{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/dog/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2615-markdown","title":"A Holistic Approach to Pet Health That Includes Cannabis","slug":"a-holistic-approach-to-pet-health-that-includes-cannabis","content":"In urbanized areas across the country, a growing number of people are buying organic produce, eating less processed foods and seeking out alternative therapies for symptoms that conventional medicine has had minimal success in addressing. Holistic living is becoming mainstream, and as we start to look at our health differently, it’s only natural that we begin to do the same with our dogs and cats—they’re family after all.\r\n\r\n“Think about your pet's health care in the same scope that you would ideally think about your own: It's about getting clean [foods], getting exercise and really just enjoying life,” says Gary Richter, an integrative veterinarian, owner of two clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area: [Montclair Veterinary Hospital](http://www.montclairvethospital.com/) and [Holistic Veterinary Care](http://www.holisticvetcare.com/); and the author of [_The Ultimate Pet Health Guide_](https://www.drgaryrichter.com/).\r\n\r\nAccording to Dr. Richter, the best thing you can do to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy is to take a preventative and holistic approach to their care. Approaches such as these can involve cannabis, but they must first and foremost address proper nutrition. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Nutrition Is the Key to a Healthy Dog or Cat\r\n\r\n“The conversation always has to start with nutrition. If your dog or your cat is eating badly, it’s going to be extremely difficult for the body to function properly and protect itself against disease,” says Dr. Richter. \r\n\r\nAccording to Dr. Richter, the evolutionary history of dogs and cats indicates that they’re best suited to a minimally processed diet that mainly consists of fresh meats. \r\n\r\n“The only reason why dry food and canned food exists is for our convenience,” he says. The heavily processed foods our pets eat today have little to do with what’s best for them, but rather what was established by historical precedent. \r\n\r\nIt was only in the 1900s that canned food for pets began to appear in stores. During World War II, the need for tin led pet food manufacturers to develop dry dog food. The convenience and low-cost of this feeding method made it popular among pet owners—a trend that continues today. \r\n\r\n“Get [your pets] off of processed food and onto a fresh whole food diet. … That’s probably the single biggest thing that people can do [for their pet’s health],” says Dr. Richter. He adds that he’s seen a host of common problems resolve themselves by a simple change in diet. \r\n\r\n“We see this happen time and time again: We get a dog that has chronic allergies, and the people have tried every medication, and nothing really helped. … Then you put [these animals] on a fresh, whole food diet and do almost nothing else. Lo and behold, over a month or two their skin starts to clear up; they're less itchy; they feel better; they’re in a better mood; and their coat looks great,” he says.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [CAN CANNABIS HELP YOUR PET?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59b8721fd5d69e0ce6948b69/can-cannabis-help-your-pet)\r\n\r\n“I've seen it happen with dogs and cats with chronic upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Diet change can make all the difference in the world. I've seen seizures improve in dogs with diet changes—the list just goes on and on.”\r\n\r\nWith the correct nutrition, you can optimize the way your pet’s body functions, and ultimately prevent or reduce the chance of disease. \r\n\r\n### What Should I Feed My Dog or Cat? \r\n\r\nAccording to Dr. Richter, the best diet for a dog or cat is either a cooked or raw meal prepared at home—you just need to make sure that the meal you’re preparing is complete and balanced. There are a number of do-it-yourself pet cookbooks available, and Dr. Richter’s own pet health guide also contains [recipes—a few of which are also available online](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl7lZy2s2kN7yOq8GVJcmEzqlo5OMcgSa). \r\n\r\nBut in today’s world, this type of commitment can be difficult even for our own diets, let alone for our pets. So how do you provide the best care for your furry friend without giving up your life or breaking the bank? \r\n\r\n“We try to help [our customers] understand what's good, better and best, and help them do what they can,” says Heidi Hill, owner of [Holistic Hound](https://holistichound.com/), a pet store in Berkeley, CA, that focuses on health and wellness. Heidi opened her store in 2003 and has established a name for herself in the local community as an expert in pet nutrition.  \r\n\r\n“If [people] can only afford to feed kibble, or only want to feed kibble because it's convenient and less expensive, then we help them understand how they can make it better,” she says. \r\n\r\nLike Dr. Richter, Heidi says that the best meal is a home-prepped one. But barring that, there are now many commercial pet food options that can be healthy alternatives. When discussing these options with her customers, she tends to give the types of foods available a ranking from least to most processed:\r\n\r\n1. Frozen raw or cooked food\r\n2. Freeze dried or air-dried foods\r\n3. Dehydrated foods\r\n4. Canned food\r\n5. Kibble\r\n\r\nThere are still ways to make your pet’s diet healthier, even if you opt for canned or dry foods. In the wild, dogs, cats and other animals get a lot of their water from the foods they eat—another reason why kibble isn’t the ideal diet for our furry companions. Heidi advises adding moisture to kibble in the form of bone broth or goat’s milk to help keep your pet hydrated.