Study Finds Increase in US Marijuana Poisoning Dogs

After California pioneered the legalization of medical marijuana use in 1996, 19 more US states released its use. Coincidentally, along with the release of marijuana in different parts of the country, the number of cases of intoxicated dogs also increased.

To check whether the situation was real or just a coincidence, a team of veterinarians decided to investigate the relationship between medical marijuana use and intoxication of domestic animals. After spending five years (between 2005 and 2010) collecting data, the researchers concluded that, in general, the number of animal cases that are rushed to the vet because of marijuana quadrupled.

Among the symptoms, animals that ingest the herb accidentally tend to lose motor coordination, have dilated pupils, tiredness, tremors, and may have changes in heart rate. Signs begin to appear 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and, depending on the amount consumed, may recover naturally or require medical attention.

A growing problem

To reach these conclusions, veterinarians analyzed 125 dogs that passed through veterinary centers in different states and were diagnosed with cannabis poisoning. Of these, two dogs eventually died from the effects of the herb.

Teresa Watanabe, a Los Angeles Times columnist, reported in September this year the case she experienced with one of her dogs. Fortunately, Monte, the intoxicated dog, was treated and recovered well, but it was in the office that the columnist understood the scale of the problem.

Leia Castaneda, a veterinarian at the San Gabriel Valley Emergency Pet Clinic in California, said she began to notice the increase in cases in 2007. The vast majority involved dogs - but there were also occurrences with cats - who ate discarded cigarettes and butts, licked leftovers. pipes or even consumed foods mixed with the herb.

To ensure Monte's health, Teresa had to spend the night at the veterinary hospital and shell out $ 730 (over $ 1, 600) for exams, lab tests, radiographs, toxicology tests, catheters, medicines, and hospitalization.

Of course, not all American families can give up such an amount to properly treat their pet. In such cases, the recommendation according to the BBC Brazil is to leave the dog in a dimly lit place and monitor the effects until they are completely gone.

A general alert

As the curiosity of the pets speaks louder, the veterinarian asks pet owners to keep the marijuana they have at home well to prevent them from reaching it easily.

Still, when there is a suspicion that the animal may actually have ingested the herb, the best alternative is to tell the doctors so that appropriate action can be taken more quickly: “We are not the police. We are here to help the animals, ”concludes Castaneda.