Is Marijuana Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Cannabis sativa
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) |
| Onset of symptoms | 30 minutes to a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Urinary incontinence
- Low heart rate
- Vomiting
Symptoms in cats
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Low heart rate
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What to do
Contact a vet — most cases resolve with supportive care and monitoring, but severe cases (especially from concentrated edibles) can need more intensive treatment. Be honest with the vet about exposure; it changes treatment, not legal standing for your pet.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Marijuana is thc (tetrahydrocannabinol).
What makes this plant different
THC toxicosis in pets looks distinct from most plant poisonings — profound lethargy and a notably low heart rate rather than vomiting or agitation — and cases have risen sharply alongside legalization, particularly from concentrated edibles rather than raw plant material. Vets need accurate exposure history to treat effectively, so owner honesty about suspected exposure directly improves outcomes.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Cannabis sativa
- Family
- Cannabaceae
- Also known as
- Marijuana, Indian Hemp, Hashish
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control