Is Medical Cannabis For Pets Okay? | MT Cannabis | Think Higher

The Miraculous Endocannabinoid System Of Pets

When considering the use of medical cannabis on pets, there is some basic information to keep in mind if you ever choose to safely medicate your pet from home.

Like humans, most animals have an endocannabinoid system, and similarly to humans, it is a key player in maintaining the animals homeostasis for numerous organs.

The endocannabinoid system modulates the nervous and immune systems and other organ systems through a complex network of receptors and chemical signaling molecules to relieve pain and inflammation, modulate metabolism and neurologic function, promote healthy digestive processes, and support reproductive function and embryologic development.

Both cats and dogs have wayyyyy more endocannabinoid receptors in their bodies than humans. Everyone has heard stories of an animal getting into an edible or consuming flower left on the table just to find the animal very freaked out and/or really messed up.

The increase in these receptors mean they react stronger to lower doses and why animals get so messed up on just a nugget or a small dosed edible.

Due to this high sensitivity animals have with THC, huge amounts (more than 40mg/kg) of THC can be very dangerous for animals. The good news though, most dogs recover from an overdose of THC with absolutely no long-term side effects, however in extreme overdoses (1 g+/kg) there have been a few reports that show a risk of the animal becoming catatonic.

It is without question that there is a risk of THC toxicity in animals, but let’s be clear, “there are no reported deaths that can be definitively attributed to THC or other phytocannabinoids without other factoring chemicals also present in the system.”

And even more important, it is “suspected the lethal dose of THC in dogs is >9 g/kg, a nearly impossible dose to achieve.”  The high sensitivity most animals have to THC leads to THC being the main limiting factor when dosing.

Whats The Correct Level Of THC For Pets?

First off, let’s be clear. Getting animals, such as dogs and cats stoned is not okay! The goal with medical cannabis therapy is to relieve symptoms when nothing else will.

When this route is chosen then it’s important to understand, the high sensitivity most animals have to THC leads to THC being the main limiting factor when dosing.

The correct level also depends on what the goal of the treatment is. Anticancer effects are one of the more common interests with owners. Cancer with animals can strike fast, leaving the owner at a loss of what to do.

Although THC isn’t a miracle which will cure anything, it’s hard to argue against the widespread stories of its benefits and early research which shows exciting preliminary results.

Start low and slow and work your way up. Every 4-7 days up the dosage a smege and assess. Always monitor your furry friend, especially the first handful of times!

If you see the dog extremely sedated, loss of mental acuity or loss of balance, it’s a good indication that it was just a little too much and to decrease the dose immediately.

A good rule of thumb is 0.2-0.6mg THC per 10LBS of body weight, twice a day.

The goal is to not get them high and cause anxiety, which is why it is best to always use CBD in combination with THC to combat potential negative side effects.

However if the alignment is cancer, the goal is to provide them as much as the animal can handle, without pushing into THC toxicity. Some animal owners have found benefits following the Rick Simpson Oil regiment such as a fortunate pup by the name of Kia, whose story can be found here.

RSO is a viscous, full spectrum oil that is normally much higher in THC than CBD, however different ratios are produced.The objective is to achieve a 90-day treatment regimen, however 30-day and 60-day regimen have been used.

It starts with a small amount (roughly the size of a grain of rice) applied twice a day for the first week. After the first week, the goal is to roughly double the amount every week or two.

THC Toxicity & Negative Reactions

As mentioned, there are negative reactions that can occur. As cannabis has become more readily available around the nation so have incidences of animals with marijuana toxicosis.

A study found that the incidence of marijuana toxicosis increased 4-fold, between 2005 and 2010. With this in mind it is important to keep an eye out for the following:

Symptoms of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs

• Stumbling and crossing over feet
• Dull and lethargic
• Dilated pupils
• Urinary incontinence
• Vomiting
• Tremors and shaking
• Agitation

Just as in humans, cannabinoids can interact with other drugs your dog is taking and it is important your vet is  aware of everything your dog is ingesting medicinally.

Always consult with your vet, They only want the best for the health and happiness of your baby just as you do!

Conclusion

We all want the best for our furry friends and medical cannabis can be a great benefit to them. In order to effectively use cannabis the owner must have a quality understanding of the proper dosage amounts, ratio of cannabinoids and the risks that can occur. Don’t make guesses or assumptions as this can potentially cause harm.

By learning about cannabis and pets, animal owners can help treat health problems effectively when nothing else has worked. Want to learn more? Ask your local Montana budtender at Think Higher or favorite Montana Dispensary for more information!