Cannabis and Pets: How to Keep Your Home Safe

If you share your home with a dog, cat or other animal, cannabis and pets is a topic worth taking seriously. Legal cannabis is now part of many Ontario households, and the simplest way to be a responsible owner is to plan ahead so your products never end up within a curious nose's reach. This guide covers practical household habits, not veterinary advice.

Why pets and cannabis products need separation

Animals explore the world with their noses and mouths, and they cannot read a label. Flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vape cartridges and even used ashtray contents can all be interesting to a pet. Because pets are much smaller than people, and because their bodies are different from ours, cannabis products are simply not meant for them.

The easiest approach is to treat cannabis the same way you would treat any other item that is unsafe for animals: keep it locked away and out of sight.

Store everything securely

Good storage protects your products and your pets at the same time. Our guide on keeping flower fresh covers airtight containers in more detail, and the same habits work well for pet safety.

• Keep products in their original child-resistant packaging, then place that inside a closed cupboard, drawer or lockable box.

• Choose storage that sits above counter height and cannot be knocked over by a jumping cat or an excited dog.

• Never leave edibles, chocolates or infused treats on coffee tables, nightstands or in bags on the floor.

Take care with edibles and beverages

Edibles are the products most likely to tempt a pet, since many look and smell like ordinary snacks. Gummies, baked goods and chocolate are all attractive to animals. Keep opened packages sealed, wash up after preparing anything at home, and put leftovers away right after you are done.

Cannabis beverages and cans can also be left on a table or deck, so finish them or clear them away rather than leaving them out.

Smoke, vapour and ventilation

Pets share your air, so think about where you consume. Many owners choose a room the animal does not use, open a window, and keep the door closed while they are consuming. Remember that Ontario has rules about where cannabis can be consumed, and you can read more in our guide to where you can consume cannabis in Ontario.

Afterwards, dispose of ash, roaches, vape pods and packaging in a sealed bin that your pet cannot open or tip over.

Think beyond the products themselves

Guests are part of the picture too. If friends or family visit with their own products, ask them to keep everything zipped in a bag out of reach, and let them know your pet is curious. A quick conversation at the door prevents most mix-ups.

It also helps to make a habit of checking floors, couches and low tables after a gathering, since small items like pre-roll tips, packaging or a dropped gummy are easy to miss and easy for a pet to find.

If something goes wrong

Accidents can happen even in careful homes. If you think your pet has gotten into any cannabis product, do not wait for symptoms. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away, and have the product packaging handy so you can tell them what it was. A professional is the right person to give guidance for your animal.

Shop with a safe-home plan in Guelph

When you visit Reserved Cannabis at 615 Scottsdale Drive in Guelph, our team is happy to talk about packaging, storage and how to keep products organized at home. Ask about child-resistant packaging and which formats are easiest to store securely. Our Etobicoke store on The Queensway is reopening soon.

Must be 19+ with valid ID. Please consume responsibly. This article is educational and not medical advice.