Is Marijuana Toxic to Pets? Risks and What to Do

Name: Is Marijuana Toxic to Pets? Risks and What to Do
Creator: Dr. Zubair Khalid

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-10-03

Is marijuana toxic to pets? Yes. Marijuana is toxic to dogs and cats, and THC, the main psychoactive compound in the plant, is the reason [1]. Pets can be poisoned by edibles, plant material, secondhand smoke, and even ash left in an ashtray. The good news is that most pets recover with prompt veterinary care.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Quick Answer

Marijuana is toxic to both dogs and cats, and THC is the toxic principle [1].
Every route counts. Edibles, raw plant material, secondhand smoke, and ash can all cause signs.
Common signs include vomiting, wobbling, sleepiness or agitation, dilated pupils, drooling, and a low body temperature [1].
Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. Do not wait for signs to appear.
Do not make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

Is Marijuana Toxic to Pets? Which Parts and Products Matter

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica) contains more than 80 different cannabinoids [2]. The two you hear about most are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC causes psychotropic effects and has a moderate level of toxicity [2]. CBD is not psychotropic and is generally considered to have limited toxicity [2].

That difference matters for your pet. A product marketed as CBD may still contain THC, and the exact amount of each cannabinoid varies widely from strain to strain and plant to plant [2]. You cannot judge the risk from the label alone.

Edibles and baked goods

Edibles are a common source of poisoning because they often contain chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or large amounts of fat in addition to THC. Your pet may eat far more than a single "dose" because the food tastes good. If your dog ate an edible, see My Dog Ate a Marijuana Edible: What Should I Do? for step-by-step guidance.

Plant material

The marijuana plant itself is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses [1]. This includes fresh plants, dried flower, stems, and leaves. A dog who chews a houseplant or gets into a stash of raw flower is at risk. For a broader look at plant poisonings, see Plants Poisonous To Dogs and Plants Toxic To Cats.

Smoke and secondhand exposure

Marijuana smoke is a real exposure route. A pet in a small, poorly ventilated room during heavy smoking can inhale enough to develop signs. Smoke also irritates the eyes and airways. Keep pets out of rooms where anyone is smoking, vaping, or dabbing.

Ash and roaches

Ash, resin, and leftover roaches contain concentrated cannabinoids. A dog who licks an ashtray or eats a discarded roach can get a meaningful dose from a very small amount of material. Treat all leftovers as toxic.

Is marijuana toxic to puppies?

Puppies are at higher risk for two reasons. They explore the world with their mouths, and their small body weight means a smaller amount of THC can cause a bigger effect. Puppies also dehydrate faster if they vomit or stop drinking. If a puppy ate any marijuana product, call poison control or your veterinarian immediately.

Is marijuana harmful to dogs compared with cats?

Both species are sensitive, but the effects can look different. Dogs commonly show wobbling, dribbling urine, and lethargy. Cats may become agitated or very sedate, and even small amounts can cause harm, so marijuana in the home should be stored securely out of reach [3]. If you want to know what to do after a dog exposure, see Dog Ate Marijuana: What Should You Do?.

The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body

THC is the toxic principle in marijuana [1]. It works on the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and signaling molecules that helps regulate many normal body processes [4]. In people, THC binds those receptors and produces the "high." In pets, the same binding produces a mix of neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular effects that the body cannot manage well.

Pets are not small humans when it comes to THC. Their brains have different receptor distributions and numbers, and their bodies break THC down differently. That is why a dose that seems mild to a person can cause dramatic signs in a dog or cat.

The route of exposure changes how fast signs appear. Inhaled smoke reaches the bloodstream quickly, so signs can start within minutes. Edibles must be digested first, so signs may be delayed by an hour or more, and absorption can keep rising for hours. That delay is one reason edible cases can be serious. Owners often do not realize the pet got into anything until the pet is already wobbly.

Signs of Marijuana Toxicity and the Typical Timeline

Signs reported in pets include prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, sleepiness or excitation, excessive salivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma, and in rare cases death [1].

In plain terms, watch for:

Wobbling, staggering, or a "drunken" walk
Drooling or lip smacking
Vomiting
Dribbling urine or losing bladder control
Dilated pupils that react slowly to light
Sleepiness, staring, or unresponsiveness
Agitation, trembling, or startle responses
A body temperature that feels low to the touch
In severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness

How fast do signs appear?

Inhaled exposure can cause signs within minutes. Edible exposure often takes 30 to 90 minutes or longer, and signs can worsen over several hours as digestion continues. Some pets stay affected for 12 to 24 hours or more, depending on the amount and the pet's size. If your pet is showing any of these signs, treat it as an emergency.

What about cats specifically?

Cats can develop the same neurologic and gastrointestinal signs. Because cats are often more subtle when they feel unwell, a cat who is suddenly quiet, hiding, wobbly, or drooling should be evaluated. Even small amounts can cause harm to a cat [3].

What to Do Right Now

Move your pet away from the source. Put the edible, plant, ash, or smoke out of reach.
Do not panic, but do act. Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Have information ready. Tell them what you think your pet ate, how much, when, and your pet's weight and age.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Making a pet vomit can cause aspiration, injury, or worse, especially with edibles that contain chocolate or xylitol.
Do not give food, oil, milk, or home remedies to "soak it up." These can make things worse or delay real treatment.
Keep your pet warm and calm. Low body temperature is a known effect, so a blanket helps while you travel.
Bring the packaging if you have it. The label helps the veterinarian and poison control estimate the dose.

