Has your dog eaten one or more dabs? Are you worried the dabs will make your dog sick? Then you’ve come to the right place.
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In this article, we’ll take a look at what dabs are and what you need to if your dog has eaten dabs. Let’s get started!
What are Dabs?
Dabs are a form of marijuana that’s made using a process that creates more concentrated levels of THC. This is the chemical that makes an individual high. Just for comparison, regular marijuana contains about 12% to 13% of THC. Dabs contain 50% to 80% THC.
What’s more, the process doesn’t create dabs with a specific concentration of THC. In other words, each dab may have higher or lower concentrations of the substance, which makes dabs extremely dangerous. Dabs can cause a high that makes people pass out, have breathing difficulties, and more.
Other names for dabs include:
- Honeycomb
- Earwax
- Budder
- Honey oil
- Wax
- 710
- Shatter
- Black glass
- Errl
Dabs can be used in many different ways. They can be added to a water pipe, oil pipe, a glass bong. Some people also use them in e-cigarettes or vaporizers. Dabs are also sometimes used in edibles, foods, and drinks.
What effect do dabs have on dogs? Will dabs make your dog sick?
Dabs & Dogs
The short answer is yes; dabs can make your dog very sick. Because of the very high levels of THC in dabs, they can lead to marijuana poisoning in dogs.
You may be surprised to learn that dabs (marijuana) are one of the most common toxins eaten by dogs. It’s easy for dogs to gain access to and eat weed or pot. Dabs and other forms of marijuana are now broadly available and legal in many states.
For instance, your fur baby could eat edibles (gummies or baked goods), joints, or even eat someone’s stash. Dogs can also become poisoned by breathing in the secondhand smoke from marijuana. It’s also possible for your dog to find a leftover joint when you’re both out for a walk.
So, it’s pretty easy for your fur baby to eat dabs or another form of marijuana. But what should you do if your dog eats dabs?
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
Your dog may develop these symptoms if he’s eaten dabs:
- Depression
- Drooling
- Hypermetria (overshooting or undershooting movements)
- Incontinence
- Dilated pupils
- Body tremors
- Bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate)
- Hypothermia
- Agitation
- Ataxia (stumbling, acting drunk)
- Tachycardia (heart arrhythmias)
- Breathing too fast
- Excitability
- Seizures
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Dabs
If your fur baby has eaten dabs, stay calm. Try to determine the amount of dabs your dog has eaten and when this occurred. Call the vet and give them this information and any other information they may require.
Your dog may not be showing symptoms right away; however, you may notice symptoms within about 30 minutes after ingesting dabs. However, symptoms can take as long as three hours or more to appear in some cases. Dogs that inhale smoke could show symptoms within minutes.
Most dogs recover within 24 to 48 hours after eating dabs and receiving medical treatment. However, the toxic effects can last up to 3-4 days after ingestion.
Do not induce vomiting at home unless your vet instructs you to do so. Inducing vomiting can cause serious health issues.
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Note: do not wait to see if further symptoms develop. If your dog is poisoned, he needs to be treated as soon as possible. This is not something funny to record and put on social media. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Treatment of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
When you reach the vet’s, they will conduct a physical exam of your dog. They will also do lab work to check your dog’s blood levels of THC, as well as check organ function. Next, your dog may require an IV. This is in order to rehydrate your dog (if he’s had vomiting) and the IV makes it easier to give your dog other medications as needed.
The vet will also try other means to lower the toxicity in your dog’s body from the THC. It’s possible your fur baby may need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days to be monitored.
When your dog has recovered enough, he will be able to go home. You may still need to monitor him as he continues to recover at home. Be sure to follow your vet’s care instructions. In most cases, your dog should make a full recovery if he receives prompt treatment for marijuana poisoning.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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