Cannabis is toxic to dogs and cats. THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, causes vomiting, wobbliness, tremors, and in severe cases seizures or coma, and there is no antidote. If your pet ate an edible or inhaled smoke, call a veterinarian or pet poison hotline right away, because treatment started within the first two hours has the best outcome.
what to do if my pet ate cannabis
Why Is THC Dangerous to Dogs and Cats?
Dogs and cats have a higher density of cannabinoid receptors in the brain than humans do, and their livers clear THC slowly. That combination makes them far more sensitive to the same dose.
what to do if my pet ate cannabis
A pet that eats a single 10 mg THC gummy can develop serious signs, while the same amount is a mild dose for an adult human.
Which Cannabis Products Are Most Dangerous to Pets?
- THC edibles: often contain chocolate, raisins, or xylitol, which are separately toxic and can make the poisoning worse.
- Concentrates and distillate: a small lick of THC oil or wax can carry a large dose.
- Vape cartridges and used flower: pets chew cartridges and eat discarded material from ashtrays or the trash.
- CBD oils: some products labeled THC-free have tested positive for THC, so treat any cannabis product as a risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Marijuana Poisoning in Pets?
- Lethargy, depression, or unresponsiveness
- Wobbling, staggering, or trouble standing (ataxia)
- Vomiting and drooling
- Urinary dribbling or loss of bladder control, most common in dogs
- Dilated pupils and sensitivity to light
- Slow heart rate and low body temperature
- Twitching, tremors, or exaggerated reaction to touch
- Agitation, pacing, or vocalizing, most common in cats
- Seizures or coma in severe cases
How Soon Do Symptoms Appear?
Inhaled smoke can cause signs within minutes to 30 minutes. Edibles are slower, usually 30 to 90 minutes, and can be delayed up to 4 to 12 hours when chocolate or a large dose is involved.
Signs often last 12 to 24 hours and can persist up to 72 hours after an edible, so your pet may need to stay at the clinic for monitoring.
What Should You Do If Your Pet Ate Weed?
- Move your pet away from the product and keep the room quiet and warm.
- Write down what was eaten, how much, and when. Save the packaging.
- Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or a pet poison hotline. Have the packaging in hand.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. It can be dangerous with chocolate or a sedated pet.
- Do not leave your pet alone. Watch breathing, heart rate, and body temperature.
- Bring the packaging and THC percentage with you if you go to the clinic.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
The FDA has not approved CBD for use in animals, and adverse events in pets have been reported. CBD products sold online are not held to the same testing standard as human pharmaceuticals, and some contain THC or more CBD than the label states.
Talk to your veterinarian before giving any CBD product to a dog or cat, and never give a product formulated for people unless your vet directs it.
Can Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Harm Pets?
Yes. Pets in a closed room with heavy smoke can inhale enough THC to show signs, and birds are especially sensitive to airborne irritants. Smoke outdoors or ventilate the space fully, and keep pets away from exhaled vapor.
How Do You Prevent Cannabis Poisoning in Pets?
- Store all cannabis in a locked, pet-proof container, not a zipper bag or purse.
- Keep edibles in a high cabinet, never on a coffee table or nightstand.
- Pick up dropped flower, roaches, and wrappers right away.
- Tell pet sitters and houseguests where products are kept and that they must stay sealed.
- Choose chocolate-free, xylitol-free edibles if you keep them in a home with pets.
When Is It an Emergency?
Call an emergency clinic right away if your pet is seizing, unresponsive, struggling to breathe, or has a temperature below 99 F. These signs mean severe toxicity and need IV fluids, warmth, and monitoring.