With the legalization of cannabis in many places, poison control centers are hearing more and more about pets getting into their owners’ stash.
Symptoms of Dogs Subjected to Cannabis
It may be hard to tell if your dog has the munchies (isn’t it a permanent condition in dogs?), but other side effects from cannabis can be quite severe, including:
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils
- Drooling
- Being off balance
- Muscle twitching
- Vomiting
- Involuntary urination
- Unconsciousness.
If this happens to your dog, take him to the vet immediately. He’ll need palliative support until the effects wear off.
Symptoms of Cats Subjected to Cannabis
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), your cat may experience extreme sleepiness or excitation, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, or low blood pressure. There may also be instances of low body temperature or even death (although it's rare). Additional symptoms most commonly observed include:
- Uncoordination, falling over
- Depression, sometimes alternating with agitation or anxiety
- Vomiting
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Seizures, sometimes coma
If your cat demonstrates any of the symptoms above, you should take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If you have reason to believe your cat was exposed to cannabis smoke or has ingested marijuana in any form, it's important to mention this to the vet as well. Quick treatment may ameliorate the most severe symptoms, and even save your cat's life.