5 days Ago
Dear Editor, With 4/20 coming up, I wanted to offer some timely pet safety tips that you can share with your readers. These come from the local Mount Pleasant VEG ER for Pets. As cannabis becomes more accessible in homes, it’s important for pet parents to know that THC is highly toxic to dogs.
Emergency veterinarians often see a spike in accidental THC ingestion cases around 4/20. Signs of THC Toxicity in Dogs If a dog ingests marijuana (flower, edibles, vape oils, or even secondhand smoke), symptoms can appear within 30-90 minutes and may include: • Lethargy or extreme drowsiness • Loss of coordination (stumbling, difficulty walking) • Dilated pupils and glassy eyes • Drooling or vomiting • Involuntary urination • Low body temperature • Tremors or seizures (in severe cases) What to Do If Your Dog Eats Weed If you suspect your dog has ingested marijuana, seek veterinary help immediately. A veterinarian may induce vomiting if the ingestion was recent.
However, if symptoms have already started, treatment will focus on managing toxicity effects, such as IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and temperature regulation. Do not try home remedies, as they may worsen symptoms. Preventing Accidental Ingestion To keep pets safe during 4/20 celebrations: • Store cannabis products securely – Keep edibles, flower, and vape cartridges in pet-proof containers out of reach.
• Avoid secondhand smoke exposure – Pets can absorb THC through inhalation, leading to toxicity. • Be mindful of edibles – Many contain chocolate or xylitol, which are also toxic to dogs. While cannabis may be fun and even therapeutic for humans, it’s dangerous for dogs.
Keeping THC away from pets can prevent emergency vet visits and keep celebrations stress-free. For more information visit the following website: https://www.veterinaryemergencygroup.
com/locations/south-carolina/mount-pleasan t. Dr. Alex Maclean Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
