March is Poison Prevention Month-Effects of Marijuana on Dogs

We continue our March is Poison Prevention Month Series:

Effects of Marijuana on Dogs 

Marijuana, or cannabis, can have harmful effects on dogs. The psychoactive compound in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can cause a variety of symptoms, including: 

Common Effects: 

● Lethargy

● Dilated pupils

● Incoordination or Ataxia (unbalanced)

● Tremors

● Vomiting and Diarrhea 

● Agitation

● Urinary incontinence

Less Common but Serious Effects: 

● Seizures

● Coma

● Respiratory depression, and Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

Symptoms of Overdose: 

● Extreme lethargy

● Loss of consciousness

● Seizures

● Death. 

Risk Factors: 

● Dogs are more sensitive to THC than humans.

● Smaller dogs may be more severely affected.

● Ingestion of marijuana edibles or concentrates can be more dangerous than smoking. 

Treatment: 

If your dog has ingested marijuana, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Animal Poison Control (numbers listed below)

Treatment may include: 

● Activated charcoal to absorb THC

● Sedation to calm the dog

● Oxygen therapy

● Monitoring for seizures

Prevention: 

● Keep marijuana out of reach of dogs.

● Do not smoke marijuana around dogs.

● Do not give marijuana edibles or treats to dogs. 

Two important Poison Control Hotline numbers you need to have program in your phone:

Human: 800-222-1222

Animal: ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

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