Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Christine Gerardi, D.V.M.
Turner Veterinary Service
Many household items safe for human consumption can be toxic to our pets. Many people are familiar with the following common household toxicities — chocolate, Tylenol, onions, raisins. Recently there has been an increase in cases of a new toxicity — marijuana. There are no long-term studies on the medical use of marijuana in pets, but there is evidence of marijuana toxicity in dogs and cats. There is limited information on the amount that needs to be ingested to cause toxicity in animals; therefore, marijuana should not be shared with your pets.
With more and more states legalizing marijuana, there has been an increase in pets being treated for marijuana toxicity. The majority of cases are not a result of owners encouraging pets to ingest the drug, but from pets getting into the owner’s supply on their own. It is important to store marijuana away from your pet’s reach. If your dog or cat ingests marijuana, you should have your pet seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Depending on the time of ingestion, your veterinarian may recommend vomit induction, charcoal administration to prevent further absorption of the drug, and/or IV fluids to help quickly eliminate the drug from the body.
The symptoms of marijuana toxicity can begin as an upset stomach, or you could discover your pet unconscious on the floor. More severe toxicity will have the following symptoms — shaking, low body temperature, dribbling urine, low heart rate and/or uncoordinated body movements. It is important to be honest with your veterinarian if you suspect your pet ingested marijuana. The faster a veterinarian can diagnosis the cause from the initial symptoms, the better the outcome for your pet. If you are unsure your pet ingested marijuana, there are tests veterinarians can run to see if there is THC (the psychoactive component of the marijuana plant) in your pet’s urine.
Marijuana use continues to be a controversial topic, but it is important people understand that humans and pets do not respond to drugs/medications in the same way. Things that may be safe for humans are not necessarily safe for our furry friends. If your pet ingests marijuana, it is important to contact a veterinarian right away because it can be life threatening for your pet. Typically, the sooner treatment begins the better your pet will respond.
