If you’ve looked up CBD dosage for dogs, you’ve probably seen a lot of conflicting advice.
A good baseline that works for most dogs is 2 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight.
Every dog responds differently, so it’s important to start low and adjust slowly.
This guide shows you exactly how to calculate your dog’s dose and how to adapt it based on their needs.
Need an easy way to calculate your dog’s CBD dosage? Use the calculator below:
- In the top field, enter your dog's body weight in pounds (lbs.)
- In the bottom field, select your dog's CBD dosage strength based on their condition or use
- Click the calculate button to determine your dog's daily CBD dosage
CBD Dosage Chart for Dogs
CBD Dosage for Dogs in mL: How to Read Your CBD Oil Bottle
Measuring CBD oil can feel confusing at first, but it gets simple once you know how many milligrams (mg) are in each milliliter (mL) of your bottle.
Most pet CBD oils use a 1 mL dropper, so one full dropper equals one full mL.
Here’s how much CBD you get per full dropper based on common bottle strengths:
| Bottle Strength | CBD per mL | Starting Dose | Regular Dose | Strong Dose |
| 100 mg | ~3.3 mg/mL | ~0.6mL (12 drops) | ~0.9 mL (18 drops) | ~1.2 mL (24 drops) |
| 250 mg | ~8.3 mg/mL | ~0.24mL (5 drops) | ~0.36 mL (7 drops) | ~0.48 mL (10 drops) |
| 500 mg | ~16.7 mg/mL | ~0.12 mL (2-3 drops) | ~0.18 mL (3-4 drops) | ~0.24 mL (4-5 drops) |
| 1000 mg | ~33.3 mg/mL | ~0.06 mL (1-2 drops) | ~0.09 mL (2 drops) | ~0.12 mL (2-3 drops) |
| 1500 mg | ~50 mg/mL | ~0.04 mL (1 drop) | ~0.06 mL (1-2 drops) | ~0.08 mL (2 drops) |
| 3000 mg | ~100 mg/mL | ~0.02 mL (1 drop) | ~0.03 mL (1 drop) | ~0.04 mL (1-2 drops) |
Example:
If your dog needs 10 mg per day and you’re using a 1000 mg oil, you’d give about ⅓ of a dropper or 0.33mL of CBD oil.
Quick note on drops:
Most 1 mL droppers hold around 20 drops, which means a standard 30 mL bottle has roughly 600 drops total.
If you prefer counting drops instead of measuring mL, this gives you a close-enough estimate without needing exact lab precision.
CBD Dosage for Treats and Chews
Treats and chews list a set CBD amount per piece, so dosing is simple. Use this formula to find your dog’s starting dose:
0.2 mg of CBD × your dog’s body weight (lbs.) = daily amount
Match that number to the mg-per-treat on the label. Break soft chews into halves or quarters to get as close as possible to your dog’s ideal dose.
Example:
If a treat has 10 mg of CBD and your 20-lb dog needs 4 mg, give about one-third to one-half of a treat.
CBD Treat & Chew Dosage Chart
| CBD per Treat | Starting Dose | Regular Dose | Strong Dose |
| 5 mg treat | ½ treat per 25 lbs | ¾ treat per 25 lbs | 1 treat per 25 lbs |
| 10 mg treat | ½ treat per 50 lbs | ¾ treat per 50 lbs | 1 treat per 50 lbs |
| 15 mg treat | ⅓ treat per 50 lbs | ½ treat per 50 lbs | ⅔ treat per 50 lbs |
CBD Dosage for Capsules
| CBD per Capsule | Starting Dose | Regular Dose | Strong Dose |
| 5 mg capsule | 1 capsule per 25 lbs | 1 capsule per 15 lbs | 1 capsule per 12 lbs |
| 10 mg capsule | 1 capsule per 50 lbs | 1 capsule per 30 lbs | 1 capsule per 25 lbs |
| 25 mg capsule | 1 capsule per 125 lbs | 1 capsule per 80 lbs | 1 capsule per 60 lbs |
How to Dose CBD for Your Dog: 3 Simple Steps
Here’s a quick overview of how to dose CBD safely and effectively:
1. Start with a weight-based amount
Use the calculator or chart above to find your dog’s starting dose.
Body weight is the biggest factor, but your dog’s needs – whether that’s everyday calm, sleep support, or help staying comfortable – determine where to begin.
Start with that baseline and adjust slowly as you learn how your dog responds.
2. Choose the right format
CBD oils offer the most control because you can measure the exact amount your dog needs.
You can give the oil directly in the mouth (this usually absorbs a bit more efficiently) or mix it into food if that’s easier.
Treats work well too, especially for picky dogs – just check the mg-per-treat so you’re not accidentally giving too much or too little.
3. Stay consistent and adjust slowly
Most dogs respond best when CBD is given daily.
Some show changes within a few days, while others need a full week or two of consistent use.
Start with the recommended amount, watch how your dog feels, and make small changes until you find the dose that fits them best.
