You have heard of the benefits of CBD for animals of company, but you feel a little lost when it comes to finding the right dosage? Don't panic! I am here to guide you through this process in 5 simple steps. That your four -legged companion suffers from anxiety, joint pain Or that you simply seek to improve your general well-being.
Why CBD for pets
Before diving into the details of the dosage, let's take a little overview of the CBD and its use with our four -legged friends.
What is CBD and how does it work in animals?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound extracted from hemp. Unlike his cousin the THC, he has no psychoactive effects. In animals as in humans, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receivers present throughout the body. This system plays a crucial role in the regulation of many physiological functions, from mood to pain through appetite.
Potential advantages of CBD for dogs and cats
The owners of animals are turning more and more towards the CBD for various reasons. Among the potential benefits, we find:
- Reduction of anxiety and stress
- Relief of chronic pain, especially arthritis
- Improvement of sleep quality
- The decrease in inflammation
- Immune system support
However, remember that each animal is unique. What works for your neighbor's labrador may not have the same effect on your poodle. Hence the importance of understanding the dosage.
Step 1: Understand the factors influencing the dosage
Before taking out your pipette or your treats at CBD, it is essential to understand that several factors come into play in determining the optimal dosage.
Animal weight and size
As with many treatments, the weight of your pet is a key factor. A 2 kg chihuahua will obviously not need the same dose as a 70 kg Saint-Bernard!
Medical condition and severity of symptoms
The reason why you give CBD to your animal will also influence the dosage. A slight anxiety during thunderstorms will not require the same approach as severe chronic pain.
CBD product concentration
Not all CBD products are created equal! CBD concentration can vary considerably from product to product. An oil at 5% will be much more powerful than a 2.5%, for example.
Step 2: Choose the right CBD product
Now that you have an idea of the factors to take into account, let's move on to the choice of product. It's like choosing between a gastronomic dish and kibble for your pet: the shape counts!
VS oils: What shape to choose?
THE CBD oils offer great flexibility in terms of dosage. You can precisely adjust the amount given by counting the drops. In addition, the sublugal absorption (under the language) allows faster action.
THE treats, on the other hand, are practical and can be easier to administer, especially if your pet is of the kind difficult. However, the dosage is less precise and the absorption slower Because the CBD goes through the digestive system.
Importance of quality and laboratory tests
Do not skimp on quality! Choose products specifically designed for animals, from renowned brands that provide laboratory test results. These tests guarantee the purity of the product and the absence of harmful contaminants. After all, your fur companion deserves the best, right?
Step 3: Calculate the initial dose
You are almost there! It's time to take out the calculator (or your smartphone, let's be modern).
Calculation method based on weight
A general rule is to start with 0.4 mg of CBD per kg of body weight, twice a day. For example, for a 5 kg puppy, this would give an initial dose of 2 mg of CBD, twice a day.
But beware, this is just a starting point! Some animals may need more, others less. This is where attentive observation comes into play (we will come back to it in step 4).
Dosage table for dogs Depending on its race, its weight:
Please note that there is currently no No standard dose CBD for dogs. In most cases, it is up to you to determine the amount of CBD oil your dog needs. However, we have created a table to help you find the right dosage.
Note: oil 2.5% 1mg per drop, Oil 5% 2mg per drop
Dog dosage board
| Size |
Races |
Weight |
CBD quantity |
| Very small |
Yorkshire burrows, Havanese bichons, Pomeranians, Maltese, Chihuahuas, butterflies |
2 kg - 5 kg |
1 mg - 2 mg |
| Little |
King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzu, Dwarf Schnauzers, Carlins, Boston Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs |
6.80 kg - 11.34 kg |
3 mg - 5 mg |
| AVERAGE |
French bulldogs, beagles, bulldogs, Welsh corgis, Teckels, Siberian Huskies, Spaniels |
13.61 kg - 22.68 kg |
6 mg - 10 mg |
| Big |
Retrievers (Golden, Labrador), poodles, German shepherds, Pointers, Boxers, Australian shepherds, Vizslas |
27.22 kg - 34.02 kg |
12 mg - 16 mg |
| Giant |
Grand Danish, Rottweilers, Newfoundland, Mastiffs, Saint-Bernard, Akitas |
45.36 kg - 68.04 kg |
20 mg - 30 mg |
Finding this therapeutic dose to help your dog will just take a while, that's all.
