How to Dose CBD for Pets: Weight-Based Dosing Charts
Complete weight-based CBD dosing guide for dogs, cats, and horses. Dosing charts by animal size, condition-specific protocols, administration tips, and when to adjust doses.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. CBD products for pets are not FDA-approved. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before giving any cannabis-derived product to your pet. Do not use this information to replace professional veterinary care.
Overview
Proper dosing is the single most important factor in whether CBD will be effective and safe for your pet. Underdosing may produce no benefit, while overdosing can cause unnecessary side effects like excessive sedation and gastrointestinal upset. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs with FDA-established dosing, CBD for pets relies on a combination of limited clinical research, veterinary experience, and individual animal response to determine the optimal dose.
The good news is that CBD has a wide therapeutic window in animals, meaning there is a large margin between an effective dose and a toxic dose. The most common dosing framework is weight-based, calculated in milligrams of CBD per kilogram of body weight. This guide provides dosing charts for dogs, cats, and horses based on the best available research and veterinary consensus. Always start low and increase gradually, and consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.
What You Need to Know
For dogs, the most studied dose is 2 mg/kg twice daily, based on the Cornell arthritis study. However, the appropriate dose varies by condition: 1 mg/kg twice daily is often sufficient for general wellness and mild anxiety, 2 mg/kg twice daily for arthritis and moderate anxiety, and 2.5 mg/kg twice daily for seizure management (Colorado State University protocol). Weight-based dosing examples: a 5 kg dog starts at 5-10 mg per dose, a 15 kg dog at 15-30 mg, a 30 kg dog at 30-60 mg, and a 45 kg dog at 45-90 mg per dose.
Cats require more conservative dosing due to their smaller size and different metabolism. Start at 1 mg/kg once or twice daily. A 3 kg cat starts at 3 mg per dose, a 5 kg cat at 5 mg, and a 7 kg cat at 7 mg. Because cats metabolize CBD faster than dogs, twice-daily dosing is generally more effective. For horses, dosing begins at 0.5-1 mg/kg daily. A 450 kg horse starts at 225-450 mg per day, typically split into morning and evening doses.
Administration method affects both absorption and timing. CBD oil or tincture applied directly to the gums (sublingual) provides the fastest absorption (15-30 minutes) and highest bioavailability. Mixed with food, absorption takes 30-60 minutes but may be slightly reduced. CBD treats have the most variable absorption depending on the formulation. For conditions requiring predictable timing (situational anxiety before fireworks), sublingual administration is preferred. For chronic conditions where timing is less critical, mixing with food is practical and effective.
The titration process is essential for finding your pet's optimal dose. Start at the lowest recommended dose for your pet's weight and condition. Maintain this dose for 7-10 days, observing for both benefits and side effects. If the response is insufficient and no adverse effects are present, increase by 25-50% and observe for another 7-10 days. Continue this process until you find the dose that provides meaningful benefit. Keep a daily log noting your pet's behavior, activity level, appetite, and any symptoms to share with your veterinarian.
Dosing Guidance
Quick reference by weight: Dogs under 10 kg: start 5-10 mg twice daily. Dogs 10-25 kg: start 10-25 mg twice daily. Dogs 25-45 kg: start 25-45 mg twice daily. Dogs over 45 kg: start 45-90 mg twice daily. Cats under 5 kg: start 2-5 mg twice daily. Cats 5-8 kg: start 5-8 mg twice daily. Horses: start 250-500 mg total per day. These are starting doses. Adjust upward gradually as needed. For seizure management in dogs, use the higher end of the range (2.5 mg/kg twice daily). For general wellness, use the lower end (1 mg/kg twice daily). Always use a measured dropper or syringe for accurate dosing.
Safety Warnings
- ⚠These dosing guidelines are based on limited clinical research and should not replace veterinary guidance. Individual animals may respond differently, and factors like age, health status, concurrent medications, and product quality all affect the appropriate dose.
- ⚠Signs of overdosing include excessive sedation, inability to stand, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you observe these symptoms, discontinue CBD, provide water, and contact your veterinarian. Symptoms typically resolve within 12-24 hours.
- ⚠CBD product potency varies significantly between brands. A '500 mg' bottle does not mean each drop contains 500 mg. Calculate the per-drop or per-mL CBD content using the total CBD amount and bottle volume. For example, a 30 mL bottle containing 600 mg CBD provides 20 mg per mL.
- ⚠This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. CBD products for pets are not FDA-approved. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before giving any cannabis-derived product to your pet. Do not replace professional veterinary care with information found on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the right CBD dose for my pet?
Weigh your pet in kilograms (divide pounds by 2.2). Multiply by the target dose in mg/kg (1 mg/kg for wellness, 2 mg/kg for pain/anxiety, 2.5 mg/kg for seizures). This gives you the per-dose amount in milligrams. Then calculate how many drops or mL of your specific product deliver that amount using the product's concentration listed on the label or COA.
Can I give my pet too much CBD?
While CBD has a wide safety margin and is not typically life-threatening in excess, giving too much can cause excessive sedation, gastrointestinal upset, and temporary loss of coordination. Studies in dogs have used doses up to 20 mg/kg without severe adverse effects, but standard therapeutic doses range from 1-2.5 mg/kg. There is no benefit to significantly exceeding recommended doses.
Should I give CBD with food or on an empty stomach?
Giving CBD with food generally improves absorption because CBD is fat-soluble. A small amount of fatty food (like a spoonful of peanut butter or a meal with some fat content) can enhance bioavailability. However, for fastest onset (such as pre-anxiety dosing), sublingual administration on a relatively empty stomach can provide quicker effects, typically within 15-30 minutes.