Vets Warn Pet Owners of Marijuana Poisoning in Cats and Dogs
June 29, 2018
In September 2017, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association released a letter cautioning veterinarians about the dangers of marijuana for pets. In anticipation of the upcoming nationwide legalization of marijuana, vets are worried more pets will be exposed to weed as more pet owners find themselves using it.
Edible marijuana products are of particular concern, as they are extremely attractive to a dog’s senses. Usually of the sweet variety, cannabis edibles come in the form of cookies, cakes and sweets, all highly tempting for a dog. Vets are not so worried about cats because they don’t have a sweet tooth and are much more fussy about what they eat, but they should still stay away from the edibles.
While proving to offer many health benefits for humans, marijuana can put your pet in grave danger. The problem lies with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive compound that is toxic to pets. The CVMA cites a long list of side effects and signs of “excess cannabis exposure” in your pets, including:
- Salivation
- Sleepiness
- Fast or slow heart rate
- Depression
- Dilated pupils
- Bloodshot eyes
- Low body temperature
- Wobbling, pacing and agitation
- Vocalizing
- Sound or light sensitivity
- Inappropriate urination
- Vomiting
People are warned not to administer any smoke or vaped marijuana products to their pets as it could be deadly. It is also urged that your keep cannabis products in a safe place, out of reach of your pets. In the event your pet does accidentally ingest any marijuana products, take them to the vet immediately.
While you may have seen hemp products sold in pet stores, they aren’t the same strain of plant that is used in medical marijuana. Hemp oil is often used as a base oil or carrier oil for other essential oil products and contains minimal levels of THC and even less CBD.
Another medicinal compound of marijuana, CBD or cannabidiol is non-psychoactive and is used to relieve pain and inflammation. Some pet owners have been known to use CBD oil on their pets arthritic limbs, but vets warn there is not enough scientific research available verifying the ultimate safety of such a practice.
Edible products still pose the biggest problem as pets can’t help but resist them. America has already reported increased rates of marijuana toxicity in pets, particularly in the state of Colorado, which was the first state to legalize the drug. This was reported in the 2012 study by Dr. Stacey Meola on “trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs living in a state with legalized medical marijuana.” Between 2010 and 2015, there has been a four-fold increase in reported pet marijuana toxicity cases.
Over here in Canada in recent news, vets from Regina and Calgary have reported an increase in the number of cases of marijuana toxicity in pets. They often find that the pet owners are too embarrassed to admit what happened to their beloved pets, so they make up some story. This only makes it harder for the vet to diagnose and successfully treat your pet. So own up and don’t be shy; this is the year of marijuana legalization! Just keep it out of reach of your pets.
Photo credit: Elvis Kennedy - 100 Days of Summer #37 Dog