Has your anxious pup had one too many calming treats? Many pet owners utilize these supplements to help high-strung dogs relax. But what happens if Fido doubles up on the dosage?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Overdosing on calming treats can cause lethargy, lack of coordination, and slowed breathing in dogs. Always follow dosage guidelines and monitor your pet after administering.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about calming treat safety and preventing overdose.
Active Ingredients in Calming Treats
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles in humans and animals. It is commonly used in calming treats for dogs to help promote relaxation and sleep. Melatonin works by binding to receptors in the brain that are involved in setting circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.
Studies have shown that melatonin is generally safe for dogs when used short-term and can be an effective way to treat anxiety and sleep disturbances.
L-tryptophan
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Just like in humans, tryptophan helps dogs produce more serotonin, promoting calmness and relaxation.
Many calming treats for dogs contain tryptophan to capitalize on this calming effect. According to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, tryptophan supplements can help reduce anxiety and fearfulness in some dogs.1
Chamomile
Chamomile is a herb that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep. Its calming properties come from an antioxidant called apigenin, which binds to receptors in the brain that reduce anxiety and initiate sleep.
There are some studies showing chamomile’s sedative effects in dogs when used on its own or in combination with other calming ingredients like tryptophan or melatonin.2 Many calming treats contain chamomile for its mild sedative and anxiety-reducing effects.
CBD Oil
In recent years, CBD oil has emerged as a popular calming supplement for dogs. CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants that does not cause psychoactive effects. Studies suggest CBD may work by interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which regulates various functions including mood, pain perception, and sleep cycles.
According to some research, CBD oil can be effective in reducing anxiety behaviors and noise phobias in dogs.3 However, more long-term studies are still needed on appropriate CBD dosing for dogs.
Signs of Calming Treat Overdose
Lethargy and Fatigue
One of the most common signs of a calming treat overdose is lethargy and fatigue. Dogs given too many calming supplements can become extremely drowsy and unmotivated to move around or play. They may sleep for abnormally long periods and be difficult to rouse from naps.
Lethargy from over sedation can cause dogs to seem depressed or disinterested in normal activities. If your pooch suddenly becomes very inactive after having calming treats, it likely indicates overmedication.
Loss of Coordination and Balance
Excessive calming supplements can also lead to loss of coordination, balance problems, and even stumbling or falling down. The sedating ingredients in calming chews slow down the central nervous system, which controls spatial awareness and motor skills.
Too large of a dose can make dogs very unsteady on their feet and unable to walk properly without wavering or bumping into objects. Severe lack of coordination may prevent a dog from being able to stand up without assistance.
If your dog seems very wobbly, weak, or unable to balance after a calming treat, it’s a major red flag.
Slow or Irregular Breathing
One of the most dangerous signs of calming treat overdose is slowed or irregular breathing. Excessive sedation from calming agents can cause respiratory depression, meaning a dog’s breathing becomes very shallow and infrequent. Their chest may barely seem to rise and fall even when asleep.
Irregular breathing rhythms like gasping or panting for air can also occur. This oxygen deprivation can lead to bluish gums, fainting, or even seizures. If your dog’s breathing seems distressed or unusually slow after taking calming supplements, immediately contact your vet.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Some calming chews contain ingredients like melatonin, ginger, chamomile, L-tryptophan, and hemp. While generally safe, large doses of these compounds can irritate the digestive tract and cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or drooling.
Upset stomach from calming treats typically resolves on its own once the supplements are stopped. But if symptoms persist, call your vet, as gut irritation can lead to dehydration. It’s especially important to watch for vomiting and diarrhea in conjunction with over sedation, as it can rapidly debilitate a dog.
What to Do If Overdose Occurs
Induce Vomiting If Recently Ingested
If your dog has consumed too many calming treats within the last couple of hours, you may be advised by your veterinarian or pet poison control to induce vomiting. This can help quickly expel the medication from your dog’s system before it is fully absorbed.
