Symptoms of Cannabis Poisoning in Pets

Cannabis poisoning in pets most often happens when a curious dog or cat eats a THC edible, a discarded joint, or a homemade baked good. The classic signs are lethargy, wobbliness, vomiting, drooling, and dribbling urine, and they usually start within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. If you suspect your pet ate cannabis, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away instead of waiting for symptoms to worsen.

symptoms of cannabis poisoning in pets

Key Features: Signs of Cannabis Poisoning in Pets

• Lethargy, heavy drowsiness, or unusual sedation
• Wobbling, stumbling, or trouble standing (ataxia)
• Vomiting and excessive drooling
• Dilated pupils and a glazed, unfocused stare
• Dribbling urine or loss of bladder control
• Slow or racing heart rate and low body temperature
• Agitation, head tremors, or an exaggerated startle response
• In severe cases, seizures, collapse, or coma

What Makes the Reaction Worse?

Severity depends on how much THC your pet absorbed relative to its body weight, the form it was eaten in, and how quickly treatment starts. Edibles are the biggest problem because chocolate, raisins, xylitol, and concentrated THC are often packed into a single small bite. While smoked plant material tends to cause signs quickly, edible ingestion can delay symptoms for two to four hours and keep a pet wobbly for 12 to 24 hours, sometimes longer. Puppies, seniors, and small breeds are affected more dramatically than large adult dogs, and cats can show the same signs after grooming a contaminated coat or sharing a dog's treat.

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What Should I Do If I See These Symptoms?

Call your vet or an animal poison hotline immediately, save the packaging or leftover edible for identification, and keep your pet warm, quiet, and supervised. Never induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional tells you to, since sedation can make choking more likely.

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How Long Do Symptoms Last?

With supportive care, most pets improve within 12 to 24 hours, though edible-related cases can take up to 72 hours to fully clear. The outlook is generally good when treatment starts early and the pet is monitored for low body temperature and changes in heart rate.

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Can a CBD Product Cause These Symptoms in Pets?

CBD itself is usually well tolerated by pets, but some hemp products contain enough THC to trigger the same signs. Choose pet-labeled products with a current certificate of analysis, and ask your vet before starting anything new.

Orders ship from US warehouses within one business day, and most domestic packages arrive in three to five days in discreet, odor-neutral packaging. If something is not right for your household, unopened products can be returned within 30 days for a refund or exchange, and our support team will walk you through the process.