Is There THC Oil Dogs Can Safely Use?

Is there a THC oil dogs could actually benefit from?

This question sparks debate among pet owners and veterinarians. As cannabis gains acceptance for human use, CBD oils for cats and dogs have hit the market as well.

The relationship between dogs and THC is complex, but this article will explore important considerations about THC for dogs, its risks, and alternative options.

THC Oil Dogs Safety

THC, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana and one of 113 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants that may affect the dog's body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.

The psychoactive effects of THC come from its ability to mimic natural endocannabinoids in the brain. This disrupts normal neural communication, leading to the well-known marijuana "high".

When discussing THC oil for dogs, distinguishing between the trace amounts of THC found in hemp, which is 0.3% or less, and concentrated THC oil is very important.

THC is well-tolerated in dogs at the levels present in hemp, but the levels found in marijuana could be toxic.

Why Are Human Cannabis Products Dangerous for Dogs?

Medical cannabis products designed for humans often contain THC levels that are far too high for dogs. Even a small amount of these products can lead to THC exposure far beyond what is considered appropriate for dogs.

Cannabis plants bred for human consumption may have THC content ranging from 15-30%, which is extremely concentrated for dogs. Even products marketed as "low THC" for humans can be dangerous for canines.

Risks of THC Overdose in Dogs

Dogs have a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors compared to humans; therefore, this makes them more sensitive to THC's adverse effects. When a dog is exposed to THC, it can lead to marijuana intoxication, which can pose serious health risks to dogs.

Accidental Ingestion Scenarios

Accidents do happen more often when it comes to what your dogs ingest. But some of these accidents may be more life-threatening to your dog's life, they are:

• Edibles: THC-infused human foods like brownies, medical cannabis, or gummies contain higher doses of THC than what's safe for your dog. Don't leave them around.

• Discarded marijuana cigarettes: As you walk your dog daily in parks, monitor what they seek on the ground closely as they might find and ingest medical cannabis cigarettes' butts.

• Improperly stored cannabis products such as medical marijuana, accessible oils, or tinctures can be a risk.

• Secondhand smoke exposure: Prolonged exposure to medical marijuana smoke in enclosed spaces can pose a risk to your dog.

Symptoms of THC Intoxication in Dogs

When your dog ingests THC, there are some clinical signs you should look out for:

• Your dog may appear unusually tired or unresponsive.

• Your dog might have dilated pupils; its eyes may appear larger than normal.

• Loss of bladder control in your dog

• Your dog may stumble or have difficulty walking.

• Your dog may vomit as its body attempts to expel the toxin.

• You might notice your dog's muscles twitching or shaking.

• In severe cases, your dog may experience convulsions.

These symptoms may appear within minutes to hours after THC intoxication exposure and may last for several days. The severity of these symptoms may vary depending on the level of THC exposure. Smaller dogs are more susceptible to THC toxicity given their lower body weight.

When the symptoms persist, seek your vet's advice. They can help you handle these emergencies and provide supportive care to help provide supportive care and reduce the risks of further issues.

Treatment Options for THC Intoxication

Prevention is the best cure but understanding the treatment options for THC intoxication in dogs is important. Treatment of THC intoxication focuses on supportive care and symptom management:

1. Decontamination Procedures

Your vet might induce vomiting if the THC ingestion occurred within the last 1-2 hours and your dog is not displaying any severe neurological symptoms. This process may help remove unabsorbed THC from the stomach. But do not attempt to induce vomiting at home without veterinary guidance.

Another option your vet might use is the administration of activated charcoal to absorb the remaining toxins in your dog's gut. Multiple oral doses of activated charcoal may be administered over several hours to enhance its effectiveness as it prevents further absorption of THC into the bloodstream.

2. Fluid Therapy

An intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is a supportive care for dogs experiencing THC intoxication. This treatment can help your dog replenish lost fluids during excessive urination and vomiting symptoms.

IV fluids can also help correct electrolyte imbalance that may occur due to vomiting or other THC toxicity symptoms. IV fluids provide adequate hydration that supports kidney function and helps the dog's body flush out toxins. Your vet will administer and monitor the IV fluid based on your dog's size, symptoms, and overall health status.

3. Additional Considerations

While the above treatments form the core of THC intoxication management in dogs, your vet may employ other supportive measures as needed:

4. Thermoregulation support

This may involve adjusting room temperature, providing appropriate bedding, or using temperature-controlled recovery areas to ensure the dog's comfort and support their body's natural temperature regulation processes.

5. Nutritional support

In cases of prolonged THC intoxication, it’s important to ensure adequate nutrition. Your vet may need to implement feeding tubes or other assisted feeding methods to provide the necessary calories and nutrients to help prevent malnutrition.

6. Urinary catheterization

THC intoxication may sometimes interfere with a dog's ability to urinate voluntarily. In such cases, urinary catheterization may be necessary to prevent bladder distension and associated complications.

7. Cardiovascular support

In rare but severe cases of THC intoxication, dogs may experience cardiovascular complications. Your vet may need to administer veterinary medicine to help maintain normal cardiovascular function. 

Physical therapy

For dogs experiencing prolonged adverse effects from THC intoxication, gentle physical therapy may be beneficial to help prevent muscle wasting due to inactivity and maintain joint mobility.

What Are Safer Alternatives to THC Oil for Dogs?

Since THC oil poses significant risks to your pup, there are safer alternatives that may provide your dog with the potential health benefits without the dangers of marijuana intoxication.

CBD Oil for Dogs

This study states that CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound that's found in cannabis plants, including hemp. The study further details that CBD oil for dogs is made using oil carriers such as MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil; MCT oil is derived from coconut or palm kernel oil and might be well-tolerated by dogs.

