According to a new study from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, cases of pets overdosing on marijuana have increased since marijuana was legalized in Canada in 2018.
The study found that aside from dogs and cats, pets like cockatoos, horses, and iguanas are also overdosing on marijuana. Researchers surveyed over 200 veterinarians in 2021 for the study. They asked the vets to recall incidents of marijuana-related vet visits before 2018 and after 2018
According to the American Kennel Club, some symptoms of marijuana poisoning in dogs include dilated pupils, agitation, vomiting, urinary incontinence, and stumbling, among others.
While we’d like to think that no dog parent would intentionally give their dogs marijuana, the reverse is the case as there are dog parents who get their dogs “high” by blowing smoke in their ears or offering them edibles.
Exposing dogs to marijuana, whether accidentally or purposefully, could have devastating side effects on their health. Being a responsible cannabis user means ensuring the product is properly stored in sealed containers, away from pets and children.
Hopefully, as dog parents become aware of the risks and side effects of exposing their dogs to marijuana, they will make conscious efforts to protect their dogs.