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, not all canned foods and kibble are created equal: Some products consist of mostly grain fillers and little meat, while others on the market are made with generic low-grade meat meals and meat by-products. These low-quality ingredients can contain animals that were euthanized or died of certain diseases. \r\n\r\nWhen buying pet food, pet parents should instead look for foods that contain mostly meat and list the specific types of meat used, like chicken, beef or pork. Overall, you should aim to buy the highest quality food that you can afford. \r\n\r\nIt’s also important to remember that feeding your pet a healthy diet isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. You can vary your pet’s diet: Feed kibble during the day and a less-processed food at night, for example. \r\n\r\n“Most of us try to eat healthy, but every now and again you're totally having pizza for lunch—but that doesn't mean that all the other fresh food that you're eating is worthless,” says Dr. Richter. \r\n\r\n“Think about raw or cooked food, or something fresh to add [to your pet’s food],” says Heidi. “Even if it’s just a few days a week, even if it's only table scraps … Even just a little bit is better than nothing.” She also adds that variety is important. Just like in human diets, different foods provide your pet with different nutrients. \r\n\r\n### Taking a Proactive Approach to Pet Care \r\n\r\nProviding your pet with a species-appropriate diet is the best way to ensure their health, but both Heidi and Dr. Richter also stress the value of taking a preventative and integrative approach to their care. \r\n\r\nPrevention means being proactive. Regular checkups at the vet are important, as are making sure your pet is getting enough exercise, mental stimulation and training. All of these are basic components to having a pet that’s healthy both mentally and physically. \r\n\r\nAnd beyond that, if medical problems do arise, an integrative approach gives pet owners multiple ways of addressing issues, says Dr. Richter.\r\n\r\nAfter five years of practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Richter began to notice that with some conditions, he’d often exhaust all treatment options to no avail. This led him to seek out and study alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine and chiropractic therapy.\r\n\r\nIn addition to these therapies, including supplements in your pet’s diet can be beneficial—it just depends on the individual animal. Some supplements like probiotics and fish oils have benefits for most dogs and cats by promoting gut and coat health, respectively. However, most supplements aren’t completely benign and should be taken under the guidance of a veterinarian or someone well-versed in nutritional therapies, says Dr. Richter.\r\n\r\nHe goes on to talk about an emerging field of science called nutrigenomics—or the science of how different foods can affect gene expression in the body. “With the right set of nutrients and supplements, we can take advantage of the body's natural defense system,” says Dr. Richter. “You can literally turn on and off genes in the body by adding or subtracting different food ingredients from an animal’s diet. You can decrease inflammation, improve energy and improve the body's cancer fighting ability by utilizing these systems in the body.” \r\n\r\nCannabis is a good example of an herbal therapy that could have potential in this emerging scientific field, he says. \r\n\r\n“Cannabis affects the endocannabinoid system, which is a system of neurotransmitters that literally touches just about every bodily system we have,” Dr. Richter explains. “If we can optimize or improve endocannabinoid system function, we can have global effects on the body in ways that we couldn't do in any other way. And certainly not in any way that Western medicine has an ability to do.”\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Can Help Pets, But Legal Issues Stand in the Way \r\n\r\nInterest in cannabis and how it can be applied to pet health is rising—and for good reason: Both Heidi and Dr. Richter have witnessed the plant’s benefits. When Heidi began selling cannabidiol (CBD) products in her store four years ago, she received such amazing feedback that she decided to start her own line of hemp-derived CBD products. \r\n\r\n“[CBD] is a game changer as far as anything that I've ever seen in 15 years of doing this,” she says. “It’s replaced a lot of our supplements. … We specialize in having herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies or other types of food supplements, and nothing has ever come close to the kinds of testimonials that we get for CBD.”\r\n\r\nShe adds that the most common reasons people use CBD are for: anxiety, pain and inflammation, seizures and bodily support for animals with cancer. \r\n\r\nDr. Richter also sees cannabis’s potential. “I've seen cannabis improve quality of life and sometimes resolve disease symptoms in ways that Western medicine has no hope of doing,” he says. “Of any herb, supplement or medication that I’ve ever seen, cannabis has the broadest potential to have the most positive effect on patients. … But just like any pharmaceutical, it's not without its risks, and it has to be used responsibly.”