With the popularity of marijuana for recreational and medical use, vets across the country are seeing more pets who suffer adverse side effects after being exposed to the popular drug.

Pets are exposed to pot in three ways: 1) accidental exposure, 2) intentional exposure (e.g. the pet owner tires to get their pet high), and 3) medicinal use.

Often, a dog or cat is exposed to pot accidentally. However, due to a cats' discriminating palates, we're mostly referring to dogs. If someone leaves pot brownies or jerky laced in THC where dogs can reach them, there's a chance they're going to get eaten.

Symptoms of marijuana exposure in dogs:

• Stumbling
• Dilated pupils
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Muscle twitches
• An altered mental state
• Sensitive to stimuli
• Trouble urinating

Dogs have been known to die after eating baked goods made out of medical grade THC butter; some have died after choking on their own vomit.

When Owners Intentionally Expose Pets to Pot

It's not uncommon for pet owners to intentionally expose their pets to pot and try and get them high. Whether the owner finds this amusing, or they think that their animal will enjoy the experience, giving marijuana to a pet can be deadly.

Unfortunately, pet owners have no way of knowing what their pet's tolerance to THC is. Plus, it can be upsetting for the animal because they have no idea as to why they are feeling the way they do.

Some pet owners give medical marijuana to their pets to relieve chronic pain or stimulate the appetite, especially as a part of cancer treatment. Pet owners have been known to give pot to pets to reduce anxiety, nausea, or seizures, however, veterinarians cannot legally prescribe marijuana for pets, nor can they recommend treating an animal with it.

To learn more about marijuana and pets, reach out to a veterinarian near you!