How toxic is cannabis to dogs and cats
Cannabis (THC specifically) is toxic to dogs and cats. The risk profile:
- Rarely lethal in healthy adult dogs and cats at typical accidental-exposure doses
- Always uncomfortable for the animal — disorientation, lethargy, urinary incontinence, low body temperature, sometimes vomiting
- More dangerous in small dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and senior pets
- Potentially serious when combined with edibles ingredients (chocolate, xylitol, raisins) that are independently toxic
CBD products without THC are generally considered safer for pets, but pet-specific products formulated for animals are the only veterinary-recommended approach. Adult cannabis products are not safe for animals.
What edibles are most dangerous
Edibles are the riskiest cannabis form for accidental pet exposure because:
- Pets are food-motivated and will eat them
- Many edible flavors (chocolate, brownies, baked goods) are independently toxic to dogs
- A single edible may contain 100 mg total THC, which is a meaningful dose for an animal
- Edible packaging often does not deter a determined dog
Vape cartridges and tinctures can also be exposure sources but are less commonly eaten than edibles.
Symptoms of cannabis exposure in dogs
Watch for:
- Lethargy or sedation (often the first sign)
- Wobbly walking, stumbling
- Disorientation, confusion
- Glassy eyes, dilated pupils
- Urinary incontinence (a classic cannabis-exposure sign)
- Low body temperature
- Slow heart rate or, less commonly, fast heart rate
- Vomiting
- Hyper-sensitivity to noise or touch
Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours of ingestion and last 12-24 hours.
What to do if your pet eats cannabis
- Call your veterinarian immediately, OR
- Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435, OR
- Call the Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
These services are available 24/7. Tell them what your pet ate, how much, and when.
Be honest about the exposure. Veterinarians are not law enforcement and cannot report you for legal cannabis use. Your honesty helps the veterinarian provide the best care.
Do NOT try to induce vomiting at home unless directed by the veterinarian. Cannabis-affected pets are at risk of aspiration if they vomit.
What veterinarians do for cannabis exposure
Treatment is supportive:
- IV fluids to support hydration and elimination
- Activated charcoal if exposure is recent and the pet is alert
- Monitoring for vital signs, body temperature, and recovery
- Anti-nausea medication if the pet is vomiting
- In severe cases: intralipid emulsion therapy
Most dogs recover fully within 12-24 hours. Recovery is rarely complicated for healthy adult dogs at typical accidental doses.
Prevention checklist
The best protection is prevention. At our counter we recommend:
- Store all cannabis in a locked, pet-inaccessible location. A drawer, cabinet, or lockbox out of reach.
- Never leave edibles on coffee tables, end tables, kitchen counters, or anywhere a dog can reach.
- Don't leave the package within reach. Even sealed packaging is no match for a determined dog.
- Don't leave joints or pre-rolls in ashtrays accessible to pets. Spent roaches still contain THC.
- Use child-resistant containers that all NY cannabis comes in. Not foolproof against pets but a barrier.
- Have houseguests store cannabis in your designated safe spot when visiting.
- Be aware in pet-walking areas — discarded cannabis on streets and parks is occasionally consumed by curious dogs
CBD pet products vs adult cannabis products
There is a growing market for pet-specific CBD products formulated for animals. These products:
- Contain CBD without THC (or with trace THC under the legal hemp limit)
- Are dosed for animal body weight
- Are sold by pet retailers and veterinary supply stores
These pet-specific CBD products have a very different risk profile than adult cannabis products. They are not what we sell at Sage Seeds. We sell adult-use cannabis products for human consumption only.
If you are interested in CBD for your pet, consult your veterinarian for guidance. Do NOT give your pet adult cannabis products purchased from a dispensary.
Special considerations
Cats vs dogs
Cats are similarly susceptible to cannabis toxicity but often consume less because they are less food-motivated than dogs. Cats also process cannabinoids slightly differently than dogs.
Senior pets
Senior pets with cardiovascular conditions, kidney disease, or other health concerns may experience more serious symptoms from cannabis exposure. More urgent veterinary contact recommended.
Multi-cannabinoid products
Edibles and tinctures with both THC and CBN (sleep formulas) may produce more pronounced sedation in pets than THC-only.
A practical takeaway
Cannabis toxicity in pets is preventable. The two-second habit of putting cannabis in a locked drawer rather than on the kitchen counter is the most important step you can take. If exposure happens, call a veterinarian immediately and be honest about what happened.
Visit Sage Seeds
Sage Seeds · 248-15 Union Turnpike, Bellerose, NY 11426 · (347) 426-9394 · License OCM-RETL-24-000004 · Hours [VERIFY] · Contact
Browse menu · How to store cannabis · Edibles dosage guide
For use only by adults 21 and older. Cannabis affects each person differently. Do not drive or operate machinery after using. This page is general information; consult a veterinarian for any pet-specific concerns.