The psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes people to get high, THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), is toxic to pets. THC can relieve your dog of many forms of pain, but it can be very dangerous to administer it. While you can talk to your veterinarian about giving your dog THC, you need to keep a close eye on how much you give your furry friend. If you're looking for a less hectic option to give your dog, you might consider CBD oil.
It works similar to THC, but doesn't have as many serious side effects. Marijuana contains cannabidiol (CBD) and other chemical compounds, but it is known for its high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance that causes a psychoactive or “high” effect in humans and dogs. Richter explains that small amounts of THC may be useful for some dogs, warns against giving it to your dog because it is difficult to dose and too much can be toxic. Is marijuana safe for dogs, even in small quantities? In general, the consensus among the veterinary community is that no.
Research on marijuana and dogs has clearly shown that it is toxic to dogs. Cannabis (marijuana) refers to the dry parts of the cannabis plant. Cannabis has been used since 500 BC, as herbal medicine and for products such as ropes, textiles and paper. Today, cannabis is mainly used for medicinal or recreational purposes.
Cannabis can be smoked like a cigarette, inhaled with vaporizers, or ingested through food and drink. Cannabis contains more than 100 different chemicals (or compounds) called cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid with the most psychoactive effects. It is also the compound responsible for some of the medicinal uses of cannabis, such as treating nausea and improving appetite in cancer patients.
Other compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have shown promise for medicinal use and have no psychoactive effects. Cats and dogs can be poisoned by cannabis in several ways, most commonly by eating edibles (e.g. e.g. Pets may also be exposed to secondhand smoke.
Most exposures are accidental when curious pets discover access to the drug or when they are present in the same room with a person who smokes cannabis. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which means that the effects of cannabis are more dramatic and potentially more toxic compared to humans. A small amount of cannabis is enough to cause toxicity in dogs and cats. Regardless of the method of exposure, accurate and complete information is essential to successfully treat the patient.
For example, ingesting a “marijuana brownie” needs a different treatment than inhalation because eating it requires treatment for cannabis and chocolate toxicity, while inhalation may require additional treatment for respiratory irritation. Like most drugs, the effects of cannabis are based on chemistry. The drug enters the body by inhalation or ingestion and interacts with and alters chemical messengers in the brain, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Everything that enters the body has to leave the body.
THC is highly soluble in lipids, which means it is easily stored in adipose tissue in the liver, brain and kidneys before being eliminated from the body. THC is metabolized in the liver and most (65-90%) is excreted in the faeces, while a small percentage (10-35%) is eliminated by the kidneys. The drug must be metabolized and excreted for the effects to disappear. Cannabis is considered to have a high margin of safety for people; however, not all people, and certainly not all pets, follow a unique pattern of poisoning.
A small amount can affect one pet more than another, so there is no safe official level of exposure. Differences in age, health status and body size are some of the factors that can lead to differences in toxicity. Physical signs include slow or fast heart rate, altered blood pressure, and slow respiratory rate (respiratory rate). Lethargy and increases or decreases in body temperature may also be observed.
Fortunately, these side effects are usually short-lived, but they can still be dangerous and make your pet miserable. Diagnosis is based on accurate medical history and clinical signs. Although there are tests to determine the level of THC in the urine, the results take time, making them impractical. Drug testing in human urine is faster, but not reliable on pets.
Diagnosis is made much faster and treatment is initiated when responsible pet owners provide accurate information about the pet's exposure. When a toxin enters the body, the first line of defense is often to eliminate it. If toxicity is discovered soon after ingestion, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to prevent further absorption of the toxin. Two factors can interfere with this early defensive strategy.
First, signs of toxicity can manifest only after the drug has been absorbed, which means that it is already in the system. Secondly, cannabis has an antiemetic effect that inhibits vomiting. In life-threatening cases, the stomach may be pumped (gastric lavage). Activated charcoal can be given every six to eight hours to neutralize the toxin.
Enemas are also used to reduce the absorption of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. The second line of defense in cannabis toxicity involves providing supportive care until the drug's effects wear off. If necessary, medications and supportive care are used to regulate your pet's heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. Because your pet may be lethargic and not feel like eating or drinking, intravenous fluids can help prevent dehydration, support blood pressure, and maintain organ function.
Gastrointestinal treatments may be needed for nausea or vomiting. To avoid self-trauma while your pet is disoriented and uncoordinated, it is helpful to confine your pet to a safe and comfortable space. Noise must be kept to a minimum to reduce sensory stimulation. If cannabis is ingested with toxic or problematic substances, such as xylitol, chocolate, raisins, or foods that contain a lot of fat, supportive care or additional treatment may be required to treat conditions associated with ingesting those substances.
If you notice suspicious behavior in your cat or dog and there is a possibility that you may be exposed to cannabis, take your pet to the nearest vet or emergency veterinary hospital for treatment. Cannabis, or marijuana, is not safe for dogs. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of a group of compounds called cannabinoids and the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is toxic to dogs. May cause side effects and, in very, very rare cases, even death.
Dogs are much more sensitive to the effects of THC than people (yes, even more sensitive than that friend who can't talk after a few puffs), it takes a lot less cannabis for your dog to start showing signs of toxicity. Since dogs are affected by THC much more than we do, it can be harmful. Can dogs have THC then? Yes, but it is definitely not recommended, and you should first consult with a veterinarian. Even a small dose above the usual amount of thc oil can be too much for your dog, especially if it is of a smaller breed.
Since THC and CBD oils aren't legal everywhere, some veterinarians remain cautious and avoid mentioning them. While CBD oil doesn't have as many serious side effects as THC, there are a few things you should keep in mind. While THC and CBD oil for dogs are still quite new topics in veterinary medicine, it's never wrong to inform yourself. While this oil also comes from cannabis plants, it doesn't have as many serious side effects as THC and won't give your dog a “high” in any way.
Using THC or CBD oil for pain depends on what your veterinarian recommends and the type of pain and problems your dog is having. . .
