Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Chateau Animal Hospital

2635 Old Winder Hwy

Braselton, GA 30517 US

678-960-4535

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Directions
    • Virtual Office Tour
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Bed and Breakfast Boarding
    • Meet Our Team
    • Signs & Symptoms Requiring Vet Care
  • Contact Us
  • Payment Plans
  • Scrapbook & Testimonials
    • Client Testimonials
  • Read Our Reviews
  • Online Pharmacy
  • Boarding Policies
  • Pet Desk App
  • Veterinary Topics
    • We Help Your Pet With
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Birds
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fun with Pets
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Pet Dangers >
  • Marijuana Toxicity in Pets

Marijuana Toxicity in Pets

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Pet Dangers
Image of a marijuana leaf over a bar of chocolate.

Imagine your concern if you came home to find your dog unable to walk, unresponsive, or in a coma. This is becoming more common as marijuana begins to lose its illicit status, at least in some areas of the world. As the decriminalization and even legalization of marijuana has occurred, cases of toxicity in animals have unfortunately increased. Marijuana seems to have a much more profound effects in pets than in humans.

Marijuana Facts and Statistics

The Pet Poison Hotline has reported a 200% increase, over a five year period, in calls asking about marijuana and pets. California and Colorado both passed legislation to legalize medical marijuana usage. At the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital there were four cases of marijuana toxicity in 2010, but there were 27 cases in 2013. Two Colorado veterinary hospitals reported a four-fold increase over the last six years, and this was before marijuana became legal. All but two of these cases lived; two dogs who ate cannabis butter died. In a 2002 study of 250 cases, 96% of cases occurred in dogs (dogs will eat anything!). In this group there were two fatal cases, one was a cat, and the other a horse.

Signs of Marijuana Toxicity

The active ingredient in marijuana is THC, tetrahydrocannabinol. THC affects neurotransmitters, so when toxicity occurs, neurological signs are the most common symptoms. These symptoms include depression, lack of cooridination, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, and coma. Other signs that can occur are vomiting, salivation, low blood pressure, slow heart rate (but sometimes a fast heart rate can happen). Death is rare.

Exposure in Pets

Pets are usually exposed by ingesting marijuana, or foods that contain extracts of marijuana. Signs can develop within 30 to 90 minutes after exposure. THC stays in the body up to five days, but symptoms usually last up to 72 hours.

When a veterinarian is presented with a patient where marijuana toxicity is suspected, but the history cannot confirm (either because the owners are not aware, or don't want to admit it), a urine test can be used to detect marijuana.

Treatment for Exposed Pets

Dogs and cats with marijuana toxicity require hospitalization. Treatment may include inducing vomiting if the ingestion occurred very recently (within 30 to 60 minutes), the patient is awake, and it is safe to do so. Activated charcoal is also administered, often every eight hours for the first 24 hours as this helps to bind the THC so it is not absorbed into the body. Intravenous fluids are started to help flush out the toxin, and to help maintain blood pressure. The pet patient's temperature, blood glucose, and blood pressure are closely monitored. Other symptoms, such as seizures or vomiting, are treated if they appear.

Many pets will eat anything, so vigilance is needed to keep them out of trouble. Marijuana poisonings are becoming more frequent, and can cause severe symptoms in pets. Pet owners need to be aware of what is accessible in a pet's environment and keep their pets safe.

Sources:

McKnight, Katrina. "Marijuana Toxicosis." Veterinary Technician, April 2003

American Animal Hospital Association. "Medical Marijuana Boom Posing Health Threat to Garbage-Eating Pets." January 2014.

ASPCA. "Animal Poison Control." 2014

Seligman, Katherine. "Dog's Pot Poisoning Soars as Pets Dig Through Trash, Stash." January 10, 2014.

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday:

12:00 am-5:00 pm

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The Doctors and the staff are always very friendly and courteous. They always call and check on my dogs the day after we are in the office."
    S.K.Gentry Braselton, GA

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Identifying Dementia in Senior Dogs

    Have you noticed changes in your older dog's behavior? ...

    Read More
  • Keep Your Pets Safe From Toxic Household Items

    Do you know which household items can sicken your pet? ...

    Read More
  • Preventing Obesity in Cats

    Even one extra pound could affect your pet's health. Find out how you can keep your cat slim and trim. ...

    Read More
  • Pet Dental Care - Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Oral Health

    Do you know how to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy? ...

    Read More
  • Learn How to Master Walking Your Dog for Walk Your Pet Month

    Does your dog need a little help walking on a leash? ...

    Read More
  • Bringing a New Pet in the Home in the New Year

    Are you planning on adding a pet to your family this year? These tips will help you prepare for the arrival of your furry, feathered, or finned friend. ...

    Read More
  • Cold Symptoms in Dogs

    Could your sneezing, sniffling dog have a cold? ...

    Read More
  • Cold Weather Pet Safety

    Do you know how to keep your pet safe this winter? ...

    Read More
  • Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

    Keep Thanksgiving day safe for your pet by following these tips. ...

    Read More
  • November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

    Do you know the symptoms that can occur if your pet has cancer? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map