Guide to safe cannabis use around pets

Most cannabis products, especially those that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can be harmful to cats and dogs. As a pet owner, it’s important to use and store cannabis products safely.

In recent years, there’s also been growing interest in cannabidiol (CBD) for pets. CBD is a nonintoxicating cannabis compound that may offer some health benefits. But there are important differences between CBD products made for humans and those made for animals.

Keep reading to learn how different cannabis products can affect your pet and how to keep them safe as you consume cannabis.

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Is marijuana toxic to cats and dogs?

Most cannabis products are toxic to cats and dogs. This means that if your pet consumes a cannabis product, they may be at risk of serious illness or even death.

Your pet does not have to ingest cannabis for it to be harmful. Simply inhaling secondhand cannabis smoke can be dangerous to their health.

THC in particular is toxic to both cats and dogs. Even small amounts can cause side effects, such as:

• Confusion
• Lack of energy
• Unusual aggression

Some ingredients used in certain cannabis edibles, such as the artificial sweetener xylitol, can also be toxic to pets.

If your pet consumes any amount of a cannabis product made for humans, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately.

Do animals have endocannabinoid systems?

Like humans, cats and dogs have an endocannabinoid system. This bodywide network consists of cannabinoid receptors that help regulate various functions, especially in the nervous system.

Cannabis compounds known as cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, interact with these receptors to produce different effects in the body.

Scientists are still studying how the endocannabinoid system in pets differs from that of humans. These differences may help explain why THC can be toxic to cats and dogs.

THC toxicity in dogs

According to a review of research, dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans do. This may make them especially sensitive to the effects of THC.

Signs of THC toxicity in dogs include:

• Urinary incontinence
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Lack of energy
• Disorientation
• Clumsiness

If your dog consumes any amount of cannabis, contact their veterinarian right away. If they develop any of these symptoms, take them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

THC toxicity in cats

Few studies have examined THC toxicity in cats. That said, THC is known to be toxic to cats.

Symptoms of THC toxicity in cats include:

• Agitation or aggression
• Anxiety
• Excessive vocalization
• Drooling
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fast heartbeat
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Convulsions
• Coma

If your cat consumes any amount of cannabis, contact their veterinarian. Be sure to take them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately if they develop symptoms.

How to use cannabis safely around pets

If you’re a pet owner, it’s essential to practice caution when using cannabis. Follow these pet safety tips:

• Use inhaled products in a separate room: Secondhand cannabis smoke or vapor can be harmful to pets. Always consume inhaled products in a room that your pets won’t enter. Before letting your pet back into the room, open the windows to ventilate the area.
• Store cannabis securely: Keep all cannabis products in locked or latched areas, like a cabinet or drawer.
• Clean up after each use: Even small amounts of cannabis can be harmful to pets, especially if ingested. Always clean up to remove any trace amounts of oils, edibles, or flower after use.
• Have an emergency plan in place: No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. Keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy and know where the nearest pet emergency hospital is in case your pet consumes cannabis.

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Can I give my pet CBD?

Some early research suggests that both cats and dogs can tolerate CBD.

Several small studies have examined CBD’s effects in pets:

• Arthritis pain: According to a review of studies, CBD may help ease osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
• Stress relief: A small study of 40 dogs found that CBD helped lower stress during car travel and separation from their owners.
• Oral pain: One small study of 22 cats noted that CBD helped ease pain and discomfort caused by gingivostomatitis, a health condition that causes inflamed gums and mouth tissue.
• Fear response: Another small study of 40 cats found that CBD could help reduce their fear response to loud noises, such as thunderstorms.

Still, larger studies in both cats and dogs are needed to confirm the possible health benefits of CBD. Research is limited, and experts are still unclear on whether CBD is truly safe for pets.

If you want to try CBD for your pet, talk to your veterinarian.

CBD pet products vs. CBD products for humans

If you want to give your pet CBD, it’s important to choose a product made specially for their species.

CBD products for pets differ from those made for humans in a few ways:

• CBD levels: Pet products contain appropriate levels of CBD for cats or dogs, who generally tolerate lower doses than humans.
• THC content: Some human CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which can be toxic to cats and dogs. CBD pet products should contain no THC.
• Ingredients: Human products may contain other ingredients that are toxic to pets, such as flavorings, sweeteners, or essential oils.
• Flavor and aroma: Pet products often come in flavors and scents that pets find appealing, like chicken or fish.

How to give your pet CBD

Consider these tips before giving your pet CBD:

• Speak with your veterinarian: Share your concerns about your pet and why you think CBD might help. They may be able to recommend products and a dosage plan to suit your pet’s needs. Just keep in mind that CBD has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pets, so not all veterinarians recommend it.
• Choose pet-specific products: CBD products made for humans often aren’t safe for pets. Only use products that are specifically formulated for pets.
• Check product labels: Read the ingredients on every product label to ensure it’s safe for your pet.
• Do your research: Look for reputable manufacturers and brands before you purchase CBD products for your pet. Consider reviews from other pet owners to help you make informed decisions.
• Start low and go slow: There are no standardized dosing guidelines for CBD in pets. Begin with the lowest dose possible. Monitor them for any side effects, such as low energy or confusion. Increase their dose in small amounts as needed to achieve the desired therapeutic benefits.

The bottom line: Practice safe cannabis use around pets

Cannabis products that contain THC can be harmful to cats and dogs. If you use cannabis, make sure your pets are never exposed to THC. If your pet consumes any amount of THC, seek immediate veterinary care.

Early research suggests that, unlike THC, CBD may offer some health benefits to pets without any significant risks to their health. Still, more studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of CBD for pets.

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