A good starting dose is 0.2mg of CBD oil per lb.
- If dogs tolerate the starting dose, owners can begin to gradually increase the dosage.
- Dosage increases should be incremental, observing for side effects.
- Most owners and dogs settle on a dosage of between 0.2 and 0.7mg per lb.
Here are some examples to help put those points into context. Remember, dosages should only be increased so long as benefits are observed:
Breed | Starting dose* | Gradually increasing up to a maximum of |
---|---|---|
Miniature poodle (10lbs) | 1mg | 7mg |
Beagle (20lbs) | 4mg | 14mg |
Springer spaniel (40lbs) | 8mg | 28mg |
Australian shepherd (50lbs) | 10mg | 35mg |
Collies (60lbs) | 12mg | 42mg |
Bernese mountain dog (80lbs) | 16mg | 56mg |
Bloodhound (90lbs) | 18mg | 63mg |
Great dane (110lbs) | 22mg | 77mg |
*calculated using minimum breed weight (source: AKC)
Adjusting for product concentration
Cannabis extracts are mixed with a carrier (oils, treats, or balms), so each product will have a certain concentration.
Because of this, owners need to figure out how many milligrams of CBD are in each milliliter (ml) of oil, or gram (g) of edible snack. Here are some common formula concentrations:
75mg formula = 2.5mg of CBD per ml of oil
125mg formula = 4.1mg of CBD per ml of oil
150mg formula = 5mg of CBD per ml of oil
250mg formula = 8.4mg of CBD per ml of oil
300mg formula = 10mg of CBD per ml of oil
600mg formula = 20mg of CBD per ml of oil
750mg formula = 25mg of CBD per ml of oil
1500mg formula = 50mg of CBD per ml of oil
For example, to get its 10mg CBD dosage, the 50lb Australian shepherd in the table above would need to take 2ml of the 150mg formula, 1ml of the 300mg formula, or 0.5ml of the 600mg formula.
The reason behind having multiple concentrations of CBD products is to help accommodate a full weight spectrum, so the largest dogs don’t need to take multiple droppers while CBD remains accessible to the smallest pups.
Almost all CBD brands provide multiple concentrations, meaning it’s possible to buy your favorite strain in a concentration that makes the most sense for your dog.
How to administer CBD to your dog
That’s the basic dosage math, but how do you actually give your dog CBD? Here’s one version of a dosage schedule for the first month of CBD supplementation.
A schedule similar to this would be appropriate for pups who require treatment for mild to moderate ongoing inflammatory and anxiety conditions (not those using it to meet one off needs).
Again, owners should always tailor a CBD dose to the individual needs of their dog. Depending on their issue, dogs may benefit from more or less frequent dosing.

Quick reference dosage information
How long does CBD Oil take to work?
Every dog responds differently to CBD oil, but most begin to experience effects 45-90 minutes after dosage. Effects are likely to become more reliable and longer-lasting with consistent daily dosing.
The effectiveness of CBD over time depends upon the quality of a CBD product and the severity of a dog’s condition. Chronic issues often only begin to lessen after 2 to 4 weeks of supplementation.
Depending on the issue, CBD may soothe or reduce symptoms rather than act as a cure.
Side Effects and Risks
CBD is safe and well-tolerated by the vast majority of dogs. However, side effects can and do occasionally occur, especially when dogs are given too much CBD, or dosages are increased too quickly.
The most common potential side effects of CBD include:
If your dog experiences any of these side effects, then reduce the dosage and observe for any changes. If symptoms continue, stop CBD supplementation.
In a small number of cases, CBD may have an amplifying or reductive effect on other medications. Owners of dogs on pre-existing treatments should talk with their veterinarian before starting CBD supplementation.
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Increased appetite
Tremors
Vomiting
Alternatives to CBD Oil
We recommend CBD oils over other types of CBD products because their high-fat content allows for increased absorption into the body.
However, CBD treats, balms, and other dog-friendly delivery mechanisms have their own benefits
- CBD treats are great for dogs who are sensitive to the unavoidable grassy flavor of some CBD oils, or who are suspicious of any kind of new addition to their routine.
- Topical, transdermal creams let owners apply CBD to the site of irritation, injury, or pain. In this method, CBD can bypass the digestive system and directly target the affected area.
Dogs requiring intensive CBD treatment may use multiple delivery methods, as long as the total concentration of CBD falls within dosage guidelines of a dog’s usual dose.
Dosing for canine conditions
While the science on CBD is still in its infancy, the number of published peer-reviewed papers is growing. Combined with years of owner testimonials, there’s good evidence for how to use CBD to treat some of the most common canine conditions.
Bottom Line for CBD Oil use in Dogs
CBD oils for dogs are safe, effective, and offer a long term solution for inflammation and anxiety when administered with the correct dosage.