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There are two ways your pets may encounter cannabis, often called medical marijuana: either you are intentionally using the medication to help your pet, or your pet has accidentally eaten some of your medication. In both cases, your pet will be caught off guard by the effects of the medicine. Therefore, it is very important to understand how cannabis will likely affect the animal.
Cannabis is a naturally growing medicine that contains a wide variety of chemicals that may be helpful to some animals while harmful to others. If you plan on medicating your pet with cannabis, it is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian and start the treatment with less than 1mg of THCΔ9, more commonly referred to as THC. Although it is not currently legal for veterinarians to write prescriptions for cannabis, there is much anecdotal evidence that shows how careful and controlled cannabis treatments safely improve the lives of many pets. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, cannabis products can be used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs, ranging from anxiety and arthritis to cancer and some heart issues. These treatments are usually administered through tinctures or capsules, and are not the same medications given to humans. To ensure reliable and consistent dosing, it is best to use medications from a trusted brand like Salus, who uses third party testing for quality assurance.
Medical marijuana is not something to be taken lightly. You should always keep it in a secure container out of reach of children and pets. If, however, your pet does get into your medication, there are a few things you should know. Cannabis in fresh flower form has a low amount psychoactive THCΔ9 and a high amount of non-psychoactive THCa. Cannabis in an oil or edible will generally contain larger amounts of active THCΔ9. No matter the case, a pet will have a far more intense experience than a person eating the same amount. Pets will often become very nervous and anxious. They may vomit or urinate uncontrollably. In most cases, the dog just needs to be soothed and calmed while the medicine leaves its body. If your pet is experiencing extreme agitation or becomes dehydrated from continuous vomiting and/or urination, it is best to take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you’re in the Ann Arbor area and interested in learning more about medical marijuana and its many uses, contact Arbors Wellness today to learn more.
