Symptoms of cannabis poisoning in pets include lethargy, unsteady walking (ataxia), vomiting, dilated pupils, drooling, urinary dribbling, tremors, and a slow heart rate. Most cases involve dogs that ate THC edibles or flower from an unsecured stash. Signs often begin within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion but can take up to 3 hours with edibles, and effects may last 12 to 24 hours or longer. Call a veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline as soon as you suspect exposure.
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What are the most common signs of THC toxicosis in pets?
Dogs are far more sensitive to THC than people because they have a higher density of cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Cats can also be poisoned, though reported cases are fewer. The classic picture is a wobbly, drowsy pet that cannot stay upright or hold its bladder.
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- Depression, sedation, or a staring, spaced-out look
- Ataxia, swaying, stumbling, or crossing of the back legs
- Vomiting and drooling
- Dilated pupils that react poorly to light
- Urinary incontinence or leaking urine while lying down
- Muscle tremors, twitching, or head bobbing
- Slow heart rate, low body temperature, and low blood pressure
- Startle response to noise or touch (hyperesthesia)
How soon do symptoms appear, and how long do they last?
Inhaled smoke or vapor can produce signs within 5 to 30 minutes. Ingested flower, oils, and edibles absorb more slowly, so a pet may seem normal for 1 to 3 hours before symptoms appear.
Mild cases often resolve in 12 to 24 hours with supportive care. Pets that eat a large dose of a concentrated edible can show signs for 36 to 72 hours, and some need several days of hospitalization.
Which symptoms mean an emergency?
Seek urgent care for any pet that is unresponsive, having seizures, breathing slowly or with effort, or showing a dangerously slow heart rate. These signs point to severe central nervous system depression.
Body temperature can drop below normal, so a cold pet with pale gums needs immediate warming and veterinary support. Death from cannabis alone is rare, but it does happen, and the risk rises with other toxins or underlying disease.
Why are edibles more dangerous than raw flower?
Edibles carry a much higher THC load in a small, tasty package that pets will eat without hesitation. Chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol in the same product add separate poisonings on top of the THC exposure.
Concentrates such as wax, shatter, and tinctures are also potent, and a pet that chews a vape cartridge or cartridge cap may swallow plastic or battery material as well.
What should you do if your pet ate cannabis?
- Move the pet away from any remaining product and keep it calm and warm.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to, since aspiration and worsening sedation are real risks.
- Save the packaging, wrapper, or label so the vet knows the dose, the THC content, and any extra ingredients.
- Note the time of ingestion and the pet's weight, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline.
- Do not give human medications, coffee, or any home remedy to counteract the effects.
How do veterinarians treat cannabis poisoning?
Treatment is supportive and depends on how recently the pet ate the product. A vet may induce vomiting if ingestion was recent and the pet is stable, then give activated charcoal to bind what remains in the gut.
Hospitalized pets typically receive intravenous fluids, warmth, anti-nausea drugs, and monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. There is no reversal agent for THC, so the goal is to keep the pet safe until the drug clears.
Can a pet recover fully from cannabis poisoning?
Most pets that receive care recover with no lasting effects. Mild sedation may linger for a day or two after discharge, so keep the pet quiet, offer small amounts of water, and watch for vomiting.
Ask your vet when to return if your pet still seems off after 48 hours or refuses food and water.
How can you prevent cannabis poisoning in pets?
Store all cannabis products in a locked, airtight container that pets cannot reach, and never leave edibles on a coffee table, nightstand, or counter. Keep gummies and chocolates out of bags, coat pockets, and purses that pets can nose into.
If you have guests who use cannabis, tell them the house rules before they arrive. Clean up dropped crumbs and roaches right away, and keep ashtrays and vape cartridges above pet height.