Key Takeaways:
- Some veterinarians may recommend hemp-derived CBD products for certain conditions such as osteoarthritis or anxiety.
- An edible’s therapeutic efficacy depends on its core ingredients.
- Dogs can react more dramatically to THC edibles due to their unique endocannabinoid system.
- Call your vet immediately if your dog ingests an edible.
- Watch out for acute adverse effects as you await professional assistance, but don’t induce vomiting or diarrhea.
- Store edibles in vacuum-sealed containers or high shelves to keep them out of your dog’s reach.
- If you must feed cannabis edibles to your dog, stick to the recommended dosages.
- Insist on CBD-infused edibles for dogs and shun THC-containing treats.
- Stop giving your pooch cannabis edibles as soon as his condition improves.
Sharing cannabis edible gummies with dogs isn’t about indulging their sweet tooth. According to research, marijuana may provide numerous health benefits to canines.
However, dogs don’t process cannabis extracts similarly to humans. Exposure to certain cannabinoids, particularly the mind-altering tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can trigger life-threatening medical emergencies.
Previous surveys have shown that most cannabis toxicity in dogs occurs via the oral route. Therefore, proceed cautiously before sharing weed edible gummies with your pooch.
Besides, any self-respecting pet parent would be concerned upon discovering that their dog has eaten a cannabis edible behind their back.
But what could possibly go wrong? What happens if a dog eats an edible gummy?
Read on to find out why.
Introducing Cannabis Edibles for Dogs
Cannabis enjoys sweeping popularity for its perceived therapeutic benefits.
But unknown to many, marijuana isn’t only beneficial to humans. Extracts from the plant may treat various canine ailments, too.
Therefore, the first way to answer the question ‘what happens if a dog eats an edible gummy’ is to explore the potential health benefits of cannabis for dogs.
Now, we must emphasize that pet-safe marijuana formulations are typically CBD-based.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. Research has found that the compound may relieve various ailments without inducing intoxication.
Cannabidiol-based pet treats are commonly used for pain management. Previous studies have shown that CBD can significantly reduce pain in dogs, making it excellent for chronic ailments like osteoarthritis.
Some studies suggest CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties, though more controlled veterinary research is needed.
Cannabidiol-based edible gummies may treat canine anxiety, too. Whether your pooch is grappling with separation anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), supplementing with CBD treats can trigger incredible mental relaxation.
Due to their soothing properties, CBD gummies may also promote sleep.
Moreover, emerging research suggests that CBD-based pet treats contain anti-seizure properties.
Can Dogs Eat THC Edibles?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most popular psychoactive cannabinoid in weed.
THC’s mind-altering properties make it a top favorite of recreational cannabis users. However, dogs should strictly consume weed for medical purposes.
While THC-high strains like Trainwreck enjoy smashing popularity among human cannabis users, they can cause devastating consequences in dogs if ingested. Do not give your dog THC gummies at all costs.
Perhaps the next question would be - what could possibly go wrong if my dog consumed THC gummies?
To answer that question, we must first understand how cannabis impacts your canine’s body.
All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-regulatory system that plays various critical functions. It’s most notably involved in pain signaling, mood regulation, appetite control, and sleep.
The endocannabinoid system comprises a network of endocannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids, and enzymes.
Cannabidiol typically interacts with CB2 receptors, which are mostly expressed in peripheral organs and tissues. In contrast, tetrahydrocannabinol has a higher affinity for CB1 receptors expressed closer to the brain and central nervous system (CNS).
That distinction explains why THC is psychoactive, whereas CBD is not.
But why can’t dogs consume THC edibles if humans can? Well, it has everything to do with variances in the concentration of CB1 receptors.
Studies have shown that dogs have a higher density of CB1 receptors in their brain than humans. That makes them more sensitive to psychedelic substances like THC.
A seemingly negligible amount of THC-containing edibles might easily trigger toxicosis in dogs.
Can I Give My Dog An Edible?
As noted, you can safely share CBD edibles with your canine friend. However, don’t give your dog THC-containing gummies.
