How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog for Anxiety?

Owning a pet is an incredibly rewarding experience. Having a furry baby is similar to having a newborn child. They need love and attention just like them, and they can develop anxiety too. 

Luckily, there’s CBD oil that is proven effective in easing the anxiety of dogs. However, choosing the right CBD dose for your pet can be tricky because it depends on various factors. And this can lead you to ask: How much CBD oil should I give my dog for anxiety? 

Read on to find out.

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil derived from cannabis plants has recently become a well-known alternative therapy. Many people claim to use CBD oil to alleviate their pet’s pain, anxiety, seizures, and nausea. Although CBD is helpful, knowing how much CBD for dog with anxiety should be given and how it works is still crucial. 

As a result of cannabis prohibition and research limitations, only a few studies support CBD oil's benefits. Nevertheless, as cannabis is legalized in some parts of the world, progress in this field is gaining trajectory.

Among the many compounds found in cannabis, CBD is one of the most unique. Generally, CBD oil contains small amounts of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound is responsible for giving people the “high.”

Despite its use by humans, it has been proven effective in controlling seizures, anxiety, arthritis, cancer conditions, and pain in pets. In contrast to THC, cannabidiol does not readily bind to CBD receptors. Ultimately, these receptors control the function of human endocannabinoid systems, which are crucial to central nervous system function.

A signaling molecule called endocannabinoid regulates many processes in the body, including emotions, pain, memory, immune function, and stress. However, CBD also interacts with other receptors, such as opioid and serotonin receptors. Additionally, it could enhance the production of natural endocannabinoids, explaining its broad range of applications.

Can CBD Help Dogs With Anxiety?

Few studies have been done on CBD's effect on anxiety in dogs, and some provide promising information. Most of these studies point out that with the proper CBD oil dose for dog, you can effectively ease their anxiety.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Judkins of Animalkind Holistic Veterinary Clinic, CBD products are particularly effective in treating anxiety and pain in her patients. As an example of CBD's ability to treat anxiety, Dr. Judkins describes a canine patient with dementia who was anxious and kept his guardians awake at night. However, after giving the dog CBD products, the dog became calmer and more present.

In a 2015 study, there is evidence that CBD reduces anxiety behaviors associated with multiple disorders. According to the researchers, CBD might have anti-anxiety, minimal sedative effects, and a safe profile. Moreover, it concludes that preclinical data strongly supports the potential of CBD as a pet’s treatment for anxiety disorders.

Two studies from 2011 and 2019 showed that CBD reduced anxiety levels in those with PTSD and Seasonal Affective Disorder.  In addition, dogs' ECS systems are closely related to human systems, which suggests that dogs can also benefit from these systems. But one key factor to look at is how much CBD oil for dog should be administered.

Using animal models and healthy volunteers, the Laboratory of Panic and Respiration evaluated CBD as an anti-anxiety drug. Patients suffering from social anxiety disorders showed reduced anxiety after consuming CBD. While they noted that further studies are necessary, CBD's potential warrants future exploration.

To assess veterinarians' opinions about CBD/hemp products, an anonymous online survey was conducted with VIN (Veterinary Information Network). When veterinarians were asked what specific illnesses or conditions clients requested CBD products to treat, the most common responses were pain management, anxiety, and seizures.

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog For Anxiety?

When wondering how much CBD oil can I give my dog, who is suffering from anxiety, you should know that there are multiple factors to consider. Your dog's size and the product's strength will usually determine the dosage amount.

The best and easiest way is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Doing so will give you the right dosage for your dog's size as well as the appropriate strength of the product.

Aside from that, there are also other ways to determine the appropriate CBD oil dose for dog. There are multiple cheat sheets shared online by fur parents who use the same substance for their babies.

Here's how you can choose the right dose for your dog based on its size (measured in weight). Sometimes, people prefer to start their dogs on a very low dose and work their way up to a higher one.

You can start with a dose of 1 mg as a rough guide. This way, you save CBD oil while working up to the optimal amount.

Here is a breakdown of how much CBD you should give your dog based on its relative weight.

1. Small (2-15 lbs)

You might be thinking- How much CBD oil should I give my dog weighing 2-15 lbs? It may be tricky, especially if you use a highly concentrated CBD oil.

At first, it may seem relieving that extra small dogs require the least amount of CBD.

There's a catch, though.

The metabolism of tiny dogs is super-fast! That said, you should increase the CBD administration to three to four daily doses instead of one or two.

When it comes to behavioral conditions such as anxiety, we recommend measuring out 1/2 mg worth of oil and adding a couple of drops after you have not seen any improvement in 3-5 days. However, maximum CBD doses should not exceed 15 mg for extra-small dogs.

2. Medium-Small (15 – 30 lbs)

After doing in-depth research on how much CBD oil for dog weighing 15 to 30 lbs should be given, we found that many people achieve success with a 2 mg dose and increase it by 3 mg until they notice results.

