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How Much CBD Should I Give A Dog With Anxiety?

CBD, the short name for the chemical Cannabidiol, can work as a natural remedy for dogs suffering from anxiety. If you’ve noticed that your dog has been anxious lately and doesn’t seem to be acting normal, CBD can be a great treatment option. But before giving your dog CBD for the first time, it’s good to ask the question, “how much CBD should I give my dog with anxiety?” 

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always cut and dry because every animal reacts differently to CBD and that reaction can be highly dose dependent. In this article, we’ll explain what CBD is, how it affects your dog’s body, why your dog would benefit by using CBD (especially if they’re dealing with anxiety), and how to administer the treatment safely.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It can be administered in a number of different ways, such as an oil tincture that can be added to your dog’s food, capsules that can be given alone or hidden in their dinner, or edible substances, like CBD infused dog treats.CBD is extracted from the hemp plant and does not contain any THC – which means it won’t make your dog high, since CBD contains no psychoactive chemicals. It’s an alternative to prescription medication that has proven to be effective in cases where other drugs haven’t worked.

How Will CBD Help With My Dog’s Anxiety?

CBD has been shown to work in a dog’s body and help with their anxiety in two ways. When CBD enters your pet’s bloodstream it attaches to your dog’s natural THC receptors. This releases more serotonin due to increased binding sensitivity. Serotonin is essential for helping our dog’s mood stay balanced while also reducing stress.

Second, research suggests that CBD acts as a powerful anti-psychotic and cognitive enhancer because it binds to additional cannabinoid receptors in your dog’s brain, which in turn increases the amount of dopamine released, leading to an improved sense of wellbeing. 

How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog?

The amount of CBD you should give your dog is dependent on its size, weight, and health. Dogs suffering from pain, inflammation, or anxiety typically need more CBD than healthy dogs.

The general rule of thumb for the starting dosage is about 0.25mg-0.50 mg per pound of body weight per day. But it will depend on your dog’s condition and needs—some dogs can require as much as 100 to 150 mg per pound, especially if they are experiencing intense chronic pain or are prone to strong fits of anxiety. You can then slowly increase that amount until your dog shows signs of relief.  If your dog starts experiencing unwanted side effects such as sedation or loss of appetite, you should decrease the dose by 25% until the side effects stop.

It’s also important to remember that animals metabolize CBD differently from humans. Pay careful attention to any signs that the CBD is not working for your pet or is causing an adverse reaction.

If you have an older or sick dog and would like to know how much CBD your dog should take, then it’s best to consult directly with your veterinarian.

Conclusion

As long as you follow these general guidelines when giving CBD to your dog, then there should be no major issues. Most dogs can be helped tremendously by this natural herbal supplement without experiencing unwanted side effects. Start small and gradually increase the dosage amount until you can see that your dog is experiencing the effects you’re looking for.