Dogs are naturally curious, and sometimes their curiosity gets them into serious trouble. With marijuana becoming more common in households, many pet owners are asking the same question: Can a dog die from eating weed?
The short answer is—yes, it’s rare but possible. While most dogs recover with timely veterinary care, marijuana can cause severe health issues and, in extreme cases, life-threatening complications.
In this blog, we’ll explain how weed affects dogs, the symptoms to watch out for, and what steps you should take if your pet eats it.
Can a Dog Die from Eating Weed?
While marijuana isn’t usually fatal to dogs, it can be life-threatening depending on how much and what form is consumed. A small amount of dried weed might cause disorientation or lethargy, but edibles—especially those containing chocolate, xylitol, or high levels of THC—pose a much greater danger.
For example:
- Chocolate edibles are toxic because chocolate itself is poisonous to dogs.
- Xylitol (a sugar substitute) found in some cannabis gummies can cause rapid insulin release, leading to seizures and even liver failure.
- High THC oils or concentrates can overwhelm a dog’s system, increasing the risk of severe poisoning.
So while a single accidental nibble may not always be fatal, the risk should never be taken lightly. Know more about Can a Dog Die from Eating a Poisoned Rat?
How Weed Affects Dogs
To understand the danger, it helps to know what marijuana does to a dog’s body.
THC vs. CBD
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the part of marijuana that causes a “high.” This is a harmful compound for dogs.
- CBD (cannabidiol) does not cause a high and is sometimes used in specially made pet products. However, these must be carefully formulated for safety.
Why Dogs Are More Sensitive
Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, which means THC affects them much more strongly—even in very small amounts.
Ingestion vs. Smoke Exposure
Eating marijuana (buds, edibles, or oils) is far more dangerous than breathing in secondhand smoke. While smoke may cause mild coughing or drowsiness, ingestion sends THC directly into the bloodstream, often leading to more serious poisoning.
Symptoms of Weed Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog eats weed, symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the form and quantity. Watch for:
- Lethargy and disorientation – Your dog may look unusually tired, confused, or unresponsive.
- Loss of balance – Swaying, stumbling, or difficulty standing are common.
- Dilated pupils & drooling – A visible sign that THC is affecting the nervous system.
- Vomiting – The body’s attempt to expel toxins.
- Low body temperature – Your dog may feel colder than usual.
- Urinary incontinence – Inability to control urination, especially in severe cases.
- Tremors or seizures – Serious emergency signs requiring immediate veterinary care.
👉 Tip: If you notice any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately. Acting fast can make all the difference.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Weed
If you suspect your dog has eaten weed, time is critical. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm but act quickly – Panicking won’t help, but fast action will.
- Don’t try home remedies – Never force your dog to vomit unless your vet specifically tells you to. It can sometimes make things worse.
- Call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately – They will guide you on the next steps.
- Give clear details – Tell them what form of weed your dog ate (bud, edible, oil), how much, and when. This helps the vet decide the right treatment.
Treatment at the Vet
Once at the clinic, your vet may use one or more of the following treatments:
- Inducing vomiting (only if it’s safe and within a short time of ingestion).
- Activated charcoal to absorb toxins and prevent further absorption of THC.
- IV fluids and monitoring to keep your dog hydrated, regulate temperature, and flush toxins from the system.
- Temperature and heart checks to make sure your dog remains stable.
👉 Good news: With timely treatment, most dogs make a full recovery within 24–72 hours.
Prevention Tips for Pet Owners
The best way to protect your dog is by preventing accidents in the first place. Keep these tips in mind:
- Store cannabis products securely – Treat them like medicines and keep them in locked cabinets or out of reach.
- Be extra careful with edibles – Cookies, brownies, or gummies are especially dangerous because they may contain other toxic ingredients like chocolate or xylitol.
- Avoid smoking near pets – Secondhand smoke can still make your dog uncomfortable or sick.
- Educate family members and guests – Make sure everyone in the house knows not to leave weed or edibles where pets can get to them.
Know more about Can a Dog Die from Eating Cat Food?
FAQs
How much weed will harm a dog?
Dogs are very sensitive to THC, and even a small amount can cause poisoning. The risk increases with edibles, especially those containing chocolate, xylitol, or other toxic ingredients. The effect depends on the dog’s size, weight, and health.
Can a dog die from eating weeds?
While it’s rare, consuming a large amount of weed or toxic edibles can be life-threatening for dogs. Most dogs recover with timely veterinary care, but untreated severe cases can be fatal.
What happens if your dog has weed?
If a dog eats weed, THC affects their nervous system. Common symptoms include disorientation, vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, tremors, and loss of coordination. In severe cases, seizures or coma can occur, requiring urgent vet attention.