With the gradual advancement of the legalization of marijuana in modern society, more and more people are using it to relieve stress or for medical purposes. However, many pet owners overlook the potential risks of smoking marijuana around their pets.

In fact, marijuana can cause serious health effects on pets (especially dogs, cats and other small animals), whether it is directly ingested or inhaled smoke, which may cause health problems. Below we will discuss in detail the effects, risks and how to protect pets from three aspects: ingestion, e-cigarettes and secondhand smoke.

Risks of consuming marijuana

Pets, especially dogs and cats, are highly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They have far more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, resulting in a very low tolerance to THC. Even ingesting small amounts can cause severe poisoning symptoms.

Common poisoning symptoms

• Drowsiness, unsteady gait
• Disorientation, increased sensitivity (to light and sound)
• Vomiting, loss of appetite
• Dilated pupils and dull eyes
• Seizures, epilepsy, muscle tremors
• Hypothermia, slow heartbeat
• In severe cases, even coma

Sources of danger

• Direct ingestion: Eating cannabis flowers, food (such as cookies or candy).
• Accidental ingestion of concentrates: e-cigarette pens and cartridges used for smoking.

Especially when electronic cigarette products are accidentally ingested, the symptoms of poisoning are often more severe, and people may even need to be sent to a 24-hour emergency department for intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) treatment and anti-epileptic drug control.

Potential threats from secondhand smoke

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), marijuana is toxic to cats (as well as other pets) and is not safe to ingest in any form.

Not only ingesting marijuana, but also inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke poses a threat to pet health. While small, occasional exposures are not necessarily fatal, continued exposure or large amounts of smoke blowing directly at your pet may cause respiratory illness.

How different pets react

• Dogs: Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can make them more susceptible to eye infections, allergies, and respiratory diseases, and even increase their risk of lung cancer.
• cat: Cats that breathe secondhand smoke have about twice the risk of developing lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph nodes) and are more likely to develop respiratory problems such as asthma, which often require long-term treatment or even daily use of inhalers.
• Birds are particularly sensitive to air pollution and can suffer severe respiratory problems when exposed to smog.
• Rabbit: The respiratory system is sensitive, and smoke can cause shortness of breath and gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Reptiles (such as snakes and lizards): They have slow metabolism and will experience long-lasting poisoning reactions after inhaling smoke or ingesting THC, and may even cause difficulty breathing.
• Small rodents (such as mice and hamsters): THC in smoke or food puts great stress on their metabolism, and they may experience hypothermia and tremors in their limbs.

Risks of E-cigarettes

As e-cigarettes become more popular, there has been an increase in cases of pets accidentally ingesting e-cigarette pens or liquids. E-cigarette liquids contain highly concentrated THC or nicotine, which is particularly dangerous to small animals and may cause gastrointestinal obstruction or acute poisoning. Vape pens and liquids should be properly stored up high or in a locked cabinet out of the reach of pets.

How to Protect Pets from the Dangers of Marijuana

• Safe storage: Marijuana and related products should be kept away from pets, especially highly concentrated products.
• Avoid smoking indoors: Be especially careful when smoking marijuana or vaping indoors where pets are present. If it cannot be avoided, ensure air circulation, such as opening windows for ventilation or using an air purifier, and avoid letting pets stay in the same room with you to reduce the chance of them inhaling smoke.
• Education and prevention: Let family members and visitors know the dangers of marijuana to pets to avoid inadvertently endangering their pets' health.
• Watch for unusual symptoms: If your pet behaves unusually, contact your veterinarian or poison control center immediately.

As pet owners, we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our pets. Pets cannot understand what they are inhaling or what that feeling means, so we should avoid exposing them to substances that may be harmful to their health. Whether ingested, inhaled or ingested, e-cigarette liquids can be fatal to pets. As marijuana use becomes more prevalent, understanding its potential risks to pets and taking the necessary precautions are critical to protecting their health and well-being.

Marijuana is a Class II drug in Taiwan. Please do not test the law.