\r\n\r\nThe wide-ranging application of cannabis’s therapeutic properties puts Dr. Richter in a difficult position: He knows cannabis can help with a lot of health issues. But as a veterinarian, he’s prohibited by the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMA) from recommending it—or even simply discussing it. \r\n\r\n“Unless your veterinarian is willing to buck the trend and disobey the Veterinary Medical Board, you're stuck getting medical advice either from the kid working in a pet store, the person working behind the counter at the dispensary or whatever you can find on the Internet—and frankly, that’s a recipe for disaster,” he says. \r\n\r\nTo avoid a potential disaster, Dr. Richter is [gathering signatures in support of AB 2215, a bill that would allow veterinarians to recommend cannabis for their patients](https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/allow-compassionate-use). But until this bill or something like it is passed, many pet parents will have a difficult time talking to their veterinarians about cannabis. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Jonas Vincent](https://unsplash.com/@jonasvincentbe)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/14b42/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/f836f/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.jpg 200w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/2244e/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.jpg 400w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/14b42/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.jpg 800w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/47498/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/0e329/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.jpg 1600w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/ed6f8/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.jpg 3644w","srcWebp":"/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/58556/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/61e93/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.webp 200w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/1f5c5/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.webp 400w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/58556/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.webp 800w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/99238/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.webp 1200w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/7c22d/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.webp 1600w,\n/static/51b35dd8ff1f3798e487860fd10ca896/f5c7a/ce0560973c26d0a88f6f579be7f9179e.webp 3644w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2290-markdown","title":"Your Dog and Marijuana","slug":"your-dog-and-marijuana","content":"### The Endocannabinoid System\n\nAs medical marijuana is becoming increasingly popular and more success stories are being publicized, people are asking whether it can also help man’s best friend. Dogs, like humans and all other mammals, have an endocannabinoid system, that is made up of receptors that process cannabinoids. It can be assumed, that much like humans, dogs produce endocannabinoids that are supplemented by cannabinoids in cannabis. There are thousands of anecdotal stories where people claim that cannabis is beneficial in helping dogs with conditions like pain, anxiety, inflammation, arthritis, and appetite loss.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Hemp Derived Dog Products\n\nAccessing whole plant cannabis, which requires a medical recommendation, may be a challenge for most people. As a result hemp derived pet treats are a viable alternative that have become increasingly popular. Hemp provides cannabinoids, including CBD, to dogs without the added THC that can potentially cause them distress. Some conditions in dogs, however are better treated with minimal amounts of THC, however dogs are extremely sensitive to the psychoactive cannabinoid. More people are now looking to buy whole plant cannabis products for their dogs in order to provide them more relief.\n\n### Whole Plant Cannabis or Hemp?\n\nThe issue of access to medical cannabis for pets has been raised in various states without much success. Nevada recently ruled that it would not allow veterinarians to prescribe cannabis to pets and an Arizona bill that would have also allowed pets to get a medical marijuana cards failed to even get a hearing from the Committee of Health and Human Services. There is, however, hope for a Florida bill that would allow researchers at the University of Florida to work with other veterinary researchers to look into how low THC, high CBD medical marijuana could benefit dogs with seizure disorders. \n\nA survey from the Journal of American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association found that out of the 632 people surveyed, 72% gave their dogs hemp based products and 64% of the people surveyed felt that the hemp products helped their pets in various ways. Some vets are speaking out regarding the potential benefits that cannabis may have for dogs. An Australian holistic veterinarian, Dr. Edward Bassingthwaighte, has found success treating dogs with cannabis for a variety of conditions and is a vocal proponent of cannabis for pets. He has treated dogs with conditions such as tumors, heart murmurs and arthritis with both CBD and THC, as well as cold pressed hemp oil with degrees of success.