My Dog Ate Weed (Marijuana): What to Do

What to do right now

1. Find out what was eaten: plant material, edibles (check for chocolate or xylitol), oils or vape cartridges.
2. Call your vet or poison control and tell them honestly, so they can treat your dog correctly.
3. Keep your dog in a quiet, dim, safe place away from stairs and water.
4. Go to a vet if your dog cannot stand, is very sedated, has a very slow heart rate, or is having tremors.

Why weed can be dangerous for dogs

Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in the brain than people, so small amounts of THC cause pronounced effects. Concentrates, oils and edibles deliver high doses, and edibles can contain chocolate (toxic) or xylitol (very toxic).

Symptoms to watch for

• Wobbliness and stumbling
• Dribbling urine
• Sensitivity to noise and touch (startling)
• Dilated pupils and glassy eyes
• Sleepiness or agitation
• Slow heart rate, low body temperature
• Tremors (high doses)

What not to do

• Do not induce vomiting if your dog is very sedated: it can inhale vomit.
• Do not hide the cause from your vet.

What the vet will do

Signs usually last 12-24 hours, longer with edibles. Treatment may include inducing vomiting (if early and safe), activated charcoal, IV fluids, warming and monitoring.

Related guides

• Dog chocolate toxicity calculator
• Dog xylitol toxicity calculator

Dog ate weed: FAQ

Other "my dog ate…" guides

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Sources

• Pet Poison Helpline: Marijuana
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Every pet is different: when in doubt, call your vet or an animal poison control line.