Most dogs recover, but some become very sick, and edibles often contain chocolate or xylitol that can be more dangerous than the THC itself. Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center and be honest about what your dog ate. Vets are there to help your dog, not to judge.
Enter weight and amount to get an urgency level and next steps.
What to do right now
- Move your dog away from the source and pick up anything left over.
- Find the packaging, label, or plant so you know exactly what was eaten and how much.
- Note your dog's weight and the time it happened.
- Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Do this even if your pet seems normal.
- Do not make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to.
- Follow the advice you are given, and bring the packaging to the clinic.
Why THC is dangerous for dogs
THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, acts on receptors in the brain. Dogs have more of these receptors than people, which makes them more sensitive.
The Merck Veterinary Manual reports mild signs in dogs at THC doses as low as 0.3 to 0.5 mg per kg and moderate signs above 2 to 3 mg per kg. Labels are often inaccurate, and concentrates such as oils, wax, and vape cartridges can contain very large amounts. That is why the calculator uses conservative tiers and treats unknown amounts as urgent.
Symptoms to watch for
- Wobbliness and stumbling
- Unusual sleepiness, or agitation in some dogs
- Dribbling urine
- Sensitivity to touch and sound
- Dilated pupils, slow heart rate, low body temperature
- Vomiting; tremors or seizures with large doses
Timeline: when signs appear
Signs usually appear within 30 minutes to 4 hours after eating THC. Edibles are absorbed slowly, so signs can start late and last a long time. Most dogs recover within 1 to 3 days. If the edible contained chocolate or xylitol, those follow their own timelines.
Go straight to an emergency vet if
- Your dog is very sleepy, hard to wake, wobbly, trembling, dribbling urine, or having a seizure
- The product was a concentrate (oil, wax, vape cartridge) or contained chocolate or xylitol
- The estimated dose is in the Emergency range
- Your dog has vomited and is very sedated (risk of inhaling vomit)
What the vet will do
Treatment is mainly supportive: keeping your dog warm, safe, and hydrated while the THC wears off. The vet may give activated charcoal and IV fluids, and monitor heart rate and temperature.
Vets are careful about inducing vomiting with THC because sedated dogs may not protect their airway. Do not try it at home. Severely affected dogs may need to stay in the hospital.
How to prevent it
- Store all cannabis products in a locked container, out of reach.
- Never leave edibles in bags, cars, or on tables.
- Dispose of joint ends securely.
- Watch your dog on walks in places where people may discard cannabis.
For a room-by-room list you can print, see the pet poison-proofing checklist.
Halloween tip: candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags are a top cause of pet poisoning calls. See My dog ate Halloween candy: what to do.
Enter weight and amount to get an urgency level and next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dog die from eating marijuana?
Deaths are rare, but they have been reported, mostly after edibles. Edibles may also contain chocolate or xylitol, which carry their own risks.
Will the vet report me to the police?
A vet's job is to treat your pet. An honest history helps them treat your dog safely and quickly.
How long will my dog be high?
Most dogs recover within 1 to 3 days. Large doses and concentrates can cause longer effects.
Is CBD dangerous for dogs?
Products sold as CBD can contain THC, and labels are often inaccurate. Call your vet or poison control if your dog ate a large amount.