Kansas City pets are getting sick from weed after MO legalization. Local vet has tips

Now that recreational marijuana is legal in Missouri, the chances of your pets being exposed to weed or marijuana smoke may increase, local vets say.

Both in Kansas City and nationwide, veterinarians have seen an increase in marijuana poisoning in pets. Marijuana can be toxic to dogs, cats and horses, according to the University of Michigan College of Veterinary Medicine.

Union Hill Animal Hospital in midtown Kansas City sent a notice to its patients saying it is “seeing a higher-than-normal number of toxicity cases” following recreational legalization in Missouri.

Certain marijuana products might have more risk than others. For example, products with THC are more toxic than CBD products.

Baked goods and edibles that use marijuana infused butters and oils are also going to be more toxic than regular marijuana flower because they have a higher concentration of THC, according to chief veterinarian of the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City Melia Washington.

“We’ve definitely seen a lot of marijuana toxicity,” Washington said. She added that she hasn’t necessarily seen an increase in THC poisoning since recreational marijuana was legalized in the state at her practice, but she said she does take on more marijuana poisoning cases in Missouri compared to places she’s practiced where marijuana is still illegal.

“I have never seen an animal die from an overdose of marijuana. but they can potentially be pretty sedate for even a couple of days if they’ve ingested a significant amount,” Washington said. “And obviously, the higher the milligram, the potential for toxicity is higher.”

What are signs of marijuana poisoning in pets?

If you are concerned that your dog might have consumed some of your weed or an edible, there are a few things you might want to look out for. According to the University of Michigan, common signs include dilated pupils, incoordination, urinary incontinence or sensitivity to sound, motion or touch.

Washington said that some pets might even become lethargic and have trouble moving or eating. If that kind of behavior persists, the pet might need to be hospitalized so doctors can run an IV and make sure the pet gets its nutrients until it can eat and walk on its own again.

That level or lethargy or sedation can also cause other secondhand issues, like vomiting and diarrhea.

“That could potentially be a very scary wormhole that they could go down, and it is very possible,” Washington said.

If your pet does get into some of your stash, and is still able to walk and eat and use the bathroom, then the only course of action is to wait it out until they start acting normal again, Washington added.

“As long as they are not vomiting and have diarrhea, they just need to wait,” she said. “If their pet is lethargic or ataxic or otherwise longer than 24 hours is when I would say they need to seek some sort of assistance if they haven’t eaten or drank.”

How to prevent marijuana poisoning

Make sure to keep marijuana products out of reach. If necessary, keep edibles and other sweet or enticing products in a locked cabinet or on higher shelves.

If you know your pet can get into certain drawers or doorways, make sure to keep them locked or stash your weed elsewhere.

Again, edible products can be more harmful than marijuana flowers, so be especially vigilant with those sugary and candy-like products. Washington said many dogs will smell those kinds of treats and go out of their way to find them.

“They don’t usually die from it. It’s not usually that big of a problem,” Washington said. “But it is an expensive endeavor and it’s really scary.”

This story was originally published March 8, 2023 at 6:00 AM.