CBD oil for dogs is currently being researched and showing promising results. Thousands of dog owners say that it greatly benefits their pets in the ways of mobility, calming, and more. 

Hemp-Based Products

Hemp products are also derived from the cannabis plant and have the required 0.3% THC level or less. Full spectrum hemp oils as one of the dog products, has a wide range of cannabinoids such as CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids. Their compounds enable them to harness the entourage effects.

But there is another side to the hemp products for dogs, hemp-derived CBD isolates. The study defines dog CBD isolates to contain only pure CBD with all the other hemp compounds removed and this option allows for pet parents who want to focus solely on CBD's potential benefits.

How Might Trace THC Support the Entourage Effect in Dogs?

The entourage effect is a theory that suggests that the various compounds in the cannabis plant work together synergistically, potentially enhancing their individual benefits. It's an important concept when considering full-spectrum hemp products for dogs. Therefore, let's delve deeper into how the entourage effect might benefit dogs in various aspects of their health and well-being.

The full range of cannabinoids present in hemp might play a role in the entourage effect without causing psychoactive effects. Here's how:

1. Cannabinoid Synergy

THC, in minute quantities, may interact with other cannabinoids like CBD, and potentially modulate their effects. This interaction could enhance the overall therapeutic potential of hemp-derived products for dogs.

2. Receptor Activation

Trace THC might help activate certain cannabinoid receptors in a dog's endocannabinoid system. This could potentially prime them for interaction with other cannabinoids and terpenes.

3. Improved Bioavailability

Some research suggests that the presence of THC, even in small amounts, might improve the bioavailability of other cannabinoids, making them more effective.

What Other Compounds Contribute to the Entourage Effect?

Beyond trace THC, several other compounds in full-spectrum hemp products may contribute to the entourage effect in dogs:

CBD (Cannabidiol)

This study mentions that dog CBD may support overall joint health and contribute to balanced inflammatory responses in your dog. It might help dogs maintain a calm and relaxed disposition in situations that can cause nervousness, such as travel or separation.

Another study states that CBD might help support digestive health and support a normal appetite in dogs. The potential anti-inflammatory properties of CBD could also contribute to maintaining a healthy skin and shiny coat for your pup.

Minor Cannabinoids

Minor cannabinoids such as CBG (Cannabigerol) may support normal inflammatory responses, healthy skin, and may help maintain a normal appetite for your dog as explained in this study. The study also describes CBC(Cannabichromene) as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that might contribute to supporting normal brain function and promoting a sense of calm in your dog.

Another study states that CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid), a raw form of CBD, might support normal inflammatory responses, help maintain healthy digestion, and contribute to the overall wellness of your dog.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in hemp and contribute to the plant's scent and potential health-supporting properties in dogs. In the context of the entourage effect for dogs, this study lists several terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and humulene stand out. Each of these terpenes may offer unique benefits to your dog, such as supporting a sense of calm, maintaining normal muscle function, or contributing to the dog's overall wellness.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a group of plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties and they contribute to the plant's color and this study states that they may offer potential benefits for dogs. Key flavonoids in hemp include quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, and luteolin. These compounds may support normal inflammatory responses, help maintain cardiovascular health, support normal cellular function, and contribute to overall wellness in dogs.

The Synergistic Interaction

This study explains that the true potential of the entourage effect lies in the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. For example, CBD and beta-caryophyllene may work together to support normal inflammatory responses more effectively than either compound alone, while the calming effects of CBD might be enhanced by the presence of myrcene and linalool. Additionally, CBG and limonene could work synergistically to support digestive health.

How Does the Canine Endocannabinoid System Interact with These Compounds?

Dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system with cannabinoid receptors throughout their bodies. This study explains how the entourage effect may influence the external cannabinoids interaction with this system. Below are the study's conclusions:

CB1 Receptors

CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system of dogs, including the brain and spinal cord. The study states that the interaction of cannabinoids with CB1 receptors may influence various physiological processes in dogs, including mood, memory, appetite, and pain perception. 

While THC's strong binding to CB1 receptors can lead to intoxication, other cannabinoids may modulate CB1 receptor activity in ways that may support normal neurological function without psychoactive effects.

CB2 Receptors

CB2 receptors are located in the immune system and peripheral tissues of dogs. The study states that these receptors may interact with a wide range of cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, and CBC. Unlike CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors have a lower affinity for THC, which is why they're less associated with psychoactive effects.

The interaction of cannabinoids with CB2 receptors may play a significant role in modulating inflammatory responses and pain signaling in dogs. The entourage effect may enhance these interactions, potentially offering more comprehensive support for a dog's overall well-being through the collective action of various cannabinoids on CB2 receptors.

Conclusion: THC Oil is a No-Go

As a pet parent, you now know how marijuana affect dogs and THC oil for dogs is a no-go zone. But dog CBD and hemp-based products may just be the thing your furry friend needs. Gradually increase your pup's cannabinoid dose, note down how they respond, and always consult your vet about the progress when giving CBD oil to your cat or dog.

References:

1. Learn more about THC

2. Learn more about Why Human Cannabis Products Dangerous for Dogs.

3. Learn more about dog poisoning

4. Learn more about the safe use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs

5. Learn more about Cannabis in veterinary medicine

6. Learn more about CBD and THC in dogs

7. Learn more about CBD use in dogs

8. Learn more about the endocannabinoid system in dogs

9. Learn more about the potential benefits of CBDA in dogs

10. Learn more about flavonoids' potential benefits in dogs

11. Learn more about the potential benefits of cannabis in veterinary medicine

12. Learn more about the Effect in dogs of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response

13. Learn more about Minor Cannabinoids' potential benefits in dogs

14. Learn more on how to safely administer CBD in dogs