As pet owners, we adore our furry friends and cherish the joy they bring to our lives. However, there are times when our beloved dogs might accidentally consume something that leaves them feeling a little “stoned” or intoxicated.
Whether it’s from ingesting certain plants, medication mix-ups, or other substances, watching our high dogs can be distressing and concerning.
If you find yourself in this situation, fear not! In this blog article, we’ll explore some safe and effective methods to help your four-legged friend come down from their altered state in the comfort of your own home.
Remember, your pet’s well-being is our top priority, so let’s dive into the steps you can take to unstone your high dog and bring back their wagging tail and playful spirit!
Table of Contents
Causes and Risks of Stoned Dog Syndrome
There are many ways that your dog can get high from marijuana. The most common one is by eating edibles that contain marijuana, such as brownies, cookies, candies, or butter. Edibles can be especially dangerous for dogs because they often contain chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, and they have a higher concentration of THC than raw plant material.
A Colorado veterinary study found that, when marijuana use for recreational purposes became legal, incidents of canine marijuana intoxication sharply rose.
Another way that your dog can get high is by inhaling smoke or vapor from marijuana use. This can happen if you smoke or vape around your dog, or if your dog accidentally drinks bong water or licks a pipe or joint. Even secondhand smoke can affect your dog if they are exposed for a long time or in a poorly ventilated area.
According to Dr. Ibrahim Shokry, PHD, from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine states, “The flower buds and tiny leaves on top of the plant are highly concentrated in the toxin found in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.”
The risks of stoned dog syndrome depend on several factors, such as the dose, the type, and the quality of marijuana that your dog consumed. In general, marijuana ingestion can cause various health problems for dogs, such as:
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Pancreatitis
- Liver damage
- Heart arrhythmia
- Respiratory depression
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Death
While death from marijuana ingestion is rare, it can happen in extreme cases where the dog consumes a large amount of medical-grade THC butter or oil. Therefore, it is important to keep your marijuana products away from your dog’s reach and to seek veterinary help if you suspect that your dog has ingested or inhaled marijuana.
How to Unstone Your High Dog with Natural and Safe Methods
If you notice that your dog is showing signs of being stoned, you may wonder how to get a dog unstoned at home. The first thing you should do is to try to determine how much and what kind of marijuana your dog consumed. This will help you assess the severity of the situation and decide whether you need to take your dog to the vet or not.
If your dog ate edibles that contain chocolate or other toxic ingredients, you should induce vomiting as soon as possible. You can do this by giving your dog a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of body weight. However, do not induce vomiting if your dog is unconscious, having seizures, or showing signs of choking.
If your dog inhaled smoke or vapor from marijuana use, you should move them to a well-ventilated area and provide them with fresh water. You can also use a humidifier or a nebulizer to help them breathe easier.
The next step is to keep your dog calm and comfortable. You can do this by placing them in a quiet and dark room, away from loud noises and bright lights. You can also wrap them in a blanket or towel to keep them warm and prevent hypothermia.
You can also try some natural remedies to help your dog recover faster. Some of these include:
- Activated charcoal: This can help bind the THC in the stomach and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. You can give your dog a dose of activated charcoal according to the instructions on the package or as directed by your vet.
- CBD oil: This can help counteract the effects of THC and reduce anxiety, pain, inflammation, and seizures in dogs. You can give your dog a dose of CBD oil according to the instructions on the package or as directed by your vet. Make sure that the CBD oil you use is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC.
- Chamomile tea: This can help soothe the stomach and relax the muscles and nerves in dogs. You can brew some chamomile tea and let it cool down before giving it to your dog. You can also add some honey to make it more palatable.
Prevention and Care
The best way to prevent stoned dog syndrome is to avoid exposing your dog to marijuana in any form. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Store your marijuana products in a secure and inaccessible place, such as a locked cabinet or a high shelf.
- Dispose of your marijuana waste properly, such as ash, roaches, or stems. Do not leave them in the trash or on the floor where your dog can find them.
- Do not smoke or vape around your dog, especially in enclosed spaces. If you do, make sure to ventilate the area well and keep your dog away from the smoke or vapor.
- Educate yourself and others about the dangers of marijuana for dogs. If you have guests who use marijuana, ask them to be careful and respectful around your dog.
- Monitor your dog for any signs of marijuana ingestion or inhalation. If you notice any, contact your vet immediately.
Even if your dog recovers from stoned dog syndrome, they may still need some extra care and attention for a while. Here are some ways to help your dog heal and stay healthy:
- Follow your vet’s instructions and recommendations. Your vet may prescribe some medications or supplements to help your dog recover faster and prevent any complications.
- Keep your dog hydrated and nourished. Provide them with plenty of fresh water and high-quality food. You can also offer them some bland food, such as boiled chicken and rice, if they have an upset stomach.
- Give your dog lots of love and affection. Your dog may feel scared, confused, or depressed after being stoned. You can help them feel better by spending time with them, playing with them, cuddling with them, and praising them.
- Watch out for any changes in your dog’s behavior or health. If you notice any signs of relapse, worsening symptoms, or new problems, contact your vet right away.
Conclusion
Stoned dog syndrome is a serious condition that can affect dogs who ingest or inhale marijuana. It can cause various symptoms, such as tremors, lethargy, disorientation, and coma. It can also lead to various health problems, such as liver damage, seizures, brain damage, and death.
If you suspect that your dog has stoned dog syndrome, you should act quickly and seek veterinary help. You can also try some home remedies to unstone your high dog at home, such as activated charcoal, CBD oil, and chamomile tea.
However, the best way to avoid stoned dog syndrome is to prevent your dog from accessing marijuana in any form. You should store your marijuana products safely, dispose of your marijuana waste properly, do not smoke or vape around your dog, educate yourself and others about the risks of marijuana for dogs, and monitor your dog for any signs of marijuana exposure.
