Pet tips: Keeping your pets safe from marijuana
Jul 25, 2014, 3:07 PM | Updated: 3:09 pm
Marijuana is poisonous to cats and dogs. Here is some more information from the Pet Poison Helpline.
Level of toxicity: Moderate to severe
Common signs to watch for:
•Severe depression
•Walking drunk
•Lethargy
•Coma
•Low heart rate
•Low blood pressure
•Respiratory depression
•Dilated pupils
•Coma
•Hyperactivity
•Vocalization
•Seizures
Cannabis sativa is a member of the Cannabaceae family. Marijuana, or THC, affects receptors in the brain which alter normal neurotransmitter function.
Dogs and cats can be poisoned by marijuana from second hand smoke exposure, or from direct ingestion of marijuana or baked foods (e.g., pot brownies, pot butter, etc.) laced with THC.
In dogs and cats poisoned by marijuana, clinical signs can be seen within 3 hours, and include severe depression, walking as if drunk, lethargy, coma, low heart rate, low blood pressure, respiratory depression, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, vocalization and seizures. Vomiting is often seen with dogs despite the “anti-emetic” (anti-vomiting) qualities of THC.
If your dog or cat ate marijuana, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately for life-saving treatment advice.
