Can A Dog Overdose on CBD? Everything You Need To Know

It is safe to say that just being around our dogs makes us happier. From their wet little cheerful noses down to their wagging tails, your best friend is always there to make sure you are okay. In fact, the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you cuddle your pet is caused by a hormone called oxytocin. Furthermore, this chemical has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, increasing feelings of relaxation.

So, of course, we want to make sure we do everything we can to please our pups in return. Maybe you've already heard that many people have found CBD is beneficial to dogs and might have a lot of health benefits, just like for humans. But researching, buying, and dosing your furry friend can be daunting. To start, it is a great idea to have a basic understanding of CBD and what it can do.

What is CBD?

CBD is cannabidiol, one of the many chemicals found in the cannabis plant. It is the second most prevalent compound in cannabis but does not cause a "high" like THC.

Studies and self-reports have found that CBD, even on its own, can reduce anxiety, decrease insomnia, and help relieve chronic pain. Science is just now becoming aware of how CBD has a powerful impact on the system. CBD acts on the endocannabinoid systems of both humans and animals.

This unique, complex system in the brain and body affects many principal functions, including how your pet might feel, react, and move about freely. There are many ways to give your dog CBD, from tablets to treats and spreads, and these make it safe and easy to dose your dog.

The difference Between CBD and THC

So what is the difference between CBD and THC? Well, frankly, it is the difference between having a happy, comfortable dog or a dog who's quite possibly in danger.

Unlike humans, dogs can't process THC in the same way we do, and depending on the amount of THC, it can easily make your dog sick.

However, it's as simple as CBD does not have any psychoactive effects or cause a "high" as you think of when you hear about marijuana.

Is CBD oil safe for dogs?

We love our pets, and we all want what's best for them, so is CBD safe for our dogs? Overall, YES! A recent study determined that CBD is both safe and effective for them. The research then suggests that you should dose the amount for your canine according to their weight.

CBD appears to have no reports of high toxicity in pets and no drug interactions. However, it is always best to keep up with those doctor checkups and listen to our furry friends when they give us signs of distress.

So this leads to the idea that CBD, when appropriately dosed, is okay for your dog too! There is a Swedish word, Lagom, meaning "just the right amount," a philosophy that aims to promote balance in everything we do.

Dog with CBD Dog Treats

What are the benefits of CBD for dogs and cats?

Nothing feels as bad when you know your pet is facing issues or doesn't feel that well, and you are left feeling completely helpless. Using a 100 percent pure CBD isolate sourced from the best organic hemp made from choice ingredients can be the answer you both are looking for.

Dope Dog offers premium top-quality CBD made for dogs.

Of course, always make sure you research and find a product tested by a 3rd party lab to verify safety. We want to ensure our dogs get the best human-grade ingredients and a safely grown hemp product.

There are many ways CBD might help your pet, from day-to-day activities to easing certain conditions that they might be suffering from.

Some of these benefits include:

Reducing anxiety and stress
Moderating pain and inflammation
Help fight arthritic joint pain and chronic conditions
Aid with digestion
Control nausea
Treat epileptic seizures
Help with Hypersensitivity (dermatitis)
Immune and Cardiovascular system support
Aid with sleep

Can dogs overdose on CBD oil?

So back to the saying, "just the right amount," Of course, it's normal to be critical, especially when we are still learning more about its effects and benefits.

Is CBD oil toxic or even lethal to dogs? Is there any risk of overdose? Medically speaking, no. You can't give your animal too much CBD causing them to overdose. However, too much can make them sick.

Cannabidiol doesn't communicate with the receptors in our brains that control those areas of our body—statistically making the chances of overdose on this compound nonexistent as there have been no reported cases of a CBD overdose in dogs.

CBD is safe for them. However, high doses can cause toxicity and produce some adverse side effects. Luckily most of these side effects can be slept off and aren't permanently harmful.

What's the difference between dog overdose and toxicity?

Toxicity is different from an overdose, and toxicity happens over a period of time when any substance slowly builds up and poisons you. If you ever notice that you or your pet become ill when administering anything, call your veterinarian.

Toxicity in animals can also cause overdose-like symptoms. However, an overdose will see these symptoms almost instantly.

Some of the symptoms they share are:

Signs of Dizziness / walking funny
Diarrhea or loose stools
Nausea and/or vomiting
Seizures
Weakness and signs of fatigue
Tremors

Luckily, CBD for pets shouldn't cause any of these debilitating symptoms. To prevent any chance of toxicity or overdose, use as directed and with proper care and observation.

