THC and Pets: What Every Owner Needs To Know About Marijuana Intoxication

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

With marijuana now legal in Canada and nearly half of the United States, pets have more opportunities than ever to accidentally ingest cannabis products, whether by sniffing out a hidden stash or snagging an edible left within reach.¹ And it's becoming a real problem: In 2022, the ASPCA reported a nearly 300% spike in marijuana-related pet poisoning calls over the previous five years, and cannabis made its debut on the top 10 list of pet toxins for the first time.²

Because pot is toxic to pets, it's critical to keep marijuana products, particularly edibles, away from your cat's or dog's reach. But if Rex accidentally gets into your “space cakes" or wolfs down a box of THC gummies, you need to know what to do next. Cannabis can hit pets hard, and symptoms can range from drowsiness and wobbling to vomiting and seizures.³

What Is THC? (and Other Names for It)

THC, short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana—the part that produces a "high."³ It's different from cannabidiol (CBD), another cannabis compound often used in wellness products. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. Unfortunately, while humans might seek out THC for recreation, it can be toxic and even dangerous to pets.⁴

Marijuana and THC-based products go by many names. Common slang includes:⁵

• Weed
• Pot
• Dope
• Grass
• Ganja
• Hash
• Bud
• Mary Jane

Pets don't care what it's called; they just know it smells interesting and might taste delicious. Accidental ingestion is the most common route of exposure, often from:³

• THC edibles like brownies, gummies or chocolates
• Dried plant material or joints left within reach
• Secondhand smoke, especially in small spaces
• Topical products, tinctures or oils that spill or are improperly stored

The form of the product and how much was consumed both matter. If your pet shows symptoms, be up front with your vet about what they got into and how much. It's the best way to help your furry friend recover quickly and safely.

Also, your veterinarian's job is to treat your pet, not judge you. They're not required to report drug use, so be honest about what happened.⁶

Difference Between CBD and THC for Pets

It's important to understand the difference between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when it comes to pets.

• CBD is a nonpsychoactive compound found in cannabis. It's often used in CBD-infused wellness products for pets (edibles, topicals, tinctures). When properly formulated for pets (with no or extremely low THC), CBD is generally considered safe.⁴
• THC, on the other hand, is toxic to pets. It can cause symptoms ranging from drowsiness and disorientation to vomiting, drooling and in severe cases, seizures or coma. The good news? Death is rare.⁷

The world of CBD products can be confusing, with concerns about mislabeled or low-quality products. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any cannabis-derived product to your pet.

Is THC Toxic to Pets?

Yes, THC is toxic to pets, including dogs, cats and other household animals, even in small amounts. Pets are more sensitive to its effects than humans, and what seems like a minor dose for a person can cause serious symptoms in a dog or cat.³

While THC intoxication is rarely fatal, it can still be dangerous—especially if the product also contains ingredients that are toxic to pets, like chocolate or xylitol. In those cases, immediate veterinary care is critical.⁸

The severity of toxicity depends on your pet's size, the type of product and how much was consumed. Even if your pet seems OK at first, don't wait. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid complications and help ensure the safest recovery.³

Symptoms of THC Intoxication in Pets

If a pet eats or inhales THC—even from secondhand smoke—they can start showing symptoms within minutes to hours. These can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of their exposure.

Common signs include:³

• Inactivity or lethargy
• Stumbling or uncoordinated movement
• Disorientation or confusion
• Dilated pupils (wide or “wild-eyed" look)
• Heightened sensitivity to touch, sound or motion
• Vocalizing more than usual
• Excessive drooling (hypersalivation)
• Vomiting
• Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence)

In more serious cases, pets may also show:

• Restlessness or unusual aggression
• Body temperature changes (fever or chills)
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Abnormally fast or slow heart rate
• Rapid, involuntary eye movements
• Tremors or seizures
• Coma (rare)

Symptoms can begin within 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion or exposure and can last several hours to several days, depending on the amount.³ Although these effects are typically short-lived, they can be frightening, uncomfortable and—depending on the dose and the pet's size—potentially dangerous.

If you suspect THC exposure, call your veterinarian right away. The sooner your pet receives care, the better the outcome.

