Oh no. You just got home and noticed your dog Rover looking a little…off. His eyes are glassy, he’s wobbling around, and he seems almost mesmerized by the ceiling fan. Then it hits you – Rover must have gotten into your special brownies that were sitting on the counter! Now you’re wondering what to do when your dog eats weed and how to get him back to his normal puppy self as quickly as possible. Don’t freak out! This situation is way more common than you might think.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn all about what happens when dogs get high, how to provide the best care to get your dog sober again, what to expect from the vet, and most importantly – how to make sure this never happens again. Get ready to become a marijuana toxicity expert so you can get your pup back on his paws!
What Happens When Dogs Get High?
First things first, it’s important to understand how THC affects our furry friends. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component in marijuana responsible for the “high” feeling in humans. However, dogs have way more cannabinoid receptors in their brains compared to people, so THC can have some serious effects on them.
Some common symptoms of THC toxicity in dogs include:
- Lethargy and drowsiness
- Disorientation and lack of coordination
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
- Dilated pupils
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Loss of urine control
- Muscle twitching or tremors
So in other words, Fido is going to have a really bad trip! THC over-stimulates the parts of the brain responsible for thinking, memory, pleasure, and concentration. For dogs, the experience is disorienting and can cause severe anxiety and stress.
You’re probably wondering – can weed actually kill a dog? The good news is fatal overdoses are extremely rare. However, dogs have been known to fall into a coma or asphyxiate from inhaling their own vomit while stoned. It’s also possible for smaller dogs to become so disoriented they can seriously injure themselves.
So while death isn’t likely, it’s definitely a serious situation requiring quick action and a trip to the vet!
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Weed
If you even have the slightest suspicion your dog got into some special treats, it’s vital to get them checked out by a vet immediately. Here are some steps to take:
Get Them to The Vet ASAP
Time is of the essence! The sooner your dog receives medical treatment, the better their chances of making a full recovery. Some vets may induce vomiting to prevent further absorption of THC, while others may administer activated charcoal to bind to the toxins. Intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, or anti-seizure meds may also be given.
The vet will monitor your dog’s heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure closely over several hours to make sure they remain stable. Blood or urine samples may also be analyzed for THC levels.
Utilize the ASPCA’s Poison Control Hotline
The ASPCA has a 24/7 animal poison control center with toxicology experts who can provide fast, lifesaving advice in marijuana toxicity cases. Their phone number is (888) 426-4435, so keep it handy in case of emergencies!
Provide Supportive Care at Home After the Vet Visit
Once your dog is back home, focus on creating a calm environment to help them relax and recover. Keep lights dimmed and minimize loud sounds or commotion. It’s key to let them rest while being monitored closely.
Try feeding small, bland meals of boiled chicken and rice and keep fresh water available to stay hydrated. Offer some loving cuddles and belly rubs to keep them comfortable. Recovery can take anywhere from 18 hours to a few days, depending on the amount ingested.
Consider Using CBD Oil Instead
While medical marijuana should only be given under a vet’s guidance, CBD oil derived from hemp is a popular alternative treatment for dogs. Unlike THC, CBD is non-toxic and offers therapeutic effects without any “high.” Some owners use it for arthritis, anxiety, seizures, and more! Always consult your vet before starting CBD oil.
Preventing Dogs From Ingesting Weed
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – and that especially goes for dogs and marijuana. Here are some simple tips to make sure your pooch never accidentally indulges in special treats ever again:
- Store marijuana products securely out of paw’s reach, preferably in locked containers or cabinets. Never leave joints, edibles, topicals, or bud lying around unattended.
- If you make THC-infused butter or oils for cooking, clearly label it to avoid mix-ups. Keep safely refrigerated.
- When smoking or vaping, make sure to fully extinguish material and keep paraphernalia completely out of reach.
- Supervise your dog closely when spending time outdoors – don’t let them near any marijuana plants or stashes.
- Learn the typical symptoms of marijuana ingestion described above. If you witness any, call your vet right away. Early intervention is key!
- Consider posting a “Dog Lives Here” sticker on your front door to alert delivery drivers marijuana products are not safe to leave unattended.
How can I safely and effectively help my dog recover from ingesting marijuana at home?
If your dog ingests marijuana, remain calm but act quickly. Contact your vet for guidance and monitor for symptoms like vomiting, loss of coordination, or lethargy. Keep your pet in a quiet, safe space and provide plenty of water. Reacting swiftly is vital to defeating a home invasion charge.
What To Expect at the Vet’s Office
Bringing your dog into the vet can feel scary when you know THC may be involved. However, vets are only concerned about providing the best care for your pet – not interested in your personal pot habits! Here’s a rundown of what to expect:
Be Honest About What Your Dog Ingested
Don’t try to sugarcoat things or make excuses. Openly share what product your dog got into and approximately how much to allow for proper treatment. Vets are bound by confidentiality laws, so you shouldn’t fear legal repercussions. Withholding information can only hurt your dog!
Overview of Likely Treatment Measures
As referenced before, typical treatment protocols involve inducing vomiting, activated charcoal, IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, etc. to minimize absorption and support vital functions. Expect lots of tests and monitoring such as bloodwork, urine analysis, EKG, and oxygen levels.
It’s Highly Unlikely You’ll Be Reported to Police
While technically possible, vets reporting owners for cannabis poisoning incidents is exceptionally rare. You’d almost certainly just get a stern lecture about keeping marijuana safely away from pets in the future!
The only exception might be if a vet believed an owner was maliciously getting their dog high on purpose. But accidental ingestions are generally understood as mistakes that come with legalized marijuana.
Caring for Your Dog at Home After the Vet Visit
Once your pup is back from the animal ER, they’ll need some extra love and attention while recovering. Follow any take-home instructions from the vet, and consider these tips:
- Let them rest in a quiet, dimly-lit space away from commotion and stimulation.
- Check on them frequently and provide gentle strokes, cuddles, or ear rubs – if they are receptive to touch.
- Make sure fresh water is always available. Offer small, bland meals of rice, chicken, or scrambled eggs.
- Keep monitoring for any return of symptoms or side effects. Call your vet if you have any concerns.
- Limit exercise and walks while they fully regain coordination and balance.
- Shower them with affection! The recovery process can be disorienting and scary. Your companionship helps provide comfort.
While the thought of your beloved dog unintentionally getting high can be pretty distressing, try to remember it’s a fairly common occurrence now that pot is legal in many places. Don’t panic, and focus on acting quickly by contacting your vet and providing supportive home care.
With marijuana toxicity, early intervention makes a huge difference in avoiding complications or lasting effects. In most cases, dogs make a full recovery within a day or two with proper treatment. And of course, be sure to take preventative measures so it never happens again! Your furry friend will be back to their happy, sober puppy selves in no time.