With 420 on the horizon and more states legalizing marijuana, there has been a drastic rise in pets becoming seriously ill from ingesting cannabis. Products like edibles are particularly dangerous. Because of the proliferation of marijuana, you may be wondering how to keep your dog safe from cannabis.
JustAnswer Pets is a live expert on-demand pet care platform. Over the past few years, it has seen a three-fold increase in the number of questions from pet owners concerned about THC and CBD poisoning in their pets.
Dr. Grant Little, DVM and veterinarian expert on JustAnswer, is all too familiar with the signs of cannabis ingestion in dogs. He’s sharing those signs — and the steps to take if you suspect your fur baby has eaten a THC gummy — with DogTime. Armed with this information, you can keep your dog safe from cannabis on 420.
Is cannabis bad for dogs?
Yes, cannabis ingestion can reach a toxic stage very quickly in dogs. Canines can exhibit symptoms quickly from rapid absorption over several hours. This is especially true if the cannabis is cooked, baked, or packaged in edibles (the most common form for dogs to get into). Dr. Little says the most concerning circumstance is when cannabis is ingested with products containing high amounts of butter. Because butter can act as a fat-soluble product, it absorbs the cannabis much easier, causing effects to manifest more quickly in dogs.
What are the effects of cannabis on dogs?
Dogs that ingest cannabis can display symptoms of central nervous system depression, including:
- Lethargy
- Stumbling
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Constricting or dilating the pupils
- Hypothermia
- Urinary incontinence
- Slow heart rate
Other blood pressure and heart rate issues can occur as well.
What should you do if your dog accidentally ingests or inhales cannabis?
Most dogs with cannabis toxicity can recover well on their own. The toxicity itself takes time to resolve, so your dog may want to lie down and rest more frequently. More concerning is a complete lack of appetite, inability to stand for urination or defecation, seizures, muscle tremors, or other severe neurologic symptoms. Cannabis toxicity is rarely fatal, but if you think your pup may have ingested this substance, seek veterinary care immediately or consult a poison control hotline to determine the next course of action.
More ways to keep your dog safe from cannabis
For more information on keeping your dog safe from cannabis on 420 (and every day), check out our guide on marijuana toxicity in dogs.
