With the legality of Marijuana in many states, toxicity in dogs and cats has become more prevalent in the veterinary urgent care and ER.
If you know your pet ingested Marijuana, we recommend having them evaluated by a veterinarian right away. Please provide an adequate and honest account of what happened so that your pet receives the best care and an accurate diagnosis.
In cases where you may not have witnessed Marijuana ingestion, you may see your dog or cat suddenly stumbling, lethargic, vomiting, drooling, and/or dribbling urine, which can be alarming if you do not know what happened. In severe cases pets may experience coma, seizures, and even death. These signs can also occur with other serious conditions. It is important to consult with a veterinarian right away if your pet is exhibiting these signs.
At the urgent care or ER a urine drug screening test and bloodwork will be recommended. If your pet is diagnosed with marijuana toxicity, you can expect a recommendation to have your dog decontaminated with IV fluids, administered supportive care, and monitored for worsening symptoms. In severe cases, overnight care may be warranted. Once marijuana has cleared their system, they typically can return home without long term side effects. In mild cases, they may be able to return home with minimal outpatient supportive care.
We recommend making sure any household medications or recreational drugs be properly stored away from your pet to keep them safe from the dangers of toxicity.