My Dog Ate Weed: What Should I Do?

My Dog Ate Weed: What Should I Do?

By Dr Duncan Houston

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Quick Answer

If your dog has just eaten weed, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. THC is toxic to dogs and can cause neurological signs such as wobbling, sedation, vomiting, or seizures. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes.

This is one of those situations where people hesitate… and that hesitation is the biggest risk.

A lot of dogs that eat cannabis look fine at first.

Then things change.

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What to do immediately

If your dog has just eaten weed:

1. Remove access straight away
   Take away any remaining product

2. Call your vet or emergency clinic immediately
   Do this even if your dog seems normal

3. Do not wait for symptoms
   THC effects are often delayed

4. Do not try home remedies
   Inducing vomiting without guidance can be dangerous

5. Bring packaging if possible
   Especially important if it was an edible

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Why this is an emergency

Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans.

Even small amounts can cause:

• significant neurological effects

• prolonged sedation

• serious complications

The risk increases with:

• edibles

• concentrated products

• unknown quantities

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Why edibles are especially dangerous

This is where things get worse.

Edibles often contain:

• chocolate

• xylitol

• high fat content

So your dog may be dealing with:

• THC toxicity

• chocolate toxicity

• xylitol poisoning

• pancreatitis risk

Multiple problems at once.

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When symptoms start

Signs usually begin within:

• 30 minutes to a few hours

But this varies depending on:

• amount consumed

• type of product

• your dog’s size

Your dog may seem normal at first.

That does not mean they are safe.

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Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• wobbling or unsteady walking

• extreme sleepiness

• dilated pupils

• drooling

• vomiting

• urinary incontinence

More serious signs:

• agitation

• tremors

• seizures

• collapse

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What your vet may do

If you act early, your vet may:

• induce vomiting (if safe)

• give activated charcoal

• start supportive care

If symptoms are already present:

• monitoring

• intravenous fluids

• medications to control signs

Most treatment is supportive, but timing makes a big difference.

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How long it lasts

THC can last longer in dogs than people expect:

• mild cases → 12 to 24 hours

• moderate to severe → up to 48–72 hours

Some dogs may appear to improve, then worsen again.

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Why you should not wait

The biggest mistake is waiting to “see how they go”.

The problem is:

• symptoms can worsen suddenly

• multiple toxins may be involved

• treatment becomes more complex over time

Early action is always safer.

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What if you’re not sure how much was eaten

Assume it is significant.

Dogs often eat:

• more than you think

• entire portions

• concentrated products

Dose is unpredictable.

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FAQ

Will my dog be okay after eating weed

Most dogs recover with treatment, but complications can occur without care.

Should I make my dog vomit at home

Only if your vet tells you to. This can be dangerous in some cases.

What if my dog is just sleepy

Sleepiness is a common sign of toxicity, not reassurance.

How urgent is this

It should be treated as an urgent situation.

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Final thoughts

Cannabis exposure in dogs is common… and often underestimated.

The key issue is not just the THC, but:

• how sensitive dogs are

• how unpredictable the dose is

• what else may be in the product

If in doubt, act early.

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Still unsure what to do next?

This situation is stressful and time-sensitive.

Is it serious?
Will it pass?
Do you need to go in now?

If you’re unsure, getting guidance immediately can help you avoid missing something important.

The ASK A VET™ app gives you access to veterinary advice when you need it, helping you act quickly and confidently.