It’s been almost ten years since marijuana was legalized here in Colorado. Things have definitely changed a lot since then! These days, more and more states are following suit, and either legalizing or decriminalizing pot use. This also had some repercussions in the veterinary world. Our furry friends are very curious, and many of them will eat, well, everything. What happens if your pet gets into your edibles? An Aurora, CO vet offers tips on preventing mishaps in this article.
Stash The Stash
We all know that dogs have very healthy appetites, and will sample, well, everything. Keep edibles out of paws’ reach! Be extra careful with baked goods, such as brownies, as they may contain things that are toxic to pets, such as chocolate, nuts, and/or xylitol.
Know The Signs
It may be easy to make wisecracks about Fluffy’s catnip habit or Fido’s dazed look, but stoned pets are no laughing matter. A few red flags to watch for include stumbling, dilated pupils, a dazed look, depression, unusual vocalizations or behavior, dizziness, and vomiting. Some dogs and cats get very agitated, while others may experience urinary incontinent. More serious effects include heart palpitations, tremors, unconsciousness, seizures, and, in rare cases, death. Contact your vet right away if you notice any of these things.
Seek Help
If you know or suspect that your furry pal has gotten into your pot, call your vet right away. In some cases, Fido or Fluffy may just need to sleep it off. However, don’t assume that your furry pal doesn’t need medical care. Some pets do have bad reactions, which would constitute an emergency. Plus, while death is extremely rare, it isn’t unheard of. Better safe than sorry!
Don’t Be Embarrassed
One thing that was quite common when pot was first legalized was the fact that people were very shy, and often embarrassed, about telling Fido’s doctor that he ingested marijuana. However, staying silent can do more harm than good, especially if your pooch is having a reaction. What ends up happening is that it takes longer for a diagnosis to be reached, which also delays treatment. You may also end up paying for tests that otherwise could have been avoided. Honesty is definitely the best policy here!
As your local Aurora, CO animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering great veterinary care. Call us anytime!
