Every pet owner's primary concern is the well-being and happiness of their furry family member. We understand the heartache of watching your dog struggle with anxiety during thunderstorms or witnessing the pain in their eyes due to arthritis.
These are some of the reasons many pet owners, like yourself, are turning to CBD (cannabidiol).
You can find plenty of personal stories of dogs that have found relief from chronic pain, reduced anxiety, or even a renewed zest for life thanks to this natural compound. As with any new wellness product, it's natural to wonder about its safety. Can dogs overdose on CBD?
While CBD's non-toxic nature means it won't result in a lethal overdose, it's still possible for a dog to take more than they need and experience discomfort.
In this article, we'll offer guidance on safely introducing CBD to your pet's routine. But before we tackle this subject, this article should not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. You should consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's wellness regimen with CBD products.
Dog CBD Overdose Symptoms
If you're worried about giving your dog too much CBD, observing them closely is essential, as they can't vocalize when something's not right.
Some common symptoms of CBD overdose include:
- Lethargy or drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Uncoordinated movement or difficulty walking
- Dry mouth or excessive thirst
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If you notice any of these symptoms or other unusual behaviors, they've likely had too much CBD oil, and you should ensure that your pet is in a calm and comfortable environment with access to water so they can sleep it off.
The mentioned symptoms usually resolve with time and rest, but it's possible, in rare instances, a more extreme reaction occurs. If your dog exhibits severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially to the point of bleeding, this is an emergency. This is highly unusual and indicates a severe reaction or possible interaction with something else your dog has consumed.
If this happens, consulting your veterinarian right away is crucial as they can guide you, run necessary tests, and ensure your pet's safety.
How to Find the Right Dose of CBD Without Overdosing Your Dog
Please don't let the possibility of CBD overdose scare you away from using dog CBD oil or treats, as high-quality and properly dosed CBD has the potential to offer various health benefits. However, just like any supplement, the proper dosage is needed.
Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Dose Based on Weight
The most common way to find the correct CBD dosage for dogs is to consider your dog's weight.
Dogs can vary drastically in size, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. These dogs have very different dietary needs, and they also metabolize substances at different rates because of their sizes.
There isn't a universally agreed-upon dosage because the potential benefits of CBD products for pets are relatively new, and more research is needed, but here is a ballpark guide:
- Low Dosage (0.1 mg/kg – 0.5 mg/kg): Suitable for dogs experiencing mild symptoms or as a starting point for first-time use.
- Medium Dosage (0.5 mg/kg – 1 mg/kg): Often recommended for dogs with moderate symptoms or conditions.
- High Dosage (1 mg/kg – 2 mg/kg): Generally used for dogs with severe symptoms or conditions and should be administered under the guidance of a veterinarian.
This relevance extends to using CBD oil for dog seizures. Correct dosage is key when managing seizures with CBD oil, as emerging evidence suggests its potential effectiveness. Always consult a veterinarian for the right dosage in such specialized applications.
2. Opt for Pet-Specific CBD Products
You should never share your CBD oil with your pet. CBD products for pets typically come in concentrations more suitable for their size and metabolism.
While the core ingredient, CBD, may remain consistent, the formulation and concentrations often differ significantly. Human CBD products may administer too much CBD in one dosage or may contain higher levels of THC, which could lead to THC toxicity — this isn't lethal. However, THC is a psychoactive compound and can cause your pet distress.
Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans do. Thus, when they ingest THC, they can experience a much more intense and potentially harmful reaction than humans might, such as respiratory depression, seizures, and coma after consuming the same amount of THC.
If any of these adverse effects occur, seek advice from your vet. Call the Pet Poison Helpline or Animal Poison Control Center if your dog has taken large amounts of THC.
Even if you believe you're being careful, the margin for error is much smaller with pets due to their size and different metabolic rates. It's always safer to use a product designed explicitly with pets in mind.
3. Consider CBD Dog Treats
CBD treats have emerged as a convenient and pet-friendly way to introduce this beneficial compound into your dog's routine.
One of the main challenges pet owners face with dog CBD oil is ensuring the correct dosage. Even with a dropper, it can be tricky to measure the exact amount, especially for smaller dogs. Pre-measured CBD dog treats eliminate this issue. Each treat contains a specific amount of CBD, making it much simpler to give your dog the correct dose every time.
Can a Dog Overdose on CBD Oil?
Yes, your dog can take too much CBD oil and have a negative experience. Thankfully, the CBD compound itself is non-toxic, but it can lead to discomfort.
