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Cannabis, CBD and your pet

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Given the effects that cannabis can have on pets, these concerns are well-founded.

Cannabis is the name of a family of flowering plants that include hemp (grown almost exclusively for industrial and nutritional uses) and cannabis sativa (popularly known as marijuana). Cannabis contains more than 100 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids, including two of the most-studied cannabinoids:

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid that causes the euphoric “high” feeling.
  • Cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have any psychoactive effects but has shown great promise in treating a variety of human health conditions, including seizures, nausea, stress, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, gastrointestinal disorders and other conditions.

Hemp contains low concentrations of THC (roughly 0.3%) and higher concentrations of CBD. Cannabis sativa can contain anywhere from 5-20% THC and varying levels of CBD, depending on the strain of the cannabis plant.

Most pet exposures tend to be accidental, resulting from curious pets discovering cannabis in tempting edible forms like brownies, cookies and fudges. Pets can also become intoxicated by inhaling second-hand cannabis smoke or eating dried cannabis leaves and flowers.

Because dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, the effects of cannabinoids can be more dramatic and potentially more toxic when compared to humans. As a result, a small amount of cannabis may be all it takes to cause toxicity in pets.

Depending on how much cannabis a pet ingests or inhales, signs of cannabis toxicity in pets include:

  • disorientation
  • lack of coordination
  • excessive drooling or vomiting
  • low heart rate
  • urine leakage
  • hyperactivity and vocalization
  • a wide-eyed look due to pupil dilation

Signs of toxicity can last for minutes or several hours, and in some cases, cannabis toxicity can cause tremors, seizures or a coma.

Even after exercising precautions, pets can still become intoxicated from cannabis. If you suspect your pet has become intoxicated from eating or inhaling cannabis, take your pet to your veterinarian or hospital emergency room immediately and be honest about what your pet has consumed/inhaled. Your veterinarian can treat your pet easier and faster if all the facts have been provided.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Feb 9, 2021.