How to Get a Dog Unstoned: How to Save Your Dog From Eating Marijuana

While we want our furry friends to partake in everything that we do with us, some activities need to be left for just humans. One of those things is smoking weed, which can have some very adverse effects on our beloved dogs. Below we'll discuss what to do if your dog eats marijuana, discuss the question of can dogs get high, while making sure you know the effects of marijuana on dogs and how to spot the warning signals.

My Dog Ate Weed, Is That Bad?

We have learned so much about the cannabis plant in the last several years. Today, there are 100+ compounds found within the plant called cannabinoids that deliver an array of therapeutic benefits to the user. The most common cannabinoids are CBD and THC, with more being discovered at every turn. While CBD usage is growing in popularity for dogs - which is the non-psychoactive compound within cannabis - THC is an entirely different story and the cannabinoid that we will be focusing on throughout this blog.

Dogs, just like humans, possess the endocannabinoid system, which is the system that regulates homeostasis and several imperative bodily functions. As we know, THC and CBD bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors within the brain for both dogs and humans. Where things differ is that dogs have several more cannabinoid receptors, meaning that the effects of cannabis are more dramatic and toxic. Compared to human consumption, a small amount of cannabis is all it takes to throw a puppy out of sorts. So, the next time you're baked thinking about, "Can dogs eat weed?" don't toss your dog that fruit chew edible.

Can Weed Kill a Dog?

Like anything, toxicity varies based on chemistry, age, and body size - just to name a few. It is rarely fatal if a dog consumes cannabis, but we wouldn't leave those freshly baked weed brownies anywhere near the dog. In fact, it is usually the other components of the edible - like sugar and chocolate - that can be more harmful to the dog.

What Happens If Your Dog Eats Weed? Symptoms to Look Out For

Now that we have answered the question of "Can dogs get high from eating weed?" let's learn how to spot it when it happens. Interestingly enough, when a dog also consumes cannabis, the symptoms can often mirror a human's. The dog will experience ataxia, which is the loss of coordination, sometimes known as the "drunken walk." Incontinence or the loss of bladder control is common, along with hypersensitivity to touch and sounds. Your furry friend may have a glazed-over look in its eye, a lower temperature and may seem nervous.

How to Get a Dog Unstoned

So, the tray of freshly baked brownies that was just on the kitchen counter is now nowhere to be found. It looks like your dog ate edibles, so now what? Unfortunately, it's time to get your dog to the nearest vet, and an emergency vet at that. While dogs recover roughly 12 to 24 hours after consumption, it doesn't mean that this should be taken lightly. As far as treatment, it is dependent on whether or not the cannabis has been absorbed into the body. If the marijuana has been absorbed, symptoms (as listed above) will be exhibited, which means it is too late to induce vomiting. The vet will then administer IV fluids, other supportive care, or activated charcoal to neutralize the toxin.

If the THC hasn't been absorbed fully, meaning that you caught it within an hour or two, the vet will likely induce vomiting. Cannabis has an anti-emetic effect, meaning that it inhibits vomiting. This anti-emetic effect can actually be the fatal component to dogs because it can lead to respiratory failure as the lungs can be damaged due to aspirating or inhaling vomit.

Tips to Stay Calm

For starters, if your dog does consume marijuana on accident, remember a few key things. It was an accident (or hopefully was!), and the bad times will typically only last a day at the longest. In this situation, regardless of how much has been consumed, call your vet. It will not only quell your worries, but they may even tell you to monitor the dog for a few key symptoms and let the dog stay at home with you.

If you happen to be baked, call a good friend who can help bring you back down to earth to handle the situation. You know your dog well, so watch their temperament and remember consuming cannabis for dogs is rarely fatal.

How to Prevent the Problem

While an uptick in cannabis legalization has so many positives attributed to it, perhaps one of the larger negatives is that dogs landing in the vet due to cannabis consumption is increasing. Don't let you and your dog be another statistic by following a few simple steps.

Always keep your cannabis in a lockable, durable container. Not only will this keep your cannabis fresh, but it will also act as a defense against your dog trying to get into your stash. Most of these containers are inexpensive, too!
Keep your weed out of reach - think kitchen cabinets or on top of a very tall dresser in your room.
If you live where cannabis is legal, keeping your stash locked in the trunk of your car will satisfy most state laws.

Has your pup ever eaten weed? What symptoms were present? How do you and the vet handle it? Tell us about your furry friends below.