Important Questions About Dogs and Cannabis
How Might A Dog Accidentally Ingest Cannabis Edibles?
1. Unattended Edibles Left on Counters or Tables
- Scenario: A dog might jump onto a counter or table and eat an unattended cannabis-infused treat, such as brownies, gummies, or cookies.
- Prevention Tip: Always store edibles out of reach, preferably in high cabinets or locked containers.
2. Cannabis Products in the Trash
- Scenario: Dogs are naturally curious and may rummage through the trash, finding discarded cannabis edibles or wrappers with traces of THC.
- Prevention Tip: Secure your trash can with a lid that locks or keep it in a location where your dog cannot access it.
3. Dropped Edibles
- Scenario: Edibles can accidentally fall on the floor while being handled, and a dog might quickly consume them before the owner has a chance to pick them up.
- Prevention Tip: Be vigilant when handling cannabis products, and ensure they are kept away from your pet.
4. Edibles in Backpacks, Purses, or Bags
- Scenario: A dog might sniff out edibles stored in a backpack, purse, or shopping bag left on the floor or within reach, leading to ingestion.
- Prevention Tip: Store bags containing edibles in elevated, secure locations, and never leave them where your dog can access them.
5. Guests or Visitors
- Scenario: A guest may bring cannabis edibles into your home and unknowingly leave them in a place accessible to your dog.
- Prevention Tip: Inform guests about your pet and ask them to keep any edibles securely stored during their visit.
6. Outdoor Scavenging
- Scenario: While on a walk or in an outdoor area, a dog might find and eat discarded cannabis edibles or joints left by someone else.
- Prevention Tip: Keep a close eye on your dog during walks, especially in public places, and discourage them from scavenging.
7. Children Sharing Treats
- Scenario: A child might unknowingly share a cannabis-infused treat with the family dog, thinking it’s just a regular snack.
- Prevention Tip: Educate children about the dangers of sharing food with pets, especially if cannabis products are present.
8. Edibles Mistaken for Regular Treats
- Scenario: Cannabis edibles often resemble regular treats, like cookies or chocolates. A dog might mistake these for their usual snacks.
- Prevention Tip: Keep all cannabis edibles clearly labeled and stored separately from regular dog treats.
9. Edibles in Open Containers
- Scenario: An edible left in an open container or package might tempt a curious dog to investigate and consume it.
- Prevention Tip: Always seal containers with edibles and store them in a location your dog cannot access.
10. Overnight Access
- Scenario: A dog might explore the home while the owner is sleeping and find edibles left out or within reach.
- Prevention Tip: Before going to bed, ensure all cannabis products are safely stored away.
ARE SOME DOGS MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CANNABIS TOXICITY?
Cannabis toxicity can affect all breeds of dogs, but certain factors may make some more susceptible than others. In a case study by the Pet Poison Helpline, a Chihuahua showed severe symptoms after ingesting a small amount of cannabis, highlighting the potential breed specific vulnerabilities.
ARE THERE BENEFITS TO GETTING MY DOG HIGH?
No, there are no benefits to getting a dog high. In fact, giving cannabis to dogs can be harmful and even dangerous. Dogs’ bodies process cannabis differently from humans, and the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can cause toxic reactions in pets. Some potential negative effects include:
- Coordination Problems: Dogs may experience loss of balance, confusion, and disorientation.
- Increased Heart Rate: THC can cause an elevated heart rate, leading to cardiovascular stress in some dogs.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea: Ingesting cannabis, especially in edible forms, may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
- Anxiety and Agitation: Instead of calming effects, some dogs become anxious or agitated.
- Severe Poisoning: In extreme cases, cannabis ingestion can lead to seizures, tremors, and even coma.
While CBD (cannabidiol) products are sometimes used for therapeutic purposes in pets (like managing pain, anxiety, or seizures), these must be specifically formulated for animals and given under the supervision of a veterinarian. CBD lacks the psychoactive properties of THC and can be safer when used properly. However, recreational cannabis with THC is never appropriate for dogs.
Who We Are
At MyDogAteEdibles.com, we are passionate dog lovers who are deeply concerned about the growing issue of dogs accidentally ingesting cannabis edibles. As the prevalence of cannabis products increases, so too does the risk of our beloved pets being exposed to something that can be harmful to them. Seeing this rise in incidents inspired us to take action, and that’s why we launched this website—to raise awareness and provide dog owners with the crucial information they need in these situations.
Our mission is to educate and inform the community about the dangers of cannabis toxicity in dogs. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to recognize the signs of cannabis ingestion, understand its effects, and take the necessary steps to protect your pet. Through our resources, you’ll find clear, specific guidance on what to do if your dog accidentally consumes cannabis, as well as comprehensive information on how this substance can affect their health. Our hope is that, with greater awareness and preparedness, we can reduce these unfortunate accidents and keep our furry friends safe and happy. If you have questions, please email to [email protected]