The Brownie Blues
What to do if your dog eats an edible.
Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in Montana a few years back, we’ve noticed an upswing in both happier human clients and THC toxicity in canine patients at the veterinary clinic. Dogs have a higher number of cannabinoid receptors than humans, making them increasingly sensitive to the substance’s effects. If your dog accidently eats an edible, it’s important to recognize the signs of THC toxicity and contact your veterinarian right away. The skinny of it is that ingestion of marijuana is rarely life-threatening to dogs, but you should still seek treatment or advice if available.
Additionally, those edibles that your buddy cooked up or you purchased from a local dispensary may include other ingredients that are dangerous to dogs such as chocolate, raisins, or xylitol (an artificial sweetener). While sometimes you know where Fluffy found an edible, sometimes you don’t. If the latter is the case, please just tell your vet. He or she won’t judge. The goal is to get your pet healthy and back to running the trails with you.
THC is stored in fat cells, which can prolong symptoms for several days.
Research on cannabis’s effects on dogs is limited. But what we do know is that one size does not fit all. Varying factors like breed, size, and health can make each dog’s reaction different. Even small amounts can have significant side effects. If your pooch ingests a pot edible, the effects are most commonly noted within 60 minutes. Symptoms may include:
- Listlessness or sedation
- Dazed expression and glassy eyes
- Ataxia (incoordination and stumbling)
- Dribbling urine
- Drooling or vomiting
- Agitation or anxiety
- Tremors and shaking
- Seizures or coma (in severe cases)
Treatment is primarily supportive care, with increased fluid intake and medications to help alleviate symptoms. If symptoms are severe, stomach pumping or administration of activated charcoal may be implemented to limit further toxin absorption. THC is stored in fat cells, which can prolong symptoms for several days. However, with appropriate treatment, most dogs recover completely within a day.
If you are in the backcountry and unable to get Bridger to a veterinarian right away, keep him comfortable in a warm, quiet space. Offer him plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration and help flush out the toxins. Do not force him into activities that could lead to further injury. This means you may have to carry him out if he is unstable on his feet.
Edible ingestion in dogs can be an anxiety-inducing experience. If it happens to your beloved best friend, call your vet to help determine the best steps to take.
Lauryn McDowell, DVM, is a veterinarian at 360 Pet Medical in Bozeman.
