Marijuana Pet Myths Busted

Marijuana is a frequently debated subject, with recent votes legalizing recreational marijuana in Alaska and Oregon, and discussions about the growing popularity of Cannabis-infused pet products. For almost every human marketplace there is a pet equivalence – including the marijuana market. As it becomes more of a household topic, many pet owners may be asking, what does this mean for my pet?

With April 20 around the corner (aka “420”), we looked into our database to find how marijuana is impacting cats and dogs. In this case, we found that cats aren’t particularly interested in marijuana. Dogs, on the other hand, have rolled in it, ingested it, and are much more likely to grab some special brownies off the countertop.

We found several cases of marijuana toxicity across the country and, not shockingly, saw the most marijuana claims per capita in two states that first legalized recreational marijuana; Washington and Colorado. Those states have three times more marijuana toxicity claims compared to the average in other U.S. states. With relaxed laws around marijuana, humans may be less concerned with leaving it out. Unfortunately, this means pets are getting into their owners’ stashes and the results can be harmful.

To date, Trupanion has paid over $78,000 in suspected marijuana claims. In these cases, the veterinarians treating the pet suspected marijuana was involved, however, the pet owner may have been hesitant to admit it to their veterinarian. In 2014 alone, Trupanion paid over $20,000 specifically toward confirmed marijuana toxicity cases. These were cases where the pet owner confirmed marijuana was involved in the medical record.

From claims just under $100, like a mixed breed dog who was given fluids and nausea medication, to claims over $6,000 for a Shetland Sheepdog who ate a tray of “weed brownies” and needed to be hospitalized for seven days, Trupanion has seen marijuana ingestion for dogs of all shapes and sizes. The average marijuana toxicity claim costs about $525 on average to treat.

Trupanion’s on-staff veterinarian, Dr. Denise Petryk, debunks some common myths about marijuana and pets to shed some light on the subject below:

Do dogs get high? Can my dog get a secondhand high?

Dogs can show symptoms of marijuana toxicity within a few minutes of inhaling smoke or a couple hours after ingesting marijuana. They may experience impaired coordination, excessive urination and even loss of control of urination (incontinence), drooling, vomiting, lethargy, depression, dilated pupils, and light and sound sensitivity and in severe cases, they may go into seizures or even a coma.

While some people may enjoy the effects of THC, the psychogenic component of marijuana, pets don’t understand it and its effects can be a confusing and stressful experience.

Can my dog die from eating too much marijuana?

If your pet ingests marijuana, you should take them to the veterinarian for monitoring. While pets typically recover from marijuana intoxication with no long-term effects, complications and an especially potent strain or a large amount of THC can be fatal.

If I know my dog ingested marijuana, should I tell my veterinarian? Will I get in trouble?

Don’t hesitate to tell your veterinarian if they have had access to marijuana—the signs of marijuana intoxication among pets can be indications of far more serious conditions, so being open can help your veterinarian eliminate more serious conditions and prevent testing needed to rule out other causes.