Common side effects of ingesting THC in dogs may include:
- Incoordination
- Severe lethargy
- Heightened irritability
- Extreme sedation
- Dilated pupils
- Reduced heart rate
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Urinary incontinence
- Tremors or seizures
Note that even CBD-based edibles can harm your pooch if they contain human foods known to be toxic to dogs. Some notorious ingredients include chocolate, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raisins.
What to Do If Your Dog Ingests a THC Edible?
1. Notify Your Veterinarian Immediately
Every loving pet parent must always have their vet’s contact information on speed dial. After all, you never can tell when medical emergencies will strike.
Many pet-related medical emergencies arise from ingesting foreign substances. So, contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pooch has sneaked behind your back and helped himself to cannabis edibles.
Even better if there’s an animal clinic down the block, you can then whisk the dog for emergency treatments right away, preventing life-threatening symptoms.
Besides, experts recommend contacting the vet even if symptoms are visibly mild. What seems like mild pacing could be indicative of severe irritability.
Most importantly, furnish the vet with every piece of relevant information about the incident. Those include:
- Type of edible ingested - gummy, chocolate, baked goods, etc.
- Nature of edible ingested - whether designed for humans or pets
- Active ingredients in the edible - CBD, THC, sweeteners, etc.
NB: Bring the sachet or jar to the vet. If you’re consulting via call, share a photo highlighting the full ingredients list.
- Amount consumed
- Time lapse since exposure
- Dog size and breed
- Any medical conditions the dog currently has
- Any medications the dog is currently on
The vet will advise on the best approach based on the information provided.
For instance, you might not expect severe adverse reactions if your dog ate 5mg edible. Much less if it were a cannabis pet treat.
In contrast, ingesting a 10mg edible gummy formulated for human use will most certainly trigger life-threatening symptoms.
Treatments generally target the primary symptoms.
The vet may recommend activated charcoal to prevent further toxin absorption and flush these substances from your dog’s system. In the case of acute vomiting or diarrhea, IV fluids can help prevent dehydration.
2. Sample the Ingredients for Potentially Harmful Compounds
Edibles formulated for dogs typically contain pet-safe ingredients. A bigger concern would be the amount of gummy ingested, relative to your dog’s current cannabis tolerance levels.
However, the scenario can be grimmer if your pooch ingests cannabis edibles meant for human consumption.
As noted, dogs shouldn’t consume human foods like chocolate and raisins. Not to mention tetrahydrocannabinol.
3. Monitor the Symptoms
Not all cannabis-related pet emergencies will warrant a trip to the animal clinic.
If your dog ingested a negligible amount of weed gummies, your veterinarian may advise monitoring the symptoms at home.
Some fatigue and drowsiness are perfectly normal. However, such episodes should be mild and short-lived.
Your vet may also recommend certain measures to manage the intoxication. If you notice worrying symptoms, such as dilated pupils, incoordination, and urinary incontinence, that’s your cue to visit the animal clinic.
4. Don’t Induce Vomiting
Vomiting can accelerate the flushing of toxins from your dog’s tummy. However, it may also lead to severe dehydration.
Do not induce vomiting if your dog ate a 5mg edible, unless with a vet’s express guidance.
Vomiting can lead to inappetence. It causes your dog to lose much fluid, but without the motivation to eat or drink.
Besides, inducing vomiting may cause aspiration. The effects can be catastrophic.
5. Transfer Your Dog to a Safe Environment
As cannabis intoxication kicks in, your dog can become highly irritable. The least he wants is to be pestered by humans or other pets.
As part of monitoring the symptoms at home, transfer your pooch to a calm and safe environment. His bedroom would be an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
Turn down the lights and remove loud music, as these can exacerbate the dog’s anxiety. Avoid constant visits too, except by a dedicated carer.
Best Practices for Sharing Cannabis Edibles with Your Pooch
1. Establish That He Needs It
We’ve already highlighted the potential health benefits of cannabis for dogs.
But while marijuana may treat several canine ailments, it’s not a magic pill for every disease.
Establish that your dog is truly grappling with a medical condition that cannabis may treat.
