It’s likely that at some point in your life that you’ve heard a handful of urban legends about pot and pets, and it’s also likely that you’ve seen and heard a lot of chatter about what the drug can and can’t do for our four-legged friends.
Not surprisingly, this roller coaster of information and misinformation has left many pet owners wondering where, exactly, the truth lies. And, as forward-thinking veterinarians, we feel it is our responsibility to share our knowledge and experience with you, in hopes that it can help you and your pet should the need arise.
Here’s what to know when it comes to pot and pets…
Stash Your Stash
Pet’s are naturally curious creatures and will often show an interest in something that interests you.
In truth, marijuana pot is rarely fatal to pets (more on that below), but it does have toxic properties that can make your pet sick, especially if ingested in large quantities or concentrated doses.
Because of this, it’s the best practice of pet owners to keep their stash stashed and out of the reach of all pets, cats and dogs alike, just like you would for your kids.
Edibles and Tinctures
Marijuana edibles and tinctures are, perhaps, the most clear and present danger for pets. This is because the THC compound in these treats is often concentrated and the dosage adjusted for human weight, as opposed to the weight and size of a pet.
Moreover, edibles and other treats pose an additional risk, as many of them are made with chocolate or other sweeteners, such as Xylitol, which can be toxic, if not fatal to pets, in and of themselves.
If you have edibles in your house, keep them out of your pets’ reach at all times!
Toxicity
Contrary to popular belief, pot does have a degree of toxicity for pets.
Although it’s rare, marijuana – especially high-grade and concentrated medical marijuana – can be fatal for pets if ingested in quantity.
Typically a pet’s toxic reaction to ingesting pot will last 3-12 hours and will sort itself out on its own. But in some instances, especially where medical-grade marijuana is involved, the care of a veterinarian may be required.
Medicinal Marijuana for Pets
Perhaps the biggest question for many pet owners is whether there are medicinal benefits of marijuana for pets.
And the answer is shockingly simple: We don’t know.
There has been very little study on the medical benefits of marijuana for pets, but with the increased legalization of medical marijuana for humans; the interest in studying veterinary uses is growing. For more information on this, check out the article on Veterinary Marijuana published by the American Veterinary Medical Association in May of 2013. It’s content might surprise you.
If you have any questions or concerns about marijuana and your pets, please discuss them with your vet. As pet owners, it’s important that you have the facts and keep your pet safe.