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However , the ECS of other mammals , such as dogs and cats , differ in varying degrees from humans . As such , it ’ s unreasonable to say that because dogs and cats have an ECS , they interact and function in the same way and to the same extent as the human ECS . More clinical studies need to be done in this regard . Even with the limited research we have available , we can confidently say that there are subtle and sometimes even significant differences . Therefore , one needs to approach the subject of treating domestic animals with medical cannabis advisedly .

Expert advice can be hard to come across as not many veterinarians are positively predisposed , let alone experienced , when it comes to treating their patients with cannabis . The Veterinary Cannabis Society offers a directory of cannabis-friendly vets , but as of the time of this publication , there are none listed in Missouri . 2

After mice , rat , and human ECS studies come the study of canine ECS . The underlying motivation for such studies stems , in part , from the fact that dogs are more likely to accidentally consume cannabis than other pets . Even still , the prevalence of canine studies pales compared to the others . What we know about canine ECS is that it differs significantly from human ECS : “ As compared to humans , studies have determined the number of CB1 receptors in hind brain structures in the dog to far exceed those found in humans . The U . S . government conducted studies that determined that dogs have large numbers of cannabinoid receptors in the cerebellum , brain stem , and medulla oblongata .” 3 Does their over-abundance of CB receptors in their ECS result in a natural high ? Could this be why many dogs always appear excited and happy ? Regardless , this abundance of CB receptors also means dogs are far more sensitive to THC than humans .

Marijuana Toxicosis in Domestic Animals

In the view of some experts , dogs and cats don ’ t appear to get high , i . e ., experience the euphoria humans do from THC . Rather , they run the risk of unpleasant side effects , particularly if over-consumed , which , depending on size and body weight , may require very little . With the ever-expanding legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis , the ASPCA ’ s Animal Control Center has noted a dramatic increase in reported cases of cannabis poisonings and overdoses in domestic animals . 4 Symptoms may include :

● Stumbling , crossing over feet as if drunk

● Startle to catch balance if they start to fall over

● Dull , lethargic , dilated pupils

● Peeing uncontrollably ( urinary incontinence )

● Agitation , very sensitive to sound and touch

● Unusually low or unusually high heart rate

● Tremors , shakes , vomiting

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In an extreme overdose , they might experience seizures . The majority of overdoses are from dogs gobbling up an owner ’ s unsecured edibles . Though cats are less likely to consume cannabis edibles , some cats are prone to eating cannabis flower , which can make them quite ill .

Following the studies of canine ECS come equestrian ECS that , in some respects , appear to have taken on even greater interest and priority than other animal ECS studies . This is likely due to the monetary value they can command ( e . g ., thoroughbred racehorses ). Among other things , cannabis has shown considerable benefit in treating colic ( an all-too-common and potentially serious condition in horses ), 5 as well as trigeminal-mediated ( TGM ) headshaking . 6

Treatment for Marijuana Toxicosis :

Encouraging your pet to vomit can prove helpful . Having your pet consume activated charcoal ( in water ) can potentially have an even greater effect .

The potential of your pet dying from marijuana toxicosis is slim to none unless they also consume another substance with it that ’ s even more toxic to them ( e . g ., dogs and chocolate cannabis brownies ). It ’ s likely to take 24-48 hours for them to fully recover , during which they ’ ll sleep a great deal . In more severe cases , it can take upwards of 72 hours . In such cases , veterinary care should be sought to keep your pet IV hydrated .

What About CBD ?

More studies have been done to date with pets and CBD . Results show it to be generally safe but with varying degrees of efficacy . Veterinarians are far more likely to approve CBD than full-spectrum cannabis . However , one problem is the CBD industry ’ s shoddy self-regulation and poor quality control . CBD products are seldom independently batch-tested to determine not just CBD concentrations but if their THC concentration falls below the 0.3 % legal limit . When independent third-party product reviews have been performed , THC levels have often shown higher , sometimes considerably so , than the legal limit . When we ’ re dealing with humans , this may not be an issue ( unless you have to be periodically drug-tested for work ). But for a dog , particularly a very small dog , even a little bit of THC could be very unpleasant . As such , never buy CBD products from untrustworthy sources .

5 . https :// bit . ly / 3Qkpx6E 6 . https :// bit . ly / 40TZEzu

Peter Kershaw is a medical cannabis consultant . Contact him at pkershaw . email @ gmail . com As with all writers within these pages , if you ’ ve benefited from Peter ’ s articles , please let him and all writers know . They appreciate your thoughts .

Notice : The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice , diagnosis , or treatment , but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience . The content is for general informational purposes only . As always , check with your doctor ( or Veterinarian ) first .