Marijuana Toxicity in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Did Your Pet Eat Marijuana?

As marijuana products become more common, veterinarians are seeing an increase in accidental marijuana exposure in dogs and cats. Exposure may occur in the home or while outdoors, where pets can encounter discarded marijuana products, vape cartridges, joints, or edibles during walks. Whether it's dried plant material, oils, vape products, or edible products such as brownies, cookies, chocolates, and gummies, marijuana can cause serious illness in pets.

Common Signs of Marijuana Toxicity in Pets

Symptoms can develop within minutes to a few hours after ingestion and may include:

• Dilated pupils
• Excessive drooling
• Dribbling urine or loss of bladder control
• Wobbliness or uncoordinated walking
• Lethargy or unusual drowsiness
• Hyperactivity or agitation
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Disorientation
• Increased sensitivity to sound or touch

In severe cases, pets may experience:

• Collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Abnormally slow heart rate
• Seizures
• Coma-like state

What Information Should You Share With Your Veterinarian?

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to marijuana, please provide as much information as possible, including:
 

• Whether your pet ate plant material, oils, vape products, or edibles
• The estimated amount consumed
• When the exposure occurred
• Whether other ingredients were involved

This information helps your veterinary team determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.

No Judgment—We Just Want to Help

At River Mill Animal Hospital, our priority is your pet's health and safety. If your pet has been exposed to marijuana, please be honest with our team. We are not here to judge how the exposure occurred. Accurate information allows us to provide the best possible care and can help us respond more quickly in an emergency.

Prevention Tips

• Store marijuana products securely out of reach.
• Keep edibles in sealed containers.
• Never leave vape cartridges, gummies, brownies, or chocolates where pets can access them.
• Educate family members and visitors about the risks to pets.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If you suspect your pet has ingested marijuana, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and help prevent complications.

River Mill Animal Hospital proudly serves pets and families throughout Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, New Tampa, and the surrounding Tampa Bay area.