Can You Give Your Dog Too Much CBD?

Key Takeaways

CBD is non-fatal. Your dog will not be able to take a fatal dose of CBD.
You can give your dog too much CBD, though. When this happens, they will most likely want to sleep it off.
Other side effects from too much CBD are generally mild and short-lived, but you’ll want to keep an eye on your dog nonetheless.

One of the questions we field at Sunset Lake comes from concerned pet parents. While they have heard CBD can help their dogs in so many ways, they want to know if their dog can overdose on CBD.

It’s a fair question. CBD is a relatively (and unregulated) substance in the wellness space. In this post, we’ll talk about CBD overdosing, what side effects your dog might experience if you give them too much, and what you can do if you suspect your dog might’ve taken too much.

Can Dogs Overdose on CBD?

The term “overdose” is a bit scary, but let’s first divorce it from the intent. When folks ask if a dog can overdose on CBD, what they really want to know is: Can CBD be fatal for dogs? The answer is no. As far as we know, CBD is not fatal to dogs. CBD is a non-lethal cannabinoid, and there have been no recorded deaths attributed to CBD overdose.

However, you can give your dog too much CBD, so yes, dogs can overdose on CBD. Giving your dog too much CBD can result in mild to moderate side effects like upset stomach, lethargy, diarrhea, and even dizziness.

Signs of a “CBD Overdose”

So what happens if you accidentally give your dog too much CBD? Most likely, your dog will just sleep it off. Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects (or desired effect, depending on your perspective).

However, giving your dog too much CBD can also cause the following side effects,

Lethargy: Your dog may seem sluggish and generally uninterested.
Diarrhea: CBD can also cause some gastrointestinal distress in your dog. This side effect is more common with CBD oils as carrier oils may contain additional ingredients and additives.
Vomiting: The gastrointestinal distress mentioned also manifests itself as vomiting in your dog.
Labored or rapid breathing: This side effect is uncommon, but CBD has been known to elevate heart rates when administered in extreme doses. This can turn into rapid, shallow breathing in some dogs. If this occurs, keep your dog calm and speak to them reassuringly.

What to Do if You Gave Your Dog Too Much CBD

If you think you’ve given your dog too much CBD, stay calm. Most of the side effects, as we’ve mentioned, are mild and short-term. Just keep an eye on your dog, keep them calm, and let them sleep it off.

If, however, you notice that your dog’s conditions last for more than a day or they get worse hours after the dose of CBD, it’s a good idea to call your veterinarian. Based on what you’re seeing, the dosage of CBD you give your dog, and the added context they have about your dog, they’ll give you better advice.

Conclusion

CBD can be a great supplement for dogs, but like any alternative “medicine,” it’s important to use it responsibly and according to the directions. If you think you’ve given your dog too much, don’t panic, as your dog will be able to sense your shift in mood.

Most of the time, your dog will want to sleep off big doses of CBD. Let them, and adjust accordingly for next time.