If your pet is having a seizure, is unconscious, is struggling to breathe, or cannot stand, go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now. Call ahead so the team can prepare.

How Veterinarians Treat Marijuana Toxicity

Treatment is supportive and depends on your pet's signs. Your veterinarian will start with a physical exam, vital signs, and a body temperature reading. They may run blood work to check organ function and blood sugar, and to rule out other causes.

Common treatment steps include:

Intravenous fluids to support blood pressure and hydration
Anti-nausea medication for vomiting
Activated charcoal in some cases, if the veterinarian decides it is safe and the timing is right
Warming measures for low body temperature
Monitoring for seizures, with anti-seizure medication if needed
Oxygen or airway support if breathing is affected

Your veterinarian calculates any medication dose from your pet's weight and health, so there is no home dose you should try to match.

There is growing research interest in cannabinoid-based treatments in veterinary medicine, including studies of CBD for THC toxicosis in dogs [5]. A small case report described six dogs with presumed THC toxicosis who were treated with CBD-infused transmucosal dissolving sheets, and five of six showed improvement in lethargy and ataxia within 45 minutes [5]. That is a small, early report, not a standard treatment protocol, and it does not mean you should give your pet CBD at home after a marijuana exposure. Treatment decisions belong to your veterinarian.

Research into medical cannabis for pets is still developing. Reviews of cannabis-based products for dogs and cats show that evidence is limited and that product quality and dosing vary widely [6]. Studies in cats are even more limited, and formulations differ a lot in how well they are absorbed [7]. Surveys of veterinarians using cannabis products report use for pain, seizures, and behavior problems, but this is not the same as proven safety or effectiveness for poisoning [8].

Outlook After Marijuana Exposure

Most pets survive marijuana toxicity with supportive care. Signs usually improve over 12 to 24 hours, though heavy edible exposures can last longer. The pets at highest risk are those with underlying heart, liver, or kidney disease, very young or very old pets, and pets who ate a product that also contains chocolate, xylitol, raisins, or other toxins.

Death is rare but possible [1]. The outcome depends on how much was eaten, how quickly you sought care, and your pet's overall health. Do not assume a small exposure is harmless, and do not assume a large one is hopeless. Call for guidance either way.

Prevention and Safer Alternatives

Prevention is simple in concept and takes some discipline in practice.

Store all marijuana products in a locked container, ideally in a cabinet your pet cannot reach or open.
Keep edibles in their original packaging, not in unmarked bags or on counters.
Never leave ashtrays, roaches, or resin within reach.
Smoke outdoors or in a room your pet cannot enter, and ventilate well.
Tell guests and house sitters where products are stored and that pets must not have access.
If you use medical marijuana, treat it like any other medication and keep it in a childproof and pet-proof place.

If you want pet-safe plants for your home, see Plants That Aren't Toxic To Cats And Dogs. If you are considering CBD for your pet, talk to your veterinarian first. The evidence for CBD use in dogs is still emerging, and evidence in cats remains limited [7]. Never give your pet a product made for people, and never give THC to a pet.

Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian

This article cannot tell you how serious your pet's exposure is. That depends on the product, the amount, your pet's weight, and your pet's health. Individual cases need a veterinarian.

Contact your veterinarian or poison control the same day if:

You know or suspect your pet ate marijuana, even a small amount
Your pet is wobbly, drowsy, vomiting, or drooling
Your pet's pupils look large or unusual
You are not sure what was in the product

Go to an emergency veterinary hospital now if:

Your pet is having a seizure
Your pet is unconscious or cannot be woken
Your pet is struggling to breathe
Your pet cannot stand or walk
Your pet's gums look pale or blue

Schedule a routine visit if your pet had a mild exposure and has fully recovered, so your veterinarian can check for any lingering effects and help you plan prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dog get high from secondhand marijuana smoke?

Yes. Inhaled smoke can cause signs within minutes, and a pet in a small, poorly ventilated space can absorb enough THC to become ill. Keep pets out of rooms where anyone is smoking or vaping.

Is marijuana ash toxic to dogs?

Yes. Ash, resin, and leftover roaches contain concentrated cannabinoids, so even a small amount licked from an ashtray can cause signs. Treat all marijuana residue as toxic and keep ashtrays out of reach.

Will my pet die from eating marijuana?

Most pets recover with supportive care, and death is rare [1]. The risk rises with large edible exposures, underlying health problems, and delays in treatment, so call for guidance right away.

How long does marijuana toxicity last in dogs and cats?

Signs often improve over 12 to 24 hours, but heavy edible exposures can last longer because absorption continues for hours. Your veterinarian can give you a better timeline after examining your pet.

Can I give my pet CBD to treat marijuana poisoning at home?

No. One small case report described CBD treatment for THC toxicosis in dogs, but it was given by veterinarians in a clinical setting and is not a home protocol [5]. Treatment decisions, including any drug and dose, belong to your veterinarian.

References

Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Marijuana. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Marijuana Is Toxic To Pets. Pet Poison Helpline.
Effects of Marijuana on Cats. Pet Poison Helpline.
Cannabis and Veterinary Medicine. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 2025.
Case report: Treatment of non-medical tetrahydrocannabinol toxicosis with transmucosal cannabidiol-infused dissolving sheets in six dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 2024.
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use in dogs and cats: a systematic review. The Journal of small animal practice, 2025.
Cats and cannabinoids: past, present and future. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 2025.
Cannabis and pathologies in dogs and cats: first survey of phytocannabinoid use in veterinary medicine in Argentina. Journal of cannabis research, 2023.