Introduction
As cannabis becomes more common in households for both medical and recreational use, a growing concern is surfacing among pet owners: What happens if your dog eats weed?
Whether your furry friend got into an edible, sniffed out a stash, or chewed on a joint, it’s important to understand the risks and how to respond. While cannabis offers various health benefits for humans, Cannabis and pets—especially dogs—don’t mix the same way.
This blog explores the effects of cannabis on dogs, signs of cannabis ingestion, what to do if it happens, and how to prevent cannabis exposure in pets. We’ll also touch on how cannabis can benefit animals—but only under strict supervision and with pet-safe products.
Is Cannabis Dangerous to Pets?
Yes, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, is toxic to dogs and other pets in even small amounts. While it’s not usually fatal, it can cause serious health issues and distress for your pet.
On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol)—another cannabis compound—has shown promise in treating pain, anxiety, and seizures in pets, but it must be administered in the right dose and in pet-safe formulations.
The takeaway? Cannabis can be both harmful and helpful for pets, depending on the form, dose, and whether it’s intended for animals.
Why Cannabis Affects Pets Differently Than Humans
Dogs and other animals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) just like humans, which helps regulate mood, pain, appetite, and immune function. However, dogs have more cannabinoid receptors (especially CB1) in their brain than humans, making them much more sensitive to THC.
This means even a small amount of marijuana—especially in edibles, concentrates, or high-THC flower—can have a powerful and sometimes dangerous effect on your dog.
Common Ways Dogs Ingest Cannabis
Accidental ingestion usually happens in one of the following ways:
- Edibles: Cannabis-infused treats like cookies, brownies, or gummies
- Loose flower or joints: Dogs may chew or eat raw cannabis or roaches
- Concentrates: Even a small dab of wax or oil is dangerously potent for pets
- Ashtrays or vapes: Dogs may eat or lick cannabis residue
- Topicals: Some dogs may lick cannabis-infused balms or salves
Signs Your Dog Ate Weed
If your dog ingests cannabis, symptoms may appear within 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the method and amount consumed.
Common symptoms include:
- Lethargy or extreme sedation
- Loss of coordination (wobbly walking or stumbling)
- Dilated pupils
- Drooling
- Vocalizing (whining or barking excessively)
- Urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
- Vomiting
- Low blood pressure or slow heart rate
- Tremors or seizures (in rare, severe cases)
Note: In most cases, these symptoms are not fatal, but they are very distressing and may require veterinary care.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Cannabis
If you suspect your dog has ingested cannabis:
✅ 1. Stay Calm
Panicking won’t help your pet. Stay composed so you can take proper steps.
✅ 2. Contact Your Vet Immediately
Be honest about what happened. Vets aren’t there to judge—they need accurate information to treat your dog effectively.
If your regular vet isn’t available, contact an emergency veterinary clinic or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
✅ 3. Provide Details
Be prepared to share:
- What kind of cannabis product was ingested (edible, flower, oil)
- How much you think your dog consumed
- When the ingestion occurred
- Your dog’s breed, weight, and age
✅ 4. Don’t Induce Vomiting (Unless Directed)
Unlike some other toxins, inducing vomiting after cannabis ingestion can be risky, especially if your dog is sedated or disoriented. Only do so if your vet specifically instructs it.
✅ 5. Keep Your Pet Comfortable
If symptoms are mild and your vet advises home monitoring, keep your dog in a quiet, safe space where they won’t fall or injure themselves.
How Vets Treat Cannabis Toxicity in Dogs
There is no antidote for THC toxicity in dogs, but treatment is focused on supportive care until the cannabis is metabolized.
Common veterinary treatments include:
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Activated charcoal to absorb toxins
- Anti-nausea medications
- Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure
- Warming or cooling measures, depending on body temperature
Most dogs recover within 12–36 hours, but this can vary based on size, amount ingested, and type of cannabis product.
What About CBD for Pets?
While THC is dangerous, CBD is being actively studied for potential health benefits in animals. Pet-specific CBD products are formulated without THC and in doses appropriate for dogs and cats.
Potential benefits of pet-safe CBD include:
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Managing arthritis and joint pain
- Improving sleep and relaxation
- Supporting seizure control in epileptic dogs
Always choose CBD products labeled for pet use, and consult your veterinarian before starting a CBD regimen.
How to Prevent Cannabis Exposure in Pets
As a responsible pet owner and cannabis user, it’s your job to keep your stash out of paw’s reach.
🛡 Safety Tips:
- Store cannabis products in sealed containers
- Keep them in cabinets or drawers your pet can’t access
- Never leave joints, vapes, or edibles unattended
- Avoid using cannabis in the same room as your pet, especially smoking or vaping
- Dispose of roaches, wrappers, and ash properly
Bonus Tip:
Use child- and pet-proof cannabis containers—many are designed to lock securely and can withstand curious noses and paws.
Are Cats at Risk Too?
Yes—cats can also be affected by THC, though they are generally less likely to ingest cannabis because they’re pickier eaters. Still, cats may suffer similar symptoms from cannabis exposure, and should be treated just as seriously.
Symptoms in cats can include:
- Drooling
- Wobbliness
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to touch or sound
CBD for cats is also becoming more popular, but should only be administered with veterinary guidance.
Cannabis and Pets: Myths vs Facts
Let’s bust a few common misconceptions:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “Weed is natural, so it’s safe for dogs.” | Natural doesn’t mean safe—THC is toxic to dogs. |
| “My dog seems fine after eating weed.” | Effects can be delayed and worsen over time. |
| “I’ll wait it out—it’ll wear off.” | Some cases require urgent care—call your vet immediately. |
| “CBD is the same as THC.” | CBD is non-intoxicating and may be safe for pets (in proper form). |
Final Thoughts: Cannabis and Pets Don’t Mix—Unless It’s Vet-Approved
In the cannabis world, what works for humans doesn’t always work for pets. While cannabis has many health benefits, THC can be dangerous—even toxic—to dogs and other animals.
If your dog eats weed, the most important thing is to act fast, call your vet, and be honest about the situation. Most pets recover well with proper treatment, but the experience can be frightening for both of you.
The good news? Cannabis can still be part of a pet’s wellness routine through CBD products specifically formulated for animals. Just make sure you’re working with a vet and using products you can trust.
Where to Find Trusted Pet CBD Products
If you’re looking to introduce CBD into your pet’s wellness routine, it’s crucial to buy from a reputable and reliable source that offers high-quality, lab-tested products specifically designed for animals.
That’s why we recommend Bud Express Now as one of the best online dispensaries in Canada for pet-safe CBD oil.
Why Choose Bud Express Now for Pet CBD?
- ✅ Lab-Tested, THC-Free Formulas made just for pets
- ✅ Wide selection of CBD oils and treats for dogs and cats
- ✅ Fast, discreet shipping across Canada
- ✅ Trusted by thousands of customers for quality and service
- ✅ Competitive pricing and frequent promotions
Whether you’re managing your pet’s anxiety, joint pain, or seizures, Bud Express Now offers CBD solutions tailored to your furry companion’s needs—backed by transparency, quality, and care.
👉 Shop Pet CBD Products at Bud Express Now and give your pet a natural boost in comfort and calm.