\n\n### Treating Medical Conditions\n\nWhat has become evident is that dog owners are buying whole plant and hemp products for their animals but they are also using their own medical cards to buy their pets medical cannabis. VetCBD provides dog owners with medical grade cannabis that is specifically formulated for dogs and cats. VetCBD makes a tincture that is formulated to help with seizures, nausea, lack of appetite, inflammation, pain, and a host of other medical conditions. The product is lab tested for potency and cleanliness and is found in dispensaries all across the state of California.\n\nAn extremely popular brand called Holistic Hound is a pet treat company started by Heidi Hill. With her 15 years experience, Heidi centered Holistic Hound on pet wellness and nutrition.                                                       \n\nHolistic Hound's dog treats come in 3 or 7 mg per bite. These treats won't make your dog feel high, but will ward off anxiety if your companion is jittery. \n\nOlder pets can benefit from the pain-relieving and organically grown hemp oil in each treat. The cannabinoids can reduce inflammation, aiding in arthritis or any chronic pain your dog may be experiencing. \n\nWhat distinguishes Holistic Hound is their mixture of medicinal mushrooms, a five mushroom blend of:\n\n* Reishi\n* Shiitake\n* Mesima\n* Poria\n* Turkey tail\n\nThe chicken flavored treats contain pasture-raised chickens from Wisconsin, while the lamb treats use grass-fed lamb from family farms in New Zealand. \n\nKeep in mind your dog's weight when figuring out how many treats to feed them. Start with a small amount and increase if you feel your dog needs it.\n\nCurrently, there is no formal scientific research on the effect of cannabis on dogs, so there is not any conclusive evidence of its benefits. There is clear anecdotal evidence, however, on how cannabis may benefit dogs with various conditions and improve the quality of their life. If you would be interested in looking more into how cannabis could benefit your dog, some holistic vets do use cannabis as part of their protocol, and it could be possible to locate one to assist you if you do not desire to start the process on your own. If you are looking to assist your dog with a medical condition and improve their quality of life, cannabis may be the answer to a healthy, happy dog.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/14b42/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.jpg","srcSet":"/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/f836f/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.jpg 200w,\n/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/2244e/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.jpg 400w,\n/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/14b42/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.jpg 800w,\n/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/47498/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.jpg 1200w,\n/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/54ac5/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/58556/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/61e93/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.webp 200w,\n/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/1f5c5/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.webp 400w,\n/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/58556/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.webp 800w,\n/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/99238/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.webp 1200w,\n/static/eaa878ed8d12feeb81cc786853aea2bd/5e0b8/92194392cdb34410ddd79e6573539511.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1989-markdown","title":"What to Do if Your Dog Eats Marijuana ","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-dog-eats-marijuana","content":"With the widespread availability of so many tasty marijuana-infused edibles, it's easy to carelessly leave them lying where your dog might eat them. While some may think this amusing, it's no laughing matter as dogs are especially sensitive to **tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)**. \n\nAccording to the [Human Society of Boulder Valley](https://www.boulderhumane.org/), 95% of marijuana exposures in pets occur in dogs, and ingesting marijuana is the most common way our pets are exposed to THC. \n\n![Hello3-min (32).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello3_min_32_fb6fc397d0.png)\n\n### How Ingesting Marijuana Affects Dogs\n\nAnecdotal reports by veterinarians and dog owners indicate that marijuana can help relieve a wide range of ailments. However, many marijuana-based products can be debilitating to dogs because they contain too much THC. \n\nWhen marijuana is inhaled or ingested, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and acts on the [endocannabinoid system](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), a network of receptors that are located throughout the body. THC and the other cannabinoids in cannabis attach to these receptors to elicit the various effects marijuana is known to have in humans, like stimulating appetite and fighting pain. \n\nThe two main receptors in the ECS are [CB1 receptors, which are primarily found in the brain and spinal cord, and CB2 receptors, which are mainly located in the immune system](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/beyond-the-cb1-and-cb2-cannabis-receptors-trpv1-and-gpr55). Dogs are particularly sensitive to THC because their cerebellums and brain stem contain a higher concentration of these receptors. These areas of the brain are responsible for important mechanisms like coordination, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Activation of these receptors by THC is likely responsible for most of the signs of marijuana poisoning in dogs. \n\n![Hello1-min (40).