You Gave Your Pet Too Much CBD - What Now?

When it comes to CBD, not all pets are created equal. Size and individual needs play a huge role in CBD dosage for dogs. If you have a 25lb dog suffering from cancer, and a 50lb dog who deals with hyperactivity, the doses you’ll be giving these dogs will greatly vary. 

But what happens if you give your pet too much CBD? And what should you do? 

Potential Side Effects Of Taking Too Much CBD:

1. Lethargy/drowsiness - Using CBD for anxiety is one of the main reasons pet parents give their furry friend CBD oil. However, when taken in large doses, it can lead to drowsiness and leave your pet with no energy, causing them to sleep for a prolonged period. Paying attention to your pet’s regular sleeping patterns will make it easier to identify drowsiness. 
2. Upset stomach - If your pet takes too much CBD in one sitting, it can cause them to have an upset stomach, as too much CBD can irritate their gut. Common side effects may include vomiting or diarrhea as the body’s natural way of ‘cleansing’ itself. 
3. Dry Mouth - CBD has been shown to decrease an animal’s saliva production. If your pet takes too much, one of the most common symptoms seen is dry mouth. You may notice your pet is experiencing dry mouth because they’ll exhibit increased signs of thirst or they may have a stinky breath. If you feel your pet has taken too much CBD, be sure to have water easily accessible to them. 
4. Dizziness - When taken in excess, CBD can cause your pet’s blood pressure to drop, leading them to become light-headed or dizzy. Be sure to keep your pet in a safe place to avoid any injuries from falling or bumping into things. 

If you do find that your pet has taken too much CBD and they are experiencing any of these symptoms, the best thing you can do is to wait it out. Most of these symptoms resolve themselves within a day or two as the excess CBD is flushed out of your pet’s system. During this time, be sure to provide your pet with a comfortable area to rest and plenty of water. 

Remember that while these symptoms are normal, you should continue to monitor your pet regularly. If they continue to experience these symptoms for more than 2 days, it may be time to seek out help from a veterinarian. 

To avoid giving your pet too much CBD, we always advise that you start with the smallest recommended amount for your pet. You must give your pet’s body time to adjust and allow for the benefits to show. We suggest that you give your pet the same amount of CBD daily for a minimum of 30 days. After the initial 30 days, if you feel as though they need more to reap all of its benefits, slowly increase the dosage, paying attention to your pet’s behavior and needs. Remember, start small and work your way up!

Lastly, we encourage you to give your pet CBD oils that are made specifically for them. CBD oils for dogs are made with your pet in mind and are made with ingredients specially formulated for them. All of VetsGrade's products are made for animal consumption, with a focus on dogs, cats, and horses! You can check out our full product assortment here. 

Also, click here to check out our TikTok, where we recently featured a video starring Milo, a dog who gained access to CBD treats when their owner wasn’t around and accidentally ate too much!

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