My Dog Ate Weed: Symptoms of THC Poisoning in Dogs and What to Do

Weed doesn't sit well with dogs. THC hits them much harder than it hits us because their brains have far more cannabinoid receptors, so an edible or a smoky room can leave a dog lethargic, wobbly, dribbling urine or, in severe cases, seizing. If your dog got into weed, call or go to the vet right away. Pets are curious by nature and explore the world with their noses and mouths, which is exactly how they end up finding things they shouldn't.

Did your dog accidentally eat a cannabis edible? Or hang out in a room where you and your friends were smoking? If your dog seems lethargic, drowsy or is even unconscious, get to the vet immediately. Marijuana, and specifically THC, can be toxic to dogs, and acting fast is what keeps them safe.

Can dogs get high from weed?

Yes, dogs can get high if they're exposed to marijuana that contains THC. There are countless stories of dogs finding and wolfing down edibles like pot brownies. On top of that, careless owners can expose their dogs to weed smoke, especially in poorly ventilated rooms, forcing the animals to breathe in secondhand smoke.

THC, the main intoxicating compound in weed, affects dogs very differently than it affects people. This cannabinoid produces a high by binding to CB1 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a body-wide signaling network that helps keep everything in balance. Because THC is shaped a lot like the body's own endocannabinoids that switch these receptors on, it can throw the system off and cause psychoactive effects.

Do dogs have an endocannabinoid system too?

Dogs have an ECS too, but their brains contain far more CB1 receptors than human brains do. That means weed hits them much harder and is often toxic.

If your dog gets into your edibles, you need to know how to help them recover fast. Here's what to do if your dog gets high.

1. Watch for symptoms: Signs of THC poisoning in dogs include lethargy, disorientation, urinary incontinence, vomiting and, in severe cases, seizures or coma.
2. Call the vet: If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet right away. Early treatment is key to recovery.
3. Provide supportive care: Follow your vet's instructions, which may include monitoring, IV fluids and medications to counter the effects of THC.

Prevention is the best protection for your pet. Keep all cannabis products out of your pets' reach and don't smoke in closed spaces where they can breathe in the smoke. Stay informed, take a few precautions and your dog will stay safe and healthy.

What if my dog eats raw weed?

Eating raw cannabis flower shouldn't get your dog high. Before they're decarboxylated (heated), raw buds, even ones high in THCA, contain only negligible amounts of THC.

Vets still warn that raw weed can make dogs sick, though. THCA doesn't act on CB1 receptors the way THC does, but eating raw plant material can upset a dog's stomach, much like chowing down on a pile of any other inedible plant.

What about CBD for dogs?

Unlike THC and raw weed, CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, may actually benefit many dogs. More and more CBD pet products are hitting the market, from treats to creams.

Owners turn to these products to ease their dogs' physical discomfort and lower stress. But CBD can cause side effects in some dogs, like dry mouth, lower blood pressure and drowsiness. Talk to your vet before giving your pet any CBD product to make sure it's safe.

Symptoms of weed poisoning in dogs

If your dog has gotten into weed, you may notice a change in behavior along with some pretty obvious signs, including:

• Twitching and tremors
• Lethargy
• Dribbling urine
• Hyperactivity
• Drowsiness
• Disorientation
• Coma

What to do if your dog shows signs of weed poisoning

We get it, you might feel careless or even guilty. But if this happens, the most important thing is to get your dog to the vet. Your furry friend needs you right now, so give them all the help they need. Even if you don't know exactly how much THC they ate or inhaled, act fast, because symptoms can get worse over time.

How vets treat dogs with weed poisoning

At the vet, your dog will be checked to figure out how serious things are. If it looks like they only got a small amount of THC, the vet will walk you through how to care for your dog at home. If the symptoms are severe, though, they'll run more tests, like blood and urine work, to check organ function.

If the results show problems, the vet will start the right treatment, which could include fluids, cardiovascular support and anti-nausea medication.

How to care for your dog once you're home

Whether your vet sent your dog home right away or after treatment, give them some extra attention once you're back. Follow the vet's instructions and give your dog emotional support; they may be shaken up by the weed and the vet visit.

If your dog still has symptoms, make sure they're comfortable and warm, with access to water and food. If they're dribbling urine, set them up in an area lined with puppy pads.

And take steps to keep it from happening again: store your weed and edibles somewhere secure and out of your pet's reach, and don't smoke around them.