How To Get My Dog High Safely

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How To Get My Dog High Safely

Can you get a dog high? The answer is a resounding no, and attempting to do so is not only dangerous but also incredibly harmful to your canine companion. This article will focus on what to do if your dog accidentally ingests substances they shouldn’t have, the dangers involved, and how to prevent such situations.

It’s crucial to emphasize that deliberately attempting to get your dog “high” is unethical, illegal in many places, and poses severe health risks. Dogs have different physiologies than humans, and substances that might affect us can be toxic to them, leading to serious illness or even death. Instead of focusing on how to induce a state of intoxication in your pet, this guide is designed to educate you on what to do if your dog accidentally ingests something harmful, recognizing dog intoxication symptoms, and seeking appropriate pet poisoning first aid.

Recognizing the Dangers of Canine Intoxication

Many common household items and substances can be detrimental to a dog’s health if ingested. Understanding what these are and the potential consequences is the first step in keeping your pet safe. The primary concern when it comes to a dog ingesting something they shouldn’t is canine drug overdose or poisoning.

Common Household Dangers for Dogs

• Human Medications: This is a leading cause of pet poisoning. Pain relievers (like ibuprofen and acetaminophen), antidepressants, heart medications, and even vitamins can be toxic to dogs in varying doses.
• Household Cleaners: Bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners, and disinfectants are highly corrosive and can cause severe internal damage.
• Pesticides and Herbicides: Products used to kill insects or weeds are often toxic to dogs.
• Certain Plants: Many common houseplants and garden plants are poisonous to dogs, ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe organ damage. Examples include lilies, oleander, sago palms, and poinsettias.
• Chocolate: Theobromine in chocolate is toxic to dogs. Darker chocolate and baking chocolate are more dangerous than milk chocolate.
• Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butters, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, breathing problems, and coma.
• Grapes and Raisins: These can cause kidney failure in dogs, though the exact toxic agent is unknown.
• Onions, Garlic, and Chives: These alliums can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.

What to Do If Your Dog Ate Something They Shouldn’t Have

If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, it’s crucial to act quickly. The most important first step is to remain calm and immediately contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center.

Immediate Actions to Take:

1. Identify the Substance: If possible, try to determine exactly what your dog ate and how much. If it’s a product, bring the packaging with you to the vet.
2. Do NOT Induce Vomiting Unless Instructed: Inducing vomiting can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially if the substance is corrosive or if the dog is already showing neurological signs. Always follow the advice of a veterinary professional.
3. Keep the Dog Calm and Comfortable: Prevent them from eating or drinking anything further unless directed by a vet.
4. Contact Professionals:
   • Your Veterinarian: Call them immediately. They will be able to provide specific advice based on the substance ingested and your dog’s symptoms.
   • Pet Poison Control Center: These centers are available 24/7 and staffed by toxicologists. They can offer immediate guidance and often have more specialized knowledge regarding specific toxins. Keep their numbers handy. (e.g., ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435, Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661)

Understanding Dog Intoxication Symptoms

Recognizing signs of poisoning in dogs is vital for prompt intervention. The symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance ingested, the amount consumed, and the dog’s size and overall health.

General Signs of Dog Poisoning:

• Vomiting and Diarrhea: This is a common initial symptom for many ingested toxins.
• Lethargy and Weakness: The dog may seem unusually tired or unable to stand or move properly.
• Loss of Appetite: Refusal to eat or drink can be a sign of internal distress.
• Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth: Excessive salivation can indicate irritation or neurological effects.
• Changes in Urination or Defecation: This could include increased frequency, straining, or blood in urine/stool.
• Pale Gums: This can be a sign of anemia or shock.
• Rapid Heart Rate or Difficulty Breathing: These are severe symptoms indicating a critical situation.

Neurological Symptoms of Dog Intoxication:

If your dog ate something he shouldn’t have that affects the nervous system, you might observe:

• Disorientation or Confusion: The dog may appear lost or confused.
• Tremors or Shaking: Involuntary muscle movements.
• Wobbliness or Ataxia: Difficulty with coordination, staggering, or falling.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle contractions, loss of consciousness.
• Collapse: Inability to stay upright or conscious.
• Hyperactivity or Restlessness: Uncharacteristic energy and inability to settle.
• Dilated or Constricted Pupils: Changes in eye pupil size can be indicative of certain toxins.

If you notice your dog acting strange, especially if you know or suspect they have ingested something they shouldn’t have, consider it an emergency and seek veterinary care immediately.

Special Considerations: Dog Ate Edibles and Dog Ate Cannabis

The legalization of cannabis for human use has unfortunately led to an increase in accidental dog ate cannabis incidents. Edibles, in particular, are a significant concern because they are often palatable to dogs, and their effects can be delayed and more potent.

Why Cannabis is Dangerous for Dogs

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Dogs have a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, making them much more sensitive to its effects. Ingesting cannabis can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild impairment to severe neurological and physiological distress.

Effects of Cannabis Ingestion in Dogs:

• Lethargy and Sedation: The most common sign is extreme sleepiness.
• Wobbliness and Incoordination: Difficulty walking, staggering, and falling.
• Drooling and Vomiting: The dog may vomit or have excessive drooling.
• Hypothermia: A dangerous drop in body temperature.
• Hyperactivity or Agitation: Some dogs may become anxious or restless.
• Dilated Pupils: Pupils appear larger than normal.
• Increased Heart Rate: The heart may beat faster than usual.
• Urinary Incontinence: Inability to control urination.
• Tremors and Seizures: In severe cases.

