What do I do if my dog ate too much CBD?

Has your dog managed to get into your CBD or THC gummies? Or did they sneak into their own supply of CBD treats and are now acting differently? There may be times when your dog accidentally consumes CBD products, whether they are intended for humans or pets, in amounts that could be harmful. In the same way that humans can overdose, so too can pets! Whether it's CBD gummies, treats, oil, or other forms, it's essential to know how to handle the situation calmly and effectively. Remember, your dog(s) look up to you to lead the pack, they can and will pick up on your stress and anxiety which can exacerbate the situation. We will guide you through the essential steps to take if your dog ingests CBD, providing you with peace of mind and an action plan.

Spoiler alert: You should call your vet immediately.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step is to remain calm. While it may be alarming to discover that your dog ate CBD, staying composed will allow you to make rational decisions while not stressing out your dog. Assess the situation by determining the quantity of CBD consumed and the specific product involved, such as CBD gummies or treats. Take pictures of the product if you need to bring it into your vet, or have the product page ready to go on your phone's mobile browser so your vet can get access to the ingredient list.

Understanding the concentration of CBD and considering your dog's size, age, and medical condition will help you and your vet gauge the potential risks accurately.

Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately

Told you, spoiler! It is crucial to reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Inform them about the incident, providing details about the type of CBD or THC product your dog ingested, whether it's CBD gummies, treats, CBD oil, or another variant. Mention any observable symptoms or changes in behavior. Your veterinarian is best equipped to assess the situation based on your dog's size, health condition, and the potential risks associated with CBD ingestion.

Follow Your Veterinarian's Guidance

Once you've contacted your veterinarian, make sure you carefully follow their guidance. They may recommend specific actions depending on the severity of the situation such as inducing vomiting, for example. Inducing vomiting, however, should only be done under professional supervision. Cooperate with your veterinarian and provide any requested information such as the ingredient list or packaging of the CBD product to assist in their evaluation. You can also use the CBD provider’s website to get a list of ingredients, much like you see here on Honest Paws. The more information you can provide to your veterinarian, the better!

Observe Your Dog for Any Adverse Effects

After your dog consumes CBD or THC, closely monitor your dog for any adverse effects (this goes for normal situations as well as emergencies). Watch your dog for signs of distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased heart rate, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may mean an adverse reaction to CBD/THC/MIP’s or even an overdose! You should contact your vet ASAP if you notice any adverse effects or strange behavior in your dog. Your veterinarian will be able to provide advice based on your dog's specific needs and may recommend an in-person visit.

“Dogs are more sensitive to THC than humans. The time required for the effects in dogs to kick in depends on various factors such as dosage, your dog’s size, and age, method of exposure, and other medical issues your dog might have. THC could cause comatose reactions in dogs and possibly death.” - Athena Gaffud, DVM

Prevent Future Accidents

To minimize the risk of your dog accidentally eating CBD or THC in the future you should take preventive measures. Store CBD products securely in a location that is inaccessible to your dog, and take it a step further: Store your CBD products in pet-proof bins. Be vigilant during outdoor walks or visits to places where CBD products might be present, such as parks or public areas. Some dogs will eat anything that looks like it may be a tasty snack on the ground! By being proactive, you can significantly reduce the chances of your dog encountering CBD accidentally and ensure they won’t have a bad “trip”, so to speak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Remember, these FAQs provide general guidance. It's crucial to seek advice from a veterinary professional who can assess your dog's specific situation and provide tailored recommendations in a timely manner.

Q: What do I do if my dog ate CBD oil?

A: If your dog ingested CBD oil, take the following steps:

Stay calm and assess the situation. How much CBD oil do you think they consumed? What kind of oil was it? Do you have the ingredients available in the bottle or online?
Contact your veterinarian immediately for professional guidance.
Follow your veterinarian's instructions, as they may recommend monitoring your dog or inducing vomiting. Be prepared with product information such as ingredients or the manufacturer's website. For example, Honest Paws includes our ingredients in each product listing.
Observe your dog for any adverse effects and report them to your veterinarian.
Prevent future incidents by storing CBD oil securely out of your dog's reach.

Q: What do I do if my dog ate too much CBD or THC?

A: If your dog consumed a lot of CBD or THC, follow these guidelines:

Stay calm and evaluate the severity of the situation. Is your dog acting differently after consuming too much CBD? Is your dog panting, struggling to breathe, or suddenly seeming lethargic?
Contact your veterinarian immediately for assistance.
Be prepared to provide information about the quantity of CBD ingested and any observable symptoms.
Follow your veterinarian's instructions, which may include monitoring your dog, inducing vomiting, or seeking further medical attention.
Take steps to prevent future incidents by keeping CBD products safely stored away from your dog.

Q: What do I do if my dog ate cannabis flowers?

A: If your dog ingested cannabis flowers, here's what you should do:

Stay calm and assess the situation promptly. What kind of flower was consumed? How many flowers were consumed? Do you have any more information from the shop you purchased the flowers from such as strain or estimated THC/CBD content?
Contact your veterinarian for professional advice. Inform your veterinarian about the CBD flower ingestion and any noticeable symptoms. Provide as much information as possible as prompted by your vet.
Follow your veterinarian's recommendations, which may include monitoring your dog, inducing vomiting, or seeking additional medical attention if necessary.
Take precautions to prevent future incidents by ensuring CBD flowers are stored securely out of your dog's reach.

Q: What do I do if my dog ate too many CBD chews?

A: If your dog consumed an excessive number of CBD chews, follow these steps:

Stay calm and evaluate the situation. What kind of CBD chews were they? Can you see the ingredients on the packaging still? If not, get the ingredient list from the manufacturer’s website.
Contact your veterinarian immediately to discuss the situation.
Inform your veterinarian about the number of CBD chews ingested and any observed symptoms. Be prepared with product information such as ingredients or the manufacturer's website. For example, Honest Paws includes our ingredients in each product listing.
Follow your veterinarian's guidance, which may include monitoring your dog, inducing vomiting, or seeking further medical assistance.
Take preventive measures to avoid future incidents by securely storing CBD chews where your dog cannot access them.

Q: Can a dog overdose on CBD?

A: Yes, a dog can potentially overdose on CBD, although it is generally considered to be well-tolerated and non-toxic for dogs at appropriate dosages. Overdosing on CBD can lead to a range of symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in appetite. More serious side effects may also include changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or even liver function.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested a large amount of CBD, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. The vet may recommend monitoring or supportive care based on the severity of the symptoms and the amount ingested.

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing CBD or any new supplement to your dog's routine, and follow their dosing recommendations closely to minimize risks.

Q: What do I do if my dog ate a Marijuana-Infused Product (MIP)?

A: If your dog ate a Marijuana-Infused Product (MIP), take the following steps:

Stay calm and assess the situation promptly.
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately for professional guidance.
Be prepared to provide information about the type of MIP, the amount ingested, and any observable symptoms or changes in behavior.
Follow the instructions given by the veterinarian or poison control expert. Your vet may recommend monitoring your dog, inducing vomiting, or even seeking emergency veterinary care depending on the severity of the situation and the product that was consumed.
It's important to be honest and provide accurate information to ensure the best possible care for your dog, hiding ingredients or quantities consumed from your vet could lead to your dog not recovering! Don’t take the risk, prioritize your dog’s safety first and foremost.
Prevent future accidents by keeping any marijuana products securely stored and out of your dog's reach.

Remember, marijuana and marijuana-infused products are toxic to dogs and immediate veterinary attention is crucial.