Safe ways to induce vomiting at home include giving your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide orally at a dose of 1 teaspoon per 5 lbs of body weight (always double check the proper dosage for your dog’s size with your vet). You can also give syrup of ipecac if recommended by your vet.
Once vomiting is induced, be prepared to comfort your dog through the process.
However, do NOT induce vomiting if:
- More than 2 hours have passed since ingestion
- Your dog is already showing signs of sedation or lethargy from the overdose
- Your dog has a history of seizures or an underlying health condition that makes inducing vomiting unsafe
Visit the Veterinarian
It’s crucial to take your dog to the veterinarian or emergency animal hospital right away if they have consumed too many calming treats, even if you were able to induce vomiting successfully at home. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog, determine if further treatment or monitoring is needed, and provide recommendations for home care and observation.
Be prepared to provide the vet with details about the calming treats or supplements ingested, such as:
- Name, strength, amount, and time of ingestion
- If it was your dog’s normal medication or an accidental overdose
- Your dog’s current symptoms or side effects, if any
Your vet may perform blood work, induce further vomiting or administer activated charcoal to help absorb any medication still in the GI tract, provide IV fluids for hydration support, or conduct other treatments as needed based on your dog’s status.
Provide Supportive Care at Home
Once your dog has been evaluated and cleared by the veterinarian to go home after a calming treats overdose, there are some measures you can take to help them recover:
- Monitor for side effects – Watch for signs of low blood pressure, confusion, lack of coordination, excessive sedation or other issues. Report any concerns immediately to your vet.
- Offer small, bland meals – Feed a simple boiled chicken and rice diet for the next 12-24 hours to help settle the stomach.
- Ensure access to fresh water – Dehydration is common after gastric upset or vomiting.
- Limit activity – Allow your dog to rest with limited exercise or stimulation during recovery.
- Prevent access to medications – Keep all drugs, supplements, and toxic substances safely out of reach.
| Recovery Time | 12-24 hours in mild overdose cases if treated promptly, but may take 48 hours or longer depending on the drug and amount ingested |
| Emergency Warning Signs | Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness, difficulty breathing, seizures – Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if these develop |
While accidental overdoses can happen on occasion, routine ingestion of larger or more frequent doses of calming aids than recommended can indicate underlying anxiety issues or health problems for pets.
Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions carefully and discuss any needs for adjustments. And never give your dog any human medications without explicit vet approval.
With prompt veterinary treatment and supportive care when overdoses occur, most dogs recover fully. But prevention is key to keep your best friend safe, healthy and happy.
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Preventing Accidental Overdose
When giving your dog calming treats or supplements, it’s important to take steps to prevent accidental overdoses. Here are some tips:
Follow Dosage Guidelines
Always read and follow the dosage guidelines provided by your veterinarian or on the product label. Never exceed the recommended dosage for your dog’s weight. Sticking to the proper dosage is key to avoiding negative side effects.
Secure Containers Out of Reach
Make sure to store calming treats or supplements in a secure, out-of-reach spot when not in use. You don’t want your clever canine getting into the container and helping themselves to more than the recommended amount.
Supervise Your Dog After Administering
It’s a good idea to supervise your dog for a while after giving them a calming supplement. That way you can monitor them for any immediate adverse reactions and get veterinary help if needed.
Consult Your Vet About Interactions
Always tell your vet about any medications or supplements your dog is taking. Calming aids can potentially interact with other drugs. Your vet can advise you on safe dosages and whether certain combinations should be avoided.
By taking precautions like these, you can safely give your anxious pup calming treats while avoiding potential overdoses. Just use common sense and consult your vet if ever in doubt. With some care and attention, these supplements can help your dog feel more relaxed without endangering their health.
Conclusion
While calming treats can help anxious pups stay relaxed, following dosage guidelines is crucial. Overdose can lead to concerning health effects. Always monitor your dog after administering and keep treats secured when not in use.
If overdose occurs, induce vomiting only if recently ingested and get veterinary care right away. With some basic precautions, you can safely give Fido the relaxation he needs without worry.
