Introduction
The benefits for humans have been studied, and similarly, the same has been done for dogs. According to research, cannabis oil could possibly treat seizures, nausea, stress, anxiety, pain, arthritis, and some symptoms of cancer. But it, like any other medicine, comes with great risks for your pet - accidental overdose, an allergic reaction, and other bad possibilities. It's important to always work with your vet before deciding on whether or not your pup should partake in cannabis oil treatment.
If you're curious, though, and want to know more about how cannabis could could help your dog, how you can tell if your dog has accidentally overdosed on cannabis oil, or simply want a better understand of what hash oil is, read on! We've got the ultimate doggy-hash-oil guide laid out for you!
Signs Your Dog Could Benefit from Hash Oil
If your pup suffers from things like chronic pain - whether it's back, neck, joint, or more - then hash oil could be beneficial for your dog. According to research, when hash oil is utilized, relief is provided as the cannabinoids in the marijuana interact with the endocannabinoid system, a series of receptors that run through the body.
If your poor pup suffers from seizures, anxiety, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues, cannabis oil could be the key to helping your poor pup get some relief. If your dog suffers from any of these things and traditional medicines don't seem to be helping, chat with your vet about the possibility of hash oil application (if legal in your state).
Of course, like any medication, your pup runs the risk of overdosing on cannabis oil. If you accidentally give your pup the wrong dosage or he or she gets into the hash oil without your supervision, you'll need to be extremely cautious. Your pup could suffer from THC toxicity. This could make them either incredibly ill or even kill them.
Body Language
- Cowering
- Panting
- Weakness
- Drooling
- Head bobbing
- Ears back
- Freezing
Other Signs
- Aggression and agitation
- Drooling
- Hyperactivity
- Slowed heart rate
- Vomiting
- Coma
- Depression
- Seizures
The History of Cannabis Oil and Dogs
Hash oil is typically used with dogs topically to provide relief from sore muscles, anxiety, nausea, and other GI issues.
Where did hash and cannabis oils come from and how did they begin to be used for relief? Some research suggests that cannabis concentrates began to be formed and proliferated in the early 1940s, adapting from the pre-20th-century botanical extraction technologies that brought cannabis to the US Pharmacopeia to begin with.
As we've begun to legalize recreational and medical marijuana in the United States, the focus on THC oil (cannabis oil) has been revamped, leading to a rise in hash oil enthusiasm since 2012.
The Science of Cannabis Oil for Dogs
The marijuana plant contains trichomes, which are glands on the plant that contain essential oils and ratios of cannabinoids. When people create THC oil, they craft it with many different cannabinoids together (including THC and CBD).
These cannabinoids in the marijuana will interact with the endocannabinoid system in you, or your dog's, body (a series of receptors that run through both of your bodies). This interactaction with the receptors of your body will help to subdue or modulate factors like anxiety, nausea, seizures, and pain. WIth the proper dosage, it shouldn't damage your dog's livers, kidney, GI tract, or get your pup high by any means.
Training Your Dog to Take Cannabis Oil
Encouraging your dog to willingly take the cannabis oil your vet has prescribed could be equally as difficult. Whether you're applying it topically or orally, giving your dog hash oil could prove to be a little tricky.
First, if applying topically, make sure your dog is well-versed in the "sit, stay" command chain. If your pup won't stay still, how can you be expected to apply the oil? Next, make sure your pup is entirely on board with the "no" and "leave it" commands. If your pup starts to lick the oil off, you might risk a bit of an overdose. If your pup can't deal with the oil and can't stop licking, consider applying the dreaded cone collar to your pooch while the oil absorbs.
Next, if you're planning to give your pooch an oral dose of cannabis oil, consider training them to work with a syringe or an eye dropped. Some dogs won't have an issue with this, but others might find it a bit intimidating. To combat this, practice with water for a few weeks before you begin giving your pup cannabis oil. Repeatedly give your dog over-the-top praise when he or she does well so that you can reinforce positive rewards for doing well.
How to React if Your Dog has had Too Much Hash Oil:
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Contact your vet immediately!
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If instructed, induce vomiting.
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Call the animal poison hotline.
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Bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
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Reconsider how and where you're storing your hash oil.