Dogs have a way of sniffing out things they really shouldn’t touch.
One second you think your stash of brownies or edibles is tucked away, and the next thing you know, your pup is wobbling around the living room looking like they just came out of a college dorm party.
It’s scary, confusing, and leaves you wondering, what on earth do I do now?
Signs Your Dog Might Be High
The first thing most owners notice is the weirdness in their dog’s behavior. A dog who is normally full of energy may suddenly seem spaced out, staring at the wall like it’s the most fascinating thing in the world.
Some start stumbling when they walk, almost like their legs forgot how to work. Others look super tired, eyes half-closed, drooling or acting strangely jumpy at noises.
The symptoms can look funny at first glance, but they’re not a laughing matter. Dogs can’t handle THC the same way humans can, so these changes in behavior are a red flag that something’s wrong.
Why Marijuana Hits Dogs Differently
Humans process cannabis through a system that can handle higher levels of THC. Dogs, on the other hand, have way more cannabinoid receptors in their brains.
This means that what might seem like a harmless amount for a person can be way too much for a dog.
Even a small piece of an edible brownie or cookie can send their system into overload. Add in the fact that edibles often contain chocolate, sugar, or other ingredients already toxic to dogs, and it’s a double whammy that makes things worse.
What To Do Right Away
If you think your dog ate weed or an edible, the first thing to do is stay calm. Dogs pick up on our stress, and panicking will only make them more anxious.
Try to figure out how much they may have eaten, and what type of product it was. Did they nibble a joint, or down half a tray of brownies? That detail helps your vet know how serious things might be.
Keep your pup somewhere safe where they won’t trip, fall, or hurt themselves. Dim the lights, keep things quiet, and make sure they have a comfortable spot to rest while you call the vet for advice.
When It’s An Emergency
Not every case requires an emergency trip, but some do. If your dog can’t walk at all, is vomiting nonstop, having tremors, or you notice their heart racing, it’s time to head to the vet right away.
The same goes if your dog is super small and ate a decent amount. Little dogs have less body weight to handle the toxin, so they’re at higher risk of serious issues.
Even if you’re not sure how much was eaten, calling your vet is always the safer option. They’d rather you reach out early than wait until the situation becomes life-threatening.
What Vets Usually Do
A lot of people feel nervous about admitting their dog got into cannabis, especially in places where the laws are strict. But vets aren’t there to get you in trouble—they’re there to keep your dog safe.
They see this situation more often than you’d think, especially in areas where weed is legal.
At the clinic, the vet may induce vomiting if the ingestion was recent. In some cases, they’ll give activated charcoal to help absorb toxins in the stomach.
IV fluids are common too, since they help flush the system and keep your pup hydrated. And most importantly, your dog will be monitored to make sure their heart rate and breathing stay stable until the worst of it passes.
How Long The High Can Last
One of the hardest parts for pet parents is waiting it out. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to more than a full day, depending on how much was eaten and the size of the dog.
Some pups start acting more like themselves after a nap, while others may be groggy and wobbly for quite a while.
It can be stressful to watch, but knowing the general timeline can help you prepare. The key is patience, comfort, and keeping in touch with your vet.
Keeping Your Dog Comfortable At Home
While you’re waiting for things to pass, your main job is to keep your dog safe and comfortable. Think of it like babysitting a very clumsy toddler. Close off stairs so they don’t stumble down.
Keep them in a quiet room where loud noises won’t spook them. Make sure they have water nearby, but don’t force them to drink if they’re not ready.
Some owners notice their dogs get restless or whiny while high. This is normal. Just stay close, speak calmly, and reassure them with gentle pets if they’re open to it.
Why THC Is A Risk For Dogs
A lot of people wonder why dogs can’t just ride it out like humans. The problem is that THC doesn’t just make dogs “chill out.” It affects their coordination, breathing, heart rate, and even body temperature.
At high doses, it can cause seizures or put them into a coma. That’s why it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a real health risk.
Home Safety Tips For Weed And Edibles
The easiest way to deal with this problem is preventing it from happening in the first place. Keep edibles in airtight containers high up where dogs can’t reach.
Don’t leave joints or vape pens on coffee tables, couches, or anywhere a curious nose might sniff out.
Think about it like this, if your dog can get into the trash, they can definitely get into your stash. Store everything like you’d store medicine or cleaning products: out of sight, out of reach, and completely sealed.
What To Tell Your Vet
Note the time you think the dog ate something, what the product looked like, how much you think was taken, and your dog’s size and weight.
Jot down any symptoms you see and keep the wrapper or a photo of the item handy to show the vet.
Also have your vet and local emergency clinic phone numbers ready before you call, plus any recent medical history like medications or illnesses. Being straight up and precise helps them advise you faster, and honesty never makes things worse.
Edible Ingredients That Are Especially Dangerous
Look out for chocolate, xylitol, caffeine, alcohol, and certain nuts like macadamia nuts, because those can be toxic on their own.
Some edibles also contain things like nutmeg or other additives that irritate stomachs or affect the nervous system.
Remember that the THC is only part of the risk with edibles; the vehicle matters too. A brownie with chocolate and butter is a different emergency than a plain joint, so knowing the ingredients matters.
