What Happens If A Dog Eats An Edible
When dogs get into human food, it can be a recipe for disaster. This is especially true when it comes to edibles, which contain concentrated amounts of psychoactive chemicals like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that can affect dogs differently than humans. If you suspect that your dog has eaten an edible, it’s important to act quickly and seek veterinary care if necessary. In this article, we’ll explore what happens if a dog eats an edible and how to prevent it from happening again.
What are edibles and why are they popular?
Edibles are food products that contain cannabis or CBD (cannabidiol), another compound found in marijuana plants. They come in various forms, such as gummies, brownies, chocolates, cookies, drinks, and capsules. Edibles are often used by people for medicinal or recreational purposes because they offer a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis without smoking or vaping. Unlike smoking, which delivers THC to the brain within seconds and wears off within hours, edibles take longer to kick in (usually 30-90 minutes) but last much longer (up to 12 hours). This delayed onset and prolonged effect can make edibles more potent and unpredictable than other forms of cannabis.
Why do dogs eat edibles and what are the risks?
Dogs may accidentally or intentionally eat edibles for various reasons, such as curiosity, hunger, boredom, or access. Some dogs may be attracted to the sweet or savory smell of edibles, while others may mistake them for regular treats or snacks left unattended. Dogs who have a history of eating non-food items (pica) or getting into the trash may be more prone to eating edibles too. Regardless of the reason, dogs who consume edibles that contain THC can experience a range of adverse effects that can be potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly.
The main risk of ingesting THC for dogs is overdose toxicity, which can occur even with small amounts of the drug. Unlike humans, who have a high tolerance to THC and can handle doses of up to 1000 mg without fatal consequences, dogs are much more sensitive to THC and can experience toxic effects at doses as low as 10 mg/kg body weight. This means that a small edible that contains 50-100 mg of THC can be enough to cause serious harm to a dog that weighs less than 20 pounds. Symptoms of THC toxicity in dogs may include:
– Lethargy or hyperactivity
– Disorientation or confusion
– Agitation or anxiety
– Dilated pupils or red eyes
– Increased heart rate or blood pressure
– Drooling or vomiting
– Urinary incontinence or diarrhea
– Tremors or seizures
– Coma or death
If you notice any of these signs in your dog after eating an edible, don’t wait for them to go away on their own. Take your dog to the vet immediately and inform them about the suspected THC ingestion. The vet may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, provide supportive care, monitor vital signs, and/or give antidotes if available. Without proper treatment, THC toxicity can lead to organ damage, brain damage, or death.
What should you do if your dog eats an edible?
If you catch your dog eating an edible or find evidence of it (such as empty wrappers, crumbs, or residue), here’s what you should do:
1. Stay calm and don’t panic. Your dog may sense your anxiety and become more stressed.
2. Remove any remaining edibles from your dog’s reach and secure the area where they were found.
3. Check the label or packaging of the edible if possible and see how much THC it contains per serving or unit.
4. Call your vet or a pet poison control hotline (such as ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline) for advice and guidance. They may ask you about your dog’s age, breed, weight, symptoms, and medical history to determine the severity of the situation and recommend appropriate action.
5. Follow their instructions carefully and don’t attempt to induce vomiting or give any medications without their approval.
6. Monitor your dog’s behavior, appetite, and elimination for at least 24-48 hours after the incident. If you notice any changes or worsening of symptoms, contact your vet again.
How can you prevent your dog from eating edibles?
The best way to avoid a dog eating an edible is to keep them out of sight and reach of pets. This means storing edibles in a locked cabinet or container that dogs can’t open or climb onto. It also means being mindful of where you consume edibles and how you dispose of them. Don’t leave edibles on tables, counters, or floors where dogs can easily access them. Don’t toss edibles in the trash bin without first sealing them in a sturdy bag or container that dogs can’t tear apart. Don’t share edibles with dogs as treats or rewards, even if they seem interested or begging for them.
If you have a dog who has a tendency to explore or chew on things they shouldn’t, consider crate training them or using baby gates to limit their access to certain areas of the house when you’re not there to supervise them. Provide plenty of safe and appropriate toys, chews, and activities to keep your dog entertained and stimulated. Train your dog to respond to basic commands such as “leave it” or “drop it” so that you can redirect their attention if they show interest in something dangerous.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what happens if a dog eats an edible depends on the amount and type of THC ingested, as well as the individual dog’s size, age, health status, and tolerance level. Dogs who eat edibles that contain THC can experience a range of adverse effects that can be alarming or life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you suspect that your dog has eaten an edible, stay calm, remove any remaining edibles from their reach, and seek veterinary care as soon as possible. To prevent this from happening again, keep edibles out of sight and reach of pets, be mindful of where you consume and dispose of them, and train your dog to avoid dangerous items. Remember, prevention is the best medicine.
