What Happens If My Dog Eats Pot Plant

Pot plants, also known as marijuana or cannabis, are becoming more prevalent in homes across the world for medical or recreational purposes. However, with the increasing number of households hosting marijuana plants, pet owners may have questions about their pets accidentally ingesting the plants. This article will discuss what happens if your dog eats a pot plant and what to do if a pet ingests marijuana.

What Happens When Dogs Eat Pot?

Dogs are not capable of metabolizing THC, the psychoactive compound found in pot plants, like humans can. When a dog ingests marijuana, the THC in the plant can cause toxicity in their system. The effects of toxicity can depend on the amount ingested and the size of the dog.

A small amount could result in minor symptoms such as lethargy or mild lack of coordination. A larger amount could lead to more severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, low blood pressure, and even seizures. In some cases, ingestion of a large amount of THC can lead to coma or death.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Pot Plant?

If you suspect your dog has ingested pot, it’s essential to act quickly. The first step is to contact your veterinarian right away. It’s also important to have information about the amount and type of marijuana consumed if possible. If the pet ingested a larger amount, hospitalization may be required for monitoring and administering IV fluids.

In the meantime, the veterinarian may advise you to monitor your dog’s temperature and breathing. If the dog shows signs of distress, it is advised to take them to the vet immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible so that they can determine the best course of treatment.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Pot Plant?

Prevention is always the best solution. The best way to prevent your dog from ingesting pot is to make sure to keep your plant out of reach. Keep the plant in a secure area, out of the reach of pets. If necessary, install barriers or use child-resistant packaging to ensure that the pet can't access the marijuana plant.

If marijuana has been consumed on edibles, it’s essential to be more cautious. Pets should never be given any human foods as they may contain harmful ingredients. It’s important to ensure that edibles are also kept at bay and not left out in accessible areas. As with all medications and dangerous materials, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so keep such items away from pets.

Conclusion

If your dog has ingested a pot plant, it’s important to take prompt action. Symptoms can be serious or life-threatening, but early treatment can help prevent long-term health problems. Remember that prevention is essential by keeping your pot plants out of reach or in child-resistant packaging. Educate other pet owners about the dangers of marijuana and take quick action if your dog has ingested any amount of THC.