Marijuana Toxicity
Marijuana can be toxic to pets. With the increasing availability of cannabis products—edibles, oils, and plant material—veterinarians are seeing more accidental ingestions in dogs and cats. While marijuana can be medicinal for humans, pets process THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound) differently and are far more sensitive to its effects.
Why is Marijuana Toxic to Pets?
The primary toxic component is THC, which binds to receptors in a pet’s brain and nervous system, causing neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. CBD (cannabidiol) is less toxic but can still cause side effects depending on the dose and formulation.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
Dogs are the most common victims due to their tendency to scavenge, especially with edible products.
Cats can also be affected if they chew on plant material or lick oils. Exposure is not very common.
Small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs) are rarely reported but can also experience toxicity if exposed.
Signs of Marijuana Toxicity
Symptoms may begin as early as 30 minutes after ingestion but can also be delayed for several hours depending on the form consumed (plant, edible, or oil). Signs can last 12–24 hours or sometimes longer. Common signs include:
Lethargy or sedation
Dilated pupils, glassy eyes
Unsteady gait (looks “drunk”)
Dribbling urine
Low heart rate or low body temperature
Agitation, vocalization, or unusual behavior
Hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to touch or sound, especially around the head and face)
Vomiting
Severe cases may progress to tremors, seizures, or coma, especially if a pet ingests concentrated oils or butter. However, this is highly unlikely.
What To Do If Your Pet Ingests Marijuana
Call Animal Poison Control for expert guidance:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
They will inform you if a vet visit is warranted
Provide as much detail as possible: what product was ingested (edible, plant, oil), how much, and when.
Do not attempt to make your pet vomit unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
Treatment
There’s no specific antidote for THC, but supportive care is usually all that’s needed. Most pets require limited care—fluids, monitoring, and medications for nausea or anxiety—and typically make a full recovery within 12–24 hours. More severe cases may require extended observation.
Treatment may include:
Inducing vomiting (only in certain cases)
Activated charcoal to limit absorption
IV fluids to support hydration and flush toxins
Temperature regulation and heart rate monitoring
Anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medications as needed
Often times, very minimal care is needed.
Prevention Tips
Store cannabis products securely and out of reach of pets.
Be mindful of edible products, especially brownies or gummies, which often contain additional toxins like chocolate or xylitol.
Be cautious of what is around you when you walk your dog outdoors.
Educate guests and family members about the risk to pets.
Final Thought: Even small amounts of marijuana can cause illness in pets, but most recover fully with minimal veterinary intervention. As cannabis products become more common in households, prevention is key—keeping edibles and oils stored safely can spare your pet a frightening emergency and ensure peace of mind for you.
Gal Chivvis, DVM
To learn more about the 10 most common toxicities in dogs, check out The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies
