CBD treats can be a great way to help your furry friend relax, but what happens if your dog eats a whole bag of them? According to the American Kennel Club, dogs can be highly sensitive to cannabis, even in small amounts.
Your dog's size and weight play a significant role in determining the severity of the reaction. A 25-pound dog, for example, may experience more severe symptoms than a 10-pound dog after consuming the same amount of CBD.
The effects of CBD on dogs can be unpredictable and may vary depending on the individual dog and the specific product consumed. In some cases, dogs may experience no adverse effects at all.
A different take: Cbd Stay
What to Do If Your Dog Ingests
If your dog ingests marijuana products, get them to the veterinarian immediately. The vet will use activated charcoal to adsorb the drug in the gastrointestinal tract to allow it to pass through harmlessly.
Your vet will clean off any marijuana that's on your dog's body. They'll then treat the neurological effects with drugs and tranquilizers to reduce possible seizures.
The vet may cool down your dog to reduce their high temperature, and sedate them to help them relax. They may even keep your dog overnight at the emergency vet's office.
Causes and Effects of Poisoning
My dog ate a whole bag of CBD treats, and now I'm worried sick. Let's break down what might have happened and what I can do to help my furry friend.
The causes of marijuana poisoning in dogs are straightforward: they ingest the plant parts, which can lead to a range of symptoms. This can happen within one to three hours after consumption.
The release of neurotransmitters in the brain's frontal cortex and cerebellum can cause a range of problems, including central nervous system activity. This can lead to a cascade of symptoms, including depression, drooling, and hypermetria.
Dogs are more susceptible to marijuana poisoning because THC is lipid-soluble and easily distributed into organs and fat. This means that even small amounts can cause big problems.
The symptoms of marijuana poisoning in dogs can vary depending on the amount consumed, but they can include vomiting, mydriasis, body tremors, bradycardia, hypothermia, agitation, ataxia, tachycardia, tachypnea, nystagmus, excitability, and seizures.
Here are some common ways dogs ingest marijuana:
- Inhalation of smoke
- Ingesting pills or tinctures
- Eating edible items that contain the plant, such as brownies, candies, cakes, breads, and other baked goods
- Drinking liquids that contain marijuana oils, known as “shatter”, BHO, or “dabs”
It's worth noting that edibles can be particularly problematic, as they can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that's toxic to canines. Chocolate, which is often paired with marijuana in edibles, can also cause problems.
In my case, my dog likely ingested a concentrated form of marijuana, which can be more dangerous than the plant material itself. The amount of THC in the treats will determine the severity of the symptoms, and I need to act fast to help my dog feel better.
Cannabis Safety for Pets
THC and CBD are not fatal to pets, even when consumed in large doses accidentally. This is reassuring, but it's essential to understand that pets can still experience uncomfortable side effects, also known as intoxication.
Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors than humans, making them more sensitive to the effects of THC. This is why they may experience more severe symptoms of intoxication.
If your pet is having intense symptoms of intoxication, bringing them to the vet is still a good idea. Veterinarians can alleviate discomfort quicker and support your dog's blood pressure and organ function.
Consuming CBD without THC, or as a Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract with a small percentage of THC, is highly unlikely to cause the same level of side effects. This is because CBD doesn't have the hypnotic qualities of THC.
However, you must ensure that the hemp or CBD your pet consumed doesn't contain any other harmful ingredients, like chocolate or xylitol.
Helping a Dog After Ingesting
If your dog ingests marijuana products, get them to the veterinarian immediately. The vet may use activated charcoal to adsorb the drug in the gastrointestinal tract to allow it to pass through harmlessly.
The vet will also clean off any marijuana that's on your dog's body. They'll then treat the neurological effects with drugs and tranquilizers to reduce possible seizures.
In severe cases, your dog may need to be cooled down and sedated, as was the case with Cooper, a dog who ingested marijuana products.
When to Visit the Vet
If your dog ate a whole bag of CBD treats, it's crucial to monitor their behavior closely. If your pet seems to be acting lethargic, uncoordinated, or any other abnormal behavior, it's time to visit the vet.
You should also seek veterinary care if your pet has consumed any packaging of the products, as there's a possibility for obstruction. If your pet has severe and prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, it's a clear sign that they need medical attention.
In some cases, the vet may try to stimulate your dog to vomit what's in their stomach, but if cannabis has strong anti-emetic effects, this might not be possible. If that's the case, they'll move on to giving activated charcoal to bind to any toxins or chemicals that remain.
Here are some signs that you should visit the vet immediately:
- If your pet ate edibles with toxic ingredients or ingredients you’re not aware of
- If your pet has consumed any packaging of the products (possibility for obstruction)
- If your pet seems to be acting lethargic, uncoordinated, or any other abnormal behavior
- If your pet has severe and prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
Your veterinarian will have the experience and equipment to take care of your pet's situation. They'll keep your pet monitored on an IV drip of fluids to help flush the toxins out of their body faster. Depending on the severity of the case, they may keep your pet overnight for monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CBD treats stay in dog's system?
CBD treats typically remain in a dog's system for up to 24 hours, but individual results may vary depending on dosage and individual factors.
Sources
- ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org)
- cannabinoids (wikipedia.org)
- Veterinary Cannabis Society (veterinarycannabissociety.org)
- marijuana poisoning (nih.gov)
- intoxication (vcahospitals.com)
- xylitol (vcahospitals.com)
- Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, ... (wagwalking.com)
- told Green State (greenstate.com)
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