Weed poisoning pets more frequently now, study finds. Here’s what to do if they eat it
More pets are getting sick from eating their owners’ cannabis products, vets reported in a study.
In some cases, cannabis poisoning in your cat or dog could mean a trip to the vet, animal experts at Hill’s pet foods say. In rare worst cases, it could be fatal.
As marijuana becomes legalized across North America, experts have some tips on how owners should react if their pet gets into their cannabis stash - and how to keep them out of it in the first place.
How pot can affect your pets
Marijuana is classified as a toxic substance to dogs, cats and horses, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The psychoactive compound known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inside the plant can cause prolonged depression, vomiting, low blood pressure, seizures and comas. In rare cases, it could kill an animal, the ASPCA noted.
“Dogs will act like they are drunk at first with marijuana and THC,” veterinarian consultant Sara Ochoa told Hills Hill’s in an interview.
Dogs may also be unable to control their bladder after ingesting THC.
Although most pets recover from their THC trip, it could cause neurological damage depending on how severe the pet’s reaction was, Ochoa said.
“Usually, once a dog recovers from ingesting marijuana, there are not many long-term effects seen,” she said. “However, if your dog has a seizure from ingesting marijuana, then there could be life-long brain damage or more seizures.”
Why the spike in animals getting sick from cannabis?
Vets have noticed a “significant increase” in people reporting their animals have gotten sick from cannabis since 2018, according to a study published in PLOS ONE on April 21, which surveyed 222 veterinarians in Canada and the United States.
In the first few months of 2019 alone, the Animal Poison Control Center had reports of pets eating weed jump by 765% from the year prior.
The spike in reports may have to do with the legalization of weed in North America, the study said.
Over half of all states in the United States have already legalized medical marijuana, and 18 have legalized recreational marijuana, the ASPCA said.
“This drug is now more commonly seen in homes, leading to more exposures with pets,” the ASPCA said.
In 2018, Canada legalized recreational marijuana, too.
According to the study published in PLOS Journal, an increase in reported pet illnesses from cannabis could also be because more people are comfortable reporting the issue since marijuana has become widely legalized.
Veterinarians in the study reported that animals were most likely to eat edibles containing cannabis, especially when unattended by the owner. The fact that some edibles contain other toxic substances, like chocolate, posed a more severe threat to pets.
“The products that often led to cannabis toxicosis in pets were edibles and dried cannabis,” the study said. “Other products reported by veterinarians to cause cannabis toxicosis were discarded joint butts, human feces, cannabis-infused butter, oil, and compost.”
What to do if your pet eats cannabis products
Animals will not be deterred by the taste of a weed-smelling brownie, or any other type of cannabis product, the ASPCA reports. A dog or cat may easily consume several human-sized doses of THC at once if it gets into a stash of cannabis.
Pet owners should check in with their veterinarian to determine if their pet needs help, even if most reported cases of animals eating cannabis are mild, Ochoa said.
“It is best to go to your veterinarian, especially if it was a large amount [of marijuana] or a small dog. This could potentially be life-threatening,” she said. “The earlier you seek veterinary attention, the better.”
Pet owners can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for more information at 888-426-4435.
The best way to keep your pet safe is to be proactive about where you keep cannabis products in the house. The ASPCA recommends storing marijuana products as you would any type of medication to ensure your animals can’t get to it.
“This is especially important for edible products since our pets have an incredible sense of smell and can always find a way to sniff it out,” the organization said.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 8:03 PM with the headline "Weed poisoning pets more frequently now, study finds. Here’s what to do if they eat it."
