Cannabis (or marijuana) is toxic to both dogs and cats, with symptoms arising from the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While fatalities are rare, exposure can cause severe distress and, in some cases, serious medical emergencies, especially with high-concentration products like edibles. Dogs are more frequently affected than cats, largely due to their tendency to ingest large amounts of food-based edibles.
Effects of THC on Dogs and Cats:
Pets are more sensitive to THC than humans because they have a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in their brains.
- Symptoms: Ataxia (difficulty walking/swaying), tremors, twitching, lethargy, or, in some cases, agitation/hyperactivity. Dilated pupils (glazed look), excessive drooling, vomiting, and urinary incontinence (dribbling urine). Abnormally slow or fast heart rate, and very low body temperature.
- Severe Cases: Seizures, coma, and severe respiratory depression.
Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to several hours and may last for 24 to 72 hours.
Key Risks:
Dogs: Often ingest large amounts of edibles (e.g., brownies, gummies), leading to more severe, some-times fatal, intoxication. They may also eat discarded marijuana found on walks.
Cats: Less common than in dogs, but cats can be intoxicated by ingesting plant material or edibles. Cats may exhibit intense agitation or alternating states of apathy and agitation.
Second-hand Smoke: Inhaling marijuana smoke can cause similar symptoms to ingestion, as well as contributing to respiratory issues in your pets.
Edible Dangers: Edibles often contain other toxic substances like chocolate or xylitol, creating a “double threat” of toxicity.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
Diagnosis: Primarily based on the owner’s report of potential exposure and supportive clinical signs, as human drug tests are not reliable for pets.
Treatment: No specific antidote exists. Treatment is supportive, including inducing vomiting (if caught early), activated charcoal to reduce absorption, and IV fluids for hydration.
Recovery: With prompt veterinary care, many pets make a full recovery.
Honesty is the best policy, we are not here to judge and we won’t call the police. Your pet’s welfare is our concern, so if you suspect your pet has been exposed to cannabis, please contact our clinic immediately – 06 878 8666
Is second-hand smoke harmful to my pet?
Yes, second-hand smoke from cigarettes and vape aerosols (including third-hand residue) is harmful to pets, causing severe health issues like respiratory infections, and nicotine poisoning. Pets ingest toxins by breathing smoke, grooming contaminated fur, or absorbing chemicals through their skin.
Symptoms of Exposure: Pets exposed to these substances may exhibit:
- Wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties.
- Excessive salivation, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
- Irregular, fast heart rate, tremors, or seizures.
- Chronic skin or eye irritation.
