ANIMALS AND MARIJUANA: NOT A GOOD COMBINATION

ANIMALS AND MARIJUANA: NOT A GOOD COMBINATION

Cannabis is poisonous to cats, canines, and horses. Numerous compounds are processed differently by animals than by humans; consequently, many foods and medications that are secure for us are not safe for them. Among these are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, raisins and grapes, macadamia almonds, chocolate, and xylitol, an artificial sweetener.

THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high, is toxic to look after your dogs at home. THC and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most well-known and extensively researched cannabinoid compounds in marijuana, but more than 500 chemical compounds and 100 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis (marijuana) plants to date. THC and CBD concentrations can differ greatly from plant to plant. CBD is not psychoactive and is believed to be non-toxic or to have a low toxicity level. Recent studies provide additional information regarding the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of CBD in canines. However, products that claim to contain only CBD may be contaminated with THC, so there is still a danger associated with giving CBD products to look after your dogs at home.

To create edibles infused with marijuana, oil or butter is used to extract THC from the plant material. As a result, these products frequently contain higher concentrations of THC than plant material (flowers, leaves, and stems) and pose a greater risk of pet toxicity. Additionally, they may contain chocolate or other substances that are toxic to animals or could make them ill.

Due to the fact that THC is toxic to pets, animals who are unintentionally or intentionally exposed to it are not simply euphoric or stoned. They do not need to merely "sleep it off." They should be brought to a veterinarian for an exam and/or supportive care.

SYMPTOMS OF THC POISONING: WHAT TO SEARCH FOR

Inactivity, incoordination, dilated pupils, increased sensitivity to motion, sound, or touch, hypersalivation, and urinary incontinence are common signs that pet owners may observe if their pet ingests or inhales THC (even secondhand smoke can affect pets). A veterinary examination can reveal central nervous system depression and an abnormally sluggish heart rate. Less frequent symptoms include agitation, hostility, sluggish respiration, low blood pressure, an abnormally rapid pulse rate, and rapid, involuntary eye movements. Rarely, animals may experience convulsions or coma. Death is exceedingly uncommon. Depending on the quantity of THC to which the animal was exposed, signs may last for less than an hour or for several days.

Many of the common symptoms of THC poisoning are similar to the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning, which is exceedingly dangerous. Therefore, animals exhibiting these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian. In such instances, an antidote can be administered early; however, if the antidote is not administered in time, antifreeze poisoning is nearly always fatal without aggressive treatment.