Can a Dog Overdose on CBD Oil?

No, dogs cannot fatally overdose on hemp-derived CBD oil. Unlike substances that cause respiratory depression, CBD does not interact with brainstem receptors that control breathing. However, giving your dog too much CBD can cause temporary side effects like excessive drowsiness, lethargy, and upset stomach. The good news? Dogs typically sleep off these mild effects within a few hours, as their bodies naturally process and eliminate excess CBD.

According to the World Health Organization, CBD has a wide safety margin for dogs. Clinical research has established safe dosing guidelines: start with 1mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, given twice daily. Studies show that healthy dogs tolerate long-term daily doses up to 4mg/kg of body weight without adverse effects. Always consult your veterinarian before starting CBD, especially if your dog takes other medications, as CBD can interact with certain drugs.

When choosing CBD products for dogs, it is important to ensure product safety. CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which contains minimal psychoactive compounds like THC, making it suitable for pets. Choosing high-quality, reputable CBD products can make a significant difference for pet health, so always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify quality and safety. Full-spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, while broad-spectrum CBD is THC-free but retains other beneficial compounds. The extraction method also matters—CO2 extraction is the preferred method for purity.

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A 2018 World Health Organization review found that even large doses of CBD in dogs result only in mild, temporary symptoms: lethargy, stomach upset, drowsiness, and diarrhea. Another WHO study on cannabidiol safety noted that “no significant effects” occur unless dogs receive extremely high doses (over 30 mg per kg of body weight). For context, that’s 30x higher than typical therapeutic doses.

A 2019 veterinary study, “Cannabinoid treats as adjunctive therapy for pets,” confirmed that cannabinoids have a “favorable safety margin when administered orally.” Translation: CBD overdoses in dogs are theoretically possible but extremely rare in real-world use. When pet owners follow recommended dosing guidelines, CBD products are safe.

Dog Overdose Versus Toxicity, What’s the Difference?

Overdosing happens when a safe substance is given in excess, while toxicity happens when an unsafe substance is ingested even if in minimal doses. In more practical terms, what dog owners should know is that CBD can cause an overdose while THC causes toxicity. Let’s take a closer look into the difference between overdose and toxicity.

CBD Overdose occurs when a dog receives more CBD than recommended. Because CBD is non-toxic, the worst that happens is temporary side effects: drowsiness, upset stomach, or diarrhea. Your dog’s body simply can’t process the excess fast enough, but recovery happens naturally within hours.

THC Toxicity is dangerous. THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that’s genuinely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination, slow heart rate, dilated pupils, and severe lethargy. THC toxicity requires immediate veterinary care.

The Solution: Only use hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC. Hemp CBD is federally legal and pet-safe. Never give your dog marijuana products, human edibles, or any CBD product that doesn’t clearly state its THC content.

Can You Give too Much CBD Oil to Dogs?

Yes, you can give your dog too much CBD oil. However, giving a full dropper of CBD oil instead of half a dropper is not a dangerous situation. It is important to start with an appropriate dose based on your dog’s weight and to monitor your pet’s response to the CBD. Most dogs tolerate CBD well, but individual responses may vary, so observing your pet is essential when adjusting the dosage. CBD is often used for pain management and pain relief in dogs, and dosing should always be tailored to the dog’s weight for safety and effectiveness. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it under veterinary guidance if necessary. Following an excess CBD dose, the most common sign is sleeping off the adverse effects.

This is because CBD has a good safety profile and is unlikely to cause serious effects even in large doses. In addition to the potential benefits of CBD, the wide safety margin is the second best thing about high-quality CBD oil.

Can CBD Kill a Dog?

No. Hemp-derived CBD cannot kill a dog. Even if your dog ate an entire bottle of CBD oil, the worst outcome would be temporary drowsiness and digestive upset. Hemp CBD is non-toxic and has no lethal dose.

However, two dangers exist:

1. Marijuana-Derived CBD Products
CBD extracted from marijuana plants (not hemp) contains high levels of THC, and THC is toxic to dogs. Marijuana edibles, including brownies, gummies, and chocolates made for human use, can poison your dog. THC toxicity symptoms include:

• Vomiting and loss of coordination
• Abnormally slow heart rate
• Urinary incontinence
• Extreme sensitivity to sound, light, and touch
• Dilated pupils and severe lethargy

THC poisoning requires immediate veterinary care. Treatment may include hospitalization, IV fluids, and supportive care. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Pet Poison Helpline receive frequent calls about THC exposure in pets: it’s more common than many owners realize.

