Can Dogs Overdose on CBD?

Posted by Lianne McLeod D.V.M. on March 07, 2024

With the increasing popularity of human CBD products, many dog and cat owners are turning to CBD (cannabidiol) as a potential remedy for various health issues in their dogs.

However, along with the growing interest in using CBD oil for dogs comes concerns about its safety, particularly in terms of dosage and potential risks of overdose.

This article is intended to help dog owners understand the risks and rewards of using CBD for their dogs.

Symptoms of Too Much CBD in Dogs
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Proper Dosage and Monitoring for CBD Use in Dogs
The Different Types of CBD for Dogs
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- More Information on CBD for Pets
Responsible Pet Ownership and CBD Use Tips
The Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions about CBD Overdose in Dogs
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Symptoms of Too Much CBD in Dogs

CBD is considered generally safe for healthy dogs, and there are no verified instances of fatal overdose. Still, dogs on other medications or with other health complications could experience serious, even fatal consequences if too much CBD is ingested.

This is why it's important to discuss CBD as an option with your veterinarian before purchasing it for your pet.

So, although CBD is generally considered safe, below is a list of what could happen if you give your dog too much CBD:

risks associated with improper use of cbd for dogs

1. Respiratory Depression

In high doses, CBD may cause hypoventilation in dogs, leading to difficulty breathing or slowed respiratory rate. This condition can be particularly dangerous for dogs, as it may impair oxygenation and lead to respiratory distress or failure.

2. Low Blood Pressure

CBD can cause a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension. Excessive consumption of CBD oil may result in a significant decrease in your dog's pressure, leading to symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, or fainting.

This condition can be especially concerning in dogs with underlying cardiovascular conditions or those taking medications that lead to hypotension.

3. Gastrointestinal Upset

Some dogs may experience digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when exposed to high doses of CBD.

Gastrointestinal upset can be distressing for dogs and may lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies if not adequately managed.

4. Urinary Incontinence

CBD overdose may affect bladder control in dogs, leading to urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating.

Changes in urinary habits or incontinence could indicate underlying health issues and should be promptly addressed by a veterinarian.

5. Extreme Drowsiness

Excessive consumption of CBD oil can cause lethargy, sedation, or extreme drowsiness in dogs.

While some level of relaxation may be desirable for dogs with anxiety or hyperactivity, excessive drowsiness can impair normal activities and alertness, affecting the dog's quality of life.

6. Liver Enzyme Abnormalities

Prolonged or high-dose CBD use may impact liver function in dogs, leading to elevated liver enzymes and potential liver damage.

CBD is metabolized in the liver, and long-term exposure to too much CBD oil may strain the liver's detoxification capacity, resulting in hepatotoxicity or liver dysfunction.

7. Adverse Drug Interactions

CBD may interact with certain medications metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially altering their metabolism and efficacy.

Dogs taking medications that are metabolized by the same enzymes as CBD, such as certain seizure medications or pain relievers, may be at risk of adverse drug interactions when exposed to high doses of CBD.

8. THC Toxicity

While CBD itself is not psychoactive and does not produce intoxicating effects, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis.

Ingestion of THC-containing products can lead to THC toxicity in dogs, causing symptoms such as neurological impairment, lethargy, ataxia, vomiting, and in severe cases, coma or death.

Can THC Kill a Dog?

THC rarely causes death in dogs, but it is still considered toxic. If your dog eats weed or any THC products intended for humans, seek veterinary care immediately.

9. Potential Long-Term Effects

While short-term CBD overdose may result in acute symptoms, the long-term effects of your dog overdosing on CBD are not well understood. Prolonged exposure to high doses of CBD may have cumulative effects on dogs' health and well-being, including potential impacts on liver function, cognitive function, immune response, and overall physiological balance.

Proper Dosage and Monitoring for CBD Use in Dogs

To minimize the risks of CBD overdose and ensure the safety of their dogs, dog parents should follow the right CBD dosage and monitor their pets closely for any adverse reactions. But how much CBD oil is enough? Below are some essential considerations for using CBD in dogs:

Consult a Veterinarian

Before starting CBD treatment for a dog, pet owners should consult with a health practitioner familiar with CBD use in animals. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the recommended dosage, potential interactions with other medications, and monitoring for any adverse reaction.

Choose High-Quality CBD Oil Products

Select pet-specific CBD products, preferably from reputable manufacturers that adhere to strict quality standards. Look for products made from hemp-derived CBD and third-party lab tested for potency and purity.

Start Low and Slow

When introducing CBD oil to a dog's routine, start with a low dosage and gradually increase it as needed while monitoring your dog's response. Pay attention to the dog's weight, age, and individual health conditions when determining the appropriate dosage.

