It happens. For some reason, dogs and cats show up in emergency clinics from time to time with signs of marijuana toxicity.
Sometimes pets are present when this drug is being smoked and become intoxicated and overdose that way. dogs have been known to eat pipe cleanings or joints, but usually theyve eaten some hash cookies or hash brownies when someone is trying to get rid of the evidence.
You might think that a drug like this would be fun for the dog or cat, and I know stoners who are adamant that the cat deliberately walks through their puffs of smoke, but Im not convinced. The animal isnt going to know what to expect or whats going on, and marijuana toxicity is very traumatic for them.
A case of marijuana poisoning may show a number of signs including
- paranoia
- disassociation
- hyperactivity
- anxiety
- hypersalivation
- hallucination
- ataxia (lack of coordinated movement)
- dilated pupils
- hypersensitivity to sound (can be very frightening)
- polyphagia (increased appetite or the munchies)
- muscle tremours or seizures
More severe signs can progress to a slowed heart rate, hypersensitivity to touch and pain, and seizures. Its rarely lethal, but it is very stressful. Therapy for the dog is mostly supportive. If the marijuana was consumed within a short time frame, the vet can attempt to make the dog vomit it up,
howevermarijuana reduces the tendency to vomit, so this can be difficult.
Its important for the pet that the veterinarian knows marijuana might be involved. A Veterinarian is
not obliged to report the marijuana to the police, so if your pet is likely to have had access to marijuana (whether it was yours or not) and is showing signs listed above, do mention it to the vet so your pet can be treated faster.
But honestly, its one of those things that should be somewhere out of reach of children and pets.
Categories:
Pets,
Poisons and Toxins
