1. Introduction: New Frontiers in Psychedelic Research
For years, psychedelics were relegated to the fringes of medicine, associated more with counterculture than breakthroughs. But the psychedelic renaissance has put substances like MDMA and psilocybin in the spotlight for their therapeutic potential in treating PTSD, depression and anxiety. What was once taboo is now seen as a tool for health and wellness.
Now scientists are taking it to the next level, exploring the use of psychedelics not just for humans—but animals too. One of the most compelling areas is using MDMA to treat trauma in abused dogs. A neuroscientist at CU Denver is leading the research that could change how we treat emotional and psychological trauma in animals—especially dogs with a history of abuse.
This is part of a larger trend: the convergence of psychedelics, neuroscience and mycology (the study of fungi) to find new uses for substances like MDMA and psilocybin. As the science deepens a new question emerges: Could psychedelic compounds like MDMA help abused or traumatized dogs live healthier, happier lives?
2. Psychedelics and Dogs
2.1 What are Psychedelics?
Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, thought and mood. They come in many forms: LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin mushrooms, PCP (phencyclidine). While used recreationally for their mind-altering effects, psychedelics are also being studied for their therapeutic potential in treating mental health in humans.
But the effects of psychedelics on the brain and body can be intense and unpredictable. In dogs, exposure to these substances can be serious. Unlike humans, dogs can’t understand or control their experiences so psychedelic exposure is especially dangerous for them. Understanding the risks and effects of psychedelics on dogs is key to their safety and well-being.
2.2 Psychedelic Toxicity in Dogs
Psychedelic toxicity in dogs occurs when they ingest these substances intentionally or unintentionally. The effects of psychedelic toxicity vary depending on the substance and amount ingested, as well as the dog’s sensitivity and health status. Common signs of psychedelic toxicity in dogs include hyperactivity, rapid breathing, dilated pupils and staggering seizures. In severe cases, psychedelic toxicity can be fatal.
Dogs exposed to high doses of psychedelics can exhibit extreme behavioral changes like disorientation, hallucinations and aggression. The animal can’t metabolize these substances efficiently so these symptoms can be prolonged and life threatening. Immediate veterinary care is needed to manage these symptoms and prevent further complications.
MDMA and Dog Exposure: Why?
MDMA is a psychoactive drug commonly known as “Ecstasy.” It’s a popular recreational drug but in recent years has gained attention for its therapeutic potential. Used recreationally for its euphoric and empathogenic effects for years, MDMA is now on the cusp of being a legal therapeutic drug thanks to human studies in mental health, mostly for PTSD. Under controlled conditions, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is showing promise in helping people process trauma, open up to emotional healing.
But why dogs? The premise is simple yet powerful: dogs, like humans, can experience trauma, fear and anxiety – often as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Abused dogs exhibit behavior problems related to fear responses, anxiety disorders and mistrust of humans. These behavioral patterns can include aggression, compulsive behaviors and extreme social withdrawal. Traditional rehabilitation can take years if it works at all.
The growing problem of dog exposure to illicit drugs is another issue to consider as these drugs become more popular and pets are more likely to ingest them unintentionally. We need to address this to prevent dog drug poisoning.
MDMA sessions are already showing promise in reducing PTSD in humans, so why not dogs? The drug opens up emotions and reduces the fear conditioning that underlies trauma. Giving MDMA to dogs could connect them to their caregivers and handlers and mitigate symptoms of trauma and anxiety in ways not thought possible in a short period of time. This research is not just a new treatment method but a new philosophy of canine rehabilitation that tackles the psychological wounds of abuse head on.
3. MDMA and Mental Health Research
To understand the impact of MDMA therapy on dogs we need to look at human research first. MDMA is being studied as a treatment for severe PTSD and the results are very promising. It’s breakthrough status has led to expanded clinical trials and the US FDA is fast tracking “MDMA-assisted psychotherapy” to be a legal therapeutic treatment by 2023-2024.
The effects of MDMA were first discovered in the 1970s by psychotherapists who thought it allowed patients to access and process traumatic memories without being overwhelmed by anxiety or fear. Today studies show that a combination of MDMA and therapy can lead to significant and lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms. The mechanism is thought to be that MDMA reduces activity in the amygdala, the brain’s “fear center” and increases communication in other parts of the brain that process emotions.
MAPS research also supports this, with two-thirds of participants in MDMA-assisted therapy trials no longer meeting PTSD criteria one year after treatment.
