Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs Level of toxicity: Moderate to severe
If your dog or cat ate marijuana, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice.
Common signs to watch for:
- Severe depression
- Walking drunk
- Lethargy
- Urinary Incontinence
- Low heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Dilated pupils
- Hyperactivity
- Vocalization
- Seizure
Cannabis sativa is a member of the Cannabaceae family. Slang terms include pot, weed and Mary Jane, just to name a few. 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.). In dogs and cats poisoned by marijuana, clinical signs can be seen within 3 hours, and include severe depression, walking as if drunk, lethargy, 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.
We are here to help – not to judge – knowing exactly what Fluffy or Rufus ate will help immensely on our ability to accurately treat them in this emergent situation.