Dog owners who want to help their friends with anxiety should increase doses to no more than 2 mg, not exceeding two daily doses. Remember that CBD should not exceed 20 mg daily for a dog of this size.

3. Medium-Large

A dose of 1-3 mg of CBD is generally considered a good starting point, depending on the condition you're treating. But increasing by 3 mg may help if you cannot see results.

As per how much CBD for dog with anxiety,  you can start by giving 1 mg twice daily, then watch your dog's behavior to see if the effects of CBD are taking effect. You can increase the dose by 2 mg if it needs to be fixed. Nevertheless, a dog of this size should be at most 30 mg of CBD daily.

4. Large (60 – 150 lbs)

It is recommended that large dog owners follow the same general guidelines as those for medium-large dogs.

In the case of very large dogs, the dose will be much higher. But try to increase it slowly by 3 mg at a time until you see signs of improvement.

What Are The Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Anxiety?

It is hard to determine if CBD oil can have side effects on dogs. But, generally, it may cause the following:

• Drop in blood pressure: A high CBD dose can lower blood pressure and cause lightheadedness.


• Drowsiness: Although CBD can be used to treat anxiety in dogs, its calming effect can also cause slight drowsiness, especially at high doses.


• Dry mouth: Due to CBD's effects on saliva production, it can cause dry mouth. Dogs will experience an increase in thirst as a result of this.

Ensure that you follow the proper dosage to avoid or reduce these side effects. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian- how much CBD oil can I give my dog. They are the best person to instruct you on the proper dosage. 

CBD's safety has not been thoroughly researched for dogs, so before starting any treatment or medication, consult your veterinarian first.

Is CBD Safe For My Dog?

According to a 2017 World Health Organization report, animal consumption of pure CBD appears harmless and well tolerated. Despite this, subsequent 2018 canine studies found that CBD treatment increased liver enzyme alkaline phosphatase levels.

McGrath conducted a simultaneous liver function test to ensure that their lives were not failing, and the results were normal. Thus, it needs to be clarified if the elevated ALP levels are benign or if they can become more serious over time. 

The best way to avoid potentially harmful ingredients is to use products with certificates of analysis or COAs (the batch number on the COA should match the number on the product's label). COAs are issued when independent labs confirm the product's ingredients and potency. 

The legal limit for CBD products is 0.3% THC, which should make them suitable for animals. However, it is still best not to take chances. Stay away from CBD pet products containing more than 0.0% THC. Furthermore, you should be observant of the symptoms of THC poisoning. It often manifests as nausea, diarrhea, restlessness, inactivity, and difficulty standing.

Furthermore, always follow the recommended dosage to avoid overdose. If unclear, you may ask your veterinarian- how much CBD oil should I give my dog? They should be able to provide you with the best advice on this matter. 

The Best Place To Buy CBD Oil For Dogs Near Me

CBD oil is a relatively safe treatment for your dog’s anxiety compared to other prescription medicines. If you want to know the best place to buy one, you may check out CBD Genesis.

We have multiple CBD oil products that will help relieve your dog’s anxiety. You’ll notice how it can make them calmer and happier. 

Here are some of the must-tries:

1. CBD Genesis Dog Treats (25mg each)

You can calm down your pet’s anxiety with these dog treats by offering them a delicious snack containing CBD. This product is available in 2 different sizes, and the serving size will depend on the condition you’re treating. 

Moreover, it comes in two delicious flavors your dog won’t be able to resist: Bacon and Cheddar Cheese. You can start by giving half of the treat for small dogs and 1 to 2 treats for larger dogs. From there, you can work your way up if you think it’s necessary.

2. Active CBD Pet Tincture

Pets have the same endocannabinoid system as humans and may also benefit from CBD. CBD tinctures are a fun way to introduce CBD through their favorite foods. Just simply add it to their meal, and you will see how easy it is to administer this CBD oil.

Each Active CBD Oil Chicken Tincture dropper contains 10 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. CBN, CBC, CBG, and other minor cannabinoids may be present in broad-spectrum CBD oil, but it does not contain THC, making sure your pet is safe! 

Final Thoughts

Many pet owners have witnessed how CBD can ease their dogs’ anxiety, and you can be one of them too. Although there are not many studies on using CBD oil, it is safer than most prescription medicines for anxiety. Just ensure that you follow the right dose.

You might have to experiment to find the right amount to give your own fuzzballs. CBD is natural and safe, so no worries if your pet gets a little extra or less than needed while you figure things out. 

Your pet will tell you if it’s time for more. It won't take you long to notice they're having symptoms again, and you can save them by giving them a nugget or a dropper. They'll appreciate it!
If you’re ready to see how much difference CBD oil can contribute to your pet’s anxiety, check out CBD Genesis! You can get the CBD Genesis Dog Treats (25mg each) for only $29.99 and the Active CBD Pet Tincture for $19.99.