Some dog owners are hesitant to try CBD for their dog, simply out of fear of side effects. That’s completely understandable. We all want only the best for our beloved pets, and it’s natural to be cautious when trying something new. We’re also often asked whether CBD is addictive or gets you “high.” The clear answer is no. It’s just a shame when a dog misses out on the potential benefits simply because worries or misinformation get in the way. That’s exactly why education is so important to us.
Are you also concerned about the side effects of CBD? Then you've come to the right place. Let's take an honest look: Is CBD dangerous for dogs? Are there side effects? And what should you keep in mind when giving it to them?
Side effects are usually mild—such as fatigue or loose stools—and occur primarily when the dosage is too high. Serious side effects are very rare. Caution is advised, especially in patients with pre-existing medical conditions and when taking other medications at the same time.
Is CBD dangerous for dogs?
The short answer: no. For healthy dogs, CBD is generally well tolerated when given in the correct dosage. Even natural products can have side effects, but in the case of CBD, they are usually mild and temporary. For the vast majority of dogs, therefore, the fear of side effects is no reason to forego the benefits.
By the way, you can find all the basics in our comprehensive guideto CBD for dogs.
What side effects can CBD have in dogs?
Most side effects only occur when the dose is too high, and they go away on their own. The following side effects have been observed primarily in dogs:
- Fatigue and mild drowsiness
- dry mouth, which leads to increased thirst
- loose stools or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- temporary low blood pressure
At first glance, that sounds like a long list. But the important thing to remember is that these symptoms are usually harmless. They’re more of a sign that you should reduce the dose slightly. They’re not an emergency.
Can my dog get high from CBD?
No. CBD does not get your dog high. It is derived from certified industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa). Cannabinoids are the body’s own messenger substances—essentially the “body’s police force”—that help maintain balance within the body. CBD affects cellular metabolism and can gently upregulate or downregulate cellular activity.
Our nacani products always fall below the 0.2% THC threshold and therefore have no intoxicating effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also described CBD in its assessment as generally safe and well-tolerated.
What should you do if a side effect occurs?
Does your dog seem very tired or have loose stools after taking the supplement? No need to panic. Next time, simply reduce the dose or take a day off. This usually resolves on its own quickly. If the symptoms persist or concern you, talk to your veterinarian.
How can I reduce the risk of side effects?
Finding the Right Dosage
Especially in the beginning, dosage is the most important factor. How much CBD your dog gets depends mainly on its weight. We recommend 0.5 to 1 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight, spread out over the course of the day. Not sure? Then just use ourdosage calculator. You can read in detail about how to gradually increase the amount in“How much CBD can my dog take?”.
And if too much does end up in the bowl: A pug belonging to one of our dear customers once got his paws on an entire package of nacanis. Aside from being pretty tired afterward, he was perfectly fine. So an overdose isn't dangerous for healthy dogs.
Look for good quality
In addition to the dosage, quality is a key factor in how well the product is tolerated. A good CBD oil should meet the following criteria:
- Full-spectrum formula made from 100% hemp juice, with a natural balance of active ingredients
- gentle direct pressing that preserves all plant components
- high-quality raw materials
- Regular, independent laboratory analyses
We’ll explain what makes a truefull-spectrum oilin a separate article. One more note: nacani’s full-spectrum oil is intended only for dogs and horses. Cats cannot metabolize the terpenes it contains, so these products are not suitable for them.
Does CBD cause drug interactions?
Yes, that's possible. If your dog is taking medication, CBD can either enhance or reduce its effects. The reason: CBD affects certain liver enzymes that break down many medications. As a result, some active ingredients remain in the body longer.
Which medications require special caution?
Most of the data on this topic comes from human medicine. Based on current knowledge, the following groups, among others, may be affected:
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Antidepressants
- Anesthetics
- Beta blockers
- blood thinner
- Antipsychotics
- Benzodiazepines
- Statins
- Steroids
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen)
- Certain antibiotics
What does that mean for the gift?
In many cases, leaving a time interval—one to two hours—between medication and CBD is sufficient. However, some medications should not be combined with CBD at all. Therefore, if your dog is on long-term medication, check with your veterinarian before giving them CBD. That way, you’ll be on the safe side.
Is CBD suitable for dogs with pre-existing conditions?
CBD for Liver Damage
Like many medications, CBD is metabolized by the liver. Dogs with liver damage or elevated liver enzyme levels should only begin taking CBD after consulting with a veterinarian and should have their liver enzyme levels checked regularly while taking it. However, it’s not necessary to advise against it across the board. It always depends on the individual case.
CBD in Cases of MDR1 Deficiency
Even dogs with the MDR1 defect can benefit from CBD. This is a genetic defect that occurs primarily in Collies, Australian Shepherds, and related breeds. Please start with a very low dose and increase it gradually, as the CBD may have a stronger effect than in other dogs due to the permeable blood-brain barrier.
CBD is well tolerated by healthy dogs
As you can see, you don’t need to be afraid of giving your dog CBD. Side effects are usually mild and almost always depend on the dose. Even an overdose isn’t dangerous for healthy dogs. Caution is advised, especially if your dog has pre-existing conditions or is taking other medications—in these cases, it’s worth checking with the experts. Otherwise, there’s no reason not to give CBD a try. And if it doesn’t work the first time, the article“Why Isn’t CBD Working for My Pet (Yet)?”can help you further.
Do something nice for your dog – with nacani!
nacani was founded out of a dedication to the health and well-being of our animals. In our workshop, we craft CBD products for animals with great care.
If you have any questions about our products or would like to chat about them, feel free to join our nacani Facebook group and follow us on Instagram!
Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Side Effects in Dogs
Is CBD dangerous for dogs?
For healthy dogs, CBD is generally well tolerated when given in the correct dosage. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as drowsiness or loose stools. Serious side effects are very rare.
Can my dog get too much CBD?
A single overdose is not dangerous for healthy dogs; in most cases, it will simply make the dog tired.
Is CBD compatible with medications?
Not always. CBD can affect how the liver breaks down certain medications. If your dog is on long-term medication, you should consult with your veterinarian before giving them CBD.
