MARIJUANA / THC TOXICITY IN DOGS & CATS — EXPANDED VERSION
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Pets—especially dogs—are extremely sensitive to THC. Ingestion of edibles, plant buds, vape oils, or discarded roaches can cause neurological depression, incoordination, tremors, dribbling urine, vomiting, or seizures. CBD products may contain enough THC to cause toxicity.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Small ingestion → wobbliness, drooling
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Edibles (often combined with chocolate or xylitol)
• THC butter/oils
• Vape pens or cartridges
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Seizures
• Vomiting and aspiration
• Extremely slow heart rate
• Coma-like sedation
• Ingestion of edibles containing xylitol
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Disorientation or stumbling
• Slow breathing
• Tremors
• Vomiting repeatedly
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Keep pet warm and calm
• Prevent falls
• Seek veterinary care
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Blood sugar
• Heart rate
• Induce vomiting (if appropriate)
• Activated charcoal
• IV fluids
• Temperature regulation
• Intralipid therapy for severe cases
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• THC intoxication
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Combined toxicities (chocolate or xylitol)