Why getting pets and other animals high isn’t a joke
Dogs are full of cannabinoids more than any other animal which can make them more susceptible to marijuana, especially the cannabinoid THC. However, there are on-going studies that support the use of CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid for your pet but not the marijuana edibles that you may enjoy.
If your pet happens to get into your weed chocolate, or other marijuana edibles don’t panic. At best, you can determine what it is that your pet got into.
Common types of cannabis that your furry friend may have gotten into are listed here, from what is considered the least severe to the most critical method:
• Raw cannabis is not decarboxylated and is, therefore, the least severe, and the THC component has not been activated.
• Vape or burnt bud is also not good; you can’t be sure that there is no THC in the left-over bud.
• Non-chocolate infused edibles are hard to predict the potency level, which can make them dangerous for your pets.
• Cannabutter is known for its potency, and the smallest amount can cause an extreme reaction, depending on the pet’s weight.
• Chocolate-infused edibles can present with different levels of toxicity. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. When combined in a marijuana edible the effect on your pets, is extremely dangerous.
The potency of your cannabis is so important when determining what and your pets have consumed to provide them with the best treatment.
Check to see what symptoms your pet is showing. Is he lethargic, sluggish wobbling or having excess drooling of saliva although not good this is mild toxicity? If your pet has urinary incontinence, low blood pressure seizures, or a slow heart rate, this is an extreme case. Immediate professional intervention is needed.
It is important to attempt to soak up the contents of your furry friends’ stomach. Activated charcoal will soak up any remaining toxins, including any THC that has not been absorbed into their blood stream.
Safety note: never use activated charcoal if you have already attempted to induce your pet to vomit.
If the activated charcoal did not help, now try to make your pet vomit. Hydrogen peroxide can induce vomiting. You can administer this no more than three times. Use one teaspoonful for every ten pounds that your pet weighs. Observe for signs of stress, and if present follows up with professional help immediately.
Professional help should be the first step if you know your furry friend has consumed a large amount of cannabis or THC. This action could save the life of your precious friend. Cannabis could technically kill your pet if they were to eat enough, which could invoke vomiting, and your pet could choke on the vomit.
Learning how to store weed is an important lesson that all pet owners should take. Your pet should not be experiencing the toxic feelings that your carelessness caused. Keep your weed in a closed airtight container. It’s a good idea to keep the containers higher than the pet can reach. The smell can be intoxicating for some pets. It is up to you to keep your pet safe. It is not a joke and can be punishable by the law if you deliberately feed your pets cannabis.
Marijuana is meant to be shared, but not with your pets.
