Animal Humane Society Warns About Marijuana Safety with Pets
Recreational marijuana has been legal for Minnesotans for a month now. Animal experts want to remind people to keep their human cannabis products away from pets.
Dr. Graham Brayshaw, veterinarian with the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, said marijuana products, especially in large doses, can be harmful to animals.
Brayshaw says when animals consume THC edibles, they can experience symptoms like lethargy, slow heart rate, depression and exhaustion. In other cases, animals could appear hyperactive or experience seizures.
While no cases have come to the Golden Valley clinic yet, Brayshaw has followed cases in other states. He said side effects can generally look fairly mild.
“In the worst cases, [some] actually go into comas,” Brayshaw said. “That is when you get a ton of worry on the veterinary side, where we really get worried, ‘Is the dog going to make it through this?’ That being said, that is usually really high doses that we are talking about.”
Dr. Graham Brayshaw shares what pet owners should know about pets and marijuana.
Brayshaw said secondhand smoke can be a risk to pets, but edible products are the primary concern.
ASPCA recommends keeping marijuana or THC products locked away, like you would with any medication.
Brayshaw also said when it comes to CBD products made for pets, pet owners should monitor doses like they would with any other product to ensure safe consumption.
If you believe your pet consumed marijuana or are seeing the symptoms, Brayshaw recommends calling your vet or animal poison control.