Since dogs exhibit the same behavioral problems as trauma exposed humans – fear, avoidance or aggression – the question is: Could MDMA have the same effect on them? Could MDMA therapy make abused dogs feel safer, more secure and open to developing a positive relationship with humans?
The neuroscientist behind this study will answer these questions. If we can reduce the fear circuits in the human brain, there’s hope MDMA could modulate the fear responses in dogs and lead to more effective canine trauma recovery.
5. The Neurobiology of Psychedelics
Psychedelics work by altering the normal functioning of the brain’s neurotransmitter systems. They increase the activity of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and can lead to big changes in mood, perception and behavior. In humans this can mean experiences of heightened awareness, emotional release and altered states of consciousness.
In dogs the effects of psychedelics can be more pronounced because they can’t metabolize them as efficiently as humans. The cerebral cortex, responsible for processing sensory information and higher cognitive functions can be affected and the dog can become disoriented and behave strangely. The increased activity in the neurotransmitter systems can overwhelm the dog’s brain and cause severe signs such as rapid breathing, dilated pupils and seizures.
Understanding the neurobiology of psychedelics is key to developing safe and effective treatments for psychedelic toxicity in dogs. It also means preventing accidental exposure and any potential therapeutic use of psychedelics in veterinary medicine should be approached with caution and scientific research.
Therapeutic Potential and Toxicity for Abused Dogs
Trauma in dogs just like in humans can lead to long term behavioral issues that make rehabilitation difficult. Dogs that have been abused tend to have heightened anxiety responses and often display aggression, panic and social avoidance. Traditional treatment interventions like training and behavioral modification have been used to rehab these dogs for years but results are slow and inconsistent. Could MDMA be a faster and more effective solution?
MDMA’s ability to dampen hyperactive fear circuits in the brain could allow these traumatized dogs to break their conditioned fear responses and open the door to more successful training and behavioral modification. Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) says in humans “MDMA reduces the fear of revisiting trauma” so patients can re-experience past events without being overwhelmed. If that can be applied to dogs it could reduce the defensive behaviors abused dogs exhibit when interacting with humans.
Imagine a dog that cowers or shows aggression at the sight of a raised hand, likely conditioned through painful abuse early in its life. Under MDMA the dog’s amygdalar response might be lessened and it could overcome its fear responses and accept human interaction without reacting with aggression or avoidance. With behavioral training integrated into the MDMA therapy long term psychological healing could be achieved for these vulnerable animals.
And if MDMA works for trauma in dogs it opens up possibilities for similar therapies in other companion animals that have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. The implications are huge and exciting and could add a new dimension to the field of veterinary behavior therapy and humane treatment of neglected animals.
7. Diagnosing and Treating Psychedelic Toxicity in Dogs
7.1 Urine Drug Screens and Toxicity Testing
Diagnosing psychedelic toxicity in dogs is a combination of physical exam, medical history and laboratory testing. Urine drug screens can be used to detect the presence of psychedelics in the dog’s system and provide valuable information for diagnosis. Toxicity testing can determine the severity of the poisoning and guide treatment.
Medical treatment for psychedelic toxicity in dogs is supportive care such as fluid therapy and monitoring of vital signs. Administering activated charcoal can help absorb the toxin and prevent further absorption into the bloodstream. In severe cases hospitalization and intensive care may be needed to manage the dog’s symptoms and prevent complications.
The CU Denver Center for Psychedelic Research is currently studying psychedelics in dogs including the therapeutic potential of these substances. But more research is needed to fully understand the effects of psychedelics on canine health and to develop treatments for psychedelic toxicity in dogs.
In the meantime dog owners need to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent accidental ingestion. If you think your dog has ingested a psychedelic substance get to the vet ASAP. Prompt medical treatment can minimize the risks and ensure the best possible outcome for your dog.
5. The Ethical Conversation: Administering Psychedelics to Animals
While the potential for MDMA to treat abuse related trauma in dogs is huge it raises several important ethical questions. The biggest one is that animals can’t give informed consent. Humans undergoing psychedelic therapy volunteer for the process which includes a full explanation of risk and the experimental nature of the treatment. Animals on the other hand can’t understand what it means to be part of a study.
So scientists must approach this research with extreme caution and ensure the animal’s well-being is prioritized at all times. Ethical frameworks must be around safety, consent (as much as can be implied) and potential negative physiological side effects. Key considerations are dosage, controlled environment and always the animal’s welfare over the experimental interests of the researchers.