Do not forget: always start with the lowest dose and gradually increase if necessary.
Step 4: Administer the CBD and observe the effects
You have calculated the dose, choose your product ... It's time to take action!
Administration techniques for optimal efficiency
For oils, the most effective method is the sublining administration.
- Gently lift your animal's babe
- Place the oil directly under its tongue.
If it turns out to be too difficult, You can mix the oil with its food, but know that the absorption will be slower.
For treats, it's simpler: offer them as a reward!
Signs of improvement to monitor
Observe your pet carefully in the hours and days. You might notice:
- A decrease in agitation or anxiety
- Better mobility if he suffered from joint pain
- A more peaceful sleep
- An improved appetite
Remember that the effects of CBD can take time to manifest itself fully, especially for chronic conditions. Be patient and take notes if necessary.
Step 5: Adjust the dosage if necessary
Rome was not done in a day, and finding the perfect dosage for your pet can take a little time.
When and how to increase the dose
If after a week You do not notice a significant improvement, you can consider slightly increasing the dose. Proceed in small increments, by increasing 25% each time. Wait a few days between each increase to assess the effects.
Signs of overdose to monitor
CBD is generally well tolerated, but a overdose can cause side effects. Pay attention to:
- Excessive drowsiness
- A slight decrease in blood pressure (which can manifest itself by stunning)
- A drought of the mouth (you might notice that your animal drinks more than usual)
If you observe one of these signs, Reduce the dose and consult your veterinarian If the symptoms persist.
Potential precautions and side effects
Although the CBD is generally safe, it is important to be aware of the precautions to be taken and potential side effects.
Drug interactions to know
THE CBD can interact with certain drugs, especially those metabolized by the liver. If your pet follows a treatment, check your veterinarian imperatively before introducing the CBD.
Current side effects and how to manage them
The side effects are rare, but may include:
- Drowsiness: if it becomes problematic, try to give the CBD in the evening.
- Appétit changes: monitor your animal's weight and adjust your diet if necessary.
- Light diarrhea: generally temporary, but reduce the dose if that persists.
Conclusion
Here, you now have all the cards in hand to use the CBD safely and efficiently for your pet!
The CBD offers a promising natural approach to improve the well-being of our four-legged friends. With good precautions and an adapted dosage, you may well see your dog or cat regain his joie de vivre and his comfort. So, ready to make the big leap in the world of animal cbd?
Faq
-
Can CBD make my animal "high"?
No, the CBD does not cause psychoactive effects. It does not contain or very little THC, the compound responsible for the "high" effect of cannabis.
-
How long does it take to see the effects of CBD in my animal?
This can vary, but in general, you could observe effects within 30 minutes to 1 hour for sublugal administration, and within 45 to 90 minutes for treats. For chronic conditions, it may take several days or weeks to see a significant improvement.
-
Can I give my animal human CBD?
It is best to use products specifically formulated for animals. Human products can contain ingredients that are not suitable for animals and dosages are different.
-
Can CBD replace the drugs prescribed by my veterinarian?
No, the CBD should not be used as a substitute for the treatments prescribed without the advice of your veterinarian. It can be used in addition, but still under professional supervision.
-
Can my animal develop an CBD dependence?
No, the CBD is not addictive. Your pet will not develop physical or psychological dependence at CBD.
The sources
Fujimura M, Ishimaru H. Rash SULBRINGUAL IMMUNOTHE in atopic dermatitis in dogs: a prospective pilot study. Pol J Vet SCI. 2016; 19 (1): 3-6. DOI: 10.1515 / PJVS-2016-0001. PMID: 27096781.
The endocannabinoid system of animals. Animals (Basel). 2019; 9 (9): 686. Published on Sept. 16, 2019 DOI: 10.3390 / Ani9090686
Pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical efficiency of cannabidiol treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis. In front. Veterinarian. SCI., July 23, 2018 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165
Deabold Ka, Schwark WS, Wolf L, Wakshlag JJ. Single pharmacokinetics and preliminary evaluation of safety with CBD-Rich HEMP NUTRACEUTICAL in healthy dogs and cats. Animals (Basel). 2019; 9 (10): 832. Published on October 19, 2019. DOI: 10.3390 / ANI9100832
