Hashish or marijuana intoxication in dogs is not always lethal, however the effects caused by the ingestion of this plant or its derivatives can cause serious side effects that put the dog's he alth at risk.
In this article on our site we will talk about hashish or marijuana intoxication in dogs as well as itssymptoms and treatment to be able to carry out a first aid action in case of overdose. Remember that prolonged exposure to marijuana smoke also harms the dog, we explain everything below.
Marijuana and its effects
marihuana (cannabis) and its derivatives, such as hashish and oils, are powerful psychoactives obtained from hemp. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid becomes THC after the drying process, a psychotropic compound that acts directly on the central nervous system and the brain.
Generally causes euphoria, relaxation or appetite, however, this plant also causes 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 lead to bronchiolitis (respiratory infection) and pulmonary emphysema.
- Moderately decreases the dog's pulse rate.
- Too high a dose orally could cause the death of the dog due to intestinal hemorrhage and at the same time, an excessive dose intravenously could cause death due to pulmonary edema.
Symptoms of hashish or marijuana intoxication in dogs
Marijuana usually acts 30 minutes after being ingested, but in some cases it can take up to an hour and a half afterwards and last for more than a day. The effects it causes on the dog's body can be serious and although marijuana itself does not cause death, the symptoms it causes do.
Symptoms that we can observe in case of intoxication:
- Tremors
- Excessive salivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal dilation of the eyes
- Glassy eyes
- Difficulty coordinating movement
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Hypothermia
The heart rate in marijuana intoxication can become slower, so it is important to remember that the heart rate is above the 80 and 120 beats per minute and that small breeds have it higher and large breeds lower.
In addition, he can appear depressed and even alternate states of depression and excitement.
Treatment of hashish or marijuana intoxication in dogs
Below we explain the step-by-step first aid that you can apply to treat hashish intoxication in your dog:
- Call your vet, explain your situation and follow his advice
- Make your dog vomit if it hasn't been more than 1-2 hours of hash consumption.
- Try to relax your dog and observe all the symptoms that he presents during this process
- Check your dog's mucous membranes, take the dog's temperature and make sure he is breathing and has a normal heart rate.
- Ask a family member 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 vet.
If from the beginning you notice that your dog's temperature drops drastically or that the effects cause him excessive discomfort, go to the vet immediately, he may need a gastric lavageand even hospitalization to maintain your vital signs
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
