CBD oil is not pot. We'll clarify the difference in this article but wanted to start with that as my dogs benefit from CBD oil and our senior dog that recently passed away received this for appetite stimulation.
What's happening is the ingestion of actual pot is increasing now that so many states are making it legal. Pot has been legal in Oregon and Washington for years so it feels very normal to drive by pot shops. They're literally everywhere. With that in mind, they do sell CBD oil products for dogs.
Veterinarians are warning pet owners about the danger of pot for our dogs as many are seeing an increase in cases across the country.
CBS Local News reports that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is warning pet owners of the dangers legal pot poses to their furry friends, especially dogs. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance in marijuana that produces a high for humans, is toxic to dogs, according to the AVMA.
The Chicago Sun-Times interviewed the AVMA's president and there are some scary statistics,
"De Jong said in 2019 the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' poison control center reported a 765% increase in calls about marijuana ingestion by animals over the same period the previous year. Calls to the Pet Poison Helpline soared over 400% in the past six years."
It's not even good to smoke pot near your dogs according to these reports.
How can I tell if my dog is high?
The Preventive Vet tells us that the common symptoms are:
- Dribbling urine
- Walking like they're drunk (or high)
- Beginning to fall over while standing still
- Low heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Wide, dilated pupils
- Easily startled by sudden sounds
The AVMA president said he was not aware of any immediate deaths of animals caused by marijuana ingestion, but the toxicity of THC to dogs can cause serious damage.
"If they got enough of it (THC), it could probably cause enough damage to the liver or kidney system to have long lasting effects that might eventually kill them."
The concern is simply about dogs ingesting marijuana.
What about CBD oil?
CBD oil is OK!
We also learn from the Preventive Vet that CBD products can help dogs with anxiety, and like I mentioned earlier inappetence. Bruiser took a few drops daily of CBD oil which acted as an appetite stimulant for him.
"Researchers believe that the two most active chemicals in marijuana that have medical applications are cannabidiol (CBD), which seems to impart its benefits without causing a "high;" and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which does cause a "high" along with any medical benefits it may produce."
If you suspect your dog has accidentally ingested pot, take him to your vet immediately.
How do you keep your pets safe from pot? Don't leave it where your dog can access it! Please let us know in the comments.
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