Can Dogs Overdose on CBD Oil? Dosage and Safety Guide
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Time to read 5 min
Many dog parents use CBD oil to support comfort, mobility, and overall wellness. Naturally, safety questions come up—especially about dosage and whether too much can be harmful. This guide explains what happens if a dog consumes too much CBD, the signs to watch for, safe dosage guidelines, and how to prevent risks.
Table of Content
Can Dogs Overdose on CBD Oil? Will CBD Oil Harm Your Dog? Signs of CBD Overdose in Dogs Side Effects of Too Much CBD Oil What to Do if Your Dog Takes Too Much CBD Oil When to Contact a Veterinarian Emergency Steps at Home Safe CBD Dosage for Dogs Preventing CBD Oil Overdose Choosing Quality CBD Products Conclusion: Safe CBD Use for Dogs Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
Can Dogs Overdose on CBD Oil?
CBD oil is popular for easing discomfort, anxiety, and inflammation in dogs. While CBD itself is considered safe, a dog can still take more than their body comfortably handles. This is called an overdose —different from toxicity, where a substance becomes life-threatening.
CBD from hemp has a wide safety margin, but very high doses—or contaminated products with THC or additives—can cause problems.
Will CBD Oil Harm Your Dog?
When used as directed, pet-formulated CBD oils are generally safe and well-tolerated. The World Health Organization notes CBD has a low risk of toxicity in animals.
However, overdosing may lead to issues such as:
Extreme drowsiness
Unsteadiness or wobbliness
Digestive upset (vomiting or diarrhea)
Dogs are especially sensitive to THC, so even small amounts can cause confusion, restlessness, or tremors. That’s why it’s essential to choose lab-tested CBD oils made for pets and consult your veterinarian before use.
Signs of CBD Overdose in Dogs
True overdoses are rare, but watch for these common symptoms if your dog consumes too much:
Lethargy or excessive sleepiness
Loss of coordination (stumbling, swaying)
Vomiting or diarrhea
Dry mouth or excessive drooling
Weakness or lowered blood pressure
Disorientation or acting “spaced out”
In more severe cases—especially with THC exposure—symptoms may escalate to tremors, agitation, or extreme sensitivity to sound and touch. These require immediate veterinary care.
Side Effects of Too Much CBD Oil
Most side effects are temporary and fade within 24 hours as the body processes the CBD. The most common include:
Gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, vomiting)
Fatigue or lethargy
Appetite changes
Mild loss of balance
If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian.
What to Do if Your Dog Takes Too Much CBD Oil
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Call your vet immediately if your dog shows:
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Tremors, weakness, or seizures
Confusion that doesn’t improve
Breathing difficulties
Your vet will ask about the product used, its potency, and how much was consumed to determine next steps.
Emergency Steps at Home
If your dog is stable but uncomfortable:
Provide fresh water and a quiet, safe space to rest
Monitor their walking to prevent falls
Slowly reintroduce bland food once vomiting has stopped
⚠️ Never induce vomiting or try home remedies without veterinary advice.
Safe CBD Dosage for Dogs
The right dose depends on your dog’s weight, health, and sensitivity. A general starting range is:
Small dogs (<20 lbs): 1–4 mg per dose
Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 4–10 mg per dose
Large dogs (>50 lbs): 10–20 mg per dose
Start low (about 0.1–0.2 mg per pound), observe your dog, and adjust gradually with your vet’s guidance. Always use a calibrated dropper and check the product label for CBD concentration.
Preventing CBD Oil Overdose
You can greatly reduce risks by:
Measuring doses carefully—never estimate
Starting with the lowest effective dose
Using pet-specific CBD products only (human CBD may contain unsafe THC or additives)
Monitoring your dog’s behavior when beginning CBD
Storing oils and treats safely out of reach
Veterinary guidance is key for tailoring a safe dosing plan.
Choosing Quality CBD Products
Product quality is critical for safety. Look for CBD oils that:
Are made specifically for pets
Provide third-party lab test results (COAs)
Clearly list CBD content and dosing instructions
Contain <0.3% THC or are THC-free (broad spectrum or isolate)
Use human-grade, non-GMO ingredients with no artificial fillers
High-quality brands ensure safety and effectiveness, giving your dog reliable relief without risk of THC toxicity.
Conclusion: Safe CBD Use for Dogs
CBD oil is safe for dogs when dosed properly and sourced from quality products. True overdose is uncommon, but knowing the signs, starting with the right dose, and choosing lab-tested, pet-specific formulas keeps your dog safe. Always consult your veterinarian for dosing guidance—so your pup can enjoy the benefits of CBD with comfort and confidence.
Emily Carter, Holistic Pet Care Specialist, PawOrigins®
Dedicated to helping pets thrive through natural, holistic care. With years of experience studying nutrition, behavior, and wellness practices, she believes that every animal deserves to feel calm, mobile, and full of life at every stage. As a Holistic Pet Care Specialist at PawOrigins®, Emily combines research-driven insights with a genuine love for animals to ensure each product supports both body and mind. Her work reflects a simple mission: to give pets and their families more joyful, healthy years together.
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How soon can I expect results?
The response time to CBD Happy-Furever™ can indeed differ from one dog to another, as it is a natural supplement that dogs may need time to adapt to. Many dog parents have observed noticeable positive changes in their pets' behavior and well-being within just a few days of starting the supplement. Common early signs of the supplement taking effect include better sleep, a calmer demeanor, and an increased appetite—all indicators of a content and healthy dog.
As the weeks go by, further enhancements in your dog's health may become evident. You may notice a shinier coat, a reduction in bodily pains, and an increase in energy, evident from bursts of playful excitement like the "zoomies" during fetch.
It's crucial to acknowledge that, like humans, some dogs may require a longer period to fully benefit from natural supplements like CBD oil. Patience is key, and during this time, it's also important to continue reinforcing good behavior.
When CBD helps to bring your dog to a more tranquil state, it's an opportune moment to introduce new habits and work on phasing out any undesirable behaviors. Remember, while CBD can support your dog's well-being, it is not a substitute for consistent training and conditioning.
Keep an eye out for signs of improvement; sometimes, they may not be immediately obvious. Documenting your dog's journey with videos and photos can help you recognize progress that you might otherwise overlook.
Furthermore, improvements might be taking place internally, such as enhanced immune function or reduced inflammation, which aren't always visible. The absence of health issues can often be a silent testament to the efficacy of the supplement, reflecting your dog's overall health and vitality. So, while some benefits of CBD are seen, others are felt—a healthy dog is a happy dog, inside and out.
Will these products make my pet 'high'?
Absolutely not! It's not possible for dogs to get 'high' off our CBD as they contain less than 0.3% THC, which won't cause any intoxicating effects. However, your pup might seem a lot more relaxed, and might be sleeping more - which is a healthy sign! Keep in mind that young puppies and senior dogs should be sleeping for up to 18-20 hours of their day, while adult dogs sleep approximately 16 hours.
The lack of quality sleep can affect their health and anxiety in many ways.
CBD can make older pooches act ‘puppy-like’ and nervous young pups feel calm. The ingredients that makeup hemp contribute to a balanced mood, resulting in a sense of relaxation for your pet.
