Keep your pet away from pot

The risk of your pet being exposed to marijuana in Canada is rising.

Risk

Don’t assume that pot is safe for your pet because humans use the drug. Dogs and cats appear to be more sensitive to cannabis, and pet deaths have been reported because of marijuana exposure.

  • Cannabis (marijuana) exposure can severely affect your pet’s health and may even lead to death.
  • Dogs, cats and other pets are much more sensitive to the drug’s compounds than people. Second-hand smoke from marijuana may also result in difficulty breathing and damage to your pet’s lungs.

Clinical signs

A pet suffering from marijuana toxicity may show one or more of the following clinical signs:

  • Excess salivation
  • Sleepiness
  • Fast or slow heart rate
  • Dilated pupils
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Wobbling, unco-ordinated gait
  • Pacing and agitation
  • Vocalizing
  • Vomiting
  • Uncontrollable bladder

If you suspect your pet has been exposed

  • If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to marijuana or if it is showing any clinical signs, take your pet to the veterinarian. Veterinarians are here to help.
  • If you know or suspect that your pet has been exposed to marijuana, tell your veterinarian. Without this information, it’s more difficult to diagnose