Dogs and cats are far more sensitive to THC than humans. Enter your pet's details below for an instant severity assessment, symptom checklist, and action plan.
🔢 Enter Your Pet's Information
Enter the total mg of THC consumed
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Moderate Toxicity
THC dose: 4.2 mg/kg — monitor closely
Symptoms to Watch For
Immediate Action Plan
Why Are Pets More Sensitive to THC?
Dogs have significantly more cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in their brain — particularly in the cerebellum and brainstem — compared to humans. This makes the same dose far more potent and disorienting. Cats are similarly affected. Unlike humans who voluntarily use cannabis and self-regulate, pets have no awareness of what is happening to them, which amplifies distress.
Cannabis products vary enormously in THC concentration: a single high-potency edible gummy may contain 10–50 mg of THC — enough to cause severe toxicity in a small dog. Butters, oils, and concentrates can exceed 80% THC content, making even tiny amounts extremely dangerous.
⚠️ Edibles are especially dangerous because they often contain additional toxins: chocolate (theobromine), xylitol (causes liver failure in dogs), raisins, or macadamia nuts. Always check ingredients.
Signs of THC Toxicity in Dogs & Cats
The classic presentation is a pet that appears intoxicated — glassy-eyed, unsteady, and unresponsive. Symptoms typically begin 30 minutes to 3 hours after ingestion and can last 6–24 hours:
⚠️Ataxia (wobbling, loss of coordination)
⚠️Dilated pupils, glassy or unfocused eyes
⚠️Excessive drooling or dry mouth
⚠️Urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
⚠️Lethargy, disorientation, inability to stand
⚠️Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
⚠️Vomiting (risk of aspiration if sedated)
⚠️Muscle tremors or twitching
⚠️Seizures and coma (severe cases)
🚨 If your pet is unconscious, having seizures, or has a severely slowed heart rate — this is a life-threatening emergency. Go to an emergency vet immediately.
Is THC Lethal to Pets?
Deaths from THC alone are very rare but not impossible, especially in small pets consuming concentrated products. Most deaths attributed to "marijuana toxicity" involve additional toxins in edibles (xylitol, chocolate). However, serious complications — aspiration pneumonia from vomiting while sedated, cardiovascular depression — can be fatal without treatment.
Never induce vomiting at home if your pet is already showing neurological signs; a sedated pet can aspirate vomit into the lungs. Your vet may administer activated charcoal, IV fluids, or supportive care depending on severity.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. THC is toxic to both dogs and cats. Pets are far more sensitive to THC than humans due to a higher density of cannabinoid receptors in their brain. Even small doses relative to body weight can cause significant neurological symptoms. Cannabis edibles are especially dangerous as they often contain additional toxins like chocolate, xylitol, or raisins.
Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 3 hours and include incoordination, dilated pupils, drooling, urinary incontinence, lethargy, slowed heart rate, vomiting, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. The classic sign is a pet that appears "drunk" — glassy-eyed, wobbly, and unresponsive. Effects can last 6 to 24 hours.
Moderate effects typically begin around 3 mg of THC per kg of body weight. Severe toxicity is seen above 9 mg/kg. A single high-potency edible gummy (10–50 mg THC) can be severely toxic for a small dog under 5 kg. Always contact your vet for any suspected cannabis ingestion — there is no safe amount for pets.