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_40_ea9c0c57b5.png)\n\n### Signs of Marijuana Ingestion in Dogs\n\nIf your dog eats marijuana, the effects they experience will depend on their size and weight, as well as the amount and type of marijuana ingested. When evaluating drugs, researchers often establish an LD50 or the dosage of a certain drug that causes death in 50% of a research population. \n\nAccording to [The Ultimate Pet Health Guide](https://www.drgaryrichter.com/), which was written by integrative veterinarian **Dr. Gary Richter** and contains an entire chapter dedicated to cannabis and pets, researchers haven’t been able to find an LD50 for orally ingested marijuana in dogs, in spite of concerted efforts to do so. \n\nHowever, Dr. Richter says that this doesn’t mean that marijuana isn’t toxic to dogs. And while marijuana doesn’t have an LD50, many edibles on the market contain chocolate, raisins, coffee, and other foods and compounds that can be toxic to animals, so it is important to observe your dog to see if emergency medical intervention is necessary. \n\nCommon signs that your dog has ingested marijuana can include anxiety, depression, low heart rate, dilated pupils, tremors, lethargy, and vomiting, while more severe signs include seizures and comas. The signs of marijuana ingestion typically become apparent within 30 minutes to three hours of ingestion.\n\n![Hello2-min (38).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello2_min_38_13be59d90d.png)\n\n### Treatments for Dogs Who’ve Eaten Marijuana \n\nTreatment for marijuana poisoning depends on the time since ingestion. Early treatment given within 30 minutes of ingestion and before symptoms have developed calls for inducing vomiting to remove marijuana from the stomach, thus minimizing the amount of THC available for absorption.\n\nAfter this time, inducing vomiting may cause a potentially life-threatening condition called [aspiration pneumonia](http://www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/dog_disorders_and_diseases/lung_and_airway_disorders_of_dogs/pneumonia_in_dogs.html), which occurs when vomit is inhaled into the lungs. Dogs at risk for aspiration pneumonia can be given [activated\ncharcoal](http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=26+1452&aid=1369) to help reduce the absorption of THC from the gut into the bloodstream. This is administered along with intravenous fluids to dilute THC and promote its excretion from the body.\n\nIn his book, Dr. Richter notes: “*In nearly all cases of marijuana ingestion, the effects are transient (hours to days) and leave no lasting damage. While the research has not been done in cats, the same is likely true*.” \n\nHe does note that sometimes dogs that have eaten marijuana can show signs of static ataxia—they may seem rigid and have a hard time standing. These cases, while not necessarily fatal, usually requires medical support. \n\nWith prompt treatment, most dogs recover from marijuana poisoning within three to 12 hours. However, because THC metabolites are stored in fat and are eliminated from the body over time, dogs may continue to show mild to moderate signs of marijuana poisoning for several days following treatment. \n\n![Hello4-min (30).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_30_3c744887ed.png)\n\n### How Long Does It Take For Dogs to Recover From Eating Marijuana?\n\nThe amount of time marijuana stays in the body depends on a combination of factors that are unique to each dog. Some of these factors include the amount of marijuana ingested and the breed, size, age, and health of the dog.\n\nKeeping marijuana out of reach of dogs is the best way for dog owners to protect against marijuana poisoning. This vital step does not replace the need for supervision, but it can make preventing accidental marijuana ingestion a lot easier.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/14b42/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.jpg","srcSet":"/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/f836f/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.jpg 200w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/2244e/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.jpg 400w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/14b42/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.jpg 800w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/47498/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.jpg 1200w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/0e329/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.jpg 1600w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/b55b6/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.jpg 2650w","srcWebp":"/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/58556/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/61e93/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.webp 200w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/1f5c5/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.webp 400w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/58556/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.webp 800w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/99238/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.webp 1200w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/7c22d/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.webp 1600w,\n/static/efca3a74843f151dd5de85df1cd2f438/5bd6f/94fcefb1b8c19af2d566d86a9a3fece4.webp 2650w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5202,"name":"Dog","slug":"dog","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}