CBD Dosage Calculator for Pets
Calculate the right CBD dose for your dog by weight and condition. Covers anxiety, pain, and seizures with a step-up dosing guide and product tips.
Use CalculatorChoose dog or cat first, then enter the details that match your pet's species, weight, routine, and current situation.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp plants that has gained significant popularity among pet owners for managing anxiety, pain, seizures, and inflammation in dogs and cats. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce a high and is generally considered safe for pets when properly dosed. However, the research on CBD in companion animals is still developing, dosing is not standardized, and product quality varies enormously. This CBD Dosage Calculator provides evidence-informed starting dose estimates based on your pet's weight and intended use, with the strong recommendation to consult your veterinarian before starting any CBD protocol.
What Research Says About CBD in Pets
Use the table below to compare What Research Says About CBD in Pets.
| Condition | Species | Evidence Level | Key Study/Source | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis pain | Dogs | Moderate (clinical trial) | Gamble et al., 2018 (Frontiers in Veterinary Science) | 2.5 mg/kg twice daily reduced pain scores and increased mobility significantly |
| Epilepsy/seizures | Dogs | Moderate (clinical trial) | McGrath et al., 2019 (JAVMA) | 89% reduction in seizure frequency with CBD; adjunct to standard anti-epileptic drugs |
| Anxiety | Dogs | Limited (owner reports, small studies) | Various; no large RCT | Owner-reported improvements; no large-scale controlled trials yet |
| Cancer-related pain | Dogs/Cats | Very limited | Case reports only | No controlled trials; anecdotal reports of improved comfort |
| Feline anxiety | Cats | Very limited | No published controlled trials | Cats metabolize CBD differently; extreme caution warranted |
CBD Dosage Guidelines by Condition
Use the table below to compare CBD Dosage Guidelines by Condition.
| Condition | Starting Dose (Dogs) | Target Dose (Dogs) | Notes for Cats |
|---|---|---|---|
| General anxiety / situational stress | 0.1-0.2 mg/kg once or twice daily | 0.5-1 mg/kg twice daily | Use 0.1-0.2 mg/kg maximum; cats are very sensitive |
| Chronic pain / osteoarthritis | 1-2 mg/kg twice daily | 2-5 mg/kg twice daily | Start very low; cats are more sensitive to cannabinoids |
| Seizure support (adjunct) | 2.5 mg/kg twice daily | 2.5-5 mg/kg twice daily | Rarely used in cats; vet consultation mandatory |
| Inflammation / post-surgical | 0.5 mg/kg twice daily | 1-2 mg/kg twice daily | Very limited feline data; proceed with caution |
| Cancer palliative care | 0.5-1 mg/kg twice daily | Titrate up per response | Consult veterinary oncologist |
How to Calculate CBD Dose
CBD products are labeled by total mg of CBD per bottle or per mL of oil. To find how many mL to give:
mL per dose = (dog's weight in kg x dose in mg/kg) / (CBD concentration in mg/mL)
Example: A 10 kg dog receiving 1 mg/kg from a 300mg CBD oil in a 30 mL bottle (10 mg/mL): mL per dose = (10 x 1) / 10 = 1 mL per dose
Choosing a Quality CBD Product for Pets
Use the table below to compare Choosing a Quality CBD Product for Pets.
| Quality Indicator | What to Look For | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party testing | Certificate of Analysis (COA) from independent lab | No COA available; company refuses to share testing |
| Hemp source | US-grown, organically certified hemp | Imported hemp with no country-of-origin info |
| THC content | Below 0.3% THC (legal hemp threshold) | THC above 0.3%; any mention of full cannabis plant |
| CBD concentration labeled | Clear mg per mL or mg per treat | Vague 'hemp extract' labels without mg specification |
| Pet-specific formulation | Formulated for dogs or cats specifically | Human CBD products (may contain xylitol or other toxic additives) |
| Carrier oil | MCT oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil | Grape seed oil (toxic to dogs); essential oil additives |
Important Safety Notes
- Never give pets any cannabis product containing THC. THC is toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause serious neurological symptoms.
- Cats are significantly more sensitive to cannabinoids than dogs due to different cannabinoid receptor distribution and liver metabolism differences.
- CBD can interact with medications including anti-epileptic drugs, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants. Always disclose CBD use to your vet.
- The FDA has not approved any CBD product for use in companion animals. All use is off-label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will CBD make my pet high?
No. CBD is non-psychoactive. THC is the compound responsible for intoxication. Properly sourced hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC will not produce intoxication.
How long does CBD take to work in pets?
Oil administered sublingually (under the tongue or on gums) may show effects within 30-60 minutes. Treats or capsules take 1-2 hours. For chronic conditions like arthritis, 2-4 weeks of consistent dosing is typically needed before meaningful improvement is observed.
Can I use human CBD oil for my pet?
Not recommended. Human CBD products may contain xylitol (highly toxic to dogs), flavorings harmful to pets, or concentrations too high or too low for accurate pet dosing. Use products specifically formulated and labeled for pets.
Note: Cats and dogs can respond differently to supplements, so use this calculator as a general planning tool and confirm product use with a veterinarian.
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