Using cannabis in pets, good or bad idea?
Evidence suggests that using cannabis in pets without proper advice from a veterinarian frequently causes intoxication, although it is rarely fatal.
It is very common to see pet owners feeding their pets with the food they usually eat; under this line of thinking we could think: if cannabis is good for me, surely it is good for my furry friend. Using cannabis in pets should not apply to all cases and at the end of the day there is not enough research to back it up. In this week's blog we give you the full perspective so you can make the best decision and your best friend has the best alternatives.
According to Dr. Robin Downing, veterinarian and hospital director at the Downing Center in Colorado, medical cannabis in pets is "good in theory." Just like us, our pets have cannabinoid receptors, so there are grounds to think that cannabis could help them with some problems that we humans also have. [8]
What are the effects of cannabis on my pet?
We know that dogs have a greater number of cannabinoid receptors in the brain compared to humans and it has been suggested that they may be more susceptible than humans to the toxic effects of cannabis. [4]
So far, scientific information is limited and more studies are needed to determine the appropriate doses of cannabis in pets, depending on the condition, species and weight of each pet, but progress is increasing.
It is for this reason that the advice of a trained veterinarian is essential, so that not only attention is paid to the different conditions of our pets, but also to possible cases of intoxication.
Medical cannabis in pets could be good for the following conditions:
Epilepsy
Cancer
Joint diseases
Acute and chronic pain management
Geriatric patients
Behavioral problems (anxiety, aggression, fear, etc.)
Loss of appetite
Glaucoma
Skin problems. [1, 6 y 7]
Anecdotal evidence speaks for itself, a survey published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association reported that 64% of respondents gave it to their pets with positive results. [8]
Cannabis intoxication in pets
On the other hand, we also know that pets are intentionally exposed to cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes. Some people blow smoke or vapor in their faces or offer them edible products containing cannabis.
In some cases pets accidentally ingest treats or edibles because owners are not careful to store them or keep them out of reach, which can lead to intoxication. [5]
Main clinical signs of cannabis intoxication in pets:
Lethargy or depression
Behavioral changes
Appearance of glassy eyes
Stumbling while walking or loss of balance
Dilated pupils
Inability to walk
Nausea and vomiting
Prostration
Deep sedation
What is striking is that in approximately 25% of patients agitation and excitation may occur. Unfortunately, this reaction to the plant includes changes in heart rate, tremors and convulsions. [5]
If you are in this situation, observe your pet, typical signs of cannabis intoxication in pets begin 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion or exposure. The effects of cannabis can last longer in dogs and cats, up to 36 hours in some cases. [5]
The effects of cannabis depend on the dose and route of administration. For example, although cannabis is often taken medicinally to relieve nausea, large amounts of these same compounds in the brain can cause nausea and vomiting in both pets and humans. [5]
What to do in case of cannabis intoxication?
First of all, do not be alarmed, the risk of death in pets is low. [2] Having said this, the veterinarian is the one who will determine the appropriate treatment for each case, in the worst case scenario the animal may be hospitalized for several days.
In places where medicinal or recreational use of cannabis has been legalized, such as the United States or Canada, the number of pets intoxicated with cannabis has increased. Since January 2016 and up to June 2019, Canada reported 179 non-fatal incidents of pet exposure to cannabis, 54 of these correspond to 2019 alone.
Because of this, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is pushing for improved safety labels on cannabis products and participating in the safe dissemination of cannabis treatments. [3]
In conclusion
Cannabis is an excellent treatment option for a wide range of ailments, both for humans and animals, and generates fewer side effects compared to other conventional treatments; however, if you do not have the proper knowledge and preparation when recommending it, you run the risk of worsening the situation.
At ICAN one of our commitments is responsible education at all levels regarding the different benefits of cannabis. If you are a qualified veterinarian and you are interested in preparing yourself in this expanding market, learning more about the medicinal use of cannabis in pets, we invite you to follow us on social networks or contact us by mail to provide you with more information.
References
[1] Betancurt, J.(2019, marzo 27). Cannabis Medicinal En Veterinaria. Modulación Del Sistema Endocannabinoide [Video]. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 4 de septiembre de 2019.
[2] Brooks, W. (2018). Marijuana Toxicity in Dogs. Veterinary Partner. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 4 de septiembre de 2019.
[3] CBC News. (2019). Vets call for better warning labels as number of pets getting sick from pot surges. CBC News. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 4 de septiembre de 2019.
[4] Ican. (2019). El Cannabis y mi Mascota. Ican Blog. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 4 de septiembre de 2019.
[5] Khully, P. (S.F.). Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) Intoxication. Embrace Pet Insurance. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 4 de septiembre de 2019.
[6] Medina, F. (July 2019). Medical cannabis: uses in companion animals. Edgardo Moreno (Chair). First international seminar "Medicinal cannabis for pets". Held at Cannabis America. California, USA.
[7] Silver, R. J. (2015). Medical Marijuana and your pet. The definitive guide. North Carolina: Lulu Publishing services.
[8] Soniack, M. (s.f.). Can Dogs Benefit from Medical Cannabis? Pet Med. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 4 de septiembre de 2019.