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Cannabis Poisoning

Who’s Most at Risk

Dogs, cats, and horses are considered to be the most vulnerable to poisoning by cannabis.

According to Walker Road Animal Hospital “There are over 113 different cannabinoids, the chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in the cells of humans, dogs, cats and horses,” but it is not intended for consumption by pets.

“When marijuana is inhaled or ingested, the drug binds with specific neuroreceptors in the brain, altering normal neurotransmitter function. This altered neurotransmitter function is what cause various effects ranging from psychoactive symptoms to relief from nausea and an increase in drowsiness.”

[Source: https://walkerroadanimalhospital.com/2019/03/10/cannabis-and-your-pets-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana-toxicity/]

What is the Most Dangerous Type of Cannabis

That Your Pet Can Consume?

Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT wrote the article Marijuana Poisoning in Pets: Part I for the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, which we’ll link below.

She says “The most dangerous type of ingestion is marijuana butter,” due to the extremely high THC levels.

“The chemical is absorbed into fat and tissue really well, which makes the THC very concentrated. This then results in more severe poisonings and rarely, can even be fatal.”

[Source: https://aercmn.com/marijuana-poisoning-in-pets-part-one/]

Justine Lee

DVM, DACVECC, DABT, is a graduate of the
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

She completed her internship at Angell Memorial in Boston, MA, and her emergency fellowship and residency at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Lee has been in the field of emergency and critical care since 1997. She is Board-Certified in both Emergency & Critical Care (DAVCECC) and Toxicology (DABT).

How Toxic is Cannabis?

The bottom line is that any amount of cannabis ingested by a dog or cat is considered dangerous. Some of the factors taken into consideration are the pet’s current health, age, and weight.

Also, the grade of the cannabis is important – was it medical grade with a higher THC concentrated level, or was is it consumed in baked goods that also contained chocolate?

Are Dogs and Cats Attracted to Cannabis?

APCC Medical Director Dr. Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, noted that “the abundance of edibles makes marijuana more enticing to dogs since they often smell and taste like regular baked goods.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Exposure

1

Contact the ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline
If the veterinarian or animal hospital is not an option, immediately contact either the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (The ASPCA may charge a $95 consultation fee) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 immediately (there is a $85 incident fee).

2

Keep track of your pet
Keep a close eye and monitor your pet; DO NOT leave him/her out of your sight for one minute!

3

Find out what your pet ate
Do your best to find out what exactly your pet ate: for instance, medical-grade cannabis can contain a higher THC content level, which can make the situation worse than if your pet consumed non-medical grade cannabis. Or if chocolate was involved, then you have more toxicity for the veterinarian to address.

4

Please do not withhold information from your vet
Be upfront with your vet. If you suspect or know that your dog/pet may have eaten cannabis, you have to tell your veterinarian. First, they are not mandated reporters and will not call the authorities. The vet just wants to treat your pet to the best of their ability and get your pet back to feeling better again and not put them through unwarranted tests.

5

Make list of symptoms
Make a list of your pet’s symptoms; it will help your vet in treating your pet.

The High is on the Rise

  • The top four preferred cannabis options are flower, edibles, concentrates, and vapor pens.
  • The top three cannabis flower choices are the Hybrid, Indica, and Sativa.

Data was pulled from Headset, which is a market data and business intelligence for the cannabis industry.

https://www.headset.io/industry-reports/the-most-popular-cannabis-product-trends-in-the-us-canada#form

Various Ways

Your Pet(s) Can Become Poisoned by Cannabis

  • Baked goods, brownies, cookies, etc. This type of poisoning is most common.
  • Capsules
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Gummies, gum, lozenges, truffles, candies, chocolates
  • Ingesting flower
  • Live resin/concentrates/shatter/wax
  • Second-hand smoke inhalation
  • Tincture and sublingual
  • Topicals
  • Vape pens & oils
United States 2021 % Growth Increase Canada 2021 % Growth Increase
Beverages 23% Beverages 60%
Capsules 8% Capsules -22%
Concentrates -5% Concentrates 102%
Edible 2% Edible 35%
Flower -6% Flower -13%
Oil Not reported Oil -34%
Pre-Roll 17% Pre-Roll 21%
Tincture & Sublingual -22% Tincture & Sublingual 192%
Topical -14% Topical 98%
Vapor Pens 8% Vapor Pens 11%

Some Symptoms and Signs of Cannabis Exposure

Signs of cannabis poisoning will show up anywhere from one to three hours after the pet has been exposed and/or ingested it.

The Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota states, “However, signs can develop as soon as five minutes after exposure, or they can be delayed for up to twelve hours. These signs often last 18-24 hours, but can last up to three days.”

Potential Treatment Options

According to the VCA:

“When a toxin enters the body, often the first line of defense is to get it out. If the toxicity is discovered shortly after ingestion, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to prevent further absorption of the toxin. Two factors may interfere with this early defensive strategy.

“First, the signs of toxicity may manifest only after the drug has been absorbed, meaning it is already in the system. Second, cannabis has an anti-emetic effect which inhibits vomiting. In life-threatening cases, the stomach may be pumped (gastric lavage). Activated charcoal may be administered every 6-8 hours to neutralize the toxin. Enemas are also used to reduce toxin absorption from the GI tract.”

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/marijuana-intoxication-in-dogs-and-cats

“The second line of defense in cannabis toxicity involves providing supportive care until the effects of the drug wear off.”

Intralipid therapy treatment is another option, depending on how your pet is responding to the treatment. Your vet will let you know whether or not they feel this option for therapy is needed.

Some types of supportive care that may be administered by the vet and/or technician(s), are IV fluids for dehydration, warming blankets or heat lights to control their body temperature, anti-nausea/vomiting medicine, antacid medicine, and anxiety medicine if the pet is agitated.

These are just a few potential treatment options to be given to your pet until the effects of the drug has worn off.

What Happens Now?

Even in the worst of cases, the majority of pets recover fully, and death from ingesting cannabis rarely occurs.

It is important to remember that pets who eat cannabis intended for human consumption – no matter what the form – require veterinary attention immediately.

Keep in mind, your pet is not stoned. He or she is poisoned.

Your veterinarian will give you discharge instructions, and it’s important that you follow all instructions and make sure to keep your follow-up appointment if your veterinarian has scheduled one for your pet.

Are There Side-Effects Afterwards?

Once the cannabis toxins are completely out of your pet’s system, usually by excretion, they are expected to make a full recovery, with no lingering or prolonged side effects from the incident.

Disclaimer

Sophia Saves, Inc., nor any of its affiliates, diagnose, treats, or gives medical direction, advice or guidance. Please always consult your veterinarian first.

ASPCA Animal Poison

The ASPCA may charge a $95 consultation fee
(888) 426-4435
Go to website

Pet Poison Helpline

There is a $85 incident fee
(855) 764-7661
Go to website

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