The Blunt Truth About Marijuana Toxicity in Our Pets

Sep 25

3 min read

Marijuana poisoning in cats and dogs is a growing concern for pet owners as cannabis products become more common in households. Pets can accidentally ingest marijuana in various forms, leading to serious health issues. Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the treatment options, and knowing how urgency varies based on your pets size, age, and general health can help us act quickly and protect our pets!

🌿How Pets Get Exposed to Marijuana

Pets often accidentally consume marijuana, especially when mixed into sweets like brownies, cookies, and gummies. This risk has increased with the rise of cannabis-infused products. Curious pets, particularly dogs, may be drawn to these treats due to their smell and appearance, leading to harmful ingestion. Pet owners must store cannabis items securely and be aware of guests bringing edibles into the home. Repeated exposure to marijuana can cause long-term health issues in pets, underscoring the need for responsible storage and usage.

Because pets metabolize substances differently than humans, even small amounts can cause significant effects.

"The drug enters the body via inhalation or ingestion and interacts with and alters the brain’s chemical messengers, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine." - VCA Canada

🧠Symptoms of Marijuana Poisoning in Cats and Dogs

Symptoms usually appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. They can vary depending on the amount consumed and the pet’s size.

Common signs include:

Lethargy or extreme drowsiness
Uncoordinated movements or stumbling
Dilated pupils
Drooling or vomiting
Low heart rate or irregular heartbeat
Tremors or seizures in severe cases
Urinary incontinence
Agitation or vocalization (less common)

Cats may show more subtle signs like tremors or reduced appetite, while dogs often display more obvious neurological symptoms.

⚖️Why Pet Size Affects Urgency

Smaller pets are at higher risk because their bodies process toxins differently and have less tolerance for harmful substances.

A small dog weighing 10 pounds may experience severe symptoms from a dose that a 50-pound dog might tolerate with milder effects.
Cats, being smaller in general, can develop symptoms quickly and may require immediate care.

Because of this, pet owners should treat any suspected marijuana ingestion as an emergency, especially for small pets! A little goes a long way for our smaller friends.

To get an idea on how different treats can affect your pet specifically, test some numbers with this toxicity calculator (also applies to cats).

This not not replace veterinary care and is to be used only for general knowledge

☎️ What to Do If You Suspect Marijuana Poisoning

Remove access to marijuana or edibles immediately.
Call your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center right away.
Note your pet’s symptoms carefully.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Keep your pet calm and in a safe, quiet space.

Veterinarians may perform tests to assess the pet’s condition and provide supportive care.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 888-426-4435.

🩺 Treatment Options for Marijuana Poisoning

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Common approaches include:

Activated charcoal to reduce absorption of toxins if ingestion was recent
Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support kidney function
Inducing vomiting if eaten within the last hour, especially if in the form of a candy or chocolate as these can also act as toxins
Medications to control tremors, seizures, or agitation
Monitoring heart rate and breathing to catch signs of further deterioration.
Hospitalization in severe cases, especially for small pets or those with seizures

⚠️ Most pets recover fully with prompt treatment, but delays can increase risks ⚠️

🚫Preventing Marijuana Poisoning in Pets

Prevention is the best approach! (For their health, and for your wallet) Pet owners should:

Store marijuana products securely and out of reach
Avoid using cannabis products around pets
Educate family members and visitors about the risks
Dispose of marijuana waste safely

Being proactive reduces the chance of accidental poisoning.

🚨When to Seek Emergency Care

Urgency depends on pet size and symptoms. Calling your vet or the Pet Poison hotline should always be your first step for advice. Seek emergency care immediately if your pet: