Flowers, resins, extracts: hemp products can now be found in many homes—and are therefore within reach of a dog’s nose or whiskers. However, a dog or cat doesn’t react to these products the same way an adult does. What are the real risks? What signs should raise a red flag? What should you do if your pet has gotten its paws on a product that wasn’t meant for it? Here are the precautions you need to know to keep your pet safe.
Why Hemp Requires Caution When Around Animals
Like humans, mammals have an endocannabinoid system: a network of receptors found in the brain and throughout the body. It is precisely for this reason that certain molecules in hemp affect them. The most concerning of these is THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Dogs are particularly susceptible to it. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, they have more CB1 receptors in certain areas of the brain that control balance and vital functions, which may explain their unsteady gait and cardiac problems when exposed. Cats are not spared either: sensitivity varies from one species to another, and data on felines remain scarce. Furthermore, a small animal can be affected by amounts that would seem minimal to an adult.
Which products pose a risk?
The danger does not come from any one type of product. The most common situations are as follows:
- a flower or a piece of resin left on a coffee table or in a bag;
- a cigarette butt or the remains of a joint in an ashtray or on the ground;
- smoke inhaled in a closed room;
- cannabis-infused cakes, candies, or chocolates, which are attractive to dogs and may contain other ingredients that are toxic to them, such as chocolate or xylitol;
- a bottle of extract that hasn't been closed properly or has been chewed on.
in the UK, CBD products sold legally must contain less than 0.3% THC. This threshold was set for adults, not for an animal weighing just a few kilograms. A product that is legal for you is therefore not necessarily safe for your pet. All the products in our store are designed for adults—and for adults only.
Warning Signs to Watch For
The signs of THC exposure are fairly characteristic. The MSD Veterinary Manual lists the following as the most common:
- unusual lethargy, an animal that seems “distant”;
- an unsteady gait, as if he had had too much to drink;
- vomiting;
- urine leakage;
- excessive sensitivity to noise, movement, or touch;
- tremors, restlessness, or slight jerks;
- dilated pupils and a slow heartbeat;
- a body temperature that is too high or too low.
If the animal has inhaled smoke, symptoms may appear within a few minutes. If it has ingested a substance, symptoms usually appear between 30 minutes and a few hours later. According to Cornell University’s Canine Health Center, most dogs recover within one or two days, or sometimes three days after significant exposure. More serious complications are still possible, especially in small animals or when the product also contained chocolate.
What should you do if your pet has ingested a hemp product?
Don't try to handle the situation on your own. The right steps are simple:
- Call your veterinarian or, if they cannot be reached, a veterinary poison control center. In France, there are centers in Lyon and Nantes, among other places.
- Please specify what the animal ingested, the approximate amount, and the time. Keep the packaging or label so you can show it to us.
- Do not try to make the animal vomit on your own: this is dangerous for an animal that is already showing symptoms, as it could inhale what it vomits. Do not give the animal anything without consulting a professional.
- Place it in a quiet, dimly lit area, away from noise, and keep an eye on it until you hear back from the veterinarian.
Be open and honest with the veterinarian. Their role is to care for your pet, not to judge you, and accurate information saves them valuable time.
Storing Hemp Products: Best Practices
Prevention is still the best protection. Just a few simple habits are enough to prevent most accidents:
- Store flowers, resins, and extracts in a closed cabinet high up; never on a coffee table or nightstand;
- Keep the products in their original packaging, securely closed;
- Empty the ashtrays and use a trash can with a lid;
- Do not smoke in the room where your pet is;
- Keep in mind the guests' bags and coats, which are often placed at nose level.
Finally, never give an animal a product made for humans. If you’re wondering about CBD for your pet, this is a question you should ask your veterinarian—and no one else. To learn more, read our article on the current state of veterinary research on CBD. And if you’re concerned about your cat’s behavior, check out our guide to recognizing a stressed or anxious cat.