Animal welfare organizations and ethical review boards need to ensure any research into MDMA assisted therapy for dogs follows a moral compass. For example guidelines should be developed to ensure the dosage is much smaller than what would be given to human patients based on the animal’s size, metabolism and health status.
These are important ethical considerations as we move forward in refining our understanding of veterinary psychedelic care. The scientific community must operate at high moral standards and balance the huge potential benefits of MDMA therapy for abused dogs with our responsibility to our non-consenting research subjects.
6. From MDMA to Psilocybin: Other Psychedelic Therapies
MDMA isn’t the only psychedelic getting attention in the mental health space. Psilocybin the active compound in “magic mushrooms” is gaining popularity for its therapeutic effects especially for depression, anxiety and addiction in humans. It works very differently from MDMA but has some interesting parallels and potential when it comes to animal therapy.
Research into psilocybin shows it works by increasing communication between different brain networks resulting in cognitive flexibility and a sense of connection. Psilocybin acts on serotonin receptors creating unusual perceptual experiences in humans often referred to as “ego dissolution” where the boundaries between self and other dissolve. While this type of experience has profound emotional resonance for humans it raises the question of whether this would translate to animals in a way that’s beneficial to their behavioral health.
If MDMA reduces fear and protective responses, psilocybin could be used to encourage emotional flexibility in dogs who have had prolonged trauma. The anxiety and depression like symptoms some dogs experience could be relieved by a treatment that adjusts the animal’s consciousness in the same way it does for humans – calm, introspection and relaxation.
While researchers are focusing on MDMA for now, the psilocybin research can’t be ignored. Animal trials with psychedelics like psilocybin are in their infancy but the potential for veterinary care is huge and worth investigating.
7. Psychedelics and Mycology: The Basics
The bigger picture of psychedelic research can’t be complete without considering mycology, the biological study of fungi. Psychedelic mushrooms and their active compound psilocybin are a hot topic in many studies due to their mental health applications.
Psilocybin mushrooms especially Psilocybe cubensis have shown great promise in treating depression, PTSD, addiction and existential anxiety in terminally ill patients. This was so compelling that in 2020 Oregon became the first US state to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use.
But psilocybin is still a Schedule I substance under federal law so research is more challenging. While progress is being made all researchers and consumers need to be aware of the regulatory landscape around psychedelic mushrooms. As the public becomes more educated on psychedelics so too will the demand for more information on their biology and therapeutic use.
For psychedelic and mycology enthusiasts these are exciting times for personal exploration – both in terms of understanding fungus on a biological level and understanding their potential role in future therapeutic approaches for humans or animals.
8. Will Mushrooms Be Next in Veterinary Care?
As research on psychedelics like psilocybin advances in human medicine the question arises: Can psilocybin be used as a therapeutic tool for animals? While there are no studies yet on using psychedelic mushrooms in veterinary care it’s not too far fetched to consider the possibility given the results in human clinical trials.
In human studies psilocybin has been shown to induce neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself and create new neural connections. Long standing issues like depression, anxiety and PTSD have shown improvement after controlled therapeutic use of psilocybin. If that same neuroplasticity could be applied to the brains of traumatized animals we might find that dogs, cats and other pets could recover from what would otherwise seem to be irreparable behavioral problems.
For now it’s a long way off. But as psychedelic therapy advances in general the potential for mushroom based treatments for pets could emerge – especially as the public becomes more interested in natural mushroom based solutions.
The mycological community is aware of this. For pet owners looking to add fungus to their wellness tool kit it’s worth keeping an eye on the research on spores, mushrooms and other fungi in animal wellness.
9. Psychedelic Research at the Edge: The Future of Mental Health Treatments
The psychedelic renaissance has already started to change mental health care for humans. The next frontier could be our furry friends. MDMA assisted psychotherapy for PTSD is expected to get full FDA approval soon and that will be a major shift in the medical community’s view of this once demonized substance.
Expanding the scope of psychedelics beyond humans to include animals especially those traumatized reflects not just advances in biotechnology but a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence and psychological wellness between species. If psychedelics work for humans to calm the traumatized and help them rebuild trust in themselves and others it’s possible they could do the same for animals.
A world where behavioral approaches to veterinary care are augmented with psychedelic therapies for dogs, cats, horses or other animals recovering from abuse is a game changer.
10. Get Involved with Psychedelic and Mycology Research
For those excited about psychedelic therapy and the potential to change the way we treat mental health – for humans and animals – there are ways to get involved.
