I Know You Might Be Confused, But Just Read On.
In some places and countries, you probably have seen how cannabis, another name of marijuana, has been legalized. With marijuana, or as most people call it, weed, becoming more and more accepted by the general public, the number of dogs ingesting marijuana is on the rise.
With this in mind, you are probably thinking, “Is weed dangerous to my dog?” This is a valid and good question for many responsible and loving pet owners out there.
So, in this post, let us take a look at the effects of weed to dogs and see if they are dangerous or not.
When Is Weed Not Dangerous To Dogs
One medicinal product derived from cannabis is what we call the cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The big difference between CBD oil from recreational marijuana is the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This substance is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It is the THC that causes the “high” in people taking weed.
In CBD oil, THC is removed. Thus, CBD oil is generally considered safe and it is used to treat various ailments in dogs such as arthritis, seizures, cancer, anxiety, and others. According to studies, CBD oil has the following beneficial properties to your dog:
- 1.Anxiolytic (eases anxiety)
- 2.Antipsychotic (eases psychological problems)
- 3.Antiemetic (eases vomiting)
- 4. Anti-seizure (eases seizure)
- 5.Anti-inflammatory (eases inflammation)
Since CBD oil comes from marijuana and is generally considered safe to your dog, does that mean you can give weed to him? Let’s continue reading.
Effects Of Marijuana Or Weed To Dogs
Dogs are known to eat marijuana, not because they want to get high, but because they think it is food. Reports have revealed that they eat raw leaf marijuana and foods that are infused with weed. With this in mind, it is not difficult to see why there are dogs who suffer from a marijuana overdose.
One of the most common effects of marijuana on dogs is ataxia. This causes your dog to lose balance and coordination. When they walk, they appear as if they are drunk.
Aside from ataxia, your dog may experience lower body temperature, hypersensitivity to sounds and touch, and slower heart rate. Because your dog doesn’t understand what’s happening, he would most likely simply stay put and wait until the drug’s effect wears off. This means that he will be less responsive and sometimes, become weak.
Things To Consider
If you are smoking weed, make sure that you keep your pet in a separate room until the smoke has cleared up. Moreover, keep your stash of marijuana safely stored in a place your dog can’t reach.
If you suspect your dog has ingested weed, call your vet for advice. In worse cases, you would need to bring your dog to the clinic.
Be truthful. Don’t be afraid to tell your vet about your possession of marijuana. The more details you give, the better the diagnosis is and the faster it can be made. Vets are more concerned about your dog’s health and not your legal responsibilities.
There’s no cure for marijuana ingestion. Thankfully, signs and symptoms will subside within 12-24 hours. Moreover, most weed ingestion isn’t fatal. What your vet would do is monitor your dog, treat symptoms, and provide other supportive care.
Is Weed Dangerous To Your Dog?
The short answer is yes. It can be dangerous especially if he ingested a lot of weed. However, if you give CBD oil, which is derived from weed, then that’s something acceptable. Of course, even if it is CBD oil, you need to follow the recommended dosage to avoid problems.
If you have more questions and clarifications, it is a good idea to speak to your vet. Aside from that, do your research and get more details about this topic. Once you have enough knowledge, then you will have a better way of keeping your four-legged friend happy and healthy.
