We often want our pets to be by our side during every aspect of our lives. However, sometimes it’s best for pet owners to give their pets some space, like when partaking in marijuana products. As marijuana becomes increasingly available throughout the country, it’s important to understand its effects on our feline and canine companions and what to do if it gets into their systems.
At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, we have a dedicated team of compassionate individuals ready to help pet owners in any way possible. Here, we’ll explore THC poisoning and the impact it can have on your pets.
What Is THC?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. This natural compound is found in cannabis plants. THC is used by adults to offer a high sensation. The compound, while often inhaled during smoking, can be consumed in many other ways, including through oils, tinctures, edibles, and capsules.
While in the modern world, THC is often used for recreational purposes, it is also used for medical reasons. High levels of THC can be legally purchased and consumed in 38 U.S. states, while an additional 10 states allow purchase and consumption of cannabis with low levels of THC.
Understanding THC Poisoning in Pets
Humans and pets have different reactions to THC, which is why it’s incredibly important that users do everything they can to ensure their animals don’t have access to it. This is, in part, because cats and dogs have a larger number of CB1 receptors in their brains than humans do. These receptors are psychoactive, and THC has an attraction to them, meaning marijuana can have a greater effect on these animals than it does on humans.
This leads to alterations within the animal’s brain chemistry. While humans may experience a sense of euphoria, the experience is anything but positive for our furry friends. They may instead feel an overwhelming sense of fear and paranoia. This is heightened by the fact that THC stays in their system for an extended period. Dogs will deal with the side effects of the drug for up to 24 hours, and cats may need up to five days before most of it is eliminated.
Some symptoms of THC poisoning in dogs include:
- Drastic changes in heart rate
- Weak or sluggish appearance
- Dilated pupils
- Uncontrollable urination
- Stumbling
- Vomiting
- Shakes or tremors
- Agitation
- Sensitivity to touch and sound
Some THC poisoning signs in cats include:
- Reduced heart rate
- Drop in body temperature
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils
- Uncontrollable urination or dribbling during urination
- Lack of coordination
- Agitation
- Excess drool
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Seizures
Severe reactions to THC in dogs and cats can also send them into a coma, which is why if you suspect anything is wrong, you need to get them to a veterinary office immediately.
The overall effects that your pet may experience are dependent on a range of different factors, including their age, size, and current health status. While those dealing with mild or moderate cases of THC poisoning may experience a full recovery with no lasting complications, the compound’s toxic nature when it comes to our pets makes it vital to take each case seriously.
What Can Be Done in the Event of THC Poisoning?
As stated above, if your pet has been exposed to marijuana, there’s a chance it could severely affect their physical and mental health, so you’ll want to get them to the veterinarian. Whether the animal has ingested part of a plant, joint, or edible that contains the drug, licked THC oil, inhaled secondhand smoke, or consumed it in some other way, you must be honest with the doctor about the situation to get proper care.
To diagnose the issue, veterinarians will likely look over the animal as well as their medical history before having their urine or stomach contents tested. If you suspect they may have ingested packaging as well, an X-ray screen may be ordered. If other drugs, such as alcohol or opiates, may be involved, you should be sure to bring that up so that other necessary tests may be ordered.
As far as treatment goes, there is no antidote for THC that can simply reverse its effects. However, if your pet has ingested it very recently, they may be able to induce vomiting to get it out of their system. If it has been more than 30 minutes, this may result in complications, so they’ll likely opt for supportive care. This includes:
- Keeping the pet in a quiet, separate space while they recover
- Offering IV fluids to ward off dehydration
- Using activated charcoal to help reduce the amount of THC that is absorbed
- Providing medications to help reduce vomiting, tremors, and other side effects
Veterinarians may decide to perform intralipid therapy if the case is severe. This treatment method involves the use of a specialized IV solution that helps remove THC from within the fatty tissues to allow for quicker recovery.
Because THC is toxic to our pets, the best defense is to prevent them from getting access to it in the first place. That means storing edibles, oils, and other products well out of their reach, and keeping them away from you while you are smoking to limit secondhand smoke.
Get Help from Our Friendly Team
As marijuana becomes more prevalent in our society, our pets consuming THC can be an unfortunate side effect. Fortunately, the team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital is here to offer guidance, diagnostic care, emergency services, and more.
We are located in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, and serve the Tri-State area, allowing nearby pets and their pet parents to get dedicated care when they need it most. If you have any questions regarding THC poisoning or any of the services we provide, contact us today or schedule an appointment.