Last Updated on January 12, 2023 by Dogs Vets
Dogs and Marijuana: Is It Toxic for Your Pup?
Have you picked up some marijuana seeds for beginners on this site and hope to share the potential benefits with your pet?
Cannabis legalization means its growing in popularity, and users claim it helps with multiple medical issues.
Can you use marijuana for dogs?
While you might want to help your pup with their health concerns, the topic is a gray area. Don’t worry; we’re here to help.
Discover how cannabis affects your pooch and whether it’s safe for them. Learn what to do if pets become intoxicated and the potential risks.
CBD vs. THC
Before we share whether weed can hurt dogs, you need to understand the basics. Most people associate cannabis with getting you “high.” This effect is thanks to the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces psychoactive sensations.
Cannabidiol (CBD) also generates many positive feelings but doesn’t get you stoned. This cannabinoid is ideal for medical users who need to reap the potential benefits while going about their daily lives.
Do Dogs Get High?
Is weed safe for dogs? Will it get them stoned? It depends. Your pet can get high if it eats food containing THC cannabis or inhales secondhand smoke. If it consumes CBD weed, it won’t experience psychoactivity but may have unpleasant effects.
How long does a high last in dogs? When you consume weed, the sensations last much longer than when smoking. So, if your pup chows down on a plate of canna cookies, the effects can last anywhere from 3–24 hours.
How Does Weed Affect Dogs?
Cannabis affects pups differently, just like in humans. Their reaction depends on their size, genetics, and metabolism. Can weed kill dogs? In rare cases, yes, but we’ll delve deeper into this below.
If your pet accidentally consumes marijuana, even in minimal doses, look out for these signs of toxicity:
- Agitation
- Excessive drooling
- Dilated pupils or glassy eyes
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Slowed breathing
- Loss of balance
- Incontinence
- Crying and whining
- Seizures
When a pup consumes cannabis, these symptoms display anywhere from 5 minutes to 12 hours later. The signs may dissipate quickly but can also last a few days, depending on their body and the amount ingested or inhaled.
Can a Dog Die From Cannabis?
The risk of cannabis poisoning in pets is moderate to severe. Can marijuana kill dogs?
Although pups dying from weed is extremely rare, it can happen, especially if they consume a significant amount. Note that this relates to marijuana high in THC, not CBD.
Does weed kill dogs in cannabidiol form?
If a canine ingests CBD, they may become lethargic and lose their appetite, but the symptoms are far less severe.
Leaving a tray of baked weed brownies out or your bag of buds open makes it easy for your pup to reach. If you believe your pet accidentally ate your cannabis, contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control immediately.
If they consume a lot, it might be life-threatening.
How Do Vets Treat Intoxicated Pets?
Take your pup to the veterinarian after they eat marijuana. They need a complete check. THC can kill a dog, so get help quickly. The treatment depends on the time elapsed and the severity of their condition.
- When you act fast, the vet may pump your pet’s stomach or induce vomiting. These techniques prevent further absorption of weed and lower their risk of intoxication.
- If a few hours pass before you take your pup to the vet, they might receive activated charcoal. This liquid neutralizes toxins in your dog’s digestive tract and stops them from absorbing.
- In other delayed responses, the vet could use an enema. This fluid or injection forces your pup to poop, reducing the toxins absorbed.
Along with these attempts to reduce the severity of the symptoms, your pup gets supportive care. Expect veterinarians to:
- Provide medication to lower temperature and heart rate.
- Administer anti-vomiting meds.
- Give intravenous fluids to keep your pet hydrated and return blood pressure to normal.
- Closely monitor your pup until it’s stable.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
While THC is toxic to most canines, it’s not the same when it comes to CBD. So, is weed OK for dogs if it’s high in cannabidiol? Current research suggests it may provide benefits to your pup.
A study from 2016 showed that CBD significantly reduced seizures in epileptic dogs. Cornell University researchers observed arthritic pets in 2018 and found similarly positive results. No adverse side effects occurred, and the animals showed increased mobility without pain.
These aren’t the only clinical trials performed on canines, and others demonstrated other advantages to pets consuming cannabidiol.
Choosing CBD for Dogs
Can I give my dog weed? You may, as long as you select the right CBD products. The formula needs to use the highest-quality extraction process and all-natural ingredients. Cannabidiol dog products must have no more than 0.3% THC and come from a reputable source.
Find CBD in the following forms to help your pup with its condition:
- Topicals, like balms and oils, target specific pain spots or dermatological issues.
- Tinctures get administered under their tongue for fast relief directly to the bloodstream.
- Capsules provide a slow release and long-lasting effects in chronic conditions.
- Chews are for your pet to enjoy a treat and pain relief at once.
Another way to ensure the marijuana for dogs you provide is organic and free of toxins is to cultivate your own.
Sow some seeds and care for your crops to enjoy a homegrown stash of high-CBD weed. Check out growth diaries online to get help from other cannabis gardeners and learn from their tips and tricks.
Cannabis for Dogs the Right Way
Can you give dogs weed? Yes, but only in CBD form. If you believe your pup ingested THC, contact your vet immediately.
Choose from a range of cannabidiol products to treat your dog or grow your own. Ensure your pet receives only the best marijuana in town as part of a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Kyle Kushman is an American writer, educator, activist and award-winning cannabis cultivator and breeder specializing in veganic cultivation.
He is a representative of Homegrown Cannabis CO company, has been a contributor for over 20 years, and has taught courses in advanced horticulture at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California and across the United States. Kushman also hosts a cannabis podcast called “The Grow Show with Kyle Kushman”.
