Now that marijuana is legal in Missouri for recreational use, poisoning pets is a concern.
Dr. Margo Vahrenwald with the American Animal Hospital Association tells KMOX that it’s a phenomenon on the rise.
“In Colorado where I live we saw jumps in that, and regularly do see animals that come in with marijuana or THC containing product intoxication,” she said.
Vahrenwald said in the last five years, the national poison pet helpline has seen a 448% increase in such incidents.
Pets can even be affected by secondhand smoke, according to research from Michigan State University. Signs to look out for include inactivity; lack of coordination; dilated pupils; higher sensitivity to motion, sound or touch; excess salivation and incontinence.
Vets recommend that pot users store marijuana products out of reach of pets, just like with alcohol or medications.
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