While marijuana has long been around for “recreational purposes”, cannabis products are increasingly being prescribed for medicinal reasons as well, such as for the relief of chronic pain or anxiety. So, what is the risk for pets who get into their human family member’s cannabis product?
Here’s the lowdown on pets accidentally “getting high”.
How do pets become intoxicated with cannabis products?
The traditional means of accidental cannabis exposure for pets has been when they’ve raided a human marijuana stash or stolen a weed brownie. Rather disgustingly, pets can also become poisoned from eating the poo of a human who has recently used marijuana, as a large proportion of the active drug metabolites are excreted via faeces.
However, pets nowadays may also get access to prescription CBD or hemp products. While these products normally have very restricted THC levels (the psychoactive component), if a pet eats enough of them, they can still develop THC toxicity.
Can pets be tested for cannabis intoxication?
Over-the-counter human urine drug screening tests may give a false negative result for THC in intoxicated pets, as animals metabolise THC differently from humans.
What symptoms do pets with cannabis intoxication show?
Mildly affected pets may only develop diarrhoea. However, higher doses of cannabis products can lead to THC intoxication, which can cause symptoms including:
- Wobbliness or confusion
- Lethargy
- Being hyperresponsive to stimulation
- Urinary incontinence
- Vomiting
Severely affected animals may develop dangerously low blood pressure or heart rate, tremors, seizures, or may even become comatose.
These symptoms usually occur within a few hours and may last up to 72 hours.
“Will I get in trouble if I admit my pet has had access to a cannabis product?”
Honestly, we just want to help your pet! So, especially given that urine screening tests can be hit-or-miss, it really helps if you just let us know promptly that your pet could have had access to a cannabis product. You don’t even have to blame it on “the neighbour’s kid!”
For more information on toxicities in pets, consult our knowledgeable team.