MARIJUANA AND ANIMALS: NOT A GOOD COMBINATION

MARIJUANA AND ANIMALS: NOT A GOOD COMBINATION

Cats, dogs, and horses are all poisoned by marijuana. Many substances are processed differently by animals than by humans, and as a result, many foods and medical marijuanas qld that are healthy for us are not safe for them. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, raisins and grapes, macadamia nuts, chocolate, and the artificial sweetener xylitol are among them. 

THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in marijuana that causes intoxication, is hazardous to dogs. THC and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most well-known and researched cannabinoid chemicals in marijuana, however over 500 chemical compounds and 100 cannabinoids have been found in marijuana (cannabis) plants to date. THC and CBD levels might vary greatly between plants. CBD is not psychotropic and is regarded to be non-toxic or poisonous to a lesser extent. More study is being conducted to learn more about the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of CBD in dogs. However, items claiming to contain purely CBD might be tainted with THC, so utilizing CBD products for pets still carries some risk.

Marijuana-infused foods are produced with oil or butter, which is used to extract THC from plant material. As a result, these items frequently contain higher quantities of THC than plant material (buds, leaves, and stems) and are more likely to poison dogs. Furthermore, they may include chocolate or other poisonous compounds that could make an animal sick.

Because THC is hazardous to pets, animals that are inadvertently or purposely exposed to it become more than just high or stoned. They don't just have to "sleep it off." They should be examined by a veterinarian and/or given supportive care.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE EVENT OF THC POISONING

Owners may notice inactivity, incoordination, dilated pupils, heightened sensitivity to motion, sound, or touch, hypersalivation, and urine incontinence if their pets consume or inhale THC (even second-hand smoke can harm pets). A veterinarian checkup can detect central nervous system depression and an abnormally slow heart rate. Restlessness, hostility, slow breathing, low blood pressure, an excessively fast heart rate, and rapid, involuntary eye movements are less common symptoms. Animals can suffer seizures or become unconscious on rare occasions. Death is relatively uncommon. Depending on the amount of THC to which the animal was exposed, symptoms can linger for less than an hour or for several days.

Many of the frequent indicators of THC poisoning are similar to the signs of antifreeze poisoning, which is exceedingly dangerous, which is one of the reasons that animals exhibiting these external signs of poisoning should be referred to the veterinarian. In some circumstances, an antidote can be administered promptly, but if the antidote is not administered promptly, antifreeze poisoning is nearly always fatal without intensive care.