Veterinarians Issue Warning about Cannabis Risks for Dogs

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]T[/dropcap]he American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a press release on June 26, warning about the toxicity for dogs involving THC found in cannabis. While cannabis toxicity is minimal for humans, it can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, depression, sleepiness, excitation, low blood pressure, low body temperature and seizures in dogs.

Edibles frequently are made with ingredients that are poisonous to dogs like chocolate, raisins and sugar-free sweeteners. When THC is involved, those risks increase. THC is linked to risks to the kidneys and livers of dogs and other animals. Little is known about the effects of CBD on animals, so veterinarians are therefore not allowed to recommend CBD to pet owners as well—despite the prevalence of pet CBD products currently on the market.

AVMA’s warning focuses on THC in particular. “While marijuana use can be a pleasurable experience for people, it can be scary and dangerous for dogs,” the warning states. “Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance in marijuana that produces a high for humans, is toxic to dogs, and can cause vomiting, incoordination, depression, sleepiness or excitation, low blood pressure, low body temperature and seizures. Death is rare but there have been a few cases reported.”

The Poison Control Center, under the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, reported a 765 percent increase in calls about ingestion of cannabis by animals during the first few months of 2019. During the same time period the previous year, calls to the Pet Poison Helpline have increased 448 percent over the past six years.

Dogs’ bodies are very different than humans and cannot withstand certain ingredients like chocolate. Likewise, pet owners should exercise caution when considering CBD pet products that are not formally approved in the veterinary community. THC products should be avoided for animals altogether. Pet owners need to find a way to keep cannabis products like edibles stored in areas where pets cannabis find them.