The use of CBD for dogs is becoming more common these days. There are many known benefits that can be achieved with the use of CBD oil for dogs. But what if you gave your dog too much CBD? Are there risks and side effects of consuming too much CBD?
What if I Gave My Dog Too Much CBD?
Medically speaking, there is no such thing as an overdose of CBD. You can’t give your dog too much CBD.
With that said, the presence of CBD in your dog’s system can still interact with the receptors in the brain. While the possibility of a lethal overdose is very rare, it can still have some effects on your dog if you give them more than the recommended dosage.
Your pet dog is only able to absorb a certain amount of CBD oil. Giving them more than what’s needed is just going to be a waste. According to a report published by the World Health Organization, the negative effects of too much CBD in humans and dogs are not going to be serious. The effects will only include extreme drowsiness, upset stomach, and feeling lethargic. In rare cases, it can trigger diarrhea.
Signs to Look For
Are you worried that you gave your dog too much CBD? It’s important to identify the signs so that you can address their needs as soon as possible. Here are common signs that your dog has consumed more than the needed amount of CBD oil:
- Lethargy
- Extreme drowsiness
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Sluggishness
- Nausea
- Urinary incontinence
- Ataxia or lack of coordination
- Hypersensitivity or overwhelming sensation
In this case, you should give your dog more drinking water and then let them sleep off any effects that they get from dosing too much. If they exhibit adverse reactions, seek veterinary help immediately.
It is important to note that certain derivatives of CBD can have high toxicity levels, especially in dogs. When this type of CBD is administered to your dog, it can cause confusion, paranoia, or anxiety, even when taken at smaller doses. Always check the CBD products you administer to your dog to make sure that it is low in THC compounds.
Knowing the Right Dosage of CBD for Dogs
When you try out administering CBD to your dog for the first time, you can expect to enter a trial-and-error phase. This is when you are still trying to determine what the proper dosage is for your dog.
There is no right or wrong answer as to the proper dosage of CBD for dogs. It is unique for every pet because they respond differently to the CBD components. The best guideline that you can use is 1-5 mg of CBD per 10 lbs of the animal’s body weight. With that said, you need to give higher doses for larger dogs.
You can always start small and then gradually work your way up. Before you administer the dose, it is best to check the recommended dosage chart on the product. You can also consult with your dog’s veterinarian so they can assess the needs of your dog.