If you suspect that your dog may have ingested marijuana and is behaving abnormally, you may be wondering what you should do.
This article will provide guidance on how to help a dog that is stoned. We will tell you what to do if you suspect your dog has consumed marijuana. In addition, we will provide tips on how to get your dog unstoned.
Why Is My Dog Acting Stoned?
Dogs can also consume marijuana, which contains psychoactive compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors in their bodies. This causes a range of negative effects on their health.
If you suspect your dog has consumed marijuana, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian right away. It can have serious and even fatal consequences for canines. Symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty walking, dilated pupils, and appearing to be in a fog are all indications that your dog may be stoned due to marijuana ingestion.
The active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can also cause toxic effects in dogs. Including slow heart rate and changes in blood pressure.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should bring your dog to the vet immediately. They may require medical treatment for marijuana poisoning. While most dogs that consume marijuana recover in a few days, there is always the possibility of more severe health issues, such as brain tumors or damage to brain processes.
To be safe, take your dog to the vet if you are unsure if they are high. Some symptoms of marijuana toxicity can be mistaken for other health conditions.
How To Get A Dog Unstoned
If you believe your dog is stoned despite not consuming marijuana, there are still some things you can do to help them. It is important to note that many symptoms of a high dog could potentially be symptoms of something more serious. Such as a stroke or a brain tumor. Therefore, if you notice any of these signs in your dog, take them to the vet right away.
The following 7 steps are how to get a dog unstoned:
Take Them To A Vet
It is crucial to inform your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has consumed marijuana. So they can provide proper treatment and care for your pet. The vet will likely assess the dog’s vital signs and perform certain tests. Such as urine and blood tests, to determine the dog’s health.
If the marijuana consumption took place within the past hour or so, the vet may attempt to induce vomiting or provide activated charcoal to limit further marijuana absorption and lessen the consequences of marijuana poisoning. In severe situations, an intravenous lipid solution may be administered to help counteract the toxic effects of marijuana.
Up until the marijuana has completely left the body and the dog has recovered from all of the effects of marijuana, the vet will monitor your dog’s temperature, pulse, and blood pressure to ensure they are properly cared for.
Place Your Dog In A Dimly Lit Room
If your veterinarian recommends home care, there are several things you can do to help your dog sober up. Sensitivity to bright lights is a symptom of marijuana toxicity.
So placing your dog in a dark room with the curtains drawn can aid in keeping them quiet and blocking out hypersensitivity to stimuli.
Give Cuddles and Love
Your dog will undoubtedly love some cuddling with its favorite person in the world, even if they are both stoned. While giving your dog some hugs won’t always help the symptoms go away faster, it will provide comfort to the dog, knowing that they are not alone and that things will turn out well.
Keep Them Fed and Hydrated
It is crucial to feed and keep your dog hydrated during its recovery. It can mitigate the negative impact of marijuana and hasten its recovery.
Keep some clean water nearby, and try to give your dog some bland, light food, such as white rice or boiled chicken. This will help keep their body weight stable and support their bodily functions. Additionally, keep an eye out for urinary incontinence, which is a common symptom of marijuana toxicity.
Keep Them In A Calm Environment
Along with placing your dog in a dimly lit area, it is also highly beneficial if you maintain a generally tranquil and laid-back atmosphere in your home or around your dog. Some dogs are hypersensitive to stimuli when they are high, so it’s best to minimize sensory input as much as possible.
Turn off the TV or keep the volume down. Anything at a moderate level is okay, but only mild noise should be heard.
Rub Their Ears
Gently massaging your dog’s ears can help calm them down and make them feel better since their ears contain several nerve endings. Dogs like having their ears scratched, which is presumably related to the release of endorphins, which are chemicals that reduce stress and discomfort in dogs.
Therefore, give your dog’s ears some light pressure or a gentle massage since it will make them feel a lot better.
Brush Them
If your dog enjoys being brushed, you can try brushing them to help calm them down and make them feel better. This is often a time for you both to connect. However, it’s essential to remember not to attempt to brush your dog when they are high if they generally don’t like it.
It’s also essential to note that brushing may not be the best option for dogs experiencing severe symptoms of marijuana toxicity.