2. Xylitol in Human CBD Products
Many CBD treats formulated for humans contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs. This is why you should never give your dog CBD products designed for human consumption.

The Bottom Line: Stick to hemp-derived CBD products made specifically for pets, with less than 0.3% THC and no xylitol or other artificial sweeteners.

What Happens When a Dog Takes too Much CBD Oil?

If your dog consumes too much CBD, expect excessive sleepiness. Your dog may seem drowsy, unsteady on their feet, or unusually lethargic due to temporary low blood pressure. Don’t panic—these are mild, self-limiting symptoms.

Why CBD Overdose Causes Drowsiness

To understand what’s happening, you need to know how CBD works in your dog’s body. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a regulatory network within the nervous system that maintains homeostasis (internal balance). The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that work together to regulate:

• Pain and inflammation responses
• Sleep-wake cycles and mood
• Appetite and digestion
• Body temperature
• Memory and learning

How CBD Overdose Happens

Most CBD “overdoses” occur when:

• You miscalculate the dose based on your dog’s weight
• Your dog breaks into CBD treats, oils, or their peanut butter jar (counter-surfing incidents)
• You accidentally double-dose your pet

When dogs consume excess CBD, their cannabinoid receptors become saturated. The body simply flushes out what it can’t use. Unlike toxic substances, CBD doesn’t accumulate or cause lasting harm.

What to Do If Your Dog Takes Too Much CBD

Mild Overdose (excessive sleepiness, slight wobbliness):

1. Keep your dog comfortable and safe, prevent them from climbing stairs or jumping
2. Offer fresh water
3. Let them sleep it off, most dogs recover within 2-4 hours
4. Monitor for worsening symptoms

Call your vet if your dog experiences:

• Vomiting or severe diarrhea
• Inability to stand or walk
• Labored breathing
• Symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours
• Any signs of distress or pain

In most cases, your dog will wake up groggy but fine, with no lasting effects.

Signs You Have Given Your Dog too Much CBD Oil

The telltale sign you have given your dog more CBD than necessary is sleepiness. Other signs include lack of appetite and vomiting, while in rare cases, dogs may develop diarrhea as well. 

High doses of CBD are also linked with an increased risk of potential side effects. The risk of cannabis use side effects depends on two factors including dose and oil quality, with CBD oils of good quality being less likely to trigger adverse effects. Also, there is the individual factor with some dogs being more sensitive than others. Below is a list of the Side Effects of CBD Oil in Dogs:

• Dry Mouth
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Lowered Blood Pressure
• Liver Enzyme Alterations

What to Know About Treating CBD Overdoses in Dogs

Considering the benign nature of the so-called hemp CBD overdoses in dogs, more often than not, there is no need for treatment. As mentioned, just make sure your dog has access to drinking water and let it sleep off the effects. 

On the other hand, if dealing with THC toxicity, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. The faster you react, the better the outcome for your pet. Mild cases can be treated on an outpatient basis, while more severe cases require hospitalization. Prompt stabilization, followed by supportive care and extra love, are vital for a speedy recovery. 

When to go to the Vet for a Dog CBD Overdose 

If you have some doubt or it seems like your dog is too sleepy after being dosed with CBD oil, it is advisable to call the veterinarian and consult. If your dog is prone to the mentioned side effects and the increased lethargy is starting to affect its everyday activities, you need to talk with the vet about dosage modification. Finding the right CBD dosage for your dog takes time, experimentation, and patience. 

When a Dog CBD Overdose is an Emergency

Dog CBD overdoses are considered an emergency if the ingestion involves THC, which is found in human CBD products and marijuana.

A 2016 study, “Marijuana for pets?” states that despite the limited research and the “less than 60 papers in PubMed on marijuana in dogs,” the toxic effects are well-confirmed. The study mentions that dogs are sensitive to THC because they have a “higher number of cannabinoid receptors in the brain compared with humans.”

Therefore, if your dog ate THC-containing CBD oil or treats, call the Pet Poison Helpline or head toward the nearest emergency clinic.