CBD overdose in dogs is possible, although CBD-only exposures are often milder than THC poisoning. Dogs may develop vomiting, diarrhea, drooling or lethargy after ingesting too much CBD. Wobbliness, tremors, urinary incontinence, agitation, seizures or collapse may point to THC contamination, an incorrectly labeled product or another toxic ingredient.
CBD Overdose in Dogs: At a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can CBD overdose a dog? | Yes. |
| Is pure CBD usually highly toxic? | CBD-predominant exposures are often mild, but serious symptoms can occur. |
| Is there a safe overdose limit? | No reliable home limit exists because products vary in strength and purity. |
| What should you do? | Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service, especially if symptoms are present. |
| Should you induce vomiting? | No, unless a veterinarian or poison-control expert tells you to. |
Signs a Dog May Have Had Too Much CBD
Possible symptoms include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Sleepiness or unusual lethargy
- Loss of coordination or a wobbly walk
- Trembling or increased sensitivity
- Urinary incontinence
- Agitation
- Seizures or collapse
Merck Veterinary Manual reports that acute CBD overdoses in dogs have caused gastrointestinal upset. Lethargy, ataxia, trembling and urinary incontinence may occur when a product contains unlabeled THC or other contaminants.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate CBD
- Remove the CBD product and keep its packaging.
- Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic.
- In the United States, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Consultation fees may apply.
- Tell the veterinary professional your dog's weight, the product name, CBD concentration, estimated amount eaten and time of ingestion.
- Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional tells you to do so.
Take your dog to an emergency veterinarian immediately if the dog is having seizures, struggling to breathe, unable to stand, extremely sedated, repeatedly vomiting or collapsed.
Why CBD Products Can Be Risky for Dogs
The FDA has not approved cannabis products for use in animals and cannot guarantee the safety or effectiveness of over-the-counter pet CBD products. Product testing has also found that some hemp supplements contain inaccurate CBD amounts, THC or other contaminants.
Human CBD gummies and other edibles may create additional risks because of ingredients besides CBD. Give the veterinarian the complete product label, not only the stated CBD amount.
Bottom Line
If your dog ate an unknown or large amount of CBD, call a veterinarian or animal poison-control service now. Keep the packaging nearby, and do not wait for symptoms before asking for guidance.