Are you struggling to get your dog to take CBD oil? Do they always turn their noses up and move away when you bring the dropper near them?
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many pet owners are confused about how to give a dog CBD oil, especially if they’re doing it for the first time or have already made a few unsuccessful attempts.
Let’s learn about the best practices!
How to Give a Dog CBD Oil
One of the best things about CBD is that it can be administered in various ways, making it easy to tailor the delivery method to your pet’s needs and preferences. All you have to do is figure out what works best for your furry friend. Some of the classic techniques for giving a dog CBD oil include:
Giving Them Oil Using the Dropper
A fairly straightforward approach; it involves using the glass dropper that comes with most bottles to place a few drops of oil right into your dog’s mouth. Many would argue that this is the best way to give a dog CBD because it offers the most control over dosage. However, it can be a little tricky to get your dog to cooperate at first.
For your puppy to stay still long enough for you to administer the oil, try offering them a treat or two first. Once they’re calm and relaxed, bring the dropper close to their mouth and release a few drops onto their tongue. If your dog is resistant to this method, don’t force it—plenty of other options are available.
You can use a flavored tincture, like chicken or beef broth, to make the experience more pleasant for your pup. Many dogs are more likely to take their medicine if it carries a familiar taste and smell.
Mixing It With Dog Food or Treats
Another popular method is to mix CBD oil products with your dog’s food or treats. This is a smart option if your pup is picky about taking its medicine, as the food’s smell and taste will disguise the oil. Even quality canned dog food can work as a delivery method if it’s moist enough to mix easily with the oil.
Adding a little water or broth might be a good idea to make the mixture more palatable for your pup if you’re using extra dry dog food. You can also mix the oil with some peanut butter—most dogs love the taste and smell of this classic dog treat. Once you’ve mixed it in well, feed it to your canine like its regular food.
Applying the Oil Topically
A lesser-known but equally effective method involves applying topical CBD oil for dogs directly onto the affected area. Since this is a less concentrated form of cannabinoid, it’s perfect for treating localized conditions like skin irritations, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
To use this method, simply dispense a small amount of CBD balm onto your fingers and massage it into your pet’s skin. Ensure you avoid their eyes, nose, and mouth—cannabinoids are known to cause irritation when they come into contact with mucous membranes.
In addition, some dog shampoos can provide topical CBD applications and be very effective for treating skin conditions due to their moisturizing ingredients. Many contain other soothing components like aloe vera and oatmeal, which can further improve your pup’s comfort.
And finally, CBD oil spray for dogs provides an even easier way to apply the oil topically. These products are designed to be sprayed directly onto your pet’s coat, perfect for treating larger areas of skin at once. You don’t have to worry about them making a mess, either—the oil will be absorbed quickly and won’t leave any residue behind.
Using CBD Treats
Can dogs have CBD gummies or treats?
Yes, these are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use. They look and taste just like regular dry treats, but they inherently contain cannabinoids as well. Their tasty flavor is usually enough to get even the pickiest dogs to take their medicine.
Some of the classic flavors include blueberry, sweet potato, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. These ingredients are combined with healthier nutrients and antioxidants like flaxseed oil, turmeric, chamomile, Boswellia, L-theanine, biotin, and protein to create a potent and delicious treat that your dog is sure to enjoy.
When selecting CBD treats, make sure you pick the ones specifically designed for pets. These will contain lower concentrations of hemp flour than the products meant for human consumption, making them much safer for your four-legged friend.
The only difference between the gummies and treats is their crunchiness—the former are naturally on the softer side, while the latter tend to be a little harder. If your dog’s gums or teeth are sensitive, stick with the gummies.
When Should CBD Be Given to Your Dog
In most cases, giving your dog CBD once or twice a day is the best practice. This will ensure that the cannabinoids are evenly distributed throughout their system and remain at a consistent level.
The first dose is usually given with breakfast, whether it’s wet or canned food, kibble, or something else entirely. The next one is provided in the evening, around the same time as dinner, to help pups relax and get a good night’s sleep.
If your pup is particularly stressed out or in pain, you might need to give them an extra dose of calming CBD chews in the middle of the day. This will help keep their cannabinoid levels high enough to relieve their symptoms.
How Often Should I Give My Dog CBD Oil
This mainly depends on the reasons why you’re using it in the first place. If you want to treat a specific condition, you might need to increase the frequency. For example, if your pup is dealing with acute pain, the CBD dosage might need to be given more often to provide relief.
For low neurological degeneration, it’s recommended to give CBD oil throughout the day to keep the cannabinoids working and prevent further deterioration. The same goes for treating digestive issues—if your pup is experiencing diarrhea, for example, CBD will need to be given more frequently in addition to a probiotic to help manage symptoms and keep good bacteria in the gut.
If you’re looking to boost the immune system, you can give cannabinoids on a daily basis until you attain the desired effect. This can help combat a vitamin B deficiency and provide a consistent supplement of vitamin A and vitamin C.
Moreover, since cannabinoids reduce arthritic pain, they can be given as needed to manage any discomfort your puppy might be experiencing. Increased physical activity can put more strain on arthritic joints, so you should give CBD more frequently when your pet is particularly active.
It’s also important to be aware that different dogs require different dosages, even if they’re the same weight. This is because each canine metabolizes cannabinoids differently. Since this oil is fat-soluble, puppies with a higher percentage of body fat will require a higher dose to see the same effect as their leaner counterparts.
Key Takeaways
And there you have it—all the basics on how to give a dog CBD oil. Of course, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, especially if your pet is taking other medications. They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action and help you find the correct dosage for your pup.
But as long as you start slow and increase the dose gradually, you should have no problem finding the perfect cannabinoid level for your furry friend. And once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits CBD offers for you and your pup.
