Effects of Marijuana on dogs, how does Marijuana affect dogs?
Part Two
There was an article published previously entitled “Effects of Marijuana on dogs, how does Marijuana affect dogs?”, it has gotten a lot of comments both for and against drug use by dogs. It has come to the attention of this author that more content on this subject is required. So here is part two of the effects of marijuana on dogs.
The website doglaw.com has an article on this very subject entitled “A Legal and Medical Risk? Why Your Dog Should “Just Say No” To Drugs”. Here is an excerpt pertaining to marijuana use and dogs:
“Californiaveterinarian Joseph Humble tells L.A. Times reporter Andrew Strickler that “Some people may enjoy pot, but I assure you dogs do not.”
According to Strickler:
The plant’s effect on canines is considerably less benign. Even a few grams can cause staggering, vomiting, urinary incontinence and, in severe cases, seizures and coma.
For those who want to learn more about the dangers, a toxicology study published in Veterinary Medicine(June 2002) details the clinical signs, toxicity, and potential treatment of dogs who ingest marijuana. At the time the study was written by Caroline W. Donaldson, DVM, out of some 250 marijuana ingestion cases reported to the ASPCA, two animals had died.”
An article written by Jake Richardsonfrom the website care2.com, according to Mr. Richardson in Durango, Colorado the number of poisonings by marijuana has increased to at least two cases a month where was previously it was roughly one to two cases a year. In his article Richards also states: “Once a dog eats marijuana, they typically require professional care. The marijuana effect depends upon the size of the dog, the amount they ate and the marijuana’s concentration.”
Still not convinced that pot is bad for your dog? Here is yet another article from the website of Dr.Eric Barchas DVM :
“Marijuana intoxication may occur in pets that have access to marijuana plants, dried portions of the plants, or foodstuffs containing marijuana. Serious long-term health consequences and fatality from marijuana intoxication are essentially unheard of. However, pets that are exposed to marijuana may display anxiety and disorientation, and are prone to "bad trips". Intoxicated pets may lack the coordination necessary to consume food and water. Intoxication with marijuana appears clinically similar to other, more serious forms of poisoning . . . . “.
Although Dr. Barchas states that marijuana intoxication may not be fatal to your dog he did warn that the clinical symptoms are similar to other forms or poisoning. So why would you willingly and knowingly poison your pet? It may sound like that same thing as choosing to drink alcohol however your pet does not have the power to say no to you, for you are the master, leader, friend and caretaker for your animal. Would you force poison on someone you love?
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