Is cannabis dangerous for dogs?

“More and more dogs getting high on cannabis” – Have you seen headlines like this and are now wondering whether it’s safe to give your dog hemp products? The media warns of the dangers cannabis can pose to dogs. They report on “cases of poisoning” that can be “life-threatening for four-legged friends” and often lead to a trip to the emergency room.

Statements like these unsettle many dog owners. Is cannabis dangerous for dogs? Can I continue to give my dog CBD products without hesitation? 

In this article, we shed some light on the subject and explain when and in what form cannabis can be safe—or even beneficial—for dogs.

Cannabis for Dogs – Is It Dangerous?

Before we delve deeper into the question, we should first clarify what cannabis actually is.

Cannabis is the Latin word for hemp—a genus of plants within the Cannabaceae family that has been cultivated for thousands of years as a crop and medicinal plant. Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, which are plant-based compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and can thus influence metabolism and cellular functions.

Only the cannabinoid THC and its derivatives, which are found primarily in the flowers of the female hemp plant, have psychoactive effects and are therefore dangerous to dogs.

What symptoms do dogs show when they have THC poisoning?

Unlike in humans, there is unfortunately no way to quickly and definitively detect THC in dogs using a urine or blood test. But what symptoms might indicate THC poisoning?

• unsteady gait
• urinary incontinence 
• Startle response
• dilated pupils
• Apathy 

The dog appears to be “high”—a condition that, in rare cases, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. So if you suspect your dog has THC poisoning, take him to a veterinary clinic immediately. 

How can cannabis be used effectively for dogs?

So, to summarize: The THC found in cannabis is dangerous for dogs. However, in addition to THC, cannabis also contains many other cannabinoids that are not psychoactive—meaning they do not cause intoxication. One example is cannabidiol (CBD), which is valued by many people for its positive effects on the body and mind and is also growing in popularity among dog owners. CBD can help restore inner balance and bring the body into harmony—without causing serious side effects.

When is cannabis not dangerous for dogs—and might even be beneficial? When it contains virtually no THC! But which cannabis products contain little to no THC? 

1. CBD extracts or isolates – Many CBD products contain no THC because special extraction processes are used to “filter out” the CBD (and many other valuable compounds) from the hemp plant, which is then mixed with other products, such as flaxseed oil as a carrier oil. However, this method of producing CBD oil, which is common in human products, is not permitted in animal feed. 
2. Use of special industrial hemp – The alternative is to use special industrial hemp, which has been bred to contain virtually no THC. Its cultivation is strictly regulated.

For example, our nacani CBD oil is produced by gently pressing industrial hemp: The hemp is brought to the oil mill, pressed, and our CBD oil drips out at the bottom—that’s it. Certificates of analysis, which we regularly publish on our website, provide a detailed breakdown of the individual components of our CBD oil and confirm its very low THC content (which is well below the legal maximum limit of 0.2%).

How can I make sure my dog doesn't ingest any THC?

There are a few simple but very important steps you can take to protect your pet from THC:

• Only use certified CBD products: If you want to do something good for your pet, make sure that any CBD products you choose come from reputable manufacturers who operate transparently and regularly publish independent lab test results.
• Store cannabis safely: “Regular” cannabis should never be left within your dog’s reach. Store it in a place where your pet cannot access it—not even by accident.
• Stay alert while walking: Especially in parks or busy areas, you may find remnants of joints (or, unfortunately, drug users’ excrement) lying in the bushes or on the ground. Make sure your dog doesn’t pick any of it up.