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Paws and Pot: Navigating the Hazy World of Pets Ingesting Drugs (prescription or otherwise)

Our pets, with their boundless curiosity, can sometimes find themselves in precarious situations, including accidental ingestion of substances like marijuana, illicit, or prescription drugs. As responsible pet owners, it’s essential to stay informed and be prepared for unexpected emergencies.  Let’s discuss the immediate steps to take if your furry family member happens to ingest drugs unintentionally. 


But before we do that…


NO JUDGEMENT HERE!  To best care for your pet, we need to know what your pet ingested and how much.  We do not care if they ingested Marijuana, Opiates, MDMA, or your prescription, we are only interested in providing appropriate medical care for your pet.  ACCURATE and COMPLETE information is essential as treatment is specific to the type of drug toxicity your pet has ingested.


“Phew…Alright so, my pet got hold of my stash, edibles, prescription meds, or something I suspect might be toxic.  What’s the next course of action?”


1.  Stay Calm:  Maintain composure to think and act rationally.  Your calmness, and honesty, will help in providing the necessary care for your pet.


2.  CALL US:  Immediately reach out to us or an emergency veterinary clinic in our area.  Provide as many details as you can about the substance, the amount ingested, and the time or time frame of ingestion.


3.  Do Not Induce Vomiting: Avoid inducing vomiting without the advice of a veterinarian, as it may not be suitable for all substances.


4.  Observe and Monitor: Look for the following signs and symptoms and monitor their severity while transporting your pet for veterinary care.  This information is vital to determine appropriate treatment.


Mild and General Signs of Toxicity Include:

Diarrhea

Lethargy

Drooling

Skin irritation, swelling, or inflammation

Abdominal Pain

Pale Gums


Severe Signs of Toxicity Include:

Increased heartbeat

Shaking and muscle tremors

Lack of coordination

Trouble breathing

Seizures

Extreme excitability or agitation

Confusion


It’s important to note, not all pets who have been poisoned will display these signs or symptoms, in fact, some pets might not seem sick at all.  Some reactions take longer to occur than others or your pet may not have ingested enough to have an immediate reaction.


Don’t take the wait and see approach. Ingesting drugs can have severe consequences on your pet’s system and immediate veterinary attention is crucial to prevent potential long-term damage or death.


If you find yourself in a situation where your pet has ingested drugs of any kind, stay calm but act fast. Set aside any embarrassment or fear of judgement, and without delay, contact us or a local emergency facility. It may save your pet’s life.


Want more information? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  Dr. Thomas and our team are always happy to help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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