CBD Oil vs CBD Treats for Dogs
The type of CBD product you choose affects how precisely you can follow the dosage recommendations above.
CBD oil allows for more accurate dosing because it can be measured in drops or milliliters. This makes oil easier to adjust in small increments, especially for smaller dogs or dogs that need gradual dose changes.
CBD treats and chews contain a set amount of CBD per piece. They’re convenient and easy to give, but dosing is less flexible since amounts must be rounded to whole or partial treats.
In general, oils are best when precise dosing matters, while treats work well when ease and consistency are the priority. Always check the CBD amount listed on the label and use the charts above to guide how much to give.
CBD Dosage for Dogs by Use
Your dog’s ideal CBD amount depends partly on what you’re using it for.
Use these simple starting points along with the formulas above:
Anxiety, Stress, or Noise Sensitivity
Start with a high-strength dose:
0.4 mg x your dog’s body weight (lbs.) = daily CBD amount
For situational stress (fireworks, visitors, travel), begin daily CBD a few days in advance so that it has time to build in their system.
Sleep Support or Everyday Wellness
Use a low-strength dose:
0.2 mg x your dog’s body weight (lbs.) = daily CBD amount
This is a gentle starting point for dogs who just need help settling or maintaining general balance.
Pain & Inflammation
Start with a high-strength dose:
0.4 mg x your dog’s body weight (lbs.) = daily CBD amount
If your dog is uncomfortable or in pain, the higher range is usually more effective.
Epilepsy
Talk with your veterinarian first if you’re considering CBD for dogs with epilepsy.
If your goal is general wellness support rather than treating seizures, you can start with the low-strength formula:
0.2 mg × body weight (lbs.)
Cancer
Speak with your veterinarian before using CBD for dogs with cancer.
For general wellness support, the low-strength formula is appropriate:
0.2 mg × body weight (lbs.)
Low, Moderate, and High CBD Dosage for Dogs
CBD dosing for dogs typically falls into three general ranges: low, moderate, and high.
These ranges use the same weight-based logic shown in the chart above, but help you decide where to start based on your dog’s needs.
Low CBD Dose
About 2 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight
A low dose is a gentle starting point and works well for:
- Everyday wellness and balance
- Mild stress or restlessness
- Sleep support
- Dogs new to CBD or sensitive to supplements
Most pet owners begin here and increase only if needed.
Moderate CBD Dose
About 3 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight
A moderate dose is often used when a low dose isn’t quite enough, such as for:
- Ongoing stress or anxiety
- Mild discomfort or stiffness
- Dogs that have used CBD before and tolerate it well
This range is commonly used for daily support once a dog’s response to CBD is established.
High CBD Dose
About 4 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight
Higher doses are typically reserved for dogs with more significant needs, including:
- Anxiety triggered by loud noises or stressful events
- Ongoing discomfort or inflammation
- Larger dogs that require more CBD to feel effects
When using a higher dose, it’s especially important to increase gradually and monitor how your dog responds.
Conclusion: How Much CBD Should You Give Your Dog?
CBD dosing isn’t exact, but starting with a weight-based amount makes things easy.
Use our chart or calculator to find your dog’s baseline, stay consistent for at least a week, and make small adjustments until the dose feels right for them.
Start low, go slow, and you’ll find the amount that helps your dog feel their best.
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CBD Dosage for Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions we hear about CBD dosing for dogs.
How much CBD can I give my dog per day?
Most dogs fall within a safe daily range of 2-4 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, depending on their needs and sensitivity.
How do I calculate the right starting dose for my dog?
To calculate the right starting dose for your dog, begin with 2 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight per day, then adjust gradually based on how your dog responds.
How often should I give my dog CBD?
How often you should give your dog CBD depends on the reason you’re using it. Most dogs do well with once-daily dosing, while some benefit from twice-daily use or a dose given 30-60 minutes before a stressful event.
Why isn’t CBD working for my dog?
Most dogs need 1-2 weeks of daily use before you’ll see full effects. If nothing changes, the dose may need a slightly higher dose – or a stronger product. Make sure you’re using a pet-specific, third-party-tested CBD.
Can I give my dog too much CBD?
Yes, but it isn’t dangerous. Too much can cause drooling, vomiting, wobbliness, shaking, or low energy. If you see these, pause or lower the dose and let your dog reset.
How fast will CBD begin working for my dog?
Most dogs feel initial effects within 30-60 minutes, but daily use for 1-2 weeks gives the most noticeable results.
Do vets recommend CBD for dogs?
Some do, but others can’t discuss CBD because of state laws. If you have concerns or your dog has a medical condition, checking with your vet is always a good idea.
Is it safe to give my dog human CBD oil?
Human CBD oil isn’t recommended for dogs because it’s often stronger and may contain ingredients not formulated for pets. CBD products made specifically for dogs are easier to dose and safer to use.
What are the side effects of CBD in dogs?
CBD is generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, or slight drops in blood pressure. If anything seems off, lower the dose.