What happens if your dog has too much CBD oil?

Uh oh, Fido got into his CBD treats and ate the whole bag? If ever a dog downs too much CBD accidentally, no worries, keep calm and keep an eye on your dog. Make sure they have a little food and water and a good rest, and they should be back to their normal self in a few hours.

They might act a bit sluggish, have urinary incontinence, or even in the worst case, some vomiting. But to date, no animal has lethally overdosed on this compound. However, if your dog sees you panic, they might stress themselves out more.

Overall, these symptoms are not severe and will soon go away. But if something seems off, always feel free to call your vet if your pet isn't improving.

Can CBD kill dogs?

We now know a little about overdose and toxicity in animals and that, thankfully, your pup cannot overdose on CBD. Also, to date, there have been no CBD-related deaths in dogs.

Furthermore, it can be a simple, safe addition to their health regimen with all possible health benefits. Our animal friends relish all the pets and cuddles we give them, and we owe it to them to keep them feeling their best.

Basic CBD dosage for dogs

Dosing your dog is quite simple. However, it might take some time to precisely find the perfect one for your pup. 1-5 mg of CBD is recommended for every 10 pounds of your pet's body weight, and it can be given in food and water or dropped directly into their mouths.

For example, a 10-pound dog might only need 2mg per day, whereas a 30-pound dog may need up to 15mg per day.

There are many different CBD options on the market, and some are even pre-dosed for you making it even easier.

Overall it is okay to adjust the amount to find the correct dose for them specifically. A puppy battling daily anxieties will be very different from an adult dog suffering from seizures. If you follow the 2mg for every 10-pound rule, you can experiment safely, knowing you have your dog's best interest in mind.

Your research can begin with an array of available online and in-store CBD products like oils, tinctures, and treats. You can even buy lotions and shampoos that are available for your dog. And as always, when in doubt, call your vet.

Can I give my dog human CBD oil?

The short answer to this is no. However, human marketed CBD oil is safe if your dog consumes it. The biggest difference between the human and CBD for dogs is that most pet-safe CBD oil is made from specific hemp plants with minimal THC. Furthermore, you can rest assured that pet CBD oil is perfectly safe for your pup.

Another variation that you may run across is that human CBD oil often is more concentrated and may require a different recommended dosage. However, at the end of the day, it's still safe if your dog has some of your CBD oil.

Tips about CBD Oil for Dogs

We mentioned earlier that dosing is vital in finding the proper regimen for your dog. However, now we've reached how to find the right dose.

You might feel cautious when feeding your dog anything new. We love our dogs so much, but they can sometimes be picky.

Here are some healthy hound CBD tips to know when buying and administering CBD to your dog:

Direct oral application. You can add it in liquids or apply it directly with a dropper into the mouth. Giving them a treat after always ensures they will swallow it all. Furthermore, they will associate the dropper with goodies, and the process will get easier.
Soak treats in their dosage of CBD or shop around for some of the best CBD treats available. Let the CBD soak on a porous treat for a little bit before giving it to your dog.
Mix it with wet food or liquids.
Get creative in the kitchen by using CBD for dogs and making them special homemade treats. Just make sure to mix it well or ensure that they get the right dosage.

Lastly, it's good to write down your pet's progress in a journal. Include your dog's perfect dosage routine, and help keep track of droppers and pre-made goodies. This simple tracking method makes it trouble and worry-free.

Are you looking for a worry-free way to safely dose your dog? Dope Dog has treats that make it easier than ever to offer your CBD. Shop today.

A happy dog giving their owner paw.

Can you give too much CBD oil to dogs?

We all worry, so it's normal to worry that you could give your dog too much of something and make them ill or worse. But, medically speaking, no, you can't give your dog too much CBD. Luckily, they can only absorb so much at one time anyway, so most would go to waste.

There is no treatment needed in most instances of this happening aside from symptomatic care. A little rest, and they will be ready to play in 24 hours or so. An excellent tip is starting with low dosages and working your way up the ladder to find the sweet spot!

Conclusion

Making your furry best friend truly happy, and living our best lives, is what CBD is genuinely about. Giving CBD to and using hemp-based products on your dogs is just another way we can say, "I love you" to your pup.

Dog health and wellness are essential, and CBD is perched at the forefront of the battle, ready to fight. Fight against chronic pain and anxiety, treat the symptoms of disease and aging, and give our dogs the dopest life they deserve.

Love your pup every day the easy way with Dope Dog. Check out their full line of pet-safe CBD products today. Shop now.

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