Marijuana: Legal in Oregon July 1, But Toxic to Pets

PORTLAND, Ore.—With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Oregon on July 1, 2015, DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital warns pet owners of the potential risks to their dogs and cats if they ingest this drug.

News reports indicate that cases of marijuana poisoning in pets increased after recreational use of marijuana was legalized in states such as Washington and Colorado, and now pet owners in Oregon are urged to know the facts about the effects of marijuana exposure to pets.

“DoveLewis has seen an increase in marijuana-related toxicity cases in recent years, and the frequency of marijuana toxicity in pets is most likely to increase in Oregon and in the Portland area after July 1,” said DoveLewis veterinarian Dr. Ladan Mohammad-Zadeh, DVM. “We advise securing all marijuana plants, products and food away from pets and in pet-proof containers.”

Animals can be exposed to marijuana in several forms, including secondhand inhalation of smoke and oral consumption. Dogs are especially likely to ingest marijuana when it is used in food products, such as brownies or cookies. And while it’s rare for pets to ingest enough marijuana to be fatal, it can happen—and there are clinical signs to watch for.

“Symptoms are usually seen within 30-60 minutes of inhalation or consumption,” said Dr. Mohammad-Zadeh. “Dogs under the influence of marijuana will stumble when walking become sedate or lethargic, and may be hypersensitive to any kind of stimulation. Dribbling or leaking urine is also a sign.”

Symptoms of marijuana toxicity to watch for:

• Vomiting (may contain evidence of ingested baked good or plant material)
• Glassy eyes or dilated pupils
• Trouble walking, stumbling and disoriented behavior
• Over-excitement, agitation or extreme drowsiness
• Dribbling or urinary leakage
• Tremors, seizures or coma

What to do if you think your pet has ingested marijuana:

• Don’t try to induce vomiting at home; if your pet is mentally dull, they may aspirate during vomiting, which could lead to choking.
• Call your veterinarian so proper treatment can be administered.
• Be up front with your veterinarian about the possibility of marijuana being ingested. Having the correct information can be extremely helpful to the veterinarian.

Can medical marijuana help your sick pets?

With the legalization of marijuana in Oregon, many people also are wondering if medicinal marijuana can help their sick pets. There are no published studies regarding the therapeutic use of marijuana in pets. DoveLewis recommends consulting your veterinarian before giving your pet any drug, medication, herb or supplement.

Bambi’s story

Marijuana can be especially dangerous for smaller dogs, like Bambi, a Teacup Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher mix who was brought to DoveLewis last year after ingesting an all-too-tempting edible “treat.”
When Bambi’s owner returned home, he became concerned that Bambi was acting completely out of character. After some investigative work, his owner discovered that Bambi had eaten an entire, potent pot brownie that was wrapped and zipped up in his partner’s school backpack. Bambi got into his backpack somehow and ate the entire brownie.

Weighing in at 6 pounds, it is thought that Bambi had consumed approximately one gram of marijuana, leaving him severely dehydrated and disorientated. In this situation, the dangers lay not only in the marijuana’s Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is toxic to animals, but also in its chocolaty conduit.

“I was honest about what happened and clear about the amount Bambi ingested,” said Bambi’s owner. “The veterinarian was extremely grateful that I had not tried to hide the facts out of embarrassment or fear of legal repercussions, and due to Bambi’s small size they had to mix a medication from scratch for an appropriate dose and size. They also put him on IV fluids for a bit to assist with hydrating him. Bambi had to be wrapped in a towel because he didn’t have the mental capacity to hold his bowels and wait to go outside to potty. I went through several towels that night, and he didn’t return to normal until the next morning after he slept through the night.”

Bambi recovered, and his owner said he learned a valuable lesson about how important it is to be conscious of keeping marijuana, chocolate and dangerous foods out of reach at all times. “It only takes a second for a pet to get into something they shouldn’t be in. My partner’s backpack was zipped up and secured, but that didn’t stop a 6-pound dog.”

Remember, if you believe that your pet has ingested cannabis; take them to your veterinarian or nearest emergency facility. For emergency services please call DoveLewis 24 hour Emergency Animal Hospital at 503-228-7281. The hospital is located at 1945 N.W. Pettygrove St., Portland, Ore., 97209.

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