Unfortunately, pets like dogs and cats do not benefit from medicinal marijuana in the same way as people do with ailments that call for its usage, such as those treated by an MMJ card doctor. THC is toxic to pets and should be avoided, even though CBD and hemp are common ingredients in supplements and treats for dogs and cats.
Medical marijuana is no different from other medications you wouldn’t give to your pets. Delta-9-THC will seriously harm your dog or cat because it is one of the primary ingredients in the majority of medical cannabis formulations.
Why Animals Can’t Use Medical Marijuana the Same Way Humans Do
Dogs have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), just like people do. Your body uses this nerve cell signaling system for a number of purposes, including homeostasis maintenance. Receptors, which are microscopic proteins on the surface of your cells that react to chemicals released by your body, make up this system. One external substance that may interact with this system is marijuana.
It would seem that medical marijuana would have the same effect on animals as it does on people because dogs have this endocannabinoid system. That’s not the case, though. Compared to humans, dogs have more cannabinoid receptors and a slightly different endocannabinoid system. Dogs are therefore extremely sensitive to cannabinoids like THC, and a tiny dosage is all that is required for a large effect.
Because cats and dogs are similar, THC is also unsafe for cats. If you are concerned about the potential effects of medical marijuana on other pets, like birds or rabbits, it is probably best to keep them away from cannabis as well.
Studies on other animals are insufficient to determine how THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids affect them. Since testing cannabis on animals is frequently prohibited, a large portion of the data on drug effects for dogs and cats is gathered from emergency clinics.
The Risks of Marijuana for Pets
Even though THC is harmful to dogs, pet owners should also be aware of other substances that are frequently added to edible forms of marijuana. Furthermore, since you might not be aware that your pet has consumed cannabis until they start to feel ill, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms of toxicity.
Potential Poisoning
Other components in edibles, in addition to THC, are poisonous to cats and dogs. These consist of:
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Caffeine
- Macadamia nuts
- Xylitol
- Alcohol
Store-bought edibles may contain some ingredients, but homemade goods typically contain a lot.
It would be more likely that your pet would survive if you told a veterinarian about all the ingredients they ate if you were using edible products and they managed to eat some while you were not looking. Although THC is the main issue, the veterinarian must also check your dog for other substances that could increase the toxicity level.
THC-Induced Cannabis Toxicity in Pets
Pets are more sensitive to THC than people are, which makes it toxic to them. However, because of their size, smaller pets, such as cats and small dogs, may suffer more severe negative effects. You must take your pet to the vet immediately if there is a possibility that they have ingested THC.
But frequently, when their owner is not around, pets will steal something they shouldn’t eat. Since you most likely won’t discover that your pet has consumed THC until it starts to show symptoms, it is imperative that you know what symptoms to look for. You shouldn’t wait for the symptoms to show up before taking your pet to the veterinarian if you already know what has happened.
Among the early signs to watch for are:
- Feeling drowsy and confused
- Sensitivity to motion, light, or sound
- Shaking and tremors
- Incontinence
- Saliva dripping from the mouth
- Unusual panting or breathing
Your pet is likely to become unconscious, go into a coma, and cease breathing if the symptoms are not addressed.
Is CBD a Safe Option for Pets?
Although THC may be present in many hemp products, CBD may have different effects. Your dog or cat may develop THC toxicity if they consume large amounts of it. As a result, CBD products may be harmful.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Pets
89% of dogs with epilepsy experienced additional seizures after ingesting chicken-flavored CBD oil, according to a study involving 16 dogs. However, more research is needed to determine whether CBD can help dogs avoid seizures.
According to another study, dogs given CBD oil showed a discernible decrease in pain, according to their level of activity. This implies once more that CBD can have effects on dogs that are comparable to those observed in humans.
According to additional research, CBD can help dogs and cats feel less anxious and in pain. Naturally, as awareness grows, it becomes easier to identify animal anxiety, and researchers are debating whether CBD is a good alternative.
CBD for Pets: Side Effects and Risks
Enough evidence suggests that CBD could be beneficial for cats and dogs. Even though this research seems encouraging, you should still refrain from giving your pet CBD unless your veterinarian advises it. There are currently no precise dosage guidelines, and no one dose works for all animals because they vary widely in size, just like people.
Experts believe that the potential for CBD poisoning is low because it is probably less toxic than THC. However, the amount of CBD your pet has consumed will determine the side effects, and as previously stated, there are no safety guidelines for CBD dosage.
It’s also important to keep in mind that certain medical marijuana formulations include both THC and CBD. As a result, toxicity will happen, and CBD won’t negate the effects of THC.
Even though pure CBD seems safe and well-tolerated by animals, there have been reports of it causing liver problems in dogs. If you choose to give your pet CBD, be sure to read the product’s certificate of analysis (COA) and make sure it contains no THC to lower the likelihood of negative side effects.
CBD overdose in pets can result in tremors, irregular breathing, nausea, disorientation, and drowsiness. It is worthwhile to take your pet to a veterinarian if they are not acting in their typical manner. Nonetheless, it is generally accepted that cats and dogs can safely consume small amounts of CBD-only products on occasion.
The Bottom Line: Can Medical Marijuana Be Effective for Pets?
Pets should not be given medical marijuana. If your pet uses cannabis, you should get help right away. CBD may help dogs and cats, according to some evidence, but more studies on dosage and safety are needed.
If you are looking into medical marijuana for yourself, you should consult with a licensed provider, such as those offering a medical marijuana card in Yonkers, to ensure that you have legal access to medical marijuana in the state. For your pets, always consult a veterinarian before introducing any supplements or treatments.
