THC Dosing for Dogs: Is There Any Safe Level?

Posted on by TJ
THC Dosing For Dogs: Is There A Safe Level? Thumbnail

Hemp-based pet products have garnered more attention in recent years as potential treatments for overactive and over-anxious pets. But with so many full-spectrum products on the market, Some dog owners are starting to wonder if they can dose their dogs with THC to help with their pain.  Is there a correct THC dose for dogs? What benefits or risks do cannabis-based products pose to canines? In this article, we’ll review how THC affects dogs and explore the question: is there a safe THC dosage for dogs? 

Key Takeaways

  1. Dogs are more sensitive to THC than humans and can more easily suffer the consequences of overdose if not careful. 
  2. Full-spectrum CBD products are a safer option for your dog than THC products. 
  3. If you suspect that your dog consumed too much THC, call your vet immediately. 

What is THC and How Does it Affect Dogs?

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the main compounds found in cannabis and hemp that produces psychoactive effects. Dogs have more CB1 cannabinoid receptors in their brain than humans, meaning they are more sensitive to THC. 1

This increased sensitivity to the psychoactive effects underscores the importance of understanding THC dosing for dogs. 

THC Toxicity In Dogs

Because dogs metabolize THC differently than humans, they are more vulnerable to THC toxicity and overdosing. More often than not, a dog will overdose on THC and experience “toxicity” when it finds and eats its owner’s cannabis edibles. 

In most cases, veterinarians will call the dog’s symptoms “THC toxicity.” However, the dog is likely just intoxicated. While this may seem like a semantic argument, toxicity indicates something or someone is in danger. Intoxication, on the other hand, just means that the dog is under the influence of THC’s psychoactive effects (still no fun for the dog who doesn’t understand what’s going on!)

Is THC Safe for Dogs?

When used properly, trace amounts of THC, like those found in hemp-derived products, can be safe for canine consumption. In small amounts, THC won’t produce any psychoactive effects in your dog, just like full-spectrum CBD oil won’t intoxicate you when used properly. 

Higher doses of THC (>1mg), like those found in cannabis and hemp-derived THC products, are not safe for dogs. 

How to Determine the Proper Dosage of THC for Dogs

Without being able to communicate with your dog, determining the proper dosage of THC for your dog is going to be impossible. A better way to frame this question is: What’s the most THC my dog can tolerate safely? The answer is that there’s no “one size fits all” approach. Your dog’s tolerance will depend on their weight, breed, condition, and individual tolerance built up over time.

Guidelines for Dosage of THC for Dogs:

  • Try not to exceed 0.5mg of THC per 10 lbs of body weight. Most pet CBD formulations should keep you far from that threshold. 
  • Monitor the dog closely for discomfort or negative side effects (e.g., anxiety, disorientation, excessive lethargy).

We recommend trying out Sunset Lake’s 600mg Full Spectrum Pet CBD Oil if you want to give your dog a CBD product that contains trace amounts of THC. If used according to our suggestion, you should stay safely under that 0.5mg/10lbs threshold. 

Signs of THC Overdose in Dogs

Because of dogs’ heightened sensitivity to THC, an overdose can happen more easily than it can in people. Knowing the signs of an overdose is critical for ensuring your dog’s well-being. 

Common Symptoms of Overdose:

  • Disorientation or confusion
  • Loss of coordination (stumbling, trouble standing)
  • Vomiting or excessive drooling
  • Tremors or muscle twitching
  • Dilated pupils
  • Excessive lethargy or unconsciousness
  • Urinary incontinence 

If you suspect that your dog has consumed too much THC, call your veterinarian for further instructions. They will tell you how to proceed based on what you’re observing in your dog. 

Canine Cannabis: Final Thoughts

While dosing your dog with THC may present some therapeutic benefits, you should approach it cautiously. Always opt for full-spectrum CBD products designed for pets over THC products for your dog.

Sources: 

  1. Gyles, Carlton. “Marijuana for pets?.” The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne vol. 57,12 (2016): 1215-1218.
Español