Much like humans, there are no official CBD serving sizes or dosing recommendations for pets. It is still a blurred space in which pet parents must take on the responsibility of trial and error. After all, our furry friends cannot tell us if they feel off, so discovering the doses that work for your dog or cat requires consistency, patience and close observation.
In addition to keeping track of your pet’s dosing, it is crucial that you pay attention to their behavior. Do they seem more active? More relaxed? How is their gait? Are they walking and moving steadily? Do they have loose stools or other GI changes? You know your pet best. Monitoring them and making note of how they’re responding is crucial to finding their ideal dose.
Ultimately, the amount you administer rests in your hands. We cannot make formal recommendations, but we can provide general reference points to help guide your CBD journey based on the available research and informal consensus within the CBD community.
Which Potency Should I Buy?
Canna River Pet Tinctures have been formulated with low to medium strength dosing in mind for Small Pets (up to 20 lbs), Medium Pets (21 - 50 lbs) and Large Pets (over 50 lbs). Start there for your first purchase. Depending on the size of your pet, strength and desired results, one bottle should last 2 - 4 weeks.
If after your first bottle, you have not observed significant change or believe your pet requires a higher potency, you may want to purchase a Medium for small pets, Large for medium sized pets, and a 1000 mg or 2500 mg Natural Broad Spectrum human tincture (unflavored) for large dogs.
Can I Give My Pet Human Tinctures?
Only our Natural Broad Spectrum Tinctures (unflavored) are pet-friendly. Do not give our flavored Broad Spectrum tinctures to your pets.
DOGS
Studies examining the effects of CBD in dogs suggest giving CBD to your pet twice per day—ideally once in the morning and evening. Please note our charts below are merely starting points. They are not formal dietary guidelines. You may choose to administer more or less to your dog depending on their needs and the desired effects.
Keep a journal. Every dog is different. If the limits for your dog’s weight aren’t doing the trick, feel free to increase or lower your dose! Just be mindful of any odd behaviors exhibited. GI issues such as loose stools or vomiting have been observed in some dogs given CBD, as well as raised liver enzymes. Generally though, side effects are not too common and emergency situations have not been observed.
Click the link below to download a PDF of our Dog Guide!
CBD DOG GUIDE
CATS
CBD is generally considered safe for consumption by our adult feline friends. However, cats metabolize CBD differently than dogs, so your cat won’t be consuming the same amount as your small dog of the same weight!
- If purchasing the Small Pet Tincture, consider giving your cat 1 1/2 droppers each morning and evening (3 droppers total daily).
- If purchasing the Medium Pet Tincture, consider giving your cat a 1/2 dropper in the morning and 1 dropper in the evening (1 1/2 droppers total daily).
The average daily dose for cats is approximately 10 mg of CBD. There have been some mild reported side effects in felines, including upset stomach and/or sleepiness. Less common side effects include excessive licking, head shaking, and raised enzymes in the liver. If they exhibit minor effects, suspend use or cut the dose in half. If they exhibit more severe effects, CBD may not be for your cat! Suspend use and contact a vet if symptoms persist.
We hope that these pet guides prove helpful. Remember to be patient and keep a log of how your pet responds to their dosing. Adjust as needed, and make sure they’re getting enough water while taking CBD.
Helpful Study Links
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs
DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post is for educational purposes only. We are not making dietary recommendations, nor have these statements been evaluated by the FDA. Give CBD to your pets at your own discretion. Our products are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Do not give to your pet if they are pregnant or nursing. Keep out of reach from children and pets.
