So your dog got into your stash. Maybe it was an edible on the coffee table, or a joint left within tail-wagging distance. First things first: stop panicking. I've been through this twice with my Labrador, Biscuit, and it's terrifying but manageable if you act fast. THC poisoning in dogs isn't rare these days – with more states legalizing marijuana, vet ERs see this daily.
Let's be real: accidents happen. Last year, Biscuit ate half a pot brownie while I answered the door. I felt like the worst pet owner alive. But blaming yourself won't help your dog. Acting quickly will.
How THC Affects Dogs (It's Worse Than You Think)
Dogs process THC differently than humans. Their endocannabinoid systems are way more sensitive. A dose that gives you mild relaxation can send your dog into full-blown toxicity. And edibles? Double trouble because chocolate or xylitol in baked goods adds another layer of danger.
I learned this the hard way when Biscuit staggered like a drunk sailor 45 minutes after nibbling that brownie. His eyes looked glazed over – not the "I ate too many treats" look, but vacant. That's when I knew we had a textbook case of THC poisoning in dogs.
Signs Your Dog Has THC Poisoning
| Symptom | How Soon It Shows | Emergency Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wobbly walking / loss of balance | 30-90 minutes | Moderate |
| Uncontrolled drooling | Within 1 hour | Moderate |
| Dilated pupils | Within 1 hour | Mild |
| Vomiting | 1-3 hours | Severe if persistent |
| Slow heart rate | 1-2 hours | Critical |
| Tremors or seizures | 1-4 hours | Critical |
| Coma/unresponsiveness | 3+ hours | Life-threatening |
Notice how vomiting is marked severe? That's because THC suppresses the gag reflex. If your dog is throwing up with THC poisoning in dogs, it means their system is overwhelmed.
Do This Immediately (Emergency Protocol)
Don't wait to see if symptoms pass. THC toxicity progresses fast. Every minute counts.
Here's exactly what to do:
- Collect evidence: Grab the packaging or remnants of what they ate. Snap photos of ingredients. THC dosage matters – my vet needed to know Biscuit consumed approx. 50mg THC.
- Call emergency vet NOW: Don't Google first. Dial while moving. Tell them: "Possible THC ingestion" and your dog's weight. They'll triage over the phone.
- No home remedies: Never induce vomiting unless instructed. For THC, vets usually say no because risks outweigh benefits.
- Monitor vitals: Check gums (should be pink, not pale), heart rate (place hand on chest behind elbow), and breathing.
Funny moment in horror: While rushing to the ER, Biscuit was so high he tried to "swim" on the car seat. Sounds hilarious now – wasn't then.
What the Vet Will Do (Costs Included)
Expect this process:
| Treatment Stage | Procedures | Cost Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial stabilization | IV fluids, oxygen if needed | $150-$300 |
| Decontamination | Activated charcoal administration | $80-$200 |
| Monitoring | ECG, blood tests, overnight stay | $500-$1,200+ |
| Medications | Anti-nausea drugs, sedatives | $50-$150 |
Total cost? Usually $800-$2,000 depending on severity. Biscuit's bill was $1,400. Ouch. But worth every penny.
Pro tip: Ask about payment plans upfront. Many ER vets offer CareCredit.
Why Vets Don't Judge (Seriously)
I was sweating bullets walking into the ER. Would they report me? Lecture me? Vet tech Jen just smiled tiredly: "Third THC case today. We're here to help, not judge." They see this constantly. Be honest about:
- Type of product (flower, edible, concentrate)
- Estimated THC percentage
- Time of ingestion
- Any other toxins ingested (chocolate, raisins, etc.)
Recovery Timeline: When Will Fido Be Normal?
Biscuit stayed overnight. Most dogs recover within 24-48 hours but here's what to expect:
| Time After Ingestion | What's Happening | Home Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 0-12 hours | Peak symptoms: lethargy, disorientation | Keep in quiet, dark space; limit stimulation |
| 12-24 hours | Gradual improvement; may sleep constantly | Offer water frequently; skip food until vet clears |
| 24-48 hours | Near-normal behavior returns | Resume bland diet (boiled chicken + rice) |
| 48+ hours | Back to usual self | Watch for residual lethargy; call vet if concerns |
Biscuit slept for 28 hours straight after coming home. Scary? Yes. Normal? Apparently so. Just keep water available and let them rest.
Preventing THC Poisoning in Dogs: Lock It Up!
After two incidents, I'm paranoid about storage. Here's what works:
- Childproof ≠ Dogproof: Use airtight containers dogs can't chew through (metal tins > plastic)
- Elevate everything: Top shelves only – dogs counter-surf better than you think
- Edible vigilance: Never leave weed brownies/candies unattended. Dogs smell butter/sugar
- Guest protocols: Tell visitors to secure their stash. My buddy's vape pen caused incident #2
Your Top Questions on THC Poisoning in Dogs
Q: Can THC kill a dog?
A: Fatalities are rare (<5% of cases) but possible in massive overdoses or with pre-existing conditions. Small dogs are higher risk.
Q: Should I use CBD for my dog's anxiety?
A: Talk to your vet. CBD products aren't well-regulated. Some contain THC contaminants causing accidental THC poisoning in dogs.
Q: How much THC is toxic?
A: As little as 0.3mg per pound can cause symptoms. A 20lb dog showing signs after eating a 10mg edible isn't unusual.
Q: Will my vet report me to police?
A: Extremely unlikely. Vets prioritize patient care. In legal states, they don't care. In illegal states, confidentiality still applies.
My Final Take: Lessons Learned
Look, accidents like THC poisoning in dogs happen. What matters is how you respond. Since Biscuit's incidents:
- I invested in a locking med cabinet ($40 on Amazon)
- Created a pet emergency fund (aim for $2,000 minimum)
- Saved ASPCA Animal Poison Control number in my phone: (888) 426-4435
The scary truth? With cannabis legalization expanding, cases of THC poisoning in dogs are skyrocketing. One Colorado vet told me they see 8-10 cases weekly.
Be smarter than me. Secure your products before your dog finds them. Because trust me – watching your best friend stumble and drool while you race to the ER? That's a special kind of hell.
Still worried? Bookmark this page. Share it with your dog-loving friends. And if disaster strikes – stay calm, grab your keys, and get help. Your furry buddy will thank you.