Pets benefit from CBD as well because they have an endocannabinoid system too!
Our Best Friends have the same endocannabinoid system as we do. So they reap the same benefits from the CBD ingestion. CBD derived from industrial hemp when given to pets is very beneficial for inflammation, joint pain, pain, seizures and anxiety. Industrial hemp is a subspecies of cannabis that contains high level of cannabidiols and very little to none of the THC component. CBD is harvested from the stalk and seed. All the healing of cannabis with no psycho-activity.
When Marijuana and Dogs Don’t Mix
Researchers found that dogs have a high concentration of CB1 endocannabinoid receptors in their hindbrain and medulla as well as other areas of the brain. This suggests that, in terms of compounds that include THC, dogs require less to get the desired effect. (One of the diagnostic signs of THC overdose is something called “static ataxia,” first described in the 19th century and unique to dogs. Dogs in this condition rock rigidly back and forth and drool, their muscles tense up, and their pupils dilate.)
As is often the case, if people consume something, dogs are likely to do so as well, either deliberately or on the sly. In states where marijuana is legal, an uptick has been reported in the number of vet visits for dogs who’ve ingested pot (as an FYI, they also show up in states where it’s illegal). Two dogs, a Schipperke and a Cocker Spaniel, died after filching and eating baked goods made with unusually large amounts of THC butter (as well as rich in chocolate and raisins, two known canine toxins).
An ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center study lists the top five symptoms of marijuana toxicity as ataxia—loss of control of body movements—depression, vomiting, urinary incontinence and bradycardia, or abnormally slow heart rate.
The most common clinical effects of marijuana ingestion in pets are depression and listlessness, ataxia (loss of motor coordination, including loss of balance), vomiting and hypothermia (low body temperature). The animal’s eyes are often dilated and he may lose his appetite and not drink enough water. Other signs can include bradycardia (slow heartbeat) or tachycardia (fast heartbeat), agitation, vocalization, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation (drooling), urinary incontinence, seizures, and in severe cases, coma or death. The neurotoxic effects of cannabis ingestion in animals usually occur within a half hour to two hours of eating it and usually last for about 12 hours. However, they can last for days because the cannabinoids are
stored in fat.
The main treatment for marijuana toxicity is to give the animal activated charcoal orally. (Activated charcoal can be purchased at a drug store or feed store and is a good product to keep on hand.) The activated charcoal traps toxins as it goes through the digestive system. Other treatments include keeping the pet warm, minimizing sensory stimuli and, if she has vomited or had diarrhea, giving fluids. If you discover the marijuana ingestion right away, take your pet to a veterinarian, who can induce vomiting to prevent poisoning. After about a half hour or so, however, the anti-nausea effects of the cannabis make it more difficult to induce vomiting, and if the animal is lethargic, vomiting may lead to aspiration with further complications.
If you have given activated charcoal and your pet shows severe symptoms or isn’t getting better, get her to a veterinarian. Veterinarians can give supportive treatment such as IV fluids and other medications if the animal goes into a coma. Animals with marijuana poisoning rarely die, although it can happen.
Just as you would keep marijuana, hashish or medibles away from small children (who also can get poisoned, even to the point of coma), keep it away from your pets. Compost waste materials in a closed container where dogs can’t get to them. Don’t blow smoke in their face. Pot isn’t for pets!
When Marijuana and Dogs Don’t Mix
Researchers found that dogs have a high concentration of CB1 endocannabinoid receptors in their hindbrain and medulla as well as other areas of the brain. This suggests that, in terms of compounds that include THC, dogs require less to get the desired effect. (One of the diagnostic signs of THC overdose is something called “static ataxia,” first described in the 19th century and unique to dogs. Dogs in this condition rock rigidly back and forth and drool, their muscles tense up, and their pupils dilate.)
As is often the case, if people consume something, dogs are likely to do so as well, either deliberately or on the sly. In states where marijuana is legal, an uptick has been reported in the number of vet visits for dogs who’ve ingested pot (as an FYI, they also show up in states where it’s illegal). Two dogs, a Schipperke and a Cocker Spaniel, died after filching and eating baked goods made with unusually large amounts of THC butter (as well as rich in chocolate and raisins, two known canine toxins).
An ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center study lists the top five symptoms of marijuana toxicity as ataxia—loss of control of body movements—depression, vomiting, urinary incontinence and bradycardia, or abnormally slow heart rate.
The most common clinical effects of marijuana ingestion in pets are depression and listlessness, ataxia (loss of motor coordination, including loss of balance), vomiting and hypothermia (low body temperature). The animal’s eyes are often dilated and he may lose his appetite and not drink enough water. Other signs can include bradycardia (slow heartbeat) or tachycardia (fast heartbeat), agitation, vocalization, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation (drooling), urinary incontinence, seizures, and in severe cases, coma or death. The neurotoxic effects of cannabis ingestion in animals usually occur within a half hour to two hours of eating it and usually last for about 12 hours. However, they can last for days because the cannabinoids are
stored in fat.
The main treatment for marijuana toxicity is to give the animal activated charcoal orally. (Activated charcoal can be purchased at a drug store or feed store and is a good product to keep on hand.) The activated charcoal traps toxins as it goes through the digestive system. Other treatments include keeping the pet warm, minimizing sensory stimuli and, if she has vomited or had diarrhea, giving fluids. If you discover the marijuana ingestion right away, take your pet to a veterinarian, who can induce vomiting to prevent poisoning. After about a half hour or so, however, the anti-nausea effects of the cannabis make it more difficult to induce vomiting, and if the animal is lethargic, vomiting may lead to aspiration with further complications.
If you have given activated charcoal and your pet shows severe symptoms or isn’t getting better, get her to a veterinarian. Veterinarians can give supportive treatment such as IV fluids and other medications if the animal goes into a coma. Animals with marijuana poisoning rarely die, although it can happen.
Just as you would keep marijuana, hashish or medibles away from small children (who also can get poisoned, even to the point of coma), keep it away from your pets. Compost waste materials in a closed container where dogs can’t get to them. Don’t blow smoke in their face. Pot isn’t for pets!