As marijuana becomes legal in more states every year, dogs have easier access to cannabis products. That means there’s a higher risk that your dog ate weed. And, because modern marijuana strains contain more THC than they did decades ago, this is problematic for your pup. Your dog has many more THC receptors than humans and cats. The amount of THC that would get a human comfortably high, will cause a dog severe discomfort.
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If your dog ate weed, don’t panic! Here’s what I recommend you do next:
- Chocolate and xylitol. These ingredients that can be found in edibles are far more dangerous for your dog than the actual marijuana. If your dog has ingested either of these ingredients, call your veterinarian and seek care. Most milk chocolate won’t be a problem for large dogs. Homemade brownies with cannabis oil or butter are often made with darker chocolates that are more toxic to dogs.
- THC. Try to estimate how many milligrams of THC your dog ingested. This is usually written on the label of your cannabis container. Larger dogs usually won’t require emergency treatment if a small amount of THC (less than 5 mg) was ingested. When a large amount of THC is ingested, smaller dogs can stop breathing and, in extreme cases, require ventilation. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to contact your veterinarian for support.
- CBD. Administering 2 milligrams of CBD for each kilogram of body weight can be useful in lessening the effects of the ingested THC. This is because CBD and THC compete for the same receptor sites. If your dog has ingested chocolate, xylitol or large amounts of THC, your veterinarian will likely induce vomiting. In this case, giving CBD by mouth would not be beneficial. When choosing a CBD product, be certain it does not contain THC. This is my favorite CBD for dogs.
Symptoms that my dog is high
Most symptoms will occur 1-3 hours after ingestion and can include the following:
- Lethargy
- Ataxia/stumbling
- Tremors
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- High or low heart rate
- Low body temperature
- Urinary incontinence (dribbling urine)
- Sensitivity to touch
- Drooling
- Staring up at the ceiling/sky
- Seizures in severe cases
These symptoms will typically resolve in 24 to 36 hours.
How will my veterinarian help my dog?
Depending on when your dog consumed marijuana, your veterinarian may induce vomiting in your dog. They may also give your dog activated charcoal orally to help prevent further absorption of the THC. If your dog is agitated, or is having seizures, your veterinarian will use a sedative or an anti-convulsant medication.
It’s so important that you share all the details with your veterinarian. The more honest you can be, the better treatment your veterinarian can provide. I promise you that your veterinarian is not judging you or looking to report you. Their mission is to help your dog and they understand that accidental marijuana ingestions happen.
Will my dog be okay after ingesting weed?
The prognosis for most cases of THC toxicity is very good. Symptoms from mild ingestion will improve within 4 hours and dogs with moderate to severe levels of ingestion will improve within 1-3 days. Marijuana ingestion alone is rarely fatal.
You can support your dog during their recovery by providing them a quiet and secure place in your home to ride out the uncomfortableness of their “high”. Be sure it’s an area in which you can monitor them closely.
Key tips to remember:
- If your dog does find your stash and eats your weed, call your veterinarian.
- If your dog ate weed in chocolate pot brownies or cookies, take your dog to see a veterinarian right away for the induction of vomiting.
- To prevent your dog from eating weed, keep your weed in tightly sealed containers and out of your pup’s reach
Hugs,
Dr. Angie
