Do you suspect your dog has gotten high off that extra stash of weed lying around, or just being by your side while you smoked a joint? If so, don’t panic. There are ways to care for your dog while he gets unstoned.
It’s important to remember never to attempt to unstone your dog at home or by yourself as this may actually make his condition worse. If you suspect your dog is stoned, take him to the vet to get decontaminated and receive supportive care.
Keep reading below for more information on how to get your dog unstoned.
Before you scroll down this guide, “How to Get a Dog Unstoned,” check out: How Long Can Dogs Smell Weed? (The Facts You Need to Know) (2023) and How To Get Your Uncooperative Dog To Take a Pill! (2023).
Can Dogs Get Stoned?
Dogs can indeed get stoned, but it is important to note that giving your dog marijuana or any other substance that alters its mental state can be dangerous and is not recommended.
While dogs and humans have many similarities, they also have significant differences. What is safe for humans may be unsafe for dogs. Dogs have a much different physiology than humans, and substances that are safe for humans to use may have different effects on dogs.
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It contains a chemical called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is responsible for the drug’s psychoactive effects. When marijuana is consumed, THC binds to receptors in the brain, resulting in the characteristic effects of the drug, including altered mood, altered perception, and impaired cognitive function.
Dogs also have cannabinoid receptors in their brains, so they can be affected by THC in much the same way. However, dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans. They can be adversely affected by even small amounts of the drug.
Signs Your Dog is Stoned
There are a few common signs that your dog may be stoned.
Changes in Behavior
One of the most common signs of marijuana toxicity in dogs is changes in behavior. Your dog may become lethargic and drowsy, or it may become agitated or anxious. It may also exhibit bizarre behavior or display signs of confusion or disorientation.
Changes in Heart Rate
THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, can cause an increase in heart rate in dogs. If you notice your dog’s heart rate increase significantly, it may be a sign that it has ingested marijuana.
Changes in Blood Pressure
THC can also cause a drop in blood pressure in dogs, which can lead to dizziness and loss of coordination. If you notice your dog is having difficulty standing or walking, it may be a sign it has ingested marijuana.
Changes in Respiratory Function
THC can affect respiratory function in dogs, causing difficulty breathing and an increased risk of respiratory distress. If your dog has difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly, it may be a sign that it has ingested marijuana.
Changes in Gastrointestinal Function
THC can cause nausea and vomiting in dogs, as well as an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea. If you notice your dog experiencing digestive issues, it may be a sign it has ingested marijuana.
Potential Benefits of Marijuana for Dogs
While marijuana can be toxic and cause a range of adverse effects, some believe it has potential health benefits. However, it’s important to note the use of marijuana in dogs is controversial and has not been extensively studied.
May Reduce Anxiety
One potential benefit of marijuana for dogs is its potential to reduce anxiety. THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, is thought to have anxiety-reducing properties in humans. Some people believe that it may have similar effects in dogs.
However, it’s worth noting that the effects of THC on dogs may be different from its effects on humans. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of THC for the treatment of anxiety in dogs.
May Reduce Inflammation
Another potential benefit of marijuana for dogs is its potential to reduce inflammation. THC is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, and some people believe that it may be useful for the treatment of conditions such as arthritis in dogs. Again, however, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of THC for the treatment of inflammation in dogs.
May Control Seizures
A third potential benefit of marijuana for dogs is its potential to control seizures. Some people believe that THC may be useful for the treatment of seizures in dogs, although there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.
Anecdotal reports suggest that THC may be effective at reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in some dogs, but more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of THC for the treatment of seizures in dogs.
Can Marijuana Kill Dogs?
It is possible for marijuana to be toxic to dogs and, in severe cases, it can be fatal. However, the risk of marijuana toxicity in dogs depends on a number of factors, including the size of the dog, the amount of marijuana ingested, and the form in which the drug was consumed.
When dogs ingest marijuana, the psychoactive chemical THC can bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, leading to a range of effects. These include changes in behavior, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory function, and gastrointestinal function.
In severe cases, marijuana toxicity in dogs can lead to coma or death. However, it is worth noting that marijuana toxicity is relatively rare in dogs. The risk of serious effects or death is low in most cases.
That being said, it is still important to take precautions to prevent your dog from ingesting marijuana. Dogs are often curious and may be attracted to the smell and taste of marijuana, particularly if it is in the form of edibles such as brownies or cookies.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested marijuana, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of marijuana poisoning in dogs may not appear for several hours after ingestion, and the effects of the drug can last for several days.
