Pot smokers in NYC beware: Leaving those extra buds, flowers and joints around can be toxic to your pet.
That is what several veterinarians have been saying since recreational marijuana use was legalized statewide in 2021. Animal doctors across the Big Apple have seen an increase in cuddly patients, including cats and dogs, who have accidentally ingested the drug, leaving them ill and in need of immediate treatment.
While it rarely causes fatalities, pets who intake marijuana can still suffered some serious consequences that will require immediate medical attention.
Carly Fox, DVM, senior veterinarian for emergency and urgent care at the Animal Medical Center (AMC) on Manhattan’s East Side, said marijuana is one of the most common toxicities the hospital sees in dogs.
“Marijuana ingestion is something that I would say I see every day,” Fox said. “Especially now that it has become legal in New York, we’re seeing it much more often. Although, I saw it prior to its legalization.”
Andrew Torchia, DVM, medical director at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group, underscored what Fox said, saying that increased cannabis access for humans means increased exposure around pets.
“With new legalities surrounding marijuana, this drug has become pervasive throughout the city, and unfortunately, it has a bad effect on dogs,” Torchia said. “Increased availability means increased exposure to our pets and a huge uptick in marijuana toxicity.
Dogs and cats can become sick by eating “edible” pot products, such as brownies and chocolate laced with pot, or ingesting the drug in any form. To a dog, marijuana can smell like an intriguing, tasty new treat.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. While it delivers highs to humans, THC is a toxin to cats and dogs — and they can become very sick, doctors say.
“THC is much more toxic to dogs than humans because dogs have a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their brains. That makes them more sensitive to THC,” said Neha Pathak, M.D., chief physician editor of health and lifestyle medicine at WebMD.
Pathak added that even a small amount of THC can be toxic to pets.
Signs a pet has ingested the drug include a wobbly or “drunk-like” walk, urinary incontinence, excessive drooling, vomiting and dilated pupils.
Symptoms appear rather quickly after ingestion, Fox said, adding that each animal can be affected differently.
“Usually signs are seen pretty quickly after ingestion–usually within an hour after ingestion. Dogs typically present in a very similar way,” she said. “When I see a dog at triage, and the owner tells me their dog is acting abnormal, I can most of the time tell definitely that their dog gotten into marijuana.”
H/T: www.amny.com