2. Consult a Veterinarian
It can be challenging to determine marijuana’s suitability for your dog by yourself. Therefore, a better approach would be to consult a licensed veterinarian.
The vet will share invaluable insights on the proper cannabis dosage for your pooch. Serving portions vary, depending on the dog’s size, age, and health condition.
Besides, a vet will highlight potential cannabis interactions with other canine medications.
3. Insist On Premium-quality Products
You can assess the quality of cannabis edibles for dogs in three ways.
First, ensure it’s purely intended for canines. Don’t feed your pooch human edibles.
Also, shun weed gummies containing significant THC percentages. Insist on CBD-based treats instead.
And finally, select third-party tested edible gummies. Read the lab test reports to validate the products’ chemical composition, shunning edibles laced with THC and known toxins like heavy metals.
4. Go Slow
This is arguably the most important tip while sharing cannabis edibles with your pooch.
Studies have shown that dogs tolerate cannabidiol remarkably well. Aim for the standard dosage of 2 - 4 mg, twice daily. If your dog is new to cannabis, start with smaller serving amounts (1 mg) to avoid unpleasant reactions.
Perhaps you’re wondering, " My dog ate 10mg edible, will he be okay?
A 10mg edible may constitute an overdose for your pooch, unless he has a high cannabis tolerance. Stick to a max dose of 5 mg.
If you suspect that your dog ate a 10-mg edible, notify the vet immediately and monitor him closely for any worrying symptoms.
5. Consider Alternative Formulations
Cannabis isn’t an ideal canine herb. So, it’s unsurprising that some dogs may develop sensitivity even to safer CBD-based treats.
If your furry friend throws up whenever you serve him pet-safe edible gummies, it may be better to consider topical formulations.
CBD topicals work externally. When applied to your dog’s coat, these ointments may soothe muscle pain and joint inflammation without inducing systemic adverse effects.
6. Know When to Quit
Unlike humans, dogs shouldn’t take cannabis indefinitely.
The conventional wisdom is to serve your pooch premium-quality CBD treats for up to six months or until his condition improves.
Always follow professionally approved dosage guidelines. And if the dog’s condition persists or worsens, whisk him away for further check-ups.
Best Cannabis Storage Guidelines
Cannabis edibles have a distinct aroma and flavor. Which begs the question - can dogs smell edibles gummies?
Dogs have a keen sense of smell and will readily sniff out weed gummies.
Store all cannabis edibles in airtight, smell-proof jars. Stick to the original resealable packaging, as these containers can be difficult for dogs to break.
Other important storage tips include:
- Lock the edibles in a drawer or cabinet
- Place the jars in elevated kitchen shelves or closets
- Dispose of used edibles in tightly sealed trash cans
- Educate your household and guests on the effects of cannabis edibles on dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dogs eat edibles?
Dogs can safely consume THC-free cannabis edible treats.
2. What happens if my dog eats THC edibles?
Tetrahydrocannabinol can cause intoxication in dogs, with symptoms ranging from severe lethargy to hypersalivation, incoordination, and dilated pupils
3. Can edibles kill a dog?
While your dog won’t possibly drop dead after ingesting a cannabis edible, the ensuing symptoms may take a devastating toll on his health.
4. What should I do if my dog eats an edible?
Your best bet is to contact a veterinarian immediately, even as you monitor the animal’s symptoms.
5. How can I minimize life-threatening exposure to cannabis edibles?
Store all edibles in vacuum-sealed jars and keep the containers out of your dog’s reach.
Wrap Up
Cannabis edibles are not only delicious. They can also provide numerous health benefits to your pooch, including alleviating chronic pain and anxiety.
However, these strictly apply to CBD-based treats.
Several things could go wrong if your dog ingests THC-containing edibles. From choking hazards to gastrointestinal complications and intoxication, these symptoms can become life-threatening without urgent intervention.
Contacting a veterinarian immediately is the best approach if you discover that your dog ate THC gummy. Report the edible’s key ingredients, the amount the dog has consumed, and the duration from the time of exposure. These details will inform the best course of action, minimizing devastating consequences.
