With its legalization in various states across the United States, marijuana is becoming more common in many households. In fact, over the past 6 years, The Pet Poison Hotline reports a 448% increase in marijuana cases.

Animals can be poisoned by marijuana in different ways. They can ingest marijuana edibles such as brownies or pot butter, ingest the owner's supply of marijuana in any formulation, or by second hand smoke.

Common symptoms of marijuana toxicity include sedation/lethargy, dilated pupils, difficulty walking, vomiting, low or high heart rate, agitation, trouble regulating body temperature, incontinence/dribbling urine, tremors, seizures and potentially coma.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested marijuana, we recommend calling your veterinarian immediately. Animals normally do well with treatment but it is important to give your veterinarian a complete and accurate history so that necessary treatments and tests can be performed.

Some tips for helping prevent toxicity include placing marijuana edibles will out of reach of the pet in closed high cabinets or in a locked drawer. If marijuana is being smoked, the pet should be kept in a separate area with good ventilation until the smoke has cleared.