Treatment for marijuana toxicity in dogs will depend on the severity of the symptoms and may involve supportive care such as IV fluids, medications to control symptoms, and close monitoring. In severe cases, more intensive treatment such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation may be necessary.
It is also important to note that marijuana is not the only potential source of toxic exposure for dogs. There are many other household products and substances that can be toxic to dogs, including medications, cleaning products, and plants.
How to Keep Marijuana Away from Dogs?
Here are a few tips to help keep marijuana away from your dog.
Store Marijuana Securely
If you use marijuana, it is important to store it in a secure location where your dog cannot access it. This might mean keeping it in a locked cabinet or drawer, or in a locked room.
Keep Marijuana Out of Reach
In addition to storing marijuana securely, it is important to keep it out of reach of your dog. This might mean keeping it on a high shelf or in a room your dog can’t access.
Dispose of Marijuana Properly
If you have marijuana that you no longer need or want, it is important to dispose of it properly to prevent your dog from accessing it. This might mean sealing it in a plastic bag and throwing it in the trash.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog
If you are using marijuana or if you have it in your home, it is important to keep a close eye on your dog to make sure it does not get access to the drug. This might mean keeping your dog in a separate room or crate while you are using marijuana, or simply being vigilant to make sure your dog does not get into any marijuana that might be lying around.
Be Aware of the Signs of Marijuana Toxicity
If you suspect that your dog has ingested marijuana, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of marijuana toxicity. These can include changes in behavior, changes in heart rate, changes in blood pressure, changes in respiratory function, and changes in gastrointestinal function. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Keep Marijuana Edibles Out of Reach
Edibles such as brownies or cookies that contain marijuana can be especially dangerous for dogs, as they often contain high amounts of THC and other potentially toxic ingredients. It is important to keep these products out of reach of your dog to prevent accidental ingestion.
Consider Using a Pet-Safe Alternative
If you are concerned about the risks of marijuana toxicity in your dog, you may want to consider using a pet-safe alternative such as CBD oil. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that does not have the same mind-altering effects as THC.
It is thought to have a number of potential health benefits for dogs, including reducing anxiety and inflammation, and it is generally considered to be safe for use in dogs.
How to Get a Dog Unstoned
It is not recommended to try to unstone your dog yourself, as this can be dangerous and potentially worsen your dog’s condition. If you suspect your dog has ingested a potentially toxic substance, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
If your dog has ingested marijuana, your veterinarian will likely take a number of steps to help get your dog unstoned and manage any adverse effects of the drug. These steps may include:
Decontamination
If your dog has ingested marijuana within the past two hours, your veterinarian may recommend decontamination measures such as inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to help remove the drug from your dog’s system.
Supportive Care
Your veterinarian may provide supportive care to help manage any adverse effects of the drug. This may include IV fluids to help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, medications to control symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and close monitoring to ensure your dog is stable.
Oxygen Therapy
In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend oxygen therapy to help support respiratory function and prevent respiratory distress.
Mechanical Ventilation
In extreme cases, your veterinarian may need to provide mechanical ventilation to help your dog breathe.
Close Monitoring
Your veterinarian will closely monitor your dog’s vital signs and overall condition to ensure that it is stable and to identify any potential complications.
It is important to note that the effects of marijuana on dogs can last for several days, and your dog may need to stay in the hospital for a period of time for close monitoring and treatment. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for your dog and will keep you informed about your dog’s progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dog can feel the effects of marijuana for up to 24 hours.
If your dog is stoned, you may notice signs like dilated pupils, a lack of coordination, and extra salivation and urination.
It’s possible for your dog to experience secondhand smoke.
Conclusion for “How to Get a Dog Unstoned”
It is possible for dogs to become stoned. However, marijuana is not as harmless for them as it is for humans. Therefore, it’s important to know what you can do in case your dog gets stoned. We hope the information in this article proved useful and helps give you peace of mind.
If you find this guide, “How to Get a Dog Unstoned,” helpful, check out:
- How to Get Sticky Seeds Off Dog Fur
- How To Get Your Dog to Respect You
- How to Get Dog Hair Off of Clothes
Learn more by watching “Signs Your Dog Is Stoned – Marijuana Toxicity (Veterinarian Explains)” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.