My Dog Ate Weed: What Should I Do?
In this article
My Dog Ate Weed: What Should I Do?
By Dr Duncan Houston
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.
What to do immediately
If your dog has just eaten weed:
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Remove access straight away
Take away any remaining product -
Call your vet or emergency clinic immediately
Do this even if your dog seems normal -
Do not wait for symptoms
THC effects are often delayed -
Do not try home remedies
Inducing vomiting without guidance can be dangerous -
Bring packaging if possible
Especially important if it was an edible
Why this is an emergency
Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans.
Even small amounts can cause:
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significant neurological effects
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prolonged sedation
-
serious complications
The risk increases with:
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edibles
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concentrated products
-
unknown quantities
Why edibles are especially dangerous
This is where things get worse.
Edibles often contain:
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chocolate
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xylitol
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high fat content
So your dog may be dealing with:
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THC toxicity
-
chocolate toxicity
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xylitol poisoning
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pancreatitis risk
Multiple problems at once.
When symptoms start
Signs usually begin within:
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30 minutes to a few hours
But this varies depending on:
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amount consumed
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type of product
-
your dog’s size
Your dog may seem normal at first.
That does not mean they are safe.
Signs to watch for
Common signs include:
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wobbling or unsteady walking
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extreme sleepiness
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dilated pupils
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drooling
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vomiting
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urinary incontinence
More serious signs:
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agitation
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tremors
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seizures
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collapse
What your vet may do
If you act early, your vet may:
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induce vomiting (if safe)
-
give activated charcoal
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start supportive care
If symptoms are already present:
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monitoring
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intravenous fluids
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medications to control signs
Most treatment is supportive, but timing makes a big difference.
How long it lasts
THC can last longer in dogs than people expect:
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mild cases → 12 to 24 hours
-
moderate to severe → up to 48–72 hours
Some dogs may appear to improve, then worsen again.
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.
What if you’re not sure how much was eaten
Assume it is significant.
Dogs often eat:
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more than you think
-
entire portions
-
concentrated products
Dose is unpredictable.
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.
Final thoughts
Cannabis exposure in dogs is common… and often underestimated.
The key issue is not just the THC, but:
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how sensitive dogs are
-
how unpredictable the dose is
-
what else may be in the product
If in doubt, act early.
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.