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Support Research: Funding and support is key. Research institutions like MAPS rely on public funding and support to move their research forward.
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Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest medical research in mycology, neuroscience and psychedelic therapy. Public awareness is key to destigmatizing these treatments.
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Advocacy for Legal Change: As the legal landscape changes public advocacy can influence local and state governments to consider decriminalization and legal research frameworks for psychedelic therapies – for human and veterinary use.
11. Ethical Sourcing & Safety: Responsible Consumption of Mycology Products
For those interested in the broader applications of mycology ethical sourcing of mushrooms – whether psychedelic or not – is important. With mushroom wellness on the rise responsible sourcing of products helps the environment.
When buying mushroom supplements or growing supplies go for organically grown, sustainably harvested and legally cultivated sources. As psilocybin mushrooms become more popular it’s important for mycologists to prioritize safety, legality and environmental respect in their practice.
For those growing mushrooms personally consider certified mycology kits which allow enthusiasts to safely and responsibly explore the world of fungi.
12. How to Get Involved: Mycology Kits for Mental and Physical Wellness
For those interested in the therapeutic potential of mushrooms – for mental health, physical wellness or just medical curiosity – mycology kits are a great way to get started. These kits allow individuals to grow their own mushrooms including non-psychedelic, edible fungi species like Lentinula edodes (shiitake) or Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) both of which have known health benefits.
By connecting with fungi enthusiasts also contribute to a greater understanding of the wellness potential of fungi – not just for humans but potentially for animals too.
Public Perception of Psychedelics and Recreational Drugs: Chipping Away at Social Stigmas
Public opinion on psychedelics has changed fast in recent years. What was once only associated with counterculture is now being recognized for its therapeutic benefits. Legal measures like in Oregon and the growing decriminalization campaigns show that the social stigmas are slowly eroding as more scientific evidence comes out for MDMA and psilocybin.
This matters not just for human treatments but for the future of animal care. As public awareness of psychedelics grows it’s likely society will become more comfortable with the idea of using these treatments in veterinary medicine – especially for rescuing and rehabilitating traumatised animals.
14. The Legal Landscape: Where Does Animal Therapy Fit With Psychedelics?
Human psychedelic therapies are being legalized and regulated but for animals the path is unclear. Governments need to research how these compounds affect non-human animals before any legal frameworks can be established for animal psychedelic therapy.
MDMA and psilocybin have shown promise in human clinical trials but the journey to adapt these therapies for veterinary use will require legal discussions, research and ethics. Governments and animal welfare organisations will need to work together to develop guidelines – and that includes regulation around the production and distribution of any psychedelic compounds used in animal therapy.
Countries and states that are leading the way in psychedelic research (like Oregon and Colorado) can set the stage for human and animal use but until frameworks are established it’s all speculation.
15. Conclusion: The Psychedelic and Animal Health Frontier
MDMA therapy for abused dogs is the bleeding edge of mental health research at the intersection of neuroscience, psychedelics and veterinary care. This will change not just how we rehabilitate animals suffering from trauma but how we think about the emotional lives of pets and the ways we can help them.
And the role of mycology in psychedelic solutions – for human and animal use – is an exciting area to explore, where ancient traditions meet modern science. It’s a space where we can learn not just about fungi but how we heal.
As the legal and ethical landscape develops and research continues this frontier is open for business. Whether you’re a mycology enthusiast, psychedelic proponent or animal welfare advocate – stay inspired, stay informed and support these bigger movements.
Quick Hits
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MDMA and Abused Dogs: MDMA therapy, studied for human trauma, is now being researched for dog trauma – especially for dogs who have been abused or neglected.
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Human Applications of MDMA: MDMA is on track for FDA approval for PTSD in humans, with studies showing 60% reduction in symptoms.
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Ethics: Using psychedelics in animals raises questions around consent and long term effects so we need strict guidelines and compassionate care.
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The Power of Psilocybin: Psilocybin another psychedelic has shown promise for human mental health so what about animals?
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Mycology: Fungi related compounds like psilocybin open up more avenues for research into holistic mental health treatments – potentially extending to veterinary use in the future.
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Public Perception: As the public becomes more comfortable with psychedelics thanks to medical research the stigma will fade and human and animal treatments will become mainstream.
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Legal: MDMA therapy could be legal for humans soon but using these therapies on animals will require more research, ethics and evolving regulations.
Neuroscience, psychedelics and veterinary care – a match made in heaven where we can heal human and animal trauma.
