My Dog Ate Marijuana/Edibles: What to Do Now
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ЁЯУЛ Important: Be Honest With Your Vet
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Assess Your Pet's Risk Right Now
| Product Type | Amount Eaten | Risk Level | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edibles (gummies, brownies) | Any amount | HIGH | ЁЯЪи Emergency vet NOW тАФ high THC + chocolate |
| Dried cannabis | > 1 gram | Moderate | ЁЯУЮ Call vet or poison control |
| CBD products | Any amount (check for xylitol!) | Check ingredients | ЁЯУЮ May also contain xylitol тАФ call vet |
What to Do Right Now
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Step 1: Remove All Remaining Product
Check for packaging тАФ note THC content in mg per piece and total pieces eaten. This determines toxicity risk.
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Step 2: Check for Xylitol (CBD Products)
тЪая╕П Some CBD oils contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Check the ingredient list immediately.
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Step 3: Call Poison Control or Vet
ЁЯУЮ <strong>ASPCA Poison Control:</strong> (888) 426-4435. Be honest тАФ they will provide guidance without judgment.
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Step 4: Monitor Symptoms
Watch for: stumbling, dilated pupils, urinary incontinence, drooling, slow heart rate, hypothermia. Severe cases: seizures or coma. Symptoms can last 12-72 hours.
The Science Behind It
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binds to CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the canine central nervous system. Dogs have a higher density of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum (responsible for coordination) and brainstem than humans, explaining their heightened sensitivity. THC is lipophilic and undergoes enterohepatic recirculation, prolonging effects. Edibles are dangerous because the GI tract absorbs THC rapidly, and the liver converts 11-hydroxy-THC, which is 5x more psychoactive. Most cases are supportive тАФ there is no specific antidote, but IV lipid emulsion therapy can accelerate THC clearance (ASPCA, 2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana toxic to dogs?
Yes, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is toxic to dogs. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the brain than humans, making them significantly more sensitive. Edibles (gummies, brownies, cookies) are especially dangerous due to high THC concentration тАФ one gummy can contain 10-100mg THC, which is toxic to most dogs.
What are the symptoms of marijuana poisoning in dogs?
Symptoms appear within 30-90 minutes: dazed appearance, stumbling/ataxia, urinary incontinence (dripping urine), drooling, dilated pupils, vomiting, tremors, bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypothermia, and in severe cases: seizures or coma. Be honest with your vet тАФ marijuana toxicosis is rarely fatal, and honesty ensures proper treatment.
Are marijuana edibles more dangerous than dried cannabis?
Yes, edibles are significantly more dangerous: (1) High THC concentration (10-100mg per piece), (2) Often contain chocolate (double toxicity), (3) Faster absorption from GI tract, (4) Dogs eat multiple pieces quickly. Edibles account for the majority of severe cannabis toxicosis cases in dogs.
Can a dog die from eating marijuana?
Fatalities from marijuana alone are rare in dogs тАФ the LD50 is very high (over 3g/kg of THC). However, edibles pose additional risks: chocolate toxicity, xylitol in some CBD products, and overdose from multiple ingestion. Death is more likely from complications (aspiration pneumonia, hypothermia) or combined toxins. Always seek veterinary care.
Should I tell my vet my dog ate marijuana?
Yes, always be honest. Veterinarians are required to treat, not report, pet poisonings. Knowing your dog ate marijuana ensures they provide appropriate care: inducing vomiting (if early), activated charcoal, IV fluids, thermoregulation, and monitoring heart rate. Without this information, your dog may undergo unnecessary tests or receive inappropriate treatment.