The Different Types of CBD for Dogs

Different administration methods suit various situations and individual preferences. Below are common methods for administering CBD to dogs:

1. CBD Oil

Usage: CBD oil is one of the most common and versatile forms of CBD for dogs. It typically comes in a small bottle with a dropper.

Administration: Use the dropper to measure the correct dosage based on your veterinarian's recommendation or the product's guidelines. Place the drops under your dog's tongue or mix them with their food.

Advantages: Precise dosage control, quick absorption when placed under the tongue, easy to mix with food.

2. CBD Dog Treats

Usage: CBD dog treats are a convenient and tasty way to administer CBD to dogs.

Administration: Follow the recommended dosage on the product packaging or your veterinarian's advice. Give the hemp treats to your dog directly or incorporate them into their regular feeding routine.

Advantages: Easy to administer, convenient for dogs who enjoy CBD treats, often formulated with specific flavors to appeal to pets.

3. Topical CBD Products

Usage: Topical CBD products, such as balms or creams, are designed to be applied directly to the skin.

Administration: Apply the topical product to the affected area of your dog's skin, such as joints or sore muscles. Ensure the product is specifically formulated for topical use on animals.

Advantages: Targeted relief for localized issues, may be beneficial for skin conditions or joint pain.

More Information on CBD for Pets

CBD for Cat Pain - Learn about the benefits of CBD for managing pain in cats.
CBD Oil for Dog Allergies - Explore how CBD oil may alleviate skin allergies in dogs.

Responsible Pet Ownership and CBD Use Tips

As with any pet health supplement or medication, being a responsible pet owner is crucial when using CBD products for dogs. This includes:

1. Educating Oneself

Pet owners should educate themselves about the potential benefits and risks of too much dog CBD oil and make informed decisions based on reliable information from veterinarians and reputable sources.

2. Monitoring the Pet

Regularly monitor your dog's response to CBD treatment, including any changes in behavior, appetite, or overall health. Adjust the dosage or discontinue use if necessary in consultation with a veterinarian.

3. Veterinary Oversight

Involve a veterinarian in the decision-making process regarding CBD oil use for your dog's health condition. Your vet can provide guidance on proper doses, potential interactions with other medications, and monitoring for negative effects.

4. Proper Storage

Store CBD products securely out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion of too much CBD, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage and usage.

5. Reporting Adverse Events

If a dog experiences any adverse reactions to CBD products, report them to the veterinarian immediately and relevant regulatory authorities such as the Animal Poison Control Center for further investigation and monitoring.

The Bottom Line

So, can dogs ingest too much CBD oil? Although CBD itself is not toxic to dogs, improper dosage or exposure to low-quality CBD oil products can pose risks to canine health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that CBD has minimal impact on a wide array of physiological and biochemical parameters and does not induce significant negative effects on animal behavior unless administered in extremely high doses.

As pet owners increasingly turn to oils and treats to address issues in their dogs, the need for a comprehensive understanding of safe dosage levels becomes paramount.

So, if you accidentally gave your dog too many calming CBD treats, for example, there's a low chance that this will seriously harm their health but it's important to visit your veterinarian right away.

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD Overdose in Dogs

1. I Gave My Dog Too Much CBD - What Should I Do?

Get a clear estimate of how much CBD in mg that your dog ingested. Call an emergency vet to discuss the amount of CBD taken by your dog in relation to their weight.

If your dog is ill, on other medications, or showing any of the serious symptoms listed in this article, visit the vet immediately.

Note that CBD has never killed a dog on its own. Only dogs with other health complications or risk factors are known to experience serious negative side effects at very high dosages.

If You Simply Gave Your Dog a Little More Than Recommended, Don't Panic.

The general dosage guidelines for starting dogs on CBD is 1mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, twice daily.

Studies on the safety of CBD for dogs have shown that a safe daily dose can still sit within the range of 15 and 20 mg of CBD per day for a dog weighing 10 pounds.

2. Can a Dog Overdose on CBD Drops?

Techinically, you could give your dog far too many CBD drops and this could cause more serious side effects. As we noted above, straying a little over dosage guidelines is very unlikely to cause serious side effects in dogs.

If your dog drank a whole bottle of CBD oil for some reason, contact a veterinarian.

3. Can a Dog Overdose on CBD Chews?

A dog can overdose on CBD chews, yes, but this doesn't mean that it will be fatal. If your dog has eaten a whole bag of CBD chews, for example, call your veterinarian quickly but don't panic. CBD has never been reported to kill a dog.

So, while higher dosages aren't always recommended, that doesn't mean your dog is in any danger. If your dog has eaten a great deal of CBD, such as 100mg or more, it's time to contact your veterinarian or to get things examined.