What to Do When Your Dog Gets High: Cannabis Ingestion in Dogs

With cannabis products more widely available than ever -- from edibles and flower to oils and concentrates -- accidental ingestion by dogs has become one of the fastest-growing toxicology cases at veterinary emergency clinics. If your dog has consumed marijuana, THC edibles, or cannabis products, here is exactly what you need to know and do.

This is not about judgment. It is about keeping your dog safe. Veterinarians see these cases regularly and their only concern is treating your pet.

How Dogs Get Exposed to Cannabis

The most common scenarios include:

• Edibles: Brownies, gummies, cookies, and other THC-infused foods are the leading cause. Dogs are attracted to the smell and taste. Edibles also pose additional risks because they may contain chocolate, xylitol, or raisins.
• Flower or dried cannabis: Dogs may eat discarded joints, loose flower, or roaches found on the ground during walks.
• Cannabis butter or oil: Highly concentrated and extremely dangerous because of the higher THC content per volume.
• Secondhand smoke: While less common, prolonged exposure to marijuana smoke in an enclosed space can cause symptoms in dogs.
• CBD products: Most pure CBD products are not toxic, but those containing THC or other additives can cause problems.

Symptoms of Cannabis Ingestion in Dogs

Dogs are more sensitive to THC than humans. They have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains, which means the effects are more intense and can be frightening for both the dog and the owner.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

• Lethargy and drowsiness
• Disorientation and stumbling (ataxia)
• Dilated pupils
• Dribbling urine (urinary incontinence)
• Exaggerated startle response
• Drooling
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Glassy or unfocused eyes

Severe Symptoms

• Tremors or shaking
• Seizures (more common with edibles containing chocolate or concentrated products)
• Inability to stand or walk
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Vomiting
• Extreme agitation or hyperactivity (less common but does occur)
• Loss of consciousness

Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 3 hours after ingestion, depending on the type of product and whether the dog ate it on an empty stomach. Effects can last 12 to 36 hours in severe cases.

What to Do Right Now

Step 1: Stay Calm

Your dog is not going to understand what is happening to them, and your stress will make them more anxious. Stay calm and move them to a quiet, safe space away from stairs, sharp objects, and other hazards.

Step 2: Assess What They Consumed

Try to determine:

• What product they ate (edible, flower, oil, etc.)
• Approximately how much
• How long ago
• Whether the product contained other dangerous ingredients (chocolate, xylitol, raisins)

This information is critical for your vet. If you have the packaging, bring it with you.

Step 3: Call Your Vet or Emergency Animal Hospital

Contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency animal clinic immediately. Be honest about what your dog consumed -- veterinary professionals are bound by confidentiality and are not going to report you. They need accurate information to provide the best treatment.

You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a consultation fee but provide expert toxicology guidance.

Step 4: Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Professional Guidance

Cannabis has an anti-emetic effect, which means it suppresses vomiting. Attempting to induce vomiting at home is often unsuccessful and can cause aspiration (inhaling vomit) in a dog that is disoriented or sedated. Let the vet handle decontamination.

Step 5: Keep Your Dog Safe While Waiting

• Place them on a soft surface in case they lose coordination
• Keep the room quiet and dimly lit
• Do not force food or water -- they may choke if they are uncoordinated
• Monitor their breathing and temperature
• If they are having seizures, do not restrain them -- clear the area of hard objects and time the seizure

Veterinary Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and what was consumed. Common interventions include:

• Decontamination: If ingestion was very recent, the vet may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to limit absorption
• IV fluids: To support organ function and help the body process the toxins more quickly
• Anti-nausea medication: To control vomiting
• Temperature regulation: Warming or cooling as needed
• Monitoring: Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and neurological status
• Seizure management: Anti-convulsant medications if seizures occur
• Lipid emulsion therapy: In severe cases involving high-fat edibles, IV fat emulsion can help bind THC

Most dogs recover fully with supportive care. The prognosis is generally good when treatment is prompt, though recovery can take 24 to 72 hours in severe cases.

Can Cannabis Kill a Dog?

Death from cannabis alone is rare, but it does happen -- particularly with highly concentrated products like THC butter, distillate, or edibles consumed in large quantities. The bigger risk often comes from secondary ingredients in edibles (chocolate, xylitol) or from complications like aspiration pneumonia in severely sedated dogs.

The lethal dose of THC in dogs is estimated at around 3 grams per kilogram of body weight, but severe toxicity occurs at much lower doses. Never assume your dog will "just sleep it off" -- seek veterinary care.

CBD vs. THC -- Are CBD Products Safe?

CBD (cannabidiol) does not produce the "high" associated with THC and is generally considered less toxic to dogs. Some veterinarians even recommend CBD products formulated specifically for dogs for conditions like anxiety, pain, and seizures.

However, the CBD market is poorly regulated, and many products contain more THC than labeled. Third-party tested, veterinary-formulated CBD products are the safest choice if you are considering CBD for your dog. Always consult your vet before starting any CBD regimen.

Preventing Future Incidents

• Store all cannabis products in sealed, dog-proof containers out of reach
• Treat edibles like medication -- lock them away
• Be mindful of cannabis products in purses, bags, or on low tables that dogs can access
• Inform guests and household members about keeping products secured
• On walks, watch for discarded joints, roaches, or edible packaging on the ground
• Train a reliable "leave it" and "drop it" command

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a dog to recover from eating cannabis?

Mild cases typically resolve within 12 to 24 hours. Moderate to severe cases can take 24 to 72 hours. Full recovery depends on the amount consumed, the dog's size, and how quickly treatment was started.

Will my vet report me for bringing in a dog that ate marijuana?

No. Veterinarians are focused on treating your pet, not on legal matters. In most jurisdictions, veterinarians have no obligation or interest in reporting cannabis exposure. Withholding information about what your dog consumed wastes valuable treatment time and puts your dog at greater risk.

Can dogs get "contact high" from being in a room with marijuana smoke?

It is possible in enclosed spaces with heavy smoke exposure. Dogs in these environments may show mild symptoms like lethargy and disorientation. If you use cannabis, do so in well-ventilated areas away from your pets.

My dog ate a small amount of an edible but seems fine. Should I still call the vet?

Yes. Symptoms can take up to 3 hours to appear, and edibles can be more potent than expected. A quick call to your vet costs nothing and gives you peace of mind. They can tell you what to watch for and at what point to bring your dog in.

Is secondhand vape smoke dangerous for dogs?

Cannabis vape aerosol contains concentrated THC and can affect dogs in enclosed spaces. While the risk is lower than with combusted smoke, it is best to vape away from your pets and in well-ventilated areas.