There are two ways of looking at this depending on what you read: Poison or Promise.
A number of prominent mainstream vest all called marijuana “toxic” to pets. Pet safety and health sites have strongly opposed the concept and stated pot is not intoxicating for animals, just toxic. Most all of them advise immediately contacting a poison control center or seeing a vet with all due haste. Additionally, it should be noted that currently medical marijuana must be prescribed by a medical doctor. Veterinarians do not have that privilege at present. But yet, there are a small number of sites that quietly support the concept.
Let's examine this more closely. A check of those new and popular supportive web sites for pained puppy pot use finds that they are run or sponsored by medical marijuana advocates and vendors promoting sales. There are very few direct doctor “endorsements” and the text on those sites appears to mention support very sparingly and with great caution. Some media sites report that a number of universities are studying the issue. A close look finds that every doctor, professor and university spokesperson goes to great lengths not to offer any opinion on the outcome. They all err on the side of exceptional restraint. And they all call for more studies.
The ones who do present definite opinions are prominent veterinarians and the animal poison control centers. The truth seems quite pronounced at the present time. Whether “Arfy” finds your secret stash in the house, eats your carefully grown plants, or if you nonchalantly blow smoke in his face, the bottom line is that you are actually poisoning your pet. At least that is the opinion according to leading vets. Toxic reactions can seriously affect pets that have ingested or even inhaled anything associated with marijuana plants including growing plants, dried portions of the plants, foodstuffs containing marijuana or second hand smoke.
Pets exposed to marijuana may soon display symptoms from anxiety to disorientation. An even greater danger, intoxicated pets may lack the coordination needed to eat or drink.
Dr. Eric Barchas has a wide ranging veterinary practice. He has dealt with everything from lions in Botswana to salmon in Chile. However, his specialty is dogs. Being in San Francisco he obviously has a heightened sense of both old and sick dogs suffering and all dogs getting sick from ingesting various drugs. Dr. Barchas states that clinically, marijuana is similar to other, more serious forms of poisoning. If you use pot and your pet is behaving oddly, look for these symptoms —
• Anxiety, panting, and agitation commonly occur following exposure to marijuana.
• In some pets, marijuana toxicity results in profound lethargy that can border on unconsciousness.
• Pets suffering from marijuana intoxication often show impaired balance. They may stagger, stumble, and fall attempting to walk.
• Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.
• After exposure to marijuana, pets may lose bowel and bladder control. This results in house soiling .
• Extreme responses to noises, movements, and other forms of sensory stimulation may occur in pets that are exposed to marijuana. These responses can manifest as trembling or jerking of the head or extremities. In severe cases, the responses may appear similar to seizures.
The interesting contrast here is that those warning of toxic problems talk of these problems occurring with ANY ingestion. The proponents of pot will always emphasize that ANY negative aspects are ONLY the result of overdosing. And that particular argument is beyond the scope of this article.
Granted, some who have animals with terminal situations may opt for pot simply to be able to keep their beloved pets for a while longer. Others may see the use of cannabis as a viable alternative to prescription medicine; a holistic approach to pain and suffering. Still others will find that the side effects of such use could hamper healing and health, further damaging their dog. Finally, there are those who will read all the available information and conclude that the entire notion of medical marijuana use is just a fraud, with no true backing by the veterinary community.
It is up to you.
Want to know more about marijuana and pets? You can review the information above and more at Dr. Barchas.
What we do as people is often far different than what is good for our pets. Always check to be certain before trying medicines or new therapies with pets. In the final analysis, you as the pet owner has to make the most qualified decision for your pet.
