Cannabis and CBD product exposure in dogs and cats is rising as legalization expands | Research

The takeaway

A veterinary review documented increasing pet exposures to marijuana, CBD products, and synthetic cannabinoids, with dogs being especially sensitive to THC and experiencing symptoms ranging from sedation to rare fatalities.

Read this if you have pets and use cannabis products at home and want to understand the risks.

Dogs have more cerebellar CB1 receptors than humans, making them more sensitive to THC

What the researchers found

As cannabis becomes more accessible through both medical and recreational legalization, pet exposures to cannabis products have increased significantly. This veterinary review documented the clinical picture across different product types.

Dogs are particularly vulnerable to THC toxicity because they have more CB1 receptors in the cerebellum than humans, making them more sensitive to effects on coordination and consciousness. Common signs of marijuana exposure in dogs include ataxia (uncoordinated movement), sedation, urinary incontinence, and sometimes agitation or hyperesthesia. While most cases resolve with supportive care, rare fatalities have been reported.

The rise of CBD products marketed specifically for pets adds complexity, as these products are largely unregulated and may contain more THC than labeled. Synthetic cannabinoid exposures, though less common, tend to produce more severe and unpredictable clinical signs.

The review emphasized that veterinarians need to be prepared to recognize and manage these exposures, and that owners may not always disclose cannabis use in the household.

Why it matters

As cannabis products proliferate in homes, pets are increasingly exposed, whether through edibles left accessible, secondhand smoke, or CBD products given intentionally. Understanding the clinical picture helps pet owners recognize when their animal needs veterinary attention and helps veterinarians provide appropriate treatment.

The numbers in context

Dogs have more cerebellar CB1 receptors than humans. Exposure sources include recreational marijuana, medical products, CBD pet products, and synthetic cannabinoids. Common signs: ataxia, sedation, urinary incontinence. Most cases resolve with supportive care. Rare fatalities reported.

How the study worked

This was a narrative review of cannabis toxicology in companion animals, covering the endocannabinoid system in dogs and cats, common cannabis products causing exposure, clinical signs, and treatment approaches.

What this study cannot tell us

The review is narrative rather than systematic. Exact incidence rates of pet cannabis exposure are difficult to establish because owners may not report exposure or seek veterinary care. Most data come from case reports and poison control databases rather than systematic studies. Species-specific differences between dogs and cats are not fully characterized.

How to read the evidence

This is a narrative veterinary review synthesizing clinical experience and case reports, providing moderate guidance for pet owners and clinicians.

When this study was published

Published in 2018. Pet cannabis exposures have continued to increase with expanding legalization.

The bigger picture

This review reflects a new reality of cannabis legalization: the downstream effects on household pets. As edible cannabis products become more common (and often more appealing to animals due to their food-like nature), veterinary cannabis toxicology is becoming an increasingly important field.

Questions still open

Should cannabis product packaging include pet safety warnings? Are CBD products marketed for pets safe and effective? How should veterinarians handle the challenge of owners not disclosing cannabis in the home?

Common questions

Can cannabis hurt my dog?

Yes. Dogs are more sensitive to THC than humans because they have more cannabinoid receptors in the cerebellum. Common signs of exposure include uncoordinated walking, sedation, and urinary incontinence. Most cases resolve with supportive care, but severe exposures or edibles containing chocolate or xylitol can be more dangerous.

Are CBD products safe for pets?

CBD products marketed for pets are largely unregulated and may contain more THC than labeled. While CBD itself appears relatively safe for dogs, the lack of quality control means products may not contain what they claim. Consult your veterinarian before giving any cannabis-derived product to your pet.

Read the original research

Toxicology of Marijuana, Synthetic Cannabinoids, and Cannabidiol in Dogs and Cats.

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 48(6), 1087-1102

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Brutlag, Ahna; Hommerding, Holly. (2018). Toxicology of Marijuana, Synthetic Cannabinoids, and Cannabidiol in Dogs and Cats.. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 48(6), 1087-1102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.07.008