Lethargy is a reported side effect of CBD treats in some dogs. The effect is usually mild, but dogs given CBD or hemp-derived products have also shown sleepiness, reduced alertness, wobbliness and stomach upset. The risk can increase after too much product, when CBD is combined with other calming ingredients or medications, or when the treat contains undisclosed THC.
Reviewed on.
| Situation | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| Mild sleepiness, while your dog stays alert, breathes normally and walks normally | A possible CBD side effect. Watch your dog closely, and do not give another treat until you have spoken with your veterinarian. |
| Marked lethargy, wobbliness, vomiting or urinary accidents | Possible overdose, THC exposure, contamination or an interaction with another ingredient or medication. Contact a veterinarian promptly. |
| Your dog is difficult to wake, cannot stand, has tremors, seizures or breathing problems | Treat this as an emergency and contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. |
Why Can CBD Treats Make a Dog Sleepy?
CBD treats can make a dog sleepy because CBD may affect alertness, even though CBD is not generally intoxicating like THC. Veterinary reviews have reported somnolence, or sleepiness, lethargy and ataxia, which means poor coordination or wobbliness, in dogs given CBD products.
Controlled studies in healthy dogs have also found that some CBD products were tolerated without causing sleepiness. The response depends on the product, the amount given, the dog's health and any other substances the dog takes.
A dog that becomes very sleepy after a CBD treat may be reacting to another ingredient or substance, including:
- THC, which can cause pronounced sleepiness, stumbling, changes in heart rate and temperature, and urine dribbling.
- Melatonin, valerian or tryptophan, which are often added to calming dog treats.
- Other medications, especially drugs that cause sedation or affect liver enzymes.
- Poor labeling or contamination. The FDA says some CBD products have contained different cannabinoid levels than stated on the label. Products may also contain contaminants, including THC.
Is Mild Sleepiness After a CBD Treat Dangerous?
Mild, temporary sleepiness is not automatically dangerous, but new, pronounced or recurring lethargy needs attention. ASPCA guidance lists mild lethargy, unsteadiness and stomach upset among possible effects of CBD products. An overdose of a hemp or CBD calming product can cause sedation, incoordination, depression, urinary incontinence and gastrointestinal upset. These signs can last 24 to 72 hours.
Do not give your dog another CBD treat while the lethargy continues. Keep your dog away from stairs and other hazards. Save the packaging and note:
- Your dog's weight.
- The product name and ingredient list.
- The amount given.
- The time it was given.
- Any medication or supplement your dog takes.
Contact your veterinarian if the lethargy does not improve, occurs after every dose, or affects a puppy, senior dog or dog with liver disease.
When Should You Call an Emergency Veterinarian?
Seek urgent veterinary care if the symptoms are severe, worsening or include any of the following:
- Your dog cannot stand or walk normally.
- Your dog is difficult to wake or cannot remain sitting upright.
- Your dog has tremors, seizures or severe wobbliness.
- Your dog vomits repeatedly.
- Your dog has slow, abnormal or difficult breathing.
- Your dog has pale gums, collapses or shows unusual changes in heart rate.
- Your dog may have eaten a human cannabis edible or a large number of treats.
If the product may contain xylitol, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately. Xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs.
In the United States, ASPCA Animal Poison Control can be reached at (888) 426-4435. Pet Poison Helpline is also available at (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.
Are CBD Treats Safe for All Dogs?
No. CBD treats are not known to be safe for every dog. The FDA has not approved CBD products for use in animals, and it says the safety, dosage, drug interactions and quality of many animal CBD products remain uncertain.
Research in dogs suggests that CBD can be tolerated in some controlled settings, but the products and doses used in studies may not match over-the-counter treats. Studies have also reported liver-enzyme changes, gastrointestinal effects, somnolence and ataxia.