CBD is a highly effective and natural treatment and supplement for dogs. As more people worldwide begin giving their dog CBD, they may ask themselves: “Can too much CBD kill a dog?” Keep reading for the answer.
Can Too Much CBD Kill a Dog?
No, too much CBD cannot kill a dog. CBD is a natural supplement, so the body eliminates excess through waste.
High Doses of CBD Make Dogs Sick
While too much CBD can’t kill a dog, it can make a dog sick. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2018 high doses of CBD can lead to dogs feeling lethargic and drowsy. WHO also found stomach upset and diarrhea as the most common gastrointestinal side effects.
How High Is Too High?
As a pet owner, you don’t want to see your dog sick. Please know that it’s difficult to give your pup too high of a dose. It’s more likely that your furry friend ingests too much CBD from getting into and eating an entire back of CBD dog treats.
A 2019 study revealed that pups don’t begin to experience adverse effects from high doses of CBD until they consume more than 30 mg per kg of body weight. That’s A LOT.
A Word of Caution with Full Spectrum CBD
Full Spectrum CBD is made with hemp plants and contains a small amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the compound that humans seek when ingesting marijuana – also coming from the cannabis plant or hemp plant.
Full Spectrum CBD for dogs has less than 0.3% of THC, which is very low and doesn’t harm them. However, consuming too much THC from high doses of Full Spectrum CBD could lead to toxicity.
Toxicity is when humans or dogs ingest a substance that is considered poison to the body. CBD is a natural substance the body produces on its own. THC is not a natural substance, so the body rejects it.
Signs of THC toxicity are:
- Loss of Balance
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Body Tremors
- Seizures
If you see the signs of THC toxicity in your dog, immediately take your pup to the emergency veterinarian. Overdosing on THC can be life-threatening.
What CBD Does In the Dog’s Body
When a dog consumes CBD, the endocannabinoid system uses it to function optimally. It binds to cannabinoid receptions which in essence feeds the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many functions of the body:
- Temperature
- Appetite (Read: CBD for Dogs to Increase Appetite)
- Sleep
- Mood
- Inflammation
- Memory
- …and so much more.
When too much CBD (in any form including CBD oil) enters the dog’s body, the cannabinoid receptors can only take on so much. The excess gets flushed out through waste. That’s the reason why the answer is no to the question, “Can too much CBD kill a dog?”.
What to Expect When a Dog Consumes Too Much CBD
If your dog consumes too much CBD, you’ll likely notice he/she will sleep well for a few hours. Upon waking, your furry friend should be right back to normal.
Preventing Adverse Effects from CBD
While large doses of CBD dog treats and CBD dog oil won’t kill your dog, it’s not a good idea to give any high doses of CBD products to your pet. Start with the lowest dose possible and then increase the amount until you notice positive effects from it.
For example, if your pup has anxiety, start with the lowest dose for your dog’s body weight. The amount you give depends on how you give your dog CBD.
Since CBD lasts for as long as 8 hours in a dog’s system (peaking at 4 hours after consumption), it’s important to wait an entire day before trying a higher dose. Otherwise, you may be adding to the amount that is already in the body’s system.
Once you know the correct dose that eases your dog’s anxiety or what you’re treating, stick with it until you feel a higher dose would be beneficial. You can do this with comfort and confidence since now you know that too much CBD can’t kill your dog.
Why High Quality CBD Matters
When giving your dog CBD, don’t choose the lowest priced CBD product you can find online. Many of them are not produced in the best environments and THAT could be harmful to your dog’s health. This is especially true since CBD treats and CBD oil come from plants, which if treated with pesticides and fertilizer could poison your furry friend.
The best CBD oil and the best CBD dog treats are made with organic and non-GMO hemp plants or cannabis plants. When choosing high-quality CBD products, you can rest assured your pup is not only receiving the health benefits of CBD without any additives that could be harmful.
Consult with the Vet for Further Information
Can too much CBD kill a dog? No, too much CBD oil/hemp oil or too many dog CBD treats cannot kill your dog. However, you should ALWAYS contact your vet for confirmation CBD is right for your pup. It’s always good to be safe than sorry.
Dog Ownership Guide wants to help dog owners everywhere make their dogs happy and healthy. We believe in Happy Dogs ~ Happy Owners.
Pet parents can feel good about using CBD to help their dogs remain happy and healthy. For the best CBD dog treats and best CBD oil available, click below.
HolistaPet CBD Treats for Wellness
