Here’s a mind-blower: Poison control calls for dogs ingesting weed have increased more than 700% since 2019. Yeah, you heard that correctly legal marijuana equals more edibles on the home shelf, and our furry friends are getting into them more than you might imagine. For dog owners, that spontaneous movie night can be a full-on panic attack in a matter of seconds if a curious dog stumbles upon your stash.
But fear not having an idea of what to do can save the day. This guide breaks down the real-world steps, expert-approved advice, and prevention tricks you’ll need, so you can move quickly and protect your dog if weed ever joins the snack menu.
1. Identify the Signs Quickly
The THC impact takes dogs differently than people, and the signs may creep up on you. Symptoms, which can be anything from stumbling walks and salivating to heavy eyelids, being sensitive to noise, and even incontinent urination, have been described by Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. Some dogs appear hyperactive or dazed, while others become so lethargic that they can hardly move. And here’s a crazy fact: symptoms may appear as early as 30 minutes after consumption and persist for as long as 72 hours. If your dog goes haywire suddenly and there’s any possibility they ingested weed, it’s time to take action quickly.
2. Don’t Delay Take Action Now
Time is of the essence. If you catch your dog red-handed or have reason to believe they’ve ingested cannabis, whatever you do, don’t leave them. Evaluate the situation. Why? THC is much more powerful for canines, and edibles are a heavyweight in terms of hits often as much as 300 mg of THC per treat. And then there are ingredients such as chocolate or xylitol in edibles that are toxic in their own right. American Veterinary Medical Association’s Dr. Michael San Filippo emphasizes, “Marijuana affects dogs differently than it does people.” Some people think their dogs are experiencing the same high that people do. They’re not; they’re scared and sick and potentially in danger.
3. Should You Make Your Dog Throw Up?
Here’s where things get tricky. Inducing vomiting can help if you do it right and only within a short window after ingestion. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is the only at-home emetic vets recommend, and only for dogs not cats . The typical dose is one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, but always consult with your vet first. But if your dog is already exhibiting symptoms, don’t bother vomiting may cause aspiration and worsen the problem . Never give salt, ipecac, or attempt to gag the dog. If unsure, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center.
4. What to Do at the Vet
If home remedies won’t work or aren’t safe, it’s time for a trip to the vet. Vets have more effective, safer methods of inducing vomiting and can offer supportive treatment such as IV fluids, activated charcoal, and close observation. In bad cases, they might use treatments such as intralipid infusion to aid in THC removal from your dog’s system. The vast majority of dogs recover completely in 24 to 72 hours, but you need to be truthful with your vet regarding what occurred. Dr. San Filippo placates, “We don’t have any desire to turn you in; we just want to save your dog’s life and get them on the road to recovery.”
5. Why Edibles and Concentrates Are Even More Hazardous
Weed isn’t weed. Concentrates and edibles may have much higher THC concentrations than plant material, and the danger skyrockets if they are mixed with chocolate, xylitol, or other poisonous ingredients. A single small bite can be sufficient to send a small dog into a medical crisis. And products are not always labeled correctly one study reported that only 17% of cannabis edibles contained the proper THC content as listed. Which is to say, you might have no clue how much your dog really ate, so acting quickly is essential.
6. Recovery: What to Expect and How to Help
Most dogs recover fine with appropriate care, but recovery will take a day to three days. Keep your dog in a quiet, secure room with reduced sensory input. Prevent them from getting near stairs, pools, or anything that they can fall from or into. Some will have to be restricted from injury while their coordination is impaired. If your vet does send your dog home, be sure to follow all directions on fluids, rest, and any medication they have prescribed. And yes, plenty of TLC works too.
7. Keeping It from Happening Again Storage and Safety Tips
Once your dog is safe, prevention is the name of the game. Store all cannabis products in sealed containers, locked cabinets, or high shelves never on counters or in bags within reach. If you’re using edibles or smoking, keep your dog in a separate, well-ventilated area until everything is cleaned up. Keep in mind that some dogs are habitual offenders, so don’t count on a bad experience to learn them a lesson. As Dr. San Filippo says, “Just as you would with your medications, you want to keep marijuana and marijuana edibles safely out of reach.”
Pot is more prevalent than ever, and so are the dangers to our dogs. But with speedy intervention, blunt talk with your veterinarian, and some clever storage tactics, you can keep your dog safe and your sense of security intact. Keep in mind: acting fast and being prepared can turn a frightening moment into just another tale for the dog park.