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The Impact of Marijuana Exposure on Animal: Understanding the Risks for Pets

As marijuana legalization progresses in modern society, more people use it for relaxation or medical purposes. However, many pet owners overlook the potential risks of using marijuana around their pets.

In fact, marijuana can cause severe health problems in pets (especially dogs, cats, and other small animals), whether through direct ingestion or inhaling smoke. This article will explore the effects and risks of marijuana on pets, covering ingestion, vaping, and secondhand smoke, and discuss preventive measures.

Risks of Marijuana Ingestion

Pets, especially dogs and cats, are highly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Their brains contain significantly more cannabinoid receptors than humans, making them extremely vulnerable to THC. Even small amounts can lead to severe poisoning symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Poisoning

• Lethargy and unsteady gait
• Disorientation, increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Vomiting and decreased appetite
• Dilated pupils and a vacant stare
• Tremors, seizures, and muscle twitching
• Hypothermia and slow heart rate
• In severe cases, coma

Sources of Danger

• Direct Ingestion: Eating cannabis flowers or edibles (like cookies or candies).
• Ingestion of Concentrates: Consuming vape pens or cartridges.

Particularly in cases involving vape products, symptoms are often more severe, requiring emergency care such as intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy and anticonvulsant medication.

Potential Threats from Secondhand Smoke

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), marijuana is toxic to cats (and other pets), regardless of the form.

Not only through ingestion, but inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke can also harm pets' health. Occasional minor exposure may not be deadly, but prolonged exposure or direct smoke blown into pets' faces can cause respiratory problems.

Reactions in Different Pets

• Dogs: Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to eye infections, allergies, and respiratory diseases, including an increased risk of lung cancer.
• Cats: Cats exposed to secondhand smoke have twice the risk of developing lymphoma (a type of lymph node cancer) and are more prone to respiratory issues like asthma, which often require long-term treatment or even daily inhaler use.
• Birds: Extremely sensitive to air pollution, birds can develop severe respiratory issues when exposed to smoke.
• Rabbits: Due to their delicate respiratory systems, rabbits may experience labored breathing and digestive discomfort from smoke exposure.
• Reptiles (like snakes and lizards): Slow metabolism makes the toxic effects last longer, and respiratory distress can be life-threatening.
• Small Rodents (like mice and hamsters): THC exposure causes metabolic stress, leading to hypothermia and trembling.
  

Risks of Vaping

With the increasing popularity of vaping, there are more cases of pets ingesting vape pens or liquids. Vape liquids often contain highly concentrated THC or nicotine, which are particularly dangerous to small animals and can cause gastrointestinal blockage or acute poisoning. Always store vape devices and liquids out of pets' reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

How to Protect Pets from Marijuana Hazards

• Safe Storage: Keep cannabis and related products out of pets' reach, especially concentrated products.
• Avoid Indoor Use: Be extra cautious when using marijuana or vaping indoors around pets. If unavoidable, ensure proper ventilation, such as opening windows or using an air purifier, and keep pets in a separate room.
• Education and Awareness: Inform family and guests about the dangers of marijuana smoke to pets, preventing unintentional exposure.
• Monitor for Symptoms: If your pet shows any unusual behavior, immediately contact a veterinarian or a poison control center.

Conclusion

As pet owners, we are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of our pets. Pets cannot understand what they are inhaling or how it makes them feel, so it is our duty to prevent their exposure to potentially harmful substances. Whether through ingestion, inhalation, or accidental consumption of vape liquids, these hazards can have fatal consequences. In the context of increasing marijuana use, understanding the potential risks and taking necessary precautions is crucial for protecting our pets' health and well-being.

References:

https://chfa.net/resources/blog/588-the-risks-of-marijuana-vaping-and-smoking-for-pets

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/marijuana-intoxication-in-dogs-and-cats

https://earthmed.com/blog/is-secondhand-weed-smoke-bad-for-dogs-cats

https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/thc-poisoning-dogs

https://www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/1h7y2mw/should_i_be_worried_i_smoke_weed_around_my_cat/