Dogs are naturally curious animals, notorious for exploring the world by way of their mouths. So if you’re a cannabis user, it’s possible – even likely – that one day your dog will sample your stash.
Take it from Dr. Kate Smith, medical director for Animal Urgent Care in Arvada, which gets calls about pets that have consumed pot almost every time she’s in the office.
Sometimes, the owners aren’t aware that’s what happened. They call and report the dog seems wobbly or out of it, like a human that’s had one too many drinks. Other times, there’s evidence like an empty edibles container or a ripped baggie.
“It is incredibly, incredibly common,” Smith said, adding that even if you don’t keep cannabis in the house, dogs will sniff it out on the ground, on trails and in other places.
“I’ve had to tell a uniformed police officer that I thought his dog ingested THC. Like his personal dog, not his working dog. So it happens all the time in Colorado,” she said.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which operates a poison control center and hotline, the number of potential exposures among pets has skyrocketed as more states have legalized marijuana.
In 2019, the ASPCA received 2,812 calls about marijuana toxicity. That grew to 6,796 calls in 2023 with about 2.1% of those coming from Colorado. Smith said the vast majority of cases she sees involve dogs. (Cats “seem to have a more discerning palate,” she said.)
So what should you do if you think your pup got into your pot?
We spoke with Dr. Smith and Dr. Kramer Gopffarth, lead and founding veterinarian at Livewell Animal Hospital in Denver, about the telltale signs your dog has ingested cannabis, the vet’s biggest concerns, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to admit it if your marijuana is missing.
Symptoms of THC toxicity in dogs
Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors than humans do, so they are extremely sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes a high. Within 30 minutes of consuming cannabis, they’re likely to exhibit symptoms, Gopffarth said.
While symptoms vary depending on the dose and size of the dog, the most common signs of THC toxicity include stumbling, stuporous and lethargic behavior, urinary incontinence, vomiting, and a hyperreactive reaction to stimuli. For example, your dog might flinch uncharacteristically when approached.
“Sometimes you can see bloodshot eyes,” Gopffarth added.
In severe cases, THC toxicity can lead to a drop in dogs’ body temperature and heart rate, unconsciousness, tremors and seizures. Experts recommend bringing your dog to the vet to check his or her vital signs.
It’s worth noting that while THC is toxic for dogs, it is rarely fatal. Animals should return to normal within 48 to 72 hours, Gopffarth said.
“We still recommend getting in to be seen to make that assessment in person, to see if we need to hospitalize them. Or do we go home and let them enjoy some Pink Floyd and a lava lamp?” he said.
Identifying what your dog ate
From the veterinarian’s perspective, a dog eating marijuana flower is less concerning than edibles. That’s because edibles are often manufactured with other things that can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate or the artificial sweetener xylitol. Xylitol, specifically, can cause the dog’s system to release insulin and cause a hyperglycemic response. In large doses, it can cause liver failure, Smith said.
If you don’t seem to be missing any cannabis products, consider less likely sources like the cotton swabs used to clean your pipes or other devices, or ground scores your dog may have picked up on a walk.
“We have seen dogs that eat human feces,” and if it contains marijuana, “they can actually get relay toxicosis,” Smith said.
Call your vet – and be honest
A dog’s reaction to THC will vary depending on the animal’s weight, how much it consumed, and exactly what it ate. When you call your vet, be prepared to offer specifics.
Smith and Gopffarth said it’s often difficult to get pet owners to admit that marijuana may be to blame for their dog’s symptoms. But the more forthcoming you can be, the better vets will be able to treat your pup.
“Even with it being legal, there still seems to be some sort of stigma around it with pet owners,” Smith said. “To be honest, we don’t care. There’s literally no judgment from us; we would rather know than not know.”
It’s especially important because the symptoms from THC toxicity can mimic those from the ingestion of other, more toxic substances like ethylene glycol or anti-freeze. “If marijuana is a possibility, it’s definitely a better possibility,” Smith said.
Both experts reiterated that there won’t be any legal ramifications for pet parents unless they see obvious signs of malicious intent or neglect.
If the dog is asymptomatic, vets might induce vomiting. Or if the dog does have symptoms, they might give it anti-nausea medication to prevent vomiting and potential aspiration. They might also give the animal fluids under the skin.
If a case seems mild, they’ll send the dog home to relax. In more severe cases, your vet may request hospitalization.
“If you’re ever concerned, just get them to your vet,” Gopffarth said. “Getting them checked out for safety and peace of mind is always a good thing.”
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