With marijuana legalization for both medicinal and recreational uses headlining the news in just about every state across the nation, it’s hard to deny the benefits it can offer. Many pet owners have started using marijuana laced dog food for their pets. If you plan to use marijuana laced dog food or pet products then it is important to understand how to do so properly. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Never Blow Smoke in Their Face
 While people may enjoy smoking marijuana, it is harmful to your pets. The smoke still contains carcinogens harmful to the lungs. There are other 
products out there, such as edibles, oils and tinctures that can be used instead.
Beware of Ingredients in Dog Food Edibles
Obviously giving your dog a pot brownie is not safe because chocolate is toxic to dogs. This is not the only ingredient that can poison your dog in edible marijuana products so read the label. Just as you only feed them high quality dog food, be sure the treatments you are giving them are not going to harm them either.
Keep it Out of Reach
While overdoses with marijuana are very rare, they can happen. This is why it is important to keep your products out of reach from your pets just as you would children.
Understand Proper Dosing
You do not want to give your pet an overdose and on the other hand you want to make sure they are getting the right amount to give the results
. The best way to understand this is to talk with your vet and do a little research on your own. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and give less.
Know the Signs of Overdose
Knowing what to look for can help you to get your pet to the vet if they do accidentally overdose on marijuana. This includes dilated pupils, lethargy, seizures and other signs. If you notice your pet acting weird after eating dog food laced with marijuana it is important that you contact the vet right away.  Even though they cannot counteract the overdose, they can observe and treat the side effects to keep your dog’s condition from getting worse.
If you are considering medical marijuana for your dog, then you should take a look at the next blog in our Dope for Dogs series- The Medical Benefits of Marijuana for Dogs.
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