It was supposed to be a chill weekend. A couple of beers, netflix, pizza and an ounce of weed to smoke. However, you just found that your little bundle of joy has gone ahead and eaten some of your weed.

Your pet may be acting a bit wobbly, blinking with confusion as their body absorbs the THC. They also may be drooling or look disoriented.     

If your dog has managed to get into your stash, it will take over thirty minutes to an hour for the weed to take effect. Your dog may look similar to humans after consuming weed but the effect is different and can be far more negative.

Since the legalization of weed, this experience has become more common increasingly as weed is also now available in several different forms. Like gummies, plants and even oils; this gives your pet plenty of opportunities to ingest cannabis.

What should you do??

We did the research for you. So don’t panic yet. We’ve compiled the symptoms and the solutions for you.

What happens if a dog/cat eats weed

The effects of an edible may last around 18 to a maximum of 24 hours in dogs. However, they last up to 12 hours in humans. As dogs have the ability to recycle a certain class of compounds known as cannabinoids. 

This also includes the THC in weed. These cannabinoids are absorbed through the gut and are later stored in the bile; which is important for the digestion of fats.

When your dog eats their next meal, this bile is secreted back into the intestines which re-exposes them to cannabinoids. Usually, dogs sleep off the weed. A lot of people wonder if a dog can die from eating weed.

That happens In rare and unfortunate cases, dogs may only die from eating weed laden products or even just weed. This usually happens in small dogs that have consumed extremely high doses that cause respiratory depression.

SYMPTOMS YOUR PET HAS INGESTED WEED   

Your pet may only show slight symptoms like a little lethargy or heavy eyelids. But that doesn’t mean you can rest easy. Even though weed is only lethal for pets when taken in large amounts (3gms of THC for 2 lbs of your pet’s weight), smaller amounts can still cause serious issues like seizures or even coma.

Some common symptoms of marijuana poisoning that you should look for:

1. Disorientation 
2. Losing control of bowels.
3. Increased heart rate
4. Lethargy
5. Dilated pupils
6. Change in body temperature
7. Puking 
8. Drooling
9. Slow, laboured breathing

HOME REMEDIES IF YOUR DOG HAS EATEN WEED 

The steps you need to take depends on several factors. It depends on what form the weed was in. For example, chocolate edibles may induce more aggressive symptoms and hence more aggressive treatment.

• If any of these symptoms persist for a long time (say a couple of hours), don’t take any chances and consult your vet right away. Your vet may help you over the phone and you may even have to take them to the clinic right away if its a serious condition.
• If your pet ate the weed/ weed product within the last 15 minutes, you can try and induce vomiting. This is easy to do but you need to have hydrogen peroxide at home. One teaspoon per 10 lbs of your pet’s body weight generally makes them puke within 15 minutes. 
• If the symptoms seem less serious monitor them constantly to check if the symptoms become more serious. In the meanwhile, give them some water and make sure they rest properly.

Dogs are more likely than any other pet to eat your weed. Cats, on the other hand, are generally very picky and are less likely to consume them.

You may be surprised to learn that this is actually a very commonly asked question. According to a veterinary study, these incidents have become fairly common ever since the weed was legalized.

However, even though marijuana toxicity in pets is common, it is also an extremely serious condition which requires swift recognition and treatment.

When should you take them to a vet for ingesting cannabis?

Mostly, if you are concerned about their health, it is suggested to take them to a vet. If your puppy gets a hold of your weed, you must let your regular vet know.

So they know what the dog is dealing with and they do not run tests for a different condition. And if you are worried about any legal repercussions, it is highly likely that the vet would not care. 

How to keep your weed safe?

It’s important to keep your stash safe and away from your pets is what the vet is most likely to suggest, perhaps quite strictly!

You should consider getting a box that has a lock, stores all your weed and accessories and most importantly does not let your pet get weed intoxication. Shop for a wooden weed stashbox @Allinbud. and keep yo

If you know that your dog has only consumed a small quantity and is mildly affected, and their symptoms have not worsened, they most likely do not need veterinary attention. All you have to do is ensure they eat and drink normally.

Since dogs eat anything, even things that aren’t edible, you must keep all cannabis products out of their reach. Ensure you safeguard your pets from weed as you do it with children. Get the right solution to your problem.