We know people in certain cities (hey there, Seattle and Denver…) are enjoying their new-found freedom to toke up legally. But have you considered how marijuana affects your furry friends?
Dogs have similar cannabinoid receptors in their brains as humans do, but thorough research on potential medical benefits of Mary Jane for Fido has yet to be performed. While there is anecdotal evidence that dogs can see many of the same medical benefits of marijuana as people, such as end of life pain relief, anti-nausea, and appetite stimulant, these claims are yet to be fully proven and there can be major dangers involved with canine cannabis consumption.
For those of you in 420 friendly areas, it’s important to understand the effects and signs of a toxic level of marijuana in dogs. The rise in availability and potency of THC laced foodstuffs has attributed greatly to the reported number of poisonings in areas where they are readily available.
It is important to keep any items containing marijuana well out of your dog’s reach, but if ingestion should occur, knowing how much and when your dog ingested the items and immediately taking your dog to the vet will help keep your dog out serious trouble.
If you catch your dog in the act or within 30 minutes after eating anything containing pot, you or your vet can induce vomiting. After that crucial period, however, the anti-nausea property of THC will make it harder to make your dog sick, plus the muscle relaxant effect can heighten the possibility of your dog choking, so bring your dog to the vet immediately and let your Vet handle this situation. Remember that honesty is the best policy when dealing with a medical emergency, and an overdose is very unlikely if the dog is treated properly.
We hope we haven’t harshed your mellow too bad with all this serious talk about marijuana and dogs, but as dog lovers, we can’t help it—we just want the best for your dog!
In the meantime, here’s a classic video to chill out to. PEACE!
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.