What to Do if Your Dog Gets into an Edible
It can be scary when your dog eats something they shouldn’t, especially when that something has marijuana in it! But, if you know what to do if this ever occurs, it can help keep your pet happy and healthy.
If your dog consumes an edible, here is what you need to know and what steps to take.
Are Edibles Toxic?
Yes. While many people are not aware of this fact, marijuana can pose quite a danger to your furry friend. The chemical found in marijuana that causes that “high” feeling, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can be very toxic to dogs. Dogs have ten times as many cannabinoid receptors as humans, making marijuana far more toxic to them and making them more sensitive to its effects.
Beyond the THC that your dog may have consumed, all the other ingredients that may be found in whatever treat the marijuana was mixed into may also cause problems for your dog.
By ingesting marijuana, baked goods laced with the substance, marijuana smoke, or the plant itself, dogs can be in trouble. Symptoms can begin to show 30 minutes to 3 hours after consumption and last for several days based on how much was consumed.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats an Edible
Report the Incident
The danger posed to your dog if they eat an edible varies greatly depending on the amount they consume. This is why as soon as you find out your dog has consumed marijuana, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center and provide the details of what happened. This will include the type of edible, the quantity consumes, and any symptoms your dog may be displaying.
The phone number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is (888) – 426 – 4435.
Save a Sample
If there is any left, save a sample of the edible so it can be evaluated by a vet. If the edible came in any kind of packaging, keep that and inspect it for an ingredients list. Let your vet know the ingredients of the edible and the THC content.
Track Symptoms
Not all dogs will have the same reaction to cannabis, so keep track of your dog’s behavior and any symptoms they may be exhibiting. Dogs with marijuana toxicity frequently exhibit the following symptoms:
- drowsiness
- staggering
- urine incontinence
- drooling
- a slow heartbeat
- dilated pupils
- excessive reactivity to noise
Reassure
Keep your pet calm and quiet while they digest the edible. Find an area where your dog can get comfortable to rest and reassure them as naturally as possible so they don’t feel uncomfortable by a change of routine.
Keep Them Hydrated
Make sure your dog stays hydrated in order to work best at flushing out the toxins in their body. It will also help prevent dehydration and the added effects that it can cause.
Remember that it is best to prevent this situation from arising in the first place by keeping all marijuana products out of reach from your pet so they can’t access it.