Pet Knob

How to Get a Dog Unstoned at Home: Top Tips

By James Smith · · Updated

Dog stoned in the corner - featured image
Contents

Has your pet started acting weird? Is it acting as if it’s high? Well, a dog can get high just like a human being after consuming marijuana. But with dogs, it can be quite serious, and with marijuana legalized, these situations have become quite common.

Dogs are curious creatures that love eating everything pet owners consume. If you leave your special brownies on the table, your pet may consume them. If this has happened to your pet, you may be wondering how to get a dog unstoned at home.

After all, they’re more sensitive to marijuana than we are, since dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains.

How to Get a Dog Unstoned at Home

Cannabis ingestion in our canine pals can be easily treated, but proper timing matters. You should examine your dog’s behavior if your dog ate your freshly baked pot brownies. If he has consumed marijuana, you may have to rush him to the vet immediately.

When a dog eats marijuana, recovery often takes a day or more, and signs can last up to 3 days, so don’t dismiss it.

Some of the signs of a stoned dog that you should watch out for before proceeding with treatment include:

  • Lethargy: A stoned dog may appear unusually lethargic or excessively sleepy. It may have difficulty staying awake or may seem unresponsive.
  • Loss of Coordination: Dogs who consume marijuana may experience a loss of coordination. If your dog has eaten marijuana, the loss of coordination can manifest as stumbling, swaying, or difficulty walking.
  • Dilated Pupils: Ingesting certain substances can cause a dog’s pupils to become dilated.
  • Bloodshot Eyes: Red or bloodshot eyes are a common symptom of marijuana ingestion in dogs.
  • Heart Rate Changes: A slow heart rate is common, though some dogs have a fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • Hyperactivity or Agitation: In some cases, dogs may exhibit hyperactivity or restlessness.
  • Vomiting and Diarrhea: Ingesting toxic substances can lead to gastrointestinal distress, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Tremors or Shaking: Some dogs may experience tremors or shaking, particularly in their limbs.
  • Changes in Behavior: Dogs may display changes in behavior, such as anxiety or fearfulness.
  • Inappropriate Urination: Loss of bladder control or accidents in the house may occur.

If you suspect your dog ate weed, you should examine it for the above signs. These symptoms appear if the marijuana has been absorbed into the body. To get a dog unstoned, you should contact your vet or dial the pet poison helpline.

If you get your furry friend to the vet soon after ingestion, before signs appear, the vet may induce vomiting. Marijuana has an anti-emetic effect that inhibits vomiting, and a drowsy dog can inhale vomit, so never try to make your dog vomit at home. So, you may need a vet to help you get a dog unstoned.

The vet may give it activated charcoal to help limit further absorption of cannabis.

Activated charcoal can lower the consequences of marijuana poisoning.

If the situation is severe, the vet must monitor your furry friend until it gets unstoned.

The vet will monitor its blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, but if it’s mild, the vet may recommend home care. If that’s the case, then you should do the following:

Put Your Pet in a Dimly Lit Space

One of the key symptoms of Marijuana consumption is sensitivity to bright light. If the marijuana absorption is mild, you should place your pet in a dimly lit environment.

Moving your pet to a dark room and drawing the curtain can help get a dog unstoned. This will block hypersensitivity to light stimuli. Make sure you avoid any distractions that can make it feel uneasy.

Besides dimming the light, you can also lower the noise levels and keep your other pets away. A comfortable blanket or bed to sleep on can help get a dog unstoned.

Comfort and Reassurance via Physical Contact

The effects of marijuana consumption can leave your furry pal feeling anxious, so you should offer it comfort. You should pet and talk to your dog using a soothing voice while it’s still stoned.

Cuddling can also reassure it that it will be ok. This will make your pup feel secure and safe during this challenging time. To keep them calm, you can try the following:

Brush Their Coat

If your pet loves being brushed, you can keep it calm by brushing its coat while reassuring it. You can use this time to connect, but if your pet doesn’t love being brushed, you shouldn’t try it when it’s high.

Rub Their Ears

Massaging your dog’s ears can help it remain calm and feel better. And that’s because the dog’s ears have several nerve endings. Massaging its ears can presumably activate the release of endorphins that help lower the stress and discomfort levels.

So, you should give your pet’s ears a gentle massage or light pressure while cuddling.

Keep Your Pet Hydrated and Well-Fed

Keep clean water near your dog and offer it once your dog is alert enough to drink on its own. Don’t force food or water into a very drowsy dog, since it could inhale it.

