Content
- the effects of marijuana
- Symptoms of hashish or marijuana poisoning in dogs
- Treatment of hash or marijuana poisoning in dogs
- Bibliography
Hash or marijuana poisoning in dogs is not always lethal. However, ingestion of this plant or its derivatives can cause serious side effects that put the dog's health at risk.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we talk about cannabis poisoning in dogs as well as of the symptoms and treatment to be able to carry out a first aid intervention in the event of an overdose. You must remember that prolonged exposure to marijuana smoke is also harmful to the dog. We will explain everything to you, keep reading!
the effects of marijuana
Marijuana and its derivatives, such as hashish or oils, are powerful psychoactives that are obtained from hemp. Tetrahydrocannabinol acid converts to THC after the drying process, a psychotropic compound that acts directly on the central nervous system and the brain.
It usually causes euphoria, muscle relaxation and increased appetite. Despite this, it can also cause some side effects such as: anxiety, dry mouth, reduced motor skills and weakness.
There are also other effects of marijuana on dogs:
- Chronic inhalation exposure to marijuana can cause bronchiolitis (respiratory infection) and pulmonary emphysema.
- Moderately decreases the dog's pulse rate.
- Too high a dose by mouth can cause the puppy to die from intestinal bleeding.
- An intravenous overdose can cause death from pulmonary edema.
Symptoms of hashish or marijuana poisoning in dogs
Marijuana usually works 30 minutes later of ingestion but, in some cases, it can take effect an hour and a half later and last for more than a day. The effects on the dog's body can be severe, and while marijuana itself doesn't cause death, clinical signs can.
Clinical signs that can be observed in case of intoxication:
- tremors
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty coordinating the movement
- Hypothermia
- excessive salivation
- Abnormal dilation of pupils
- disorientation
- vomiting
- glazed eyes
- Somnolence
O heart rate in cannabis intoxication it may be slower. Therefore, it is important to remember that the dog's normal heart rate is between 80 and 120 beats per minute and that small breeds have this rate a little higher, while large breeds are lower.
In addition to these signs, the dog can become depressed and even alternate states of depression with excitement.
Treatment of hash or marijuana poisoning in dogs
Carefully read our explanation of first aid step by step that you can apply to treat marijuana poisoning in your dog:
- Call your trusted veterinarian, explain the situation and follow their advice.
- Make the dog vomit if it hasn't been 1 or 2 hours since using cannabis.
- Try to relax the dog and watch for any clinical signs during this process.
- Observe the dog's mucous membranes and try to measure his temperature. Make sure he breathes and has a normal heart rate.
- Ask a family member for help to go to the pharmacy to buy activated charcoal, an absorbent and porous product that prevents the absorption of the poison in the stomach.
- Go to the veterinary clinic.
If, from the beginning, you notice that the dog has dropped its temperature drastically or that the effects are causing excessive discomfort, run to the veterinarian. Your dog may need a gastric lavage and even hospitalization for keep vitals stable.
Bibliography
- Roy P., Magnan-Lapointe F., Huy ND., Boutet M. Chronic inhalation of marijuana and tobacco in dogs: pulmonary pathology Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology Jun 1976
- Loewe S. Studies on the pharmacology and acute toxicity of compunds with Marihuana activity Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Oct 1946
- Thompson G., Rosenkrantz H., Schaeppi U., Braude M., Comparison of acute oral toxicity of cannabinoids in rats, dogs and monkeys Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology Volume 25 Issue 3 Jul 1973
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.