If a dog eats weed (marijuana), it can experience marijuana intoxication or toxicity due to the psychoactive substance THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which affects dogs more severely than humans because they have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains. The symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion and can last from several hours to days depending on the amount consumed and the dog's size and sensitivity. Common symptoms in dogs include:
- Lethargy or extreme sleepiness
- Stumbling, uncoordinated walking, or "drunk"-like behavior (ataxia)
- Dilated pupils and glassy or dazed eyes
- Vomiting and excessive drooling
- Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
- Anxiety or agitation
- Tremors, seizures, or in severe cases, coma
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
Dogs may also show anxious panting, vocalization (whining or crying), and difficulty regulating body temperature. Ingesting marijuana edibles can be more dangerous due to higher THC concentrations and possible toxic ingredients like chocolate or xylitol
. What to do if a dog eats weed:
- Take the dog to a veterinarian immediately for assessment and treatment.
- Be honest about the marijuana ingestion to avoid unnecessary tests and ensure proper care.
- Early treatment may include inducing vomiting if ingestion was recent, administering activated charcoal to limit absorption, and supportive care such as fluids and minimizing sensory stimuli
While most dogs recover without long-term effects, severe cases involving seizures or coma can lead to lasting brain damage or be fatal. Preventing access to marijuana and THC products is crucial to avoid accidental poisoning
. In summary, marijuana ingestion in dogs can cause serious neurological and physiological effects, requiring prompt veterinary attention to ensure the best outcome.
