As cannabis use becomes more common, the incidents of dogs ingesting hemp or marijuana edibles have also increased. Understandably, many pet owners panic if they find their dog ingested cannabis. However, if you find that your dog ate weed edibles, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek immediate veterinary care. This article will guide you through the necessary steps and provide important information on cannabis toxicity in dogs.
Understanding cannabis edibles (or weed edibles)
Cannabis edibles are food products infused with marijuana or hemp compounds. For example, these foods can include brownies, gummies, cookies, butter, chocolate, and other treats.
Typically, cannabis edibles contain various cannabinoids like CBD and THC. The primary psychoactive component is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unfortunately, THC ingestion is extremely dangerous for dogs. Unlike humans, dogs have more cannabinoid receptors, making them more susceptible to THC toxicity [1].
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Immediate actions to take
- Stay calm: As a concerned pet parent, remaining calm will help your pet. In contrast, panicking can hinder your ability to help your dog effectively.
- Assess the situation: Determine how much weed your dog has eaten and what type of edible it is. Note the THC content if possible.
- Remove access: Ensure your dog cannot consume any more cannabis products. Then, place any remaining edibles in a locked cabinet or a secure location.
- Contact a veterinarian immediately: Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away. At this point, provide them with as much information as possible, including the type of edible, estimated amount consumed, your dog’s weight, and current symptoms [2].
Cannabis toxicity: what happens when a dog eats weed?
Cannabis ingestion can lead to a variety of symptoms in dogs. For example, some of the warning signs of cannabis toxicity include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Uncoordinated movements (ataxia)
- Agitation
- Dilated pupils
- Low body temperature
- Urinary incontinence
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rate [3]
These symptoms can vary based on how much cannabis your dog consumes and the size of the dog. While cannabis poisoning is rarely fatal, it can be a very serious condition requiring prompt medical attention [3].
Veterinary care and treatment
Initial assessment
Upon arrival at the vet clinic, your dog will undergo an initial assessment. Namely, the vet will check the dog’s symptoms, body temperature, heart rate, and other vital signs [4].
Diagnostic tests
To evaluate the extent of the toxicity, the vet may perform diagnostic tests such as blood work and urine analysis. Importantly, these tests help determine how much THC your dog has in its system and help the vet assess overall health. Thus, it’s crucial to allow the vet to conduct these tests to assess the severity of the poisoning [4].
Treatment options
- Inducing vomiting: If the cannabis ingestion was recent, the vet might induce vomiting to expel the undigested cannabis from the stomach.
- Activated charcoal: Administering activated charcoal can prevent further absorption of THC in the digestive tract.
- IV fluids: Intravenous fluids help flush toxins from your dog’s system and maintain hydration.
- Medications: The vet may prescribe medications to control severe symptoms such as seizures, agitation, or nausea.
- Monitoring and supportive care: In severe cases, your dog might need hospitalization for close monitoring and supportive care [5].
Home care and recovery
After receiving veterinary care, follow your vet’s instructions for home care. This may include:
- Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your dog’s symptoms and behavior.
- Rest: Ensure your dog gets plenty of rest to recover fully.
- Gradual return to normal activities: Gradually reintroduce normal activities as your dog recovers.
- Follow-up vet visit: Schedule follow-up visits with your vet to monitor your dog’s recovery [3].
Prevention tips
To prevent future incidents of cannabis ingestion, consider the following tips:
- Safe storage: Store all cannabis products, including low-THC edibles, in a locked cabinet or a secure location out of reach of pets. To state the obvious, dogs and other pets should not be eating weed.
- Educate family and visitors: Ensure everyone in your household, as well as visitors, understands the dangers of cannabis consumption for pets.
- Alternative cannabis consumption: Consider cannabis consumption methods that are less likely to be accessible to pets [6].
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What if cannabis is not legal in your state?
