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CANNABIS POISONING IN PETS
TOP TEN POISONS FOR 2021
According to a study published in April in the journal PLOS ONE, veterinarians are seeing more cases of cannabis poisoning in dogs and other pets with a few cases resulting in death.
In March the ASPCA®’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) releases its findings about the Top Ten Poisons for the previous year. In 2021, APCC saw a 22% increase in call volume. It is extremely important for pet parents to be aware of the common poisons that are dangerous to our pets.
The legalization of marijuana in many states is the reason for the increasing number of dogs and other pets ingesting the drug. The most common source of poisoning was THC-dense edibles such as brownies or cookies that look and smell like normal food. The second source is dried cannabis such as discarded joint butts. Cannabis poisoning in pets is normally not fatal. However, many of the edible products available combine other ingredients such as chocolate, grapes, raisins and citrus which are toxic to dogs and cats. Another ingredient which is extremely toxic for dogs is the sweetener xylitol that is used in some cannabis gummies. The more severe and sometimes fatal cases of cannabis poisoning in pets involve the combination of cannabis with other toxic ingredients especially chocolate and xylitol. Keep your pets safe by careful use, storage and disposal of all cannabis products especially those containing other ingredients toxic to pets. For more information: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/ article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0261909pets
The top spot again for the most common toxin ingested by pets is OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS. PRESCRIPTIONS FOR HUMAN MEDICATIONS are in the second spot. The other toxins on the Top Ten list for 2021 are: 3. HUMAN FOODS – Approximately 14% of the calls involved food or ingredients such as xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic. 4. CHOCOLATE – average of over 103 cases of chocolate ingestion a day, which results in more than 1 case every 15 minutes. 5. PLANTS & BOUQUETS – 9.8% of calls to the APCC were related to indoor and outdoor plant ingestion. 6. HOUSEHOLD ITEMS – cleaning, beauty and home repair products. 7. VETERINARY MEDICATIONS Calming chews and joint medication were a concern in this category. 8. RODENTICIDES (Poisons for mice and rats) 9. INSECTICIDES 10. LAWN AND GARDEN PRODUCTS It is important to poison-proof your home and educate yourself on items that are toxic to pets. Note also that there is an increase in calls in the spring and summer months because of increased outdoor activities and exposure to outside plants, herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides. If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned seek veterinary attention immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. Both are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog. - M. K. Clinton 14
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • May/June 2022
www.aspcapro.org/resource/top-10-pet-toxins-2021 www.petpoisonhelpline.com
