We all know that accidents happen, and sometimes our curious pets get into things they shouldn’t. If your dog has ingested marijuana, it’s important to know what to do and how to react to ensure your pet’s safety. Here’s a guide on what steps to take if your dog eats weed.
Know What The Symptoms Are
First, let’s learn how to recognize the symptoms of marijuana ingestion in dogs. These can vary depending on the amount consumed and the size of your dog but often include:
- Drowsiness
- Dilated pupils
- Drooling
- Stumbling or having trouble walking
- Vomiting
- Dribbling urine
- Tremors or Seizures
- Whining or unusual vocalization
Vet’s NOTE: A classic presentation of a marijuana-intoxicated dog is one that is lethargic, dribbling urine with an unsteady gait. Sometimes they are hypersensitive to noises or sudden movements and jerk their heads and bodies away.
Immediate Steps to Take
Next, it is very important to stay calm. Your dog will pick up on your anxiety, so it’s important to remain as calm as possible. Loud voices or fast movements will just scare your pup.
Assess the situation. Try to determine how much marijuana your dog has consumed and what form it was in (edibles, raw plant, oils, etc.).
Contact your vet immediately for advice. They will probably ask you to bring your dog in for an examination.
If you can’t reach your vet, call a pet poison helpline. They can provide you with important information on what to do next.
Vet’s NOTE: I usually use ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) OR Pet Poison Hotline (855-764-7661) for my toxin cases. There is a fee for the call.
Get Your Dog To The Vet
Once at the vet, they may perform several procedures to help your dog.
If the ingestion was recent, your vet might induce vomiting to remove the marijuana from your dog’s system. They will give either an injection or put in eye drops to make your dog puke.
Then they usually give an anti-nausea shot so that your pup does not keep vomiting for the next few hours.
After waiting 20 minutes or so (while the veterinary staff looks through the vomit) you and your dog can go home.
If the ingestion was more than 1- 2 hours prior and your dog is showing mild symptoms (like an unsteady gait or dribbling urine), they may give some fluids under the skin to help flush it out of their system quicker. Then the fun part – your dog gets to swallow this black liquid called activated charcoal. This solution will help bind the toxin in your dog’s system so that it can be excreted faster. Symptoms usually go away within 24-48 hours.
If your dog’s symptoms are severe (seizures, dilated pupils, profuse vomiting, high/low heart rate), your pup will have to stay in the hospital on IV fluids and medications to control the symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is no specific cure or antidote for marijuana ingestion.
Vet’s NOTE: Pets can become mildly intoxicated from exposure to second-hand marijuana smoke, especially when the smoke is blown into their face/noses. My point is that dogs don’t necessarily have to INGEST weed to be affected.
Occasionally, smoke from marijuana cigarettes may be intentionally blown into the face/nose of dogs. Mild intoxications may occur from exposure to second-hand marijuana smoke.
How You Can Prevent This From Happening
To prevent future incidents, follow these super easy tips:
- Store marijuana safely. Keep all marijuana products, including edibles, out of reach of pets.
- Educate household members. Make sure everyone in your home knows the importance of keeping marijuana away from pets.
- Supervise your dog. Keep an eye on your dog, especially in unfamiliar environments where marijuana might be accessible.
- Dispose of waste properly: Ensure any waste containing marijuana is securely disposed of and out of reach.
Final Thoughts
While it can be alarming if your dog eats weed, knowing how to react can make all the difference. Recognize the symptoms, contact your vet immediately, and follow their advice to ensure your dog receives the necessary care.
By taking preventive measures, you can help keep your curious canine safe from accidental marijuana ingestion in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Vet call the cops on us if this happens to our dog?
Honesty is critical when your dog has ingested weed. Veterinarians are here to help your pet, not judge or penalize you. While laws about marijuana vary by state, it’s ultimately up to the individual vet to decide about notifying law enforcement. Our main priority is ensuring your dog gets the best possible care.
Should I induce vomiting if my dog eats weed?
Never induce vomiting at home without veterinary advice. Weed can cause neurological effects that increase the risk of choking or aspiration. Call your vet or a pet poison hotline for guidance.
How much weed is toxic to dogs?
Can my dog recover after eating weed?
Most dogs recover with proper treatment, which may include IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and monitoring at the vet clinic. Quick action ensures the best outcome for your dog.
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