Seeking veterinary help immediately if your dog eats cannabis is crucial for their health and safety. Compounds in the cannabis plant can cause weed toxicity in dogs, leading to a range of severe symptoms. Additionally, these symptoms can worsen if your dog does not receive immediate veterinary care. Because marijuana is still a Schedule One controlled substance with psychoactive effects, some people are nervous about telling the truth about what happened, especially if it is not legal in their state. However, THC from marijuana or hemp can be especially harmful to dogs, who are more sensitive to THC, so prompt veterinary care can make a significant difference in managing these toxic effects. Thus, it’s crucial to tell the vet exactly what happened, including your dog’s body weight and the amount of THC ingested. This way, the vet can provide the appropriate treatment, including inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or providing intravenous fluids [4].
Indeed, full disclosure about what your dog ate, the type of cannabis product, its THC content, and how much your dog consumed is vital for effective treatment. Even if you feel guilty or worried about legal implications in your state, remember that the vet’s primary concern is your dog’s health, not the legality of cannabis. Additionally, most veterinarians are accustomed to handling cases of cannabis ingestion in pets and will focus on providing the necessary medical attention without judgment. Therefore, by telling the truth, you equip the vet with all the information they need to accurately diagnose and treat your dog. This way, the vet can significantly improve your dog’s chances of a full recovery from the toxic effects of cannabis [4].
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Consider cannabis-derived CBD tinctures for dogs (with no THC!)
Though products with THC can harm pets, CBD tinctures for dogs and cats have become increasingly popular as a natural wellness supplement. Unlike certain products derived from the cannabis plant that contain THC, CBD tinctures specifically formulated for pets contain nothing that could harm a pet, making them safe and non-psychoactive for dogs [7]. Notably, some people use CBD Pet Oils from Earthy Now to help promote overall well-being in their pets.
Earthy Now offers a range of high-quality CBD products designed specifically for dogs and cats, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards. Moreover, experts thoroughly test the products in modern labs to ensure they contain zero THC. As a result, pet owners can confidently incorporate them into their dogs’ and cats’ wellness routines. Ultimately, by choosing safe and reputable products like those from Earthy Now, pet owners can enhance their pets’ quality of life naturally and safely [7].
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Products for humans from Earthy Now
For cannabis enthusiasts seeking reliable, trustworthy sources of cannabis flower and other hemp-derived products, Earthy Now has something for everyone. These products are the industry’s cleanest and strongest, with only trace amounts of Delta-9 THC (and none in products intended for pets!)
Explore these natural products for humans from Earthy Now:
- CBD Flower
- Gummies
- Lozenges
- Tablets (THC Free!)
- Soothing Relief Lotion
- Soothing Relief Salve
- Oils
- Pre-Rolls
- Smokes
- Terpenes
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Key takeaway: if your dog ate anything with THC, seek immediate help
It’s vital to act quickly and seek veterinary attention if your dog ate weed edibles. While cannabis intoxication in dogs is rarely life-threatening, it can be a very serious condition that requires immediate care [2]. Even so, by understanding the symptoms and knowing what steps to take, you can help ensure your dog’s health and safety. Also, it’s crucial to prevent future incidents through safe storage and education [6].
Resources
- Veterinary emergency hotlines: Keep a list of emergency vet clinics and hotlines for quick access in case of an emergency.
- Pet safety guides: Educate yourself on pet safety and first aid to be prepared for any situation.
- Poison control centers: Contact information for poison control centers that can provide guidance in case of cannabis poisoning.
For CBD pet products free of THC, visit the Earthy Now Shop!
Read more about pets & CBD: How CBD Oil Can Improve Your Pet’s Wellness
Medical Disclaimer / Legal Disclaimer – Information is provided for educational purposes. It does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice or medical advice. We attempt to be accurate and up-to-date, but the legality of cannabinoids and the science of cannabis are evolving. The author is neither a legal professional nor a medical expert. Before buying or using any products, you should check with your local authorities and medical providers.
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