Why My Dog Got High

When my dog got high for the first time, it wasn’t because of a practical joke or because she got into a stash of weed that she shouldn’t have! It was because she had cancer.

The words “cannabis” and “pets” send some people reeling while others are skeptical as to whether the ‘Holy Herb’ actually provides any of the benefits that it claims. What I do know is that I tried the conventional treatment for my 11 year old dog Sasha when she was diagnosed with Mast Cell Cancer but the pain killers and medication from the vet didn't work.

When the Mast Cell Cancer was causing Sasha to pace at early hours in the morning or refuse her favorite treats, I wanted to try to give her as much comfort as I could, and this led to my investigation of using full-spectrum CBD for pets containing THC.

I will admit that the first time I dosed my golden girl of 11 years with cannabis oil, she did get a little bit high. I remember giving her a slice of roast beef and dangling it right before her nose only for her to gently perform the action of taking the meat but moving right past my hand to open and close her mouth!

You might be thinking, but how does a dog get high on CBD, and isn’t it dangerous? Truth be told, I wasn’t giving Sasha the CBD oils that you find on the market, I was using full-spectrum CBD for pets with traces of THC. The reason is that CBD oil alone for pets with cancer or severe joint problems simply cannot offer the relief that they need. The discomfort, nausea, restlessness, and pain caused by cancer are seldom alleviated with prescription medication and even then, the side effects are never good. I know from personal experience that the only thing that helped Sasha to sleep at night was her cannabis oil.

Giving CBD to pets isn’t cruel and provided you give them the right dosage based on their weight, it is safe. Of course, they should never get into plant stash, oils, or edibles where the amount they consume cannot be controlled but for ailing pets, Mary Jane certainly came through where all else failed.

The thing is, the market is saturated with CBD for pets and people. Every product claims to perform miracles but CBD is not a cure for cancer or any other chronic condition. It is, however, a natural way to manage the effects of cancer.

THC is About More than Getting High

Many are unaware of the fact that some THC is needed to alleviate pain, especially the severe pain caused by cancer and arthritis.

Cancer studies in humans have suggested that THC provides relief from nausea, and severe pain, and improves appetite. This included individuals who received chemotherapy and reported little support from medication to ease the adverse effects caused by treatment. Research concerning the role of CBD, THC, and the treatment of cancer in pets is still in its infancy, but the benefits that it offers as a holistic therapy simply cannot be denied.

Watching your pet change because of a medical condition such as cancer or chronic pain, is a challenging experience. They have good days where they have energy and wolf their meals down and then there are times when they’re uncomfortable, restless, and have no appetite. Sasha was two when her first cancerous lump was removed then she underwent surgery at eight and again at eleven years of age to remove more lumps. As a big girl weighing around 100 lbs, along with her arthritis, she simply couldn’t continue with surgeries and this is when I took a closer look at alternative or holistic therapies that would strengthen her immune system, relieve her pain, and give her a longer quality of life.

While I know many are concerned about giving cannabis oil or edibles to their pets, if you want a natural pain management solution or alternative means of helping them through cancer or seizures, full-spectrum CBD can help. It is not about getting your cat or dog high but rather about providing them with the therapeutic doses that they need to experience relief.

Cancer is a devastating beast of a disease that can change your life in only a short period. A powerful part of this journey is hope and that's why for both people and pets living with cancer, it's important to have the right support and to hold onto hope. Through my own research and not giving up, I can't underestimate alternative therapy for managing cancer.