How THC Intoxication Is Diagnosed

Treatment for THC Intoxication in Pets

There's no antidote for THC toxicity in pets, but veterinarians can provide supportive care to manage symptoms and help your pet recover safely. The exact treatment depends on factors such as the type of product, the amount ingested, when it occurred and your pet's size and symptoms.⁶

If the exposure was very recent (within one to two hours), your vet may consider inducing vomiting, but only if it's safe to do so.³ In rare and severe cases, gastric lavage (stomach pumping) might be used, but this is typically reserved for emergency scenarios and is done under anesthesia.

Other treatment options may include:

• Activated charcoal to help absorb remaining THC in the digestive system
• IV fluids to support hydration and organ function
• Medications to manage nausea, tremors, agitation or seizures
• Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy, which can help clear THC from the body in severe or high-dose cases

Most pets recover fully with proper care, but constant monitoring in a quiet, low-stress space is key during recovery. Again, being honest with your vet about what your pet may have ingested is critical to ensuring they receive the most effective treatment.

Safety Tips and Prevention

THC intoxication in pets is almost always preventable. A little planning and awareness can go a long way in keeping your furry friends safe. Here's how to pet-proof your pot (or conversely, pot-proof your pet):

• Store all cannabis products securely. Use sealed or lockable containers and keep them well out of reach, just like medications or cleaning supplies.
• Use high shelves or closed cabinets. Pets can be surprisingly resourceful when it comes to sniffing out something that smells tasty.
• Be extra-cautious with edibles. Cannabis edibles often look (and smell) like regular snacks. Cookies, brownies and gummies are easily mistaken for treats by both dogs and cats.
• Avoid smoking near your pet. Secondhand cannabis smoke can affect animals, especially in enclosed spaces or poorly ventilated rooms. Always smoke in a separate area and make sure it's completely aired out before letting pets back in.
• Label your products clearly. Make sure roommates, guests or pet sitters know what's off-limits and where it's stored.
• Keep dogs leashed in public areas, especially in places where cannabis use is common. There have been cases of dogs becoming intoxicated from eating human feces containing THC. Yes, it's gross—and yes, it happens.
• Treat THC like a toxin. Because to your pets, that's exactly what it is.

Even the best-trained pets can get curious, so when in doubt, lock it up—and keep a close eye on your surroundings when out on walks.

Keep Your Pets Safe Around Cannabis

Marijuana intoxication is a real risk for pets, but it's also highly preventable. Keep all cannabis products securely stored and out of reach. Be alert when walking your dog in public areas and avoid secondhand smoke exposure indoors.

If your pet shows symptoms like stumbling, lethargy, vomiting or unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian right away. Prompt care can make all the difference.

Pets Best Is Here To Help

At Pets Best, we know how much your pets mean to you. Our customizable pet insurance plans can help cover unexpected emergencies like accidental THC ingestion, and our 24/7 Pet Helpline for policyholders is always here when you need expert guidance.

Protect your pets. Prepare for the unexpected. And keep cannabis safely out of paws' reach.

Sources/ Citations

1. “Cannabis Overview," Kate Bryan (6/20/2024), National Conference of State Legislatures, https://www.ncsl.org/civil-and-criminal-justice/cannabis-overview

2. “Recreational Drugs Makes ASPCA Annual List of Top Pet Toxins for the First Time," (3/15/2023), ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/recreational-drugs-makes-aspca-annual-list-top-pet-toxins-first-time

3. “What You Need to Know About Marijuana Intoxication in Dogs," (12/23/2024), MedVet, https://www.medvet.com/marijuana-intoxication-in-dogs/

4. “The Difference Between CBD and THC for Pets," Emma Castleberry (n.d.), Paw CBD, https://www.pawcbd.com/blogs/posts/the-difference-between-cbd-and-thc-for-pets

5. “Other Names for Weed (Marijuana Street Names)," (4/1/2023), The Hope House, https://www.thehopehouse.com/marijuana-addiction/related/names-for-weed/

6. “What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Weed Gummy or Cannabis Edible," Lauren Lee (9/10/2024), GoodRx, https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/dog-ate-weed-edibles

7. “Cannabis (Marijuana) Intoxication in Cats and Dogs," Rania Gollakner and Lynn Buzhardt (2022), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/marijuana-intoxication-in-dogs-and-cats

8. “Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs," Gemma Johnstone (4/10/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/marijuana-poisoning-in-dogs/