Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
Legacy Healing Center Blog
As marijuana legalization has transpired in numerous parts of the country, challenges and questions have arisen as people adjust to their newfound freedom. While many can now legally own, use, and even grow their cannabis, some would not stop to think about the risks this can pose to our furry friends. Legacy Healing Center is looking at instances of marijuana poisoning in dogs and how to handle such a scenario.
Is Weed Bad for Dogs?
While death is unlikely, marijuana is still not safe for pups to consume. Numerous factors can play a role in how much a pooch is affected. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, is considered a toxin for canines. Animals are much more sensitive to the intoxicating effects of this drug, meaning it will take far less of it to produce signs of marijuana toxicity in dogs.
Even though it would take a significant amount of pot to end a pup’s life, it can still cause distressing symptoms for the animal. As the understanding of marijuana’s medicinal benefits for humans is studied, medicating your pet, especially on purpose, is highly discouraged.
Can Dogs Get High?
It is just as, if not more, likely that a dog can get high after ingesting cannabis than if a human were to consume it. If you found that your dog ate edibles or flowers intended for personal use, specific symptoms may signal how severe their reaction is.
Behaviors of dogs that are high include:
- Pupil dilation
- Lethargy
- Inability to control their bladder
- Stumbling or acting “drunk”
- Agitation
- A noticeably low heart rate
More serious marijuana poisoning in dogs can occur from them eating a larger quantity or higher concentration of the substance. Severe symptoms include seizures, coma, vomiting, and an intensified response to light or sounds.
Can a Dog Die From Eating Weed?
While it is rare, a dog can potentially die from eating marijuana, especially if they ingest a large amount or a highly concentrated form, such as edibles containing THC oil or cannabis butter. Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans, and severe toxicity can lead to life-threatening symptoms, including seizures, coma, or respiratory failure.
However, most cases of marijuana poisoning result in non-fatal but distressing symptoms. Prompt veterinary care can significantly reduce the risk of fatal outcomes, making it crucial to seek immediate help if you suspect your dog has consumed marijuana.
What to Do If Your Dog Ingests Marijuana
In case you think your dog has consumed marijuana, it’s crucial to respond promptly and calmly. Although rarely deadly, marijuana poisoning can still lead to uncomfortable symptoms and may require veterinary care. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the quantity consumed and the product type (edibles, flowers, or oils). Because of their heightened sensitivity to THC, the psychoactive substance in marijuana, dogs can experience significant impairment from even small doses.
Follow these steps to ensure your dog receives the proper care and to prevent further complications:
- Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Take a moment to calm yourself before acting. Try to figure out how much marijuana your dog has consumed and what type of product it was. Knowing whether it was a small portion of a joint or a higher-concentration edible can help the vet determine the appropriate response.
- Contact Your Veterinarian: Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Provide as much information as possible, including the type of marijuana ingested, the estimated amount, and the time of consumption. This will help the vet assess the situation and decide whether emergency treatment is necessary.
- Monitor Your Dog’s Symptoms: While waiting for veterinary advice, observe your dog’s behavior for signs of intoxication. Common symptoms of marijuana poisoning include lethargy, unsteady movements, dilated pupils, and incontinence. More severe signs include seizures, vomiting, and unresponsiveness.
- Provide Comfort and Hydration: Keep your dog in a quiet, comfortable area away from bright lights and loud noises. Offer water to help with hydration, but only if your dog can drink quickly. Avoid forcing them to drink if they’re unresponsive or vomiting.
- Follow Veterinary Guidance: The vet may ask you to bring your dog in for further observation or treatment. Depending on the severity, your vet may induce vomiting, administer fluids, or provide medications to stabilize your dog and alleviate symptoms.
If your dog consumes marijuana, time is of the essence. Contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible ensures that your pet receives prompt care and minimizes potential harm. In most cases, veterinarians advise keeping the dog relaxed and hydrated while monitoring for adverse effects. THC is stored in a dog’s fat, so it takes longer for the substance to metabolize fully, which means some symptoms can present themselves even 3 to 4 days after eating the cannabis. By staying calm, monitoring your dog, and following veterinary advice, you can help your furry friend recover safely and prevent future accidents by securely storing cannabis products out of their reach.
Preventing Cannabis Poisoning in Dogs
As cannabis becomes more accessible, pet owners must take extra precautions to ensure their furry friends stay safe. Weed poisoning in dogs is a growing concern, especially as dogs are naturally curious and may sniff out edibles, dried flowers, or cannabis-infused products left unattended. Preventing these risks starts with awareness of the dangers weed can pose to dogs and responsible storage.
To keep your dog safe, securely store cannabis products as you would medications or household chemicals––in childproof containers inside cabinets or areas pets cannot access to prevent accidents. Also, be careful when removing cannabis products by ensuring that trash bags or bins are pet-resistant. Practicing this easy routine can significantly decrease the risk of weed poisoning dogs.
Pet owners thinking about stopping their marijuana use may take this chance to reevaluate how much cannabis they consume. Getting rid of marijuana in your home helps protect your health and prevents your dog from accidentally ingesting it. If giving up marijuana seems complicated, getting professional help can help make it easier and provide a safer atmosphere for everyone at home.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Support
Marijuana, like many substances, can become addictive at a certain point. If you are struggling with any kind of substance use disorder that is affecting your ability to care for your pets or loved ones, you should consider professional treatment. Legacy Healing Center offers alcohol and drug treatment programs that address many different substance use disorders. With a wide variety of therapy methods at our disposal, patients can evaluate their situation from a clinical standpoint so they can heal and recover.
If you are looking to overcome an addiction, contact our team at Legacy Healing Center
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