If you are a dog owner and smoke weed, there is a likely chance that your pet has eaten weed at some point, or will do so at some point, if you are not careful.
Dogs seem to love the taste of marijuana and will eat it whenever they get the chance. But what happens when they do? How long will it last in their system?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the effects of marijuana on dogs and how long it will stay in their system. We’ll also provide tips for ensuring your pet stays safe and healthy. Stay tuned!
How Long Will the Weed Effect Last?
The amount of time that it takes for the weed’s effects on your dog to wear off will depend on how much they ate and the potency of the strain. It shouldn’t take more than 3-5 hours for them to stop experiencing the effects.
You’ll want to make a point of staying with them for this period of time so they remain calm. Keep an eye on them for the next few hours and if they seem uncomfortable or are having trouble walking, then you should contact your veterinarian.
Is Weed Dangerous for Dogs?
While consuming marijuana directly may not be a big issue for most humans, it can have a seriously negative effect on your dog in larger amounts. It may not be fatal, but it can cause intestinal blockage and other issues.
The active psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This chemical compound is ultimately what produces a “high” feeling in those who consume weed in one form or another.
Effects of Weed on Dogs
The effects that your dog experiences from eating weed will depend on a number of factors, including the amount they consumed. There is also the potency and strain of marijuana. The fact is that some types of weed are stronger than others.
Some of the effects of weed on dogs can include:
- Disorientation
- Lethargy
- Slowed heart rate
- Muscle tremors
- Drowsiness
- Overreaction to stimuli
- Dilated pupils
Most of these effects are fairly harmless, but it is still important that you keep a close eye on your dog after it has consumed any amount of weed.
If you notice any severe muscle tremors, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, you should take your dog to the vet right away. These are signs of a severe negative reaction that needs to be addressed immediately.
While the chances of your dog having an allergic reaction to weed are pretty low, it’s still important that you monitor their condition for the next few hours.
Taking Your Dog to the Vet
It is a good idea to take your dog to the vet if you find out that it has consumed any amount of marijuana, just to be safe. You’ll want to know what to expect when doing this.
The veterinarian will check your dog’s vitals, including their heart rate, blood pressure, and pupil response. This will give them a better idea as to the overall condition that your dog is in.
They also might want to do an X-RAY or endoscopy to locate the weed in their body. This may be necessary if they ate a large amount at one time. If there is an intestinal blockage in your dog, you will want to know about it.
It is also likely that the vet will hook your dog up to an IV so it gets all the fluids it needs. They may recommend keeping them overnight for observation as well. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine how much THC a dog in its system. This is precisely why it is usually better to just play it safe.
Will I Get in Legal Trouble If I Take My Dog to the Vet?
You won’t have to worry about being arrested if you bring your dog into the veterinarian because it ate some of your weed. There is a chance that someone at the vet’s office will call the police, but there isn’t much they can really do. This means that you can bring your dog in without having to worry about any legal consequences.
Taking Care of Your Dog
As we mentioned earlier in this article, it is important that you keep a close eye on your dog. There are a few tips that you’ll want to follow when it comes to caring for them after they have ingested your weed.
1. Stay With It
It is a good idea to stay with your dog if it has eaten any amount of weed for at least a few hours. This is especially important if you have other pets in the house that might bother them while they are stoned. Your mere presence will provide your canine companion with comfort while it experiences any number of psychoactive symptoms.
2. Keep It Quiet
If your dog ate some weed, there is a good chance that it will be hypersensitive to all different types of stimuli, including touch, smells and sounds. You should make a conscious effort to keep things as quiet and calm as possible for your dog. This will go a long way towards keeping your dog at ease until the effects have passed.
3. Give It Some Food
There is a chance that giving your dog a little food could help minimize any effects it might be experiencing from the weed. They will probably have the munchies anyway, so you need to keep this in mind.
Conclusion
- While weed is not typically fatal to dogs, it can make them sick and even cause an intestinal blockage.
- If you notice any severe symptoms like muscle tremors or persistent vomiting, you’ll want to get your dog to the vet right away.
- A lot of experts will recommend taking your dog to the vet no matter how much they have consumed or how healthy they seem.
- The veterinarian will likely want to do an endoscopy or X-RAY on your dog to locate the weed in its body. They’ll probably administer fluids with an IV as well.
- You might need to keep your dog at the vet overnight for observation.
- Make sure that you stay with your dog until the effects of the weed have worn off, which should be no more than five hours.
- Keep your home quiet and peaceful so that your dog is as comfortable as possible.
Sources:
- What to do if dog eating weed – Huff Post
- My dog ate marijuana – DogTime
- Marijuana for Pets? – PMC
