Conversations about getting pets stoned come up from time to time, but is it something you should really be doing? Sure, it can be hilarious at the time. You have to think about what you’re giving your pets, even if it is a shotgun hit.
Pets cannot tolerate THC like humans can. It can make them very sick. Keep this in mind.
Don’t Give your Pets Cannabis or a Blow Smoke in their Faces
All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, but it doesn’t work exactly the same as a human’s endocannabinoid system. Their bodies are not equipped to handle the concentrations of THC that humans can. Most can tolerate the amount of THC in CBD products since it’s really very minimal at 0.3% or less.
Products where the THC has been activated (edibles, concentrates, vape, cannabutter and lit flower) are more dangerous to your pet. Absolutely do not let your pet have a chocolate edible – it could be deadly.
In the case of raw cannabis flower that hasn’t been burned yet, the THC has not been decarboxylated (activated). Your pet won’t get high from raw flower, but they could become quite nauseous or ill.
Only Use CBD Products Designed for Pets
Several reputable companies make CBD products for pets. Only use these products and only if the company lab tests their products and provides accurate dosing suggestions. Even with CBD, a pet’s dosage is absolutely not the same as a human’s dose. Pets should only have a fraction of the dose that you might take.
An appropriate dosing guideline for pets is as follows:
- Starting dose – 05 mg per pound
- Medium dose – 0.125 mg per pound
- Maximum dose – 0.25 mg per pound
Always start with the starting dose. Pets should only be given 2 doses of CBD per day unless their vet says otherwise. Never give CBD to pets without speaking to their vet first. CBD may not be ideal for all pets.
When starting your pet on CBD, as we mentioned, start with the smallest dose. Don’t guesstimate when it comes to their weight – make sure you know how much your pet weighs. An accurate dose is important. Once you’ve determined the right starting dose, give this dose to your pet twice a day. Keep them on this dose for at least a week and take notes about their movement, behavior or other ailments. From here you can evaluate whether the small dose is helping them.
If the dose seems too small, then increase to the medium dose twice daily. Maintain this dose for a week or two and repeat the evaluation process. Only move up to the maximum dose if needed. Do not move past the maximum dose unless your pet’s veterinarian says it’s okay to do so.
Back to THC and Why Pets Shouldn’t Have it
Stoned pets are just not a good idea. For a pet, being off balance or confused can cause panic. This can increase their heart rate and may lead to other hazards. A pet’s body doesn’t metabolize THC the way that a human body does.
THC can restrict the release of some hormones and natural chemicals in your pet’s body that they need. This disruption is typically temporary, but the return of production of these hormones and chemicals can become delayed.
What we’re trying to say is – THC does more harm than good in your pet’s body. It just messes up their systems. Animals don’t typically like to feel confused and may not react well to being off balance.
What to Do if your Pet Ingests THC
If your pet does happen to eat THC that is not in a piece of chocolate, monitor them for a little while. If your pet ingests a chocolate edible – go to the vet right away. Be honest with your vet – especially when it comes to how much your pet ingested.
If you are an edibles user and have pets that eat whatever you do – keep activated charcoal on hand. Call the vet and ask how much you should give your pet if the instructions are not on the package. The activated charcoal can help soak up some of the THC in your pet’s stomach and any other toxins that might be there. You need to act quickly though – pets can digest food faster than humans sometimes and that means that the THC can get into their bloodstream faster. The idea is to catch it before it reaches the bloodstream.
Keep your THC products away from your pets. Keep your flower in tightly sealed containers. Keep edibles where your pets can’t reach (the same goes for your children). Keep concentrates and vape out of their grasp.
Anytime your pet ingests THC contact their vet for further instruction.
Closing Thoughts
So, like we said, while it can be entertaining to get your pet high – just don’t do it. It’s not good for them and could actually be harmful. If you want to give your pet something natural – keep the cannabis plant for yourself and only give your pet products from the hemp plant.
Let Us Be Blunt 