What to Do If Your Dog Ate Edibles

If your dog ate edibles, the situation requires immediate veterinary attention. Due to the delayed onset of effects from edibles, your dog may not show symptoms for several hours after ingestion.

Pet poisoning first aid for suspected cannabis ingestion:

1. Contact Your Vet Immediately: Inform them your dog likely consumed cannabis edibles and describe any symptoms you are observing.
2. Do Not Wait for Symptoms to Appear: If you know they ate edibles, it’s better to be proactive.
3. Provide Details: Tell the vet the type of edible (if known), the estimated amount ingested, and the time of ingestion. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment.
4. Follow Veterinary Advice: They may advise you to bring your dog in for observation, induce vomiting (if safe and appropriate), or administer activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins.

Important Note on Edibles: The concentration of THC in edibles can vary greatly. Some edibles may also contain other ingredients toxic to dogs, such as chocolate or xylitol, which can compound the danger.

Treating Canine Drug Overdose and Poisoning

Treatment for canine drug overdose or poisoning is always tailored to the specific toxin and the severity of the symptoms. The primary goals are to remove the toxin from the body, manage symptoms, and support the dog’s vital functions.

Veterinary Treatment Options:

• Inducing Vomiting: If the toxin was ingested recently and is not caustic, the vet may induce vomiting to remove it from the stomach. This is done under strict medical supervision.
• Activated Charcoal: This is a common treatment given orally. It binds to toxins in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream.
• Gastric Lavage (Stomach Pumping): In some cases, a veterinarian may perform a gastric lavage to flush the stomach contents. This is typically done under anesthesia.
• Intravenous (IV) Fluids: IV fluids help maintain hydration, support blood pressure, and flush toxins from the system.
• Medications: Specific medications may be administered to counteract the effects of the toxin, control seizures, manage pain, or support organ function.
• Supportive Care: This can include oxygen therapy, assisted feeding, temperature regulation, and monitoring of vital signs.

Factors Influencing Treatment Outcome:

• Type of Toxin: Different toxins require different treatments.
• Amount Ingested: Larger amounts generally lead to more severe symptoms.
• Time Elapsed Since Ingestion: The sooner treatment begins, the better the prognosis.
• Dog’s Health Status: Underlying health conditions can affect a dog’s ability to tolerate treatment.
• Breed and Age: Some breeds and age groups may be more susceptible to certain toxins.

Preventing Accidental Poisoning in Dogs

The best approach to dealing with dog intoxication symptoms or the aftermath of a canine drug overdose is prevention. Creating a safe environment for your dog is paramount.

Creating a Pet-Safe Environment:

• Secure Storage of Medications: Keep all human and pet medications in secure, child-proof containers and store them out of reach of your dog, preferably in high cabinets.
• Proper Disposal of Waste: Be mindful of what you throw away. Wrap medications, cleaning supplies, and food scraps in plastic bags and dispose of them in secure trash cans.
• Hazardous Household Products: Store all cleaning supplies, chemicals, paints, and automotive fluids in locked cabinets or areas inaccessible to your dog.
• Awareness of Toxic Plants: Familiarize yourself with common poisonous plants and remove them from your home and yard, or fence them off.
• Secure Trash Cans: Ensure your trash cans have secure lids that your dog cannot open.
• Be Mindful of What’s on the Ground: When walking your dog, be vigilant about what they might sniff or try to eat.
• Educate Family and Visitors: Ensure everyone in the household and any guests understand the importance of keeping toxic substances away from the dog.
• Safe Food Practices: Never feed your dog human food without verifying it is safe for them. Be especially cautious with leftovers and holiday treats.
• Secure Cannabis Products: If you use cannabis products, store them securely and out of your dog’s reach. Be particularly careful with edibles.

What to Do If My Dog Ate a Drug (Recreational or Prescription)

If you suspect your dog has ingested any type of drug, whether prescribed for them or a human recreational drug, the procedure is the same as for any other poison:

1. Immediate Veterinary Contact: Call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center without delay.
2. Provide Specifics: Clearly state what drug you believe your dog ingested, the dosage if known, and when it happened.
3. Observe for Signs of Poisoning: Be ready to describe any symptoms you are seeing, such as lethargy, vomiting, tremors, or difficulty breathing.
4. Follow Professional Advice: Do not attempt home remedies. Veterinary professionals are trained to handle these emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the most common things dogs eat that are dangerous?
A1: Common dangers include human medications, certain houseplants, chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and household cleaners.

Q2: My dog is acting strange, what should I do?
A2: If your dog is acting strangely, especially if you suspect they may have ingested something harmful, the best course of action is to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Q3: What should I do if my dog ate edibles?
A3: If your dog ate edibles, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away. Due to the delayed onset of effects, it’s important to seek professional advice even if your dog isn’t showing symptoms yet.

Q4: How can I prevent my dog from getting into things they shouldn’t?
A4: Prevention involves securing medications and household products, being aware of toxic plants, keeping trash cans covered, and supervising your dog closely.

Q5: What are signs of poisoning in dogs?
A5: Signs of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, drooling, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, and changes in behavior or coordination.

Q6: Is it safe to give my dog human medication?
A6: No, it is never safe to give your dog human medication without explicit instruction from a veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to dogs.

Q7: What is pet poisoning first aid?
A7: Pet poisoning first aid involves immediate actions like identifying the toxin, calling a vet or poison control, and following their instructions precisely. Never attempt home remedies without professional guidance.

By understanding the risks, recognizing dog intoxication symptoms, and prioritizing prevention, you can ensure your furry friend remains happy and healthy. Always remember that your veterinarian is your primary resource for any health concerns regarding your pet.