Dog ownership can bring boundless joy, but it can also come with unexpected challenges—like the time your thrilled furry friend accidentally ingests something they're not supposed to. Recently, incidents of dogs consuming marijuana have been on the rise, leading to increased concern from pet owners and veterinarians alike.
Many people assume their dogs would never find their way to the unusual buffet of cannabis products now prevalent across the United States. After all, these substances are intended for human consumption, not for our beloved pets! But as more states legalize recreational marijuana use, the chances of dogs inadvertently getting high have risen dramatically. Reports show calls to poison control centers about pets ingesting cannabis products increased significantly since marijuana was legalized for recreational use.
Take, for example, the alarming case of Oscar. Stephen Davidson, Oscar's owner, took his West Highland terrier for a stroll on the beach, only for his pet to accidentally eat what turned out to be marijuana. An innocent day out turned tense after Oscar began acting lethargic and unresponsive. After rushing him to emergency care, vets confirmed the unfortunate truth: Oscar was high after consuming cannabis. 'They put something down his throat to see if he would gag straight away, but he didn’t,' Davidson explained, adding, 'That’s when they said he’d been drugged.'
After spending the night at the vet’s clinic, Oscar began to recover, but the episode left Davidson with hefty medical bills, summing to over £900. Although he can likely claim this through insurance, the concern about where to walk Oscar loomed larger. "It’s so bad in this town. People are just smoking it anywhere and then throw it on the ground," he lamented, urging other dog owners to be vigilant about their pets' surroundings.
Similar stories are popping up everywhere. Reports indicate dog toxicity cases linked to marijuana have surged since recreational marijuana was legalized across several states. Tina Wismer, senior director of toxicology at the ASPCA, remarked on the trend, saying, "It’s not just your dog getting in trouble. It’s everybody’s dog.” Wismer emphasized how dogs don't differentiate between food types, saying, "Dogs have no idea about serving size — ‘Oh, a whole pan of brownies. Yes, please!’”
Such incidents can be incredibly dangerous. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors than humans, so they feel the effect of THC much more intensely, leading to symptoms like disorientation, vomiting, and even more serious conditions, including seizures or slower heart rates. That's why it’s key for pet owners to act fast if they suspect their dog has ingested any cannabis product. Identifying the symptoms as early as possible and getting the dog to the vet could mean the difference between a successful recovery and something far worse.
One dog owner, Caroline Prasalowicz, voiced her frustrations after her dog, Enzo, accidentally ingested marijuana three times due to community shared trash bins. "I could never quite figure out how he was getting it," she said with disbelief. Each time led her to the veterinary hospital, where vets diagnosed Enzo with marijuana intoxication. Luckily, all of his incidences had non-fatal outcomes.
The rise of edible cannabis products has complicated matters even more. They often come with additional ingredients dangerous to dogs, such as chocolate or nuts, which can pose their own health risks and compound the problem if dogs consume these treats. Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, mentioned these ingredients often entice dogs, leading them to snack without any awareness of potential dangers. "They have such a great sense of smell; they seek out the pot when you know it’s potentially harmful to them," she noted.
It's not just high times and accidents. Many dog owners are hesitant or embarrassed to disclose cannabis ingestion, fearing legal repercussions. But vets make it clear—it’s important to be forthcoming about what your dog might have eaten. Simplifying those conversations can lead to better care for your furry friend. The key advice is straightforward: keep cannabis products stored safely and monitor your dog when out and about.
For your peace of mind, knowing what to do should your dog eat something they shouldn’t is critical. If you suspect your pet has ingested cannabis, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian as quickly as you can. They will help manage the situation, potentially inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to mitigate the impact. The ASPCA maintains a 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center, where expert advice is just a phone call away.
Looking beyond the panic, many owners do see some light humor amid the distress. Like Carmen Maria Machado, who once panicked when her beagle mix, Rosie, consumed a weed gummy left out on the kitchen table. After hurrying to the vet, they received supportive materials instructing them to care for Rosie as though she were just overly indulging and needed some quiet, calming time. Such stories bring lightness to worrying experiences, reminding us of the sometimes comical nature of pet ownership.
It’s evident this problem is not slowing down anytime soon. The prevalence of cannabis—which is increasingly accepted across societies—affects everyone’s pets directly. Awareness is on the rise, and dedicated pet owners are paying closer attention. Experts continue to urge owners to recognize the signs of marijuana ingestion early and to seek vet care as needed, emphasizing prevention to keep our furry friends safe from accidental exposure. With this knowledge, both pet owners and their beloved companions can navigate the modern world with more confidence—high or low!
