What Happens If a Dog Eats Marijuana: We Tell You What to Do

The concern about what to do if a dog uses marijuana is increasingly relevant due to the growing legalization and availability of this substance. Dogs, like other animals, have an endocannabinoid system, but they react differently and generally more intensely to THC compared to humans. This fact is crucial, as THC is the main psychoactive component of marijuana. 

Can dogs feel the effects of cannabis?

Yes, dogs can experience intense and potentially dangerous effects due to the higher number of cannabinoid receptors in their brains compared to humans.

Symptoms of poisoning in dogs may include vomiting, dilated pupils, incontinence, excessive salivation, lack of coordination, dizziness, hypothermia, reduced heart rate, stupor, sensitivity to light and sound, vocalizations such as whining and barking, and in some cases, severe symptoms like agitation, aggression, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, hyperexcitability, seizures, and even coma.

How long do the effects last?

The effects in dogs can last from 1 to 3 days, with an average duration of 24 hours. In cases of ingestion of large amounts of cannabis, recovery may take up to 5 days.

Is THC toxic to dogs?

THC can be toxic to dogs, especially due to the high number of CB1 receptors in their brains. However, deaths are extremely rare.

The oral lethal dose of THC for dogs is very high, over 3 grams per kilogram of body weight. Still, be cautious with foods that contain other toxic ingredients for dogs, such as chocolate, caffeine, raisins, avocado, butter, nuts, and certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

What to do if a dog consumes marijuana?

Stay calm to avoid mistakes and increase the dog's stress.
Try to determine what, when, and how much your dog consumed.
Take your dog to the veterinarian, especially if you are unsure of the amount consumed.
Reduce stimuli such as noise and lights to keep the dog calm.
Be honest with the veterinary staff about what happened.

What happens to other animals?

Cats and other pets, although less likely to use marijuana due to their more selective eating habits, can also feel unpleasant effects if they consume it.

Research in this area is limited, but symptoms similar to those in dogs have been observed in cats exposed to cannabis smoke.

Recovery and Prevention

After recovery, it is essential to take steps to prevent the incident from happening again. This includes safely storing marijuana and any foods containing cannabis, as well as smoking in well-ventilated areas away from pets.

Although dogs and other pets have an endocannabinoid system similar to humans, their response to THC is significantly more intense and can be dangerous. Immediate veterinary care is crucial in cases of cannabis ingestion, and prevention is the best strategy to ensure the safety of the pet.