A Richmond veterinarian is raising concerns over pets consuming edible cannabis products after seeing more toxicity cases since the legalization of marijuana.
Dr. Breanne Galloway, a veterinarian at Steveston Veterinary Hospital, warns pet-owners that edible cannabis products, such as gummies, brownies and bars, are not meant for animals.
“Most edibles are products like cookies or brownies which have high levels of sugar and chocolate, which themselves can have serious repercussion if consumed by pets,” said Galloway.
She believes the increase of cases at the animal hospital is because there are more products containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the toxic ingredient that makes an individual high, are in homes.
However, Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil is from hemp plants, a type of cannabis plant, and contains almost no Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
If a pet were to ingest CBD oil, Galloway said, it would not have the same negative effect as consuming full marijuana products.
“Marijuana has a number of toxic effects (on) dogs. They will usually have slower than normal heart rates and a slightly lower than normal body temperature,” said Galloway, adding that dogs will show signs of coordination loss, exaggerated gait, dribbling urine and sound and touch sensitivity.
That said, most toxicity cases recover within 24-48 hours, but some require hospitalization and supportive care.
Galloway said cannabis products for pets are “undergoing research,” however, there is not enough “scientific data to feel confident in its use” at this time.
