Help! My Dog Ate My Cannabis 

Dogs are naturally curious animals – and this trait can sometimes lead to scary, dangerous situations. While it’s cute to see our furry friends sniffing around and checking out their environments, it’s not so cute to realize they’ve eaten something potentially toxic. As access to cannabis increases, so do emergency vet visits due to accidental ingestion. 

If you’re reading this, you may be panicking because you discovered your dog got into your stash. Take a deep breath. We’ll guide you through what you need to know to make sure your furry friend stays safe. 

Note: This is not medical advice. You should always consult with a veterinarian if your dog consumes something toxic. Use this as a guide for next steps, but always follow the advice of your veterinarian. 

Will Cannabis Kill My Dog?

Dogs who accidentally ingest cannabis flower seldom have fatal reactions because the lethal dose is rather high. But as more medical-grade, concentrated THC products have hit the market, instances of cannabis-related deaths in dogs have increased. 

While you should still promptly consult your veterinarian if your dog consumes cannabis, know that flower is generally considered less toxic than concentrates, edibles, or other forms of high THC products. That’s because raw cannabis flower contains non-intoxicating THCA until heated.

Other ingredients in cannabis products can pose an even higher risk of death than cannabis alone. If your dog eats a cannabis product with chocolate, xylitol, raisins, or other ingredients that are dangerous to dogs, you could be dealing with a deadly combination. 

What Are the Symptoms of Cannabis Poisoning in Dogs?

Cannabis poisoning symptoms in dogs can range from mild to severe. Here’s what to look out for if you know or suspect your dog got into your stash:

• Stumbling and difficulty walking
• Lethargy 
• Dilated pupils
• Urinary incontinence
• Tremors or shaking
• Agitation 
• Vomiting

In some cases, dogs may even become comatose. But according to Dr. Stacy Meola of Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital and a lead veterinarian in a related retrospective study, the most common symptom is stumbling and crossing their feet. She describes it as “walking like they are drunk.”

She also mentions that about half of dogs with cannabis toxicity will appear dull and lethargic and present dilated pupils. They may also flinch in response to fast movements near their faces. 

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READ: Things To Know Before Giving Your Dogs & Cats CBD

Treatment for Dogs Who Ingested Cannabis 

We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to consult with a veterinarian if your dog has ingested cannabis. They can give you a better idea of what you’re dealing with and the required treatments. 

According to literature from VCA Animal Hospitals, the first line of defense is to remove the toxin from the body. Dogs caught in the act or who have recently ingested cannabis may just need to have their owner or veterinarian induce vomiting as treatment. 

But if you don’t notice your dog has ingested cannabis until they start exhibiting symptoms, vomiting will likely be a waste of time. After all, the drug has already been absorbed enough to produce symptoms. 

Some dogs may be given fluids, activated charcoal, or even enemas to manage toxicity. In severe cases, veterinarians may pump a dog’s stomach. 

For non-life threatening cases, veterinarians may recommend providing supportive care until the effects dissipate. This often means providing a safe, comfortable environment for your pooch to wait it out. Dogs don’t understand the effects of cannabis and are often frightened by the symptoms they experience. Lean on the tools you use to help your dog feel calm and relaxed – and don’t make them do any physical activity until they feel better. 

While the experience can be terrifying, most dogs fortunately recover from cannabis poisoning within 24–72 hours of ingestion, provided they receive proper treatment, but in severe cases or situations where dogs ingested other toxins (such as edibles with chocolate or xylitol), the recovery time may be longer and include additional interventions. 

Keeping Pets Safe From Cannabis 

The first thing you should do if your dog ingests cannabis is assess the situation (how much, what kind) and consult with a veterinarian. Don’t beat yourself up about the situation; you should be acting quickly to get your dog back to a healthy state. 

Accidental cannabis poisoning in pets is an unfortunate outcome of growing access to the plant. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that cases are rising across the country. In 2022, there was an 11% increase in reported cases from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2023, the ASPCA reports a 300% increase in reported cases. 

Here are some ways to prevent future incidents:

• Keep all cannabis products out of sight and out of reach. Even if your dog is not much of an explorer, it’s better to play it safe. Products should be entirely inaccessible to your pets. 
• Dispose of products carefully. If your dog has a habit of rooting through the trash, consider only disposing of cannabis products in a locked bin or take them outside to an inaccessible can. 
• Be especially careful with chocolate and edibles. Not only are these potentially more toxic to your pet, they may be more enticing based on smell. 
• Make sure all guests and roommates are aware of the risks and know to store and dispose of their cannabis properly. Be sure they are also aware of the symptoms of cannabis ingestion so they can act quickly if something happens while you are not at home. 
• Don’t smoke in front of your dog. Secondhand smoke can also impact pets. 

If you’re reading this as a proactive measure, we hope these tips will help you and your pets stay safe and healthy. And if you’re reading this because your dog consumed cannabis, we hope you feel more equipped to safely handle the situation. Consult with a veterinarian and know that in most cases, dogs will be okay once they have received proper treatment and waited out the symptoms in a safe, comfortable environment.