Questions about your dog and marijuana

Marijuana will soon be legalized in Canada. This will be the happiness of some and the misfortune of others, but certainly, it will undoubtedly increase the number of dogs who will end up at their veterinarian emergency because of intoxication. You doubt it? Well read the following because I answer your questions.

Is it true that your dog knows what is good for him and will never eat marijuana?

Absolutely not ! Dogs have already proven to us for a long time that they are quite capable of eating objects, foreign objects and all sorts of other dangerous products. In addition, we must not forget that there are several edible (and tempting!) Items made from marijuana: brownies, cookies, muffins, sweets, etc. According to a survey conducted by the AMVQ (Association of Veterinary Surgeons of Quebec in practice of small animals) with the veterinary doctors of Quebec, marijuana would be already in 3rd place of the poisoning common at the dogs with us.

Can marijuana cause problems for your dog?

Yes. They are very sensitive to THC. Of course, the majority of the time, the situation will not be fatal, but it is not always the case. In this sense, it is important to remember that dogs usually swallow large quantities at a time, and that many products contain much higher concentrations of marijuana (or THC) and that this could be dangerous.

What are the adverse effects of marijuana ingestion in dogs?

Most of the time, the animal shows disorientation, sedation and abnormal gait. It can also become hyper reactive, suffer from hypothermia, have dilated pupils and a decreased heart rate. In addition, urinary incontinence, vomiting, agitation, vocalization, excessive salivation and, more rarely, convulsions or coma may occur.

What should I do if my dog ​​accidentally eats marijuana?

The thing to do is to contact your veterinarian immediately for help and advice. Do not try to make your pet vomit or treat it by yourself before checking if this is the right thing to do for your pet. Medical maneuvers will vary depending on the health of your pet and especially its condition as well as the amount of marijuana ingested and time.

How long can these adverse effects last?

The effects are of variable duration, but generally between 18 and 24 hours. It is not uncommon to see dogs still well intoxicated 24 hours after ingestion. The effects can sometimes last up to 72 hours, according to data from the Animal Poison Control Center.

How can you protect your dog and prevent such situations?

Whether one or more members of your family consume marijuana for recreational or medical purposes, it is essential to consider marijuana and all of its derivatives as if it were a medicine. It is therefore important to store it well, to keep it out of the reach of children and animals.

We are selling more and more products containing marijuana for animals. Is this a good thing?

These products contain mostly CBD (cannabidiol) and little or no THC. CBD is used at the human "medical" level and is known for its beneficial effects, but for dogs, it is not yet so clear when looking at the studies to date.