In many countries, including Canada, the legalization of cannabis has led to an increase in cases of toxicosis among pets, as shown by a survey administered to veterinarians. Most affected by cannabis poisoning would be dogs
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Among pets, the ailments caused by the intake, in this case more than involuntary, of toxic substances such as cannabis is unfortunately on the increase, after the legalization of this angiosperm in North America has resulted in an increasingly high number of hospitalizations. of dogs, cats, but also iguanas for toxicosis.
Thus demonstrated a recent survey carried out by the Ontario Veterinary College of the University of Guelph which was subjected to 251 veterinarians in the United States and Canada between January and April 2021 and highlighted that symptoms related to cannabis poisoning were found in a clear majority among dogs, the most affected by marijuana toxicosis, then followed by cats, ferrets, iguanas and even horses.
What are the symptoms
Cannabis poisoning in pets manifests itself through:
- disorientation
- urinary incontinence
- abnormal body movements (ataxia)
- increased sensitivity of the senses (hyperesthesia)
- slow heart rate (brachycardia)
- lethargy
- dilated pupils
These are the most frequent symptoms that have been evaluated by vets, measuring them on a scale from "very thick" to "rare".
These symptoms occur within 30-60 minutes if the animal has ingested marijuana, 6-10 minutes if the animal has inhaled it. If you notice one or more of these alarm bells, it is essential to run to your vet so that it is not too late.
How to protect our animals
Most cannabis poisoning occurs as a result of ingesting cannabis, almost always in the form of dried leaves that animals munch on in the absence of the owner. In other, far rarer cases, cannabis-induced toxicosis is caused by hemp-based oils and butters.
To ensure that your pet does not run any risk, you should first of all make a more conscious use of marijuana, place it in a place that is not accessible to him and use airtight and safe containers that are animal-proof.
The researchers of the study are also asking governments to intervene so that cannabis companies can be required to clearly indicate on their packaging how dangerous it is for pets.
From the answers of the veterinarians it emerged that most of the owners did not know how this poisoning could ever have occurred, not consuming cannabis themselves. All this suggests that the problem is still unknown to many, not least to the science that must deepen this field, albeit very alarming.
Source: Plos
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