Veterinarians Warn of Rising Cases of Marijuana Toxicity in Pets
11/15/2024
As marijuana legalization expands across the U.S., veterinarians are seeing a rise in marijuana toxicity cases among dogs, who can suffer severe symptoms from accidental ingestion. Unlike humans, dogs don’t experience a “high” from THC; instead, they may face distressing and harmful effects.
Symptoms of marijuana toxicity, or “marijuana toxicosis,” can include uncontrolled urination, stumbling, droopy faces, dilated eyes, and even seizures from elevated body temperatures. These symptoms typically appear within an hour of ingestion, and treatment varies depending on how much THC was consumed and whether the cannabis was combined with harmful ingredients like chocolate or xylitol, both toxic to dogs.
Dr. Sandra Faeh, a veterinarian, notes that pets exposed to THC products often experience a scary loss of control. “It’s really important to let your veterinarian know what your dog was exposed to,” Faeh advises. “Treatment is usually straightforward and quick if we know what’s going on.”
Recent cases highlight the dangers of THC ingestion. Dione Pliskin’s dog, Stitch, accidentally ate THC gummies and exhibited severe symptoms, as did Dr. James Harris’s dog, Stu, who required immediate care after ingesting his owner’s medicinal marijuana gummies. In these instances, prompt veterinary attention included administering fluids and anti-nausea medication and, in some cases, inducing vomiting or using activated charcoal to bind remaining toxins.
Vets urge pet owners to keep cannabis products securely stored away from pets. Child-safe packaging is now required in some states, though Dr. Harris points out that dogs can still find ways into containers. In 2023, the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center received nearly 6,800 cannabis-related exposure calls from across the country, a marked increase over the past decade.
With growing legalization, pet owners need to remain vigilant. Most dogs recover within a few days after treatment, but for some, recovery can take longer. Proper storage and awareness can help keep pets safe in homes where marijuana products are present.
Reference
Symptoms of marijuana toxicity, or “marijuana toxicosis,” can include uncontrolled urination, stumbling, droopy faces, dilated eyes, and even seizures from elevated body temperatures. These symptoms typically appear within an hour of ingestion, and treatment varies depending on how much THC was consumed and whether the cannabis was combined with harmful ingredients like chocolate or xylitol, both toxic to dogs.
Dr. Sandra Faeh, a veterinarian, notes that pets exposed to THC products often experience a scary loss of control. “It’s really important to let your veterinarian know what your dog was exposed to,” Faeh advises. “Treatment is usually straightforward and quick if we know what’s going on.”
Recent cases highlight the dangers of THC ingestion. Dione Pliskin’s dog, Stitch, accidentally ate THC gummies and exhibited severe symptoms, as did Dr. James Harris’s dog, Stu, who required immediate care after ingesting his owner’s medicinal marijuana gummies. In these instances, prompt veterinary attention included administering fluids and anti-nausea medication and, in some cases, inducing vomiting or using activated charcoal to bind remaining toxins.
Vets urge pet owners to keep cannabis products securely stored away from pets. Child-safe packaging is now required in some states, though Dr. Harris points out that dogs can still find ways into containers. In 2023, the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center received nearly 6,800 cannabis-related exposure calls from across the country, a marked increase over the past decade.
With growing legalization, pet owners need to remain vigilant. Most dogs recover within a few days after treatment, but for some, recovery can take longer. Proper storage and awareness can help keep pets safe in homes where marijuana products are present.
Reference
