Veterinarians see THC poisoning in dogs at oral doses near 1 to 3 mg of THC per kilogram of body weight, which equals about 0.45 to 1.4 mg per pound. Reactions vary with the dog, the product, and how much food was in the stomach. The minimum lethal oral dose of THC reported in dogs is above 3 g/kg, far higher than the dose that causes signs, so most exposures are survivable with care.
Pet Insurance for Cannabis Incidents
What dose of THC causes poisoning in dogs?
For a 10-pound dog (about 4.5 kg), 4.5 to 13.5 mg of THC is enough to produce clinical signs. A single 10 mg edible can reach that range for a small dog, and two or three pieces can push a medium dog into the same zone. Potency varies by product, so label numbers matter more than the amount of plant material eaten.
Cost of Emergency Vet for Cannabis Poisoning
Flower is not automatically safer. A gram of flower testing 20% THC holds roughly 200 mg of THC, so a few crumbs can dose a 10-pound dog. Ate a roach or a used vape cartridge? Those carry leftover concentrate and can be more potent per gram than plain flower.
Are edibles more dangerous to dogs than flower?
Yes, for three reasons. First, THC is concentrated into a small, sweet item a dog will happily eat. Second, chocolate, raisins, and the sweetener xylitol appear in many edibles and add their own toxicity. Third, edibles absorb slower, so signs appear later and last longer, which means more hours of monitoring and a higher chance of a hospital stay.
CBD for Pets After Cannabis Ingestion: A Comprehensive Guide
Why are dogs more sensitive to THC than people?
Dogs have a higher density of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brain, and their livers process THC into an active metabolite that prolongs the effect. A dose that feels mild to a 150-pound human can hit a 15-pound dog hard. Body size, not species alone, drives how severe the reaction becomes.
What are the signs of cannabis toxicity in dogs?
- Wobbling, swaying, or a stiff, drunken walk (static ataxia)
- Lethargy, depression, or unresponsiveness
- Dilated pupils and slow or fast heart rate
- Drooling, vomiting, or urinary leaking
- Low body temperature
- Tremors, twitching, or, in severe cases, seizures and coma
Signs start 30 to 60 minutes after a dog eats flower or inhales smoke, and 1 to 4 hours after edibles. Mild cases clear in 12 to 24 hours, while edible cases can run 24 to 72 hours. A dog that is unresponsive, twitching, or unable to stand needs a veterinarian right away.
Is CBD toxic to dogs?
CBD is far less toxic than THC because it does not bind CB1 receptors the same way, and serious poisoning is uncommon. High doses can still cause sleepiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and raised liver enzymes. Check the label for xylitol, THC, or chocolate flavoring, since those ingredients cause the emergency.
What should you do if your dog ate cannabis?
- Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or a pet poison hotline before doing anything else.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.
- Save the packaging, label, or remaining product so the vet can estimate milligrams of THC.
- Note the time of ingestion and your dog's weight.
- Keep the dog warm, quiet, and away from stairs or furniture it could fall from.
- Go in if the dog is trembling, unresponsive, breathing oddly, or has eaten chocolate or xylitol too.
How is cannabis poisoning in dogs treated?
Care is supportive. A vet may give activated charcoal or induce vomiting if ingestion happened within the first hour or two, then start IV fluids, anti-nausea drugs, warming, and medication to control tremors. Blood work checks glucose and organ values, especially with chocolate or xylitol in the mix.
The outlook is good for most dogs that receive supportive care. Deaths are rare and are linked to very large doses, delay in treatment, or other toxins in the same edible. Full recovery within a day or two is the typical outcome.
How do you keep cannabis away from dogs?
- Store flower, edibles, and concentrates in a locked, smell-proof container above counter height.
- Never leave gummies on a coffee table, nightstand, or in a tote bag a dog can reach.
- Clear roaches, vape cartridges, and resin from floors and yard areas after use.
- Tell houseguests where edibles live and ask them to keep purses and bags closed.