Why it's dangerous
Marijuana affects receptors in the brain which alter normal neurotransmitter function, leading to neurological and physiological impairment.
Toxic compound: δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
How vets treat it
There is no antidote, so care is supportive until the THC wears off. If your cat ate THC very recently, the vet may try to make it vomit with a medicine suited to cats, though THC's anti-nausea effect can stop this from working. Activated charcoal may be given, though sources disagree on whether mild cases need it. Supportive care can include fluids, anti-nausea medicine, temperature control, heart-rate monitoring and rest in a quiet space.
Outlook
The outlook is generally good. Cats usually respond well to supportive care, and no permanent effects are expected with proper treatment.
Where pets are exposed
- Edibles, the most common cause: brownies, cookies, gummies, candy, chocolate bars, chips and pot butter. They smell and taste like ordinary baked goods, which draws dogs to them.
- Other ingredients in edibles, such as chocolate, xylitol, raisins or a lot of fat. They add to the risk and need their own treatment.
- Dried plant or bud. Cats are more drawn to bud than to edibles, while dogs are more likely to eat edibles.
- Concentrates such as dabs, wax, shatter, budder and hash oil, which hold far more THC than the plant (solvent-extracted ones can be up to 80 to 90% THC), and oils, tinctures, capsules, topical balms and vape liquids.
- CBD or hemp products that contain more THC than the label says.
- Smoke, when a pet is in the same room as someone smoking.
- Things found outside or in the trash, such as discarded joint ends, human feces on walks or trails, and compost.
Prevention
- Store all cannabis products, especially edibles, like any other medicine: in closed high cupboards or locked drawers where pets can't reach or sniff them out. Edibles smell like treats, and pets will go after cannabis candy, chips, chocolate and baked goods.
- Don't smoke or vape around pets. Keep them in a separate, well-ventilated room until the smoke has cleared.
- Throw joint ends and leftovers away where pets can't get them, and watch dogs on walks and trails, where discarded cannabis or human feces may be found.
- Talk to your vet before giving any CBD or hemp product to a pet. These products are poorly regulated, and some contain more THC than the label says.
Good to know
Applies to THC-containing cannabis ingredients and edibles. Hemp seed and products documented as THC-free are not equivalent.
Common questions
My dog ate a weed edible. What should I do?
Call your vet, an emergency vet or a pet poison line right away, and don't make your dog vomit at home. Keep the packaging and tell the vet everything that was in the edible. Chocolate, xylitol and raisins are separate poisons that change the treatment. Edibles made with THC butter or other concentrates are the riskiest.
How long does it take for weed to affect a dog or cat, and how long does it last?
In dogs, signs start within minutes of breathing in smoke, and usually within 1 to 2 hours of eating THC (up to 4 hours on an empty stomach). Most dogs recover within 1 to 3 days. In cats, signs can appear from 30 minutes to several hours after eating THC and can last up to 72 hours.
Why is my dog wobbly and dribbling urine?
A wobbly, drunken walk, a dazed look, jumpiness at noise or touch, and leaking urine are classic signs of THC poisoning in dogs. Urine dribbling is unusual with other poisons, which makes it a useful clue for vets. Call your vet, and go straight in if your dog can't stand or is very hard to wake.
Can a dog or cat die from eating marijuana?
In dogs, death is extremely rare, and most recover fully within 1 to 3 days with supportive care. The serious cases are mostly linked to concentrates, THC butter and baked goods made with it, or very large doses. A very drowsy pet can also inhale its vomit, so don't make it vomit at home. In cats, the outlook is generally good, and no permanent effects are expected with proper treatment.
Can second-hand smoke get my pet high?
Yes. Pets can be poisoned by breathing marijuana smoke, and in dogs signs can start within minutes. Keep pets in a separate, well-ventilated room when anyone smokes or vapes.
Is CBD dangerous if my pet eats too much?
Pure CBD overdoses usually cause only mild stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, and pets that seem normal can often be watched at home if a vet advises it. CBD products are poorly regulated, though, and some contain enough THC to cause wobbliness, sleepiness and dribbling urine. Call your vet if any signs appear.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicosis in Dogs and Cats From Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicosis in Dogs and Cats From Cannabidiol (CBD)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Marijuana
- ASPCApro (ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center) — Marijuana Toxicosis in Animals
- Pet Poison Helpline — Marijuana
- Pet Poison Helpline — My Dog Ate an Edible
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Cannabis (Marijuana) Intoxication in Cats and Dogs
- Today's Veterinary Practice (peer reviewed; Wismer T, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center) — Marijuana Intoxication in Cats and Dogs (2024)
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
