What is THC and How Does It Affect Dogs?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the active ingredient in cannabis. While THC affects humans and animals differently, dogs are particularly susceptible to its effects. This is because dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans do and are more sensitive to the chemical. A small amount of cannabis or marijuana edibles can cause marijuana intoxication in dogs and lead to many serious symptoms.
Common Causes of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
The primary sources of THC exposure in dogs include:
1. Ingesting Marijuana Plant Material: Dogs might chew on cannabis plants if they are within reach, which can lead to marijuana poisoning.2. Marijuana-Infused Edibles: Dogs may eat baked goods like brownies, cookies, or other THC-laden treats, which is particularly dangerous if the edibles contain other toxic or problematic substances like artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol) or chocolate, which compounds the risk.
3. Secondhand Smoke: While this is less common, exposure to secondhand smoke from cannabis can still affect dogs, leading to respiratory irritation and other issues.
4. Recreational Use: With more people using cannabis for recreational purposes, accidental pet exposure is becoming more frequent.
Marijuana Toxicity in Dogs: Symptoms to Watch For
Dogs suffering from marijuana toxicity or THC poisoning exhibit a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the common clinical signs include:
VomitingUrinary incontinence
Dilated pupils
Seizures
Unsteady movements (ataxia)
Depression or lethargy
Slow heart rate
Low body temperature
Drooling
Uncontrollable shaking or tremors
In severe cases, life-threatening symptoms may occur, such as:
SeizuresComa
While these symptoms can be frightening, THC exposure is rarely fatal when prompt treatment is provided. However, complications from other problematic substances like chocolate toxicity or artificial sweetener xylitol can increase the risk to your dog's life.
What to Do if Your Dog is Exposed to THC
If you suspect your dog has ingested marijuana or THC products, it’s important to act quickly. Here are some steps to take:
1. Assess Your Dog’s Symptoms
Evaluate your dog’s condition by looking for the clinical signs mentioned above. Even if the symptoms seem mild, seeking medical attention is crucial.
2. Contact a Veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline
Your veterinary partner is the best source of guidance. If your veterinarian is unavailable, you can call the Pet Poison Helpline for advice on how to proceed. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, such as how much marijuana your dog consumed and the time of exposure.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Tests
If you know your dog was exposed to THC, it’s important to communicate that to your vet to avoid unnecessary tests. Being honest about cannabis use or recreational purposes can help the vet determine the most appropriate treatment.
4. Induce Vomiting (Only Under Veterinary Supervision)
If the exposure occurred recently, your vet may recommend inducing vomiting to help remove the toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. However, never attempt this without professional guidance, as inducing vomiting inappropriately can cause more harm than good.
How Vets Treat Cannabis Toxicity
The treatment your dog receives will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the amount of THC ingested. Here are some common treatments:
1. Activated Charcoal
If ingestion occurs within a few hours, vets may administer activated charcoal to help reduce toxin absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
2. IV Fluids
In cases where dehydration or lethargy is present, IV fluids may be administered to help support blood pressure and speed up the elimination of the toxin from the body.
3. Supportive Care
In most cases, treatment for marijuana toxicosis involves supportive care to manage symptoms like low body temperature, low heart rate, or tremors. This can include monitoring the dog's blood pressure and heart rate and providing warmth if the dog’s body temperature drops.
4. Intralipid Therapy
For more severe cases, some veterinarians may use intralipid therapy, a technique that involves the administration of fat emulsions to bind the THC and help remove it from the body.
5. Additional Treatments
Depending on your dog’s symptoms, additional treatments may be required. For example, if your dog is suffering from seizures, medications to control them may be necessary.
6. Chocolate Toxicity Treatment
If the marijuana was consumed in a brownie, your dog may also need treatment for chocolate toxicity. This often requires different treatment methods to address both the THC and chocolate ingestion.
THC Poisoning and Dog Size
Smaller dogs are at a greater risk for severe THC poisoning because it takes less THC to cause serious symptoms in a small animal. Larger dogs may tolerate small amounts of THC more easily, but that does not mean they are safe from harm. Always assume that any exposure to THC in dogs is dangerous, regardless of the dog’s size.
The Whole Truth: Marijuana is Highly Dangerous to Dogs
The whole truth is that while THC poisoning is rarely fatal, it is still highly dangerous and can lead to significant discomfort and health issues for your pet. As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to keep all forms of cannabis—especially marijuana-infused edibles—out of your dog’s reach. It would help if you also were mindful of secondhand smoke, especially in enclosed spaces, as this can also pose a risk.
How to Prevent THC Exposure
Preventing your dog from being exposed to marijuana and THC requires vigilance. Here are some ways to minimize the risks:
1. Store Marijuana and Edibles Safely: Keep all marijuana and THC products in a location that is inaccessible to your pets.2. Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Make sure your dog is not in the room when smoking cannabis to prevent respiratory irritation or more serious consequences.
3. Be Aware of Other Drugs and Problematic Substances: Aside from THC, many other substances can harm your dog, including alcohol, caffeine, and prescription drugs. Always keep these out of reach.
4. Monitor Recreational Cannabis Use: If you're using cannabis for recreational purposes, make sure your dog is in a safe place and can’t come into contact with the cannabis plant, baked goods, or any other toxic or problematic substances.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention
While some cases of marijuana toxicity may resolve on their own, it's crucial to seek proper treatment whenever you suspect your dog has been exposed to THC. Early intervention can help reduce the severity of symptoms, support recovery, and prevent complications.
If your dog receives prompt and appropriate care, most will recover fully from THC exposure. However, the key is to recognize the dog's symptoms and act quickly to ensure they get the treatment they need.
Conclusion
While THC poisoning in dogs is not fatal, it can be serious and stressful for your pet. As a pet parent, you need to take precautions to prevent your pet from getting exposed to cannabis. If exposed get medical help fast. Whether it’s plant material, edibles, or secondhand smoke the risks are real, and understanding the dangers of THC products is the first step in keeping your pets safe.
If your dog is showing symptoms of marijuana exposure call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline.
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