Did you know British Columbia’s pets have the most pet health claims related to marijuana toxicity and THC ingestion in all of North America? According to Trupanion’s database of insured pets, British Columbia is in first place on  the list of the top 10 North American regions with the most marijuana-related claims. Other Canadian provinces that made the list are Alberta in the fourth spot and Ontario in sixth..

Top 10 regions in North America with the most marijuana-related pet health claims:
1.       British Columbia
2.       California
3.       Washington
4.       Alberta
5.       New York
6.       Ontario
7.       Colorado
8.       Florida
9.       Virginia
10.   Massachusetts

Trupanion, a medical coverage provider for pets, paid over $54,000 to customers in pet health claims related to marijuana toxicity and THC ingestion. Veterinary costs to treat marijuana-related health issues can cost more than $1,600. The average amount paid out is about $290.

There’s been an increase in marijuana-related pet health claims within the past two years which may be attributed to changes made to marijuana regulations and laws across the U.S. and Canada during this time. Canada’s new regulations for medical marijuana have led to higher-than-expected registrations and applications that has accelerated production.

Trupanion paid out the most claims on marijuana toxicity in November 2013, April 2012 and April 2013. November 2013 saw the highest amount, which could be related to celebratory marijuana use when voters across the U.S. passed ballot measures decriminalizing marijuana possession and approved regulatory taxes on the drug. As for April, it’s safe to attribute the uptick in marijuana related pet health claims to the April 20th holiday and the recent changes to Canada’s medical marijuana regulations.

Of all the things for pet owners to leave out on a counter or tabletop, marijuana shouldn’t be one of them. However it’s important to note that the part of marijuana toxic to pets is the high dosage of THC often found in it. In dogs, clinical signs typically begin 30 to 90 minutes after the marijuana has been eaten. Because THC is stored in the body’s fat deposits, the effects of marijuana ingestion can last for days.

Marijuana with a low dose or in some cases no dose of THC has shown healing benefits in pets. Trupanion’s coverage plan covers the medicinal use of marijuana for pets and herbal therapies involving the use of herbs, either as single products or in combination with other herbs and can be prescribed by veterinarians to help your pet overcome pain management, various forms of Cancer and tumors.

If a pet does unexpectedly ingest THC-filled marijuana pet owners should not “wait it out,” it’s important to take them to the veterinarian. Signs of marijuana toxicity among pets include impaired coordination, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, depression, light and sound sensitivity, urine incontinence (where a pet will dribble urine uncontrollably), and in more serious cases, comas. If you think your pet has ingested marijuana, do not be embarrassed to tell your veterinarian. The signs of marijuana intoxication among pets can lead to far more serious conditions, so being open can help your veterinarian eliminate more serious conditions and prevent testing needed to rule out other causes.