Pets on Pot - Hearts Alive Village

Caution! THC is poisonous for dogs and cats.

If you notice your four-legged friend looking glassy-eyed, having difficulty walking or dribbling urine, chances are they’ve gotten into some cannabis edibles. This is not a good thing! THC can be dangerous to the animal’s health.

Other symptoms to watch for include nervousness, tremors or seizures, difficulty regulating body temperature and slow heart rate.

Now that recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in more areas, the rate of toxicosis in animals is increasing. Our curious pets are ingesting unattended edibles. But not to worry, if the edible doesn’t contain THC, your pet will probably be fine.

The hidden danger in edibles

THC isn’t the only dangerous ingredient lurking in some edibles. Treats that contain chocolate, raisins, xylitol or high fat substances that are known to be fatal can also cause serious problems in pets.

The effects of THC may vary from one animal to another depending on:

Concentration of THC in the edibles
Number of edibles consumed
Size and weight of the animal
Animal’s predisposition to THC effects

Protect your pet from the dangers of THC

Be sure to keep your marijuana, including edibles, away from prying paws and nosy noses.

Store your stash inside a cabinet or in the refrigerator
When you are smoking, put your pets in a well-ventilated room where they can’t inhale cannabis-laced air
Dispose of marijuana joint butts in a secure container that pets can’t get into
Advise guests that you have an animal in the house and marijuana must be kept out of reach.

If you suspect your pet has ingested THC get treatment immediately!

Supportive care may be needed to regulate the animal’s temperature. Fluids and anti-vomiting meds should be given to prevent dehydration.
Activated charcoal will help bind the toxin in the stomach. As a last resort, the animal’s stomach may have to be pumped to remove the marijuana from its system.