Once your dog is steady and alert, a small, bland meal such as boiled chicken and white rice is a gentle way to restart eating.

Urinary incontinence is also common with cannabis toxicity, so you should be on the lookout.

Vomiting and drooling can leave your pet dehydrated. Ask your vet before giving an electrolyte solution such as Pedialyte.

Marijuana Consumption Can be Toxic to Dogs

Yes, dogs can die from ingesting marijuana, but it is rare. Cannabis intoxication is seldom fatal; deaths have followed products with highly concentrated THC. The toxic component in marijuana is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which affects the central nervous system.

The THC is one of over 100 different cannabinoids present in the plant.

THC is responsible for the “high” or euphoric feelings that we often associate with marijuana use. THC acts on many parts of a dog’s brain, which is why it affects balance, alertness, and heart rate.

When cannabis is consumed, THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and the rest of the central nervous system. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes.

The effects in dogs can be stronger than in humans, so over-ingestion of marijuana can be detrimental to your pet. It’s important to keep any marijuana or marijuana-containing products (such as edibles) out of reach of pets.

The THC can be toxic to your pet, resulting in extreme discomfort. In severe cases, your dog may fall into a coma or experience a seizure. Therefore, in severe cases, you should contact your vet to save the life of your canine pal.

The Amount of Time It Takes for Your Dog to Get Unstoned?

The effects of marijuana intoxication in dogs can vary based on factors the dog’s size and the amount of THC ingested. The form of marijuana consumed (e.g., raw plant material, edibles) also plays a major role in its effects. The signs of marijuana toxicity usually begin within 30 to 90 minutes and can last up to 3 days.

If a dog has ingested marijuana, the intoxication duration will depend on the amount consumed and how quickly the body metabolizes the THC. Mild cases often improve within a day, while large doses, edibles, and concentrates can keep a dog impaired for 2 to 3 days.

However, it’s essential to note that marijuana toxicity in dogs can be a serious medical issue. Plus, the exact duration of the symptoms can vary from case to case.

Tips to Help You Minimize Marijuana Toxicity Among Dogs

Preventing your dog from consuming marijuana is important for their health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you minimize the risk of accidental ingestion:

  • Secure Storage: Keep any marijuana or marijuana-containing products securely stored out of your dog’s reach. This includes not only the dried plant material but also edibles, tinctures, oils, and any other products containing THC.
  • Education: Make sure everyone in your household, as well as visitors, is aware of the potential dangers of marijuana for dogs. Educate them on the signs of marijuana toxicity and emphasize the importance of keeping such substances away from pets.
  • Dispose of Waste Properly: If you use marijuana, be careful about how you dispose of any remnants or waste. Dogs can be attracted to the smell, so make sure to properly dispose of any leftover materials.
  • Be Cautious in Public Spaces: If you walk your dog in public areas where people might use marijuana, be vigilant. Dogs can pick up discarded joints, edibles, or other marijuana products on the ground. Keep your dog on a leash while outside and monitor their behavior closely.
  • Monitor Guests: If you have guests who use marijuana, remind them to keep their belongings out of reach of your dog. Some dogs may be more prone to getting into things, so extra caution is needed.
  • Training: Basic obedience training can be useful in preventing your dog from ingesting harmful substances. Commands like “leave it” and “drop it” can be particularly helpful.
  • Use Pet-Friendly Products: If you use cannabis products for medical or recreational purposes, choose pet-friendly alternatives when possible. Some CBD products, for example, are designed specifically for pets and may have little to no THC.

Remember that prevention is key, but accidents can happen. If you suspect your dog has ingested marijuana, seek veterinary attention immediately. Prompt treatment can significantly affect the outcome and reduce the risk of complications.

Conclusion

Just like with humans, dogs can also get stoned when they consume marijuana. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors than us, so the effects of marijuana toxicity can be serious. Therefore, you should consult a veterinarian immediately, but if it’s not severe, you can take care of it at home.

To get your dog unstoned, you should take it to a dim room and try to keep it calm. You can pet it while massaging its ears to help keep your dog calm. But most importantly, make sure your dog is hydrated and well while getting him unstoned. Ask your vet before using an electrolyte solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take for my dog to get unstoned?

Many dogs recover within a day or two, but signs can last up to 3 days, especially after edibles or concentrated products.

Do dogs have more cannabinoid receptors than humans?

Yes. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, which makes the effects of THC stronger and potentially more toxic.

No, doing it deliberately isn’t legal; it is considered to be animal abuse and illegal.

Sources

More in Dogs