Signs Your Dog Is Stoned
There are several signs that your dog may have ingested marijuana. Below is a list of common side effects to watch out for:
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty walking
- Confusion and disorientation
- Lethargy
- Loss of bladder control
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of coordination
- Dilated pupils
- Slow heart rate
If you observe any of these symptoms in your dog, it is essential to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Dogs that are high may experience sensations of pleasure, relaxation, and tranquility. However, some dogs may behave erratically or aggressively, so it is vital to be mindful of these potential side effects if your dog has consumed marijuana.
Can Dogs Die From Weed?
While most scientists believe that the effects of weed cannot kill you, even in large amounts, some experts disagree when it comes to dogs. THC affects the cortex of the brain (1), while the brain stem is not affected.
The area of the brain responsible for keeping you alive is the latter. For this reason, it is essential to be cautious since marijuana toxicity can have severe and even fatal consequences for dogs.
According to a 2012 study in Colorado, two out of 125 dogs died after consuming THC butter. Dog size is believed to be important since the two dogs were smaller breeds. THC is unlikely to be used to kill a dog. However, the possibility of a dog injuring itself due to the loss of control over its regular physiological processes is more probable.
Several pet owners who said, “My dog ate an edible,” found their dog choked on their saliva. Indeed, a similar occurrence occurred in the above-mentioned Colorado research. The two dogs in question died of asphyxiation after vomiting.
While it’s important to be cautious, the likelihood is that your dog will be okay after the effects of the marijuana wear off. Nevertheless, knowing how to de-stone a dog is helpful. Nobody wants their dog to suffer more than is necessary.
What to Do if Your Dog Gets High
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to hasten the effects of marijuana on your dog’s behavior. In fact, taking them to the veterinarian as soon as possible is the best thing you can do.
If your dog only ingested a small amount and you don’t want to take a chance, let them rest. Making things as comfortable as possible is the best thing you can do in this scenario.
Feeding them can help mitigate the effects of the THC. Keep an eye on them at all times, as they could develop twitches and harm themselves.
Also, make note of any potential side effects. This knowledge might be helpful if their illness worsens.
Do not make your dog throw up, and do not leave their food and water unattended. As we’ve previously indicated, dogs under the influence may choke on their own saliva or water.
Also, do not try to make a joke out of things. Dogs that are high are probably afraid of any unpleasant new feelings they are encountering. What you find amusing may be terrible for your dog.
How Do Dogs Who Are Stoned Feel
Dogs often experience cannabis’ positive and negative effects in the same way that people do. The main difference is that the negative effects will be far stronger than the positive.
It’s also important to remember that dogs won’t comprehend why their senses have suddenly become more acute. They will be terrified since they will only be aware of the louder noises and altered concentration. The worst aspect is that they may continue acting this way for more than 24 hours.
Depending on how much THC they’ve consumed, their experience will be either mild or powerful. Either way, they won’t find it enjoyable.
Other signs that your dog may be stoned include psychoactive effects, such as:
- Uncontrollable urination
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of coordination
- Slow heart rate
- Seeming dazed and confused.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the vet right away.
Tips For You To Remain Calm
If your dog accidentally ingests marijuana, keep in mind that the effects will usually only last a day or two, and it was an accident.
Call your veterinarian regardless of how much they have eaten. They can advise you to keep an eye out for critical indications and allow the dog to remain at home with you.
Keep an eye on your dog’s disposition, and remember that canine use of cannabis seldom results in death. However, it’s crucial to be aware of these possible side effects if your dog has consumed marijuana since it can help you handle them better.
Will the Vet Report Me to the Police?
Most vets prioritize the dog’s health and relief from any suffering, and do not give much thought to the owners. Therefore, it is unlikely that a vet would report you to the police, although there is a possibility.
However, be prepared for your vet to criticize the method you keep your stash, and with good reason.
How to Avoid the Problem
While there are numerous benefits associated with the legalization of cannabis, one of the biggest drawbacks is that more dogs are seeing the vet as a result of cannabis use. By taking a few easy actions, you can prevent you and your pup from becoming another statistic.
Always store your marijuana in a sturdy, secure container to keep it fresh and deter your dog from attempting to raid your stash. You can also keep your marijuana in a bedroom dresser or kitchen cabinet out of your dog’s reach.
If you reside in an area where it is permitted to do so, keep your cannabis secured in your vehicle’s trunk to comply with most state regulations.
Hopefully our steps on how to get a dog unstoned helps you solve this problem, if you ever do encounter it.