The increasing availability of legal marijuana appears to be taking a toll on pets in the USA, particularly dogs.
Pet Poison Helpline provides toxicology advice for all species of animals. Dog-related incidents account for 88% of calls it takes and 11% are cat-related.
While marijuana is on this year’s Pet Poison Helpline Top 10 Pet Poisons list for dogs – ranking at number six this year – cats don’t appear to be particularly partial to the plant or marijuana products.
“Both marijuana and carprofen made their first appearance on our canine Top 10 list last year, and they appear again on our 2023 list,” said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. “As more states legalize medical and recreational cannabis, the more marijuana-related calls we are receiving.”
Marijuana didn’t make the feline Top 10 list for 2023.
According to the service, marijuana intoxication in dogs and cats presents with symptoms including dazed expression, glassy eyes, incoordination, slow response times, and dribbling urine. Vomiting and drooling are also common, and changes in heart rate, vocalization, neurological stimulation, hyperactivity, or coma may occur.
“At PPH, we’ve seen a 448% increase in marijuana cases over the past 6 years with the majority involving dogs or cats ingesting laced food products,” states the service.
While the non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD is being more widely used with dogs, they are quite sensitive to THC (as are cats). This is why it’s very important for pet owners to consult a vet experienced in cannabis medicines before attempting to administer products. CBD products purchased should be formulated specifically for pets, rather than those for humans.
Veterinary supervision becomes even more important if a pet is taking other medications, because – as in humans – CBD can interact with other medicines.
Pet Poison Helpline provides a free poison list on their website that assists pet lovers in identifying potential toxins and provides common symptoms.
According to the American Kennel Club, while marijuana toxicosis is rarely deadly, dog owners should always seek veterinary advice if a pet has ingested cannabis.
Learn more about CBD and pets.