With CBD oil, it's surprisingly easy to misjudge the dose. Even a slight miscalculation with the dropper can result in a more substantial dose than intended. This is especially true if you're using a product designed for humans, which might have higher concentrations of CBD than products tailored for pets.
The CBD oil you use might contain carrier oils or additives that aren't pet-friendly. Some of these can be harmful or toxic to dogs.
Safety First: Keep Your CBD Oils Out of Reach
It's not just about the correct dosage, but it's also about storing your CBD products, supplements, and medications safely.
Dogs have a knack for getting into things they shouldn't, driven by their curiosity or the product's scent. Just because a bottle has a childproof cap doesn't mean it's dog-proof. Dogs can chew through plastic containers, potentially ingesting harmful amounts of whatever is inside.
Dogs might be attracted to the smell of CBD oil or other supplements and could easily consume a large amount if they get their paws on an open bottle. Beyond CBD, it's essential to ensure all medications, whether for humans or pets, are stored securely. Many human medicines can be lethal to dogs, even in small doses.
Can A Cat Overdose on CBD Oil?
Cats, like all animals, have their unique physiology.
They might be more sensitive to CBD than dogs, so it's essential to use products formulated specifically for felines, like our CBD oil designed for cats.
Always start with a minimal dosage and observe your cat's reaction before considering any increment.
Selecting the Best CBD Products for Dogs to Avoid Overdosing
CBD products, like any other health supplements, can vary significantly in quality and potency. Some might contain questionable ingredients or might not deliver the amount of CBD they claim. As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to prioritize safety and efficacy above all else.
One of the most reliable ways to gauge the quality of a CBD product is by checking if it's been third-party lab tested. Such tests can verify the product's cannabinoid content and ensure it doesn't contain harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or solvents. It's a sign that the manufacturer stands behind their product's purity and potency.
Before making a purchase, it's a good idea to see what other pet owners have to say. Honest reviews can provide insights into how effective the product is and any potential side effects observed. If you are worried about taking cbd products for yourself, but worried about overdosing on CBD in general, make sure you choose Neurogan for the purest quality.
Neurogan's Commitment to Quality
At Neurogan, we understand the love and care you have for your pet, and we share that sentiment. That's why we take immense pride in our products:
- Neurogan CBD Oil for Dogs: Our Bacon Flavoured CBD Tincture, available in concentrations of 1000 mg (60 ml bottle) and 16000 mg (237 ml bottle), is derived from premium quality hemp and is THC-free. This ensures your dog benefits from the wellness properties of CBD without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
- Neurogan CBD Pet Chews: Our CBD Dog Treats, available in strengths of 1200-6000MG, come in convenient counts of 60ct and 300ct. Each artisan-baked snack delivers 20 MG of CBD, ensuring a consistent daily dose. Crafted with only the best plant-based ingredients, these treats are not only a source of high-quality CBD but are also a treat your dog will eagerly anticipate.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Overdose on CBD?
To sum it up, while dogs can't overdose on CBD in the traditional, lethal sense, they can still experience discomfort from taking too much.
Your dog's well-being is paramount. By choosing products like Neurogan's CBD Oil and CBD Pet Chews, you're not only offering them the potential benefits of CBD but also the peace of mind that comes from selecting a high-quality, trusted product. Our goal is to enhance their well-being, not cause them undue distress.
Always remember to start with the recommended dosage and monitor your pet closely to see how they react, adjusting as necessary. And, as always, it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian when introducing any new supplement into your pet's routine.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dog CBD Overdose
1. Can Dogs overdose on CBD Oil?
Dogs cannot overdose on CBD in a lethal sense, as CBD is non-toxic. However, they can ingest excessive amounts, leading to discomfort and side effects like lethargy or digestive upset.
2. How long does it take for a dog to overdose?
The effects of too much CBD can manifest within a few hours after ingestion. Monitor your dog closely after administering any new substance to spot potential signs of discomfort.
3. Can a dog overdose on hemp treats?
Hemp treats containing cannabinoids such as CBD are generally safe. However, excessive consumption can cause digestive upset or other mild symptoms. Always follow the recommended dosage based on your dog's weight.
4. Can a dog overdose on calming treats?
Yes, while calming treats are designed to be safe, excessive amounts can cause side effects like drowsiness or digestive issues. Adhere to the recommended serving sizes.
5. Can a dog overdose on CBD treats?
Dogs can ingest excessive amounts of CBD treats, leading to discomfort. It's essential to give the appropriate amount and observe any changes in your dog's behavior.
6. Can a cat overdose on CBD Oil?
Cats, like dogs, can experience side effects from too much CBD, such as lethargy or digestive issues. Always use products specifically formulated for cats and adhere to the recommended dosage.
