If you had to search for this article, you are probably already feeding your dog this new product or are researching the best CBD oils for your pets and are concerned about its right dosage. But most pet parents have one common question in mind before they choose this natural alternative for their dogs - can a dog overdose on CBD treats?
Speaking from a medical point of view, CBD oils do not affect the brain receptors. This means they do not impact the respiratory system and, thus, are not fatal for dogs. A high dosage can, however, elicit some negative symptoms like extreme lethargy, diarrhea, extreme drowsiness, and more. But it is rare for a dog to consume cannabinoids (CBD) more than the safety margin, which is more than 30mg for each kg of body weight.
Many owners administer a healthy amount of CBD oil to their dogs for the potential positive effects. But let us tackle your doubts and discuss the more important information in this regard, starting by defining CBD.
Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is a substance found in the cannabis plant. The two main cannabinoids in cannabis products are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD, which make up more than 80 cannabinoids.
The key distinction between the two is that THC is a psychoactive substance that alters one’s state of mind and causes one to feel "high." On the other hand, CBD extracts can have many excellent advantages for both humans and canines.
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors throughout the body that deals with naturally produced cannabinoids to mediate its impact on the dog’s body and maintain homeostasis.
Although it is still unclear how CBD interacts with endocannabinoid receptors, some people think it prevents the breakdown of the natural cannabinoid anandamide. Others mention the presence of antioxidants or an undiscovered family of cannabinoid receptors.
Since CBD is known to work at the molecular level, overdosing on the substance is unlikely to impact the endocannabinoid system. When CBD concentrations are higher than what is safe for use, the substance is flushed from the body, resulting in some mildly unpleasant effects.
When an animal consumes too much of a comparatively safe substance, we call it overdosing. But toxicity can result when a dog is given an unsafe chemical, even in small amounts.
Dogs can overdose on CBD, even though rarely, and pet parents need to be aware of this. When a dog consumes too much of a prescription, natural chemical, or supplement, the overdose is brought on by the dog's inability to quickly metabolize the material. As a consequence, you will be able to see side effects.
But an overdose is different from toxicity. A toxic chemical will poison the dog. Toxic medicines or other lethal chemicals have no good benefits for pets. They can cause respiratory depression, sometimes causing instant death.
A responsible pet owner must only purchase pet CBD products with no more than 0.3 percent THC if one wants to avoid any THC toxicity. Additionally, it would help if you never took a chance to expose your dog to marijuana products or other harmful substances that can prove to be lethal for your pet.
So, can your dog die because of an excessive CBD dosage after all the information? The answer is a big NO. A dog CBD overdose won't put your pooch to death. However, dogs are susceptible to CBD oil overdose and can have adverse side effects.
It is your job to be aware of the proper dosage that your dog requires to prevent these problems. You must do homework and check the CBD product's contents before administering it.
Always make sure the dog CBD oil is THC-free. The only hemp-derived CBD permitted for pets is that with less than 0.3% THC.
The THC content is critical for you to note. CBD products and marijuana edibles like brownies and chocolates, which humans use for medical and recreational purposes, are significantly hazardous to dogs. Pet Poison Helpline, the ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center), and CBD businesses frequently receive calls about THC exposure in companion animals.
Vomiting, ataxia, a sluggish heartbeat, urine incontinence, anxiety, hyperesthesia—a heightened sensitivity to light, touch, and loud noises—dilated pupils and excessive lethargy are among the symptoms of THC toxicity in dogs.
CBD products, including oil, snacks, and cream, are available in the market. We strongly advise you to check every CBD product you purchase for a Certificate of Analysis or COA. The chemicals and substances in the product are listed on the Certificate of Analysis. Knowing every ingredient of the product you are giving your pet can save them from health problems and allergies.
A dog that consumes too much CBD oil will probably pass out. Low blood pressure, dizziness, and drowsiness are the causes of this unfavorable reaction brought about by consuming too much CBD oil.
The cannabinoid receptors will quickly get saturated if too much CBD oil is administered. The extra fluid will then be flushed out of the body. A simple dosage calculation error may lead to CBD overdoses. It may also occur if your dog discovers a clever method to get to its favorite CBD peanut butter or other cannabinoid treats, cleans out the jar, or gobbles up an entire bag of canine CBD treats.
Your dog will likely sleep off the effects of the CBD overdose in minor cases and will be fine in a few hours. But it would be best to remember that minor symptoms can occur. Giving your pet some water and letting it rest is also an excellent idea.
After consuming too much CBD, pet parents may notice a lack of energy in their dogs.
Many individuals think that the quality of CBD in the products is to blame for reactions and side effects. High-quality CBD oil does not elicit adverse side effects. But the CBD dosage and your dog's sensitivity to such products will also define if and when the reactions will occur.
As understood, CBD is not innately harmful to dogs because of the absence of a psychoactive compound, but it can still have adverse effects. Depending on the sensitivity of your dog, the amount of dose given, the age, weight, and metabolism, it may experience the following symptoms:
The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system, which is responsible for metabolizing 60–80% of pharmaceutical medicines, is severely inhibited by CBD. Moreover, CBD products may increase or reduce medicine levels in your dog's bloodstream depending on the type of interaction, which may result in toxicity or subtherapeutic effects.
Therefore, it is better to consult your veterinarian before using CBD oil if you also give your dog other drugs. You can schedule the dosages for both medications with the veterinarian's assistance to prevent unwanted interactions.
CBD oil is available in a variety of concentrations. You must know how much CBD your selected oil contains. The weight of the dog will determine the ideal CBD dosage. An excellent starting point is 1-2mg per 10 pounds.
Effect onset typically occurs 30-45 minutes after consumption. If you are planning to give it for car sickness or to reduce anxiety, give CBD oil to your dog 30 minutes before your planned departure. Additionally, if you are giving CBD to your dogs for the first time, keep an eye out for any negative effects so you can alter the dosage the next time you have to use it.
If it is needed for your dog, or if your dog benefits from it, sure. Dogs who experience seizures or arthritis may benefit from ingesting 2-8 mg/kg or less twice daily with a gap of 8-12 hours.
There are also myths about CBD addiction. But with CBD, addictive symptoms are rare or next to none.
It is best to call and consult your vet if you have even the slightest doubts or think your dog may be overly tired after receiving a dose of CBD oil. You should discuss dosage modification with your veterinarian if your dog is prone to any of the symptoms mentioned above and if the increasing lethargy is beginning to interfere with its normal activities.
Finding the ideal CBD dosage for your dog takes time, testing, and persistence, but you will get there.
When THC consumption is involved in amounts higher than recommended, an overdose of CBD oil in a dog represents a medical emergency. THC is a component of marijuana and human CBD products, none of which should ever be given to dogs. It is equivalent to giving them poison. Call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline immediately and take your dog to the veterinarian if it consumes THC.
Scientific studies have not yet established a precise threshold for how much CBD is excessive for canines, making it impossible to definitively rule out toxicity from very high CBD concentrations causing an overdose.
Despite this, canine users have taken CBD oil for a considerable time without reporting any negative side effects. Instead, they have found it to be beneficial. While we can expect some research and safety standard prescriptions in the future, dog parents must use this substance responsibly.
