Maybe you accidentally forgot to put away your bag of cannabis edibles. Maybe you brought your dog over to a messy friend’s house for playtime. Either way, your cat or dog ate something with marijuana in it. For those of us with especially curious pets, it can happen. Normally, a minor mistake like this wouldn’t matter, but a hungry animal will eagerly eat what we leave behind.
If your cat or dog ate weed, stay calm. “The prognosis of accidental THC ingestion is excellent with appropriate veterinary supervision and care,” says Dr. Tim Shu, CEO of VetCBD and veterinarian. While high amounts of THC can make pets extremely sick, “there have not been any documented or observed long-term harms from THC,” as long as your pet gets proper care.
What to Do if Your Cat or Dog Eats Weed
Find the Ingredients List on Your Edibles
Try to find the ingredients of whichever edible your pet has eaten. Dogs can become sick from eating many different foods, not just cannabis. Many cannabis edibles contain chocolate, for instance, and certain products like mints may contain xylitol, both of which can be potentially fatal for dogs. Chocolate, caffeine, and cow milk products can also be harmful to cats. It’s important to be aware of what your pet has eaten for the next step.
Call an Emergency Vet for Advice on Edibles
If your pet has eaten cannabis edibles, try to find an emergency vet near you to get professional advice. If you’re unable to find a vet that’s open, you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Try to estimate how much THC your pet may have eaten, and let them know about any other potentially harmful ingredients in your edibles.
Take Your Pet to a Veterinarian for Follow-Up Care
The next step is to take your cat or dog in to a vet for further care. “Let your veterinarian decide on the best course of action, as each case is different depending on the amount of THC ingested and what other ingredients may have been ingested along with the THC,” says Dr. Shu.
It’s important to take the situation seriously. “Inappropriate, or large amounts of THC can cause sedation, balance issues, difficulty walking or standing, bladder incontinence, vomiting and potential aspiration of vomit, or changes in heart rate or blood pressure.” Make sure your pet is being professionally observed.
Potentially Toxic Foods for Dogs and Cats
There are many foods that can sicken your dog or even cause fatal complications. If your dog has consumed any of the following, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435. There are many foods that can be harmful to dogs, including these:
- Avocados
- Bones
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw eggs
- Xylitol
There are additional foods that are harmful for dogs that are not on the list. If you’re concerned about what your dog has eaten, contact the ASPCA or use their Animal Poison Control Mobile App.
If you’re concerned about something your cat ate, utilize those resources first, or contact your closest emergency vet. To prevent these unfortunate situations in your home, make sure you keep these potentially toxic foods away from your cat:
- Chives
- Dairy products made with cow’s milk
- Garlic
- Onions
- Raw fish
- Yeast
This list is not exhaustive, so check on the resources linked above to ensure the best outcomes for you and your furry friend.
Healthy and Safe Ways to Use Cannabis Products With Your Pet
While eating edibles made for humans can hurt your pet, there are plenty of safe ways for your pet to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Pet-safe, specially-formulated products from VetCBD or other pet brands can enhance their life and well-being. When it comes to man’s best friend, “Cannabis’s medical benefits include pain relief, anti-inflammation, appetite stimulation, neuroprotection, and potentially anti-cancer effects,” says Dr. Shu. “Cannabis certainly has medical benefits that are well-established in humans, and these carry over in animals as well.”
You can try existing pet products like topicals and tinctures, but you can also try using VetCBD products to make your own cannabis dog treats. Just adjust the amount used per serving, and make sure you use a vet-approved dog treat recipe.
Where to Find the Best Cannabis Products for Pets in Orange County
If you’re looking for high-quality pet products for your furbabies, check out the selection at People’s. We offer free delivery in most of Orange County, and our Santa Ana cannabis store is open every day of the week. To see if you’re eligible for delivery, place your VetCBD order in our online menu now.
If you’re outside of our delivery range, no worries—our Express Pickup system means that you can place your order ahead of time, then pick it up and pay without having to wait in line. People’s will save you time so you can get back to walking your pup or playing with your kitten ASAP. Stop by soon to find the cannabis products for your pet’s needs and lifestyle—and yours, too.
Medical Reviewer: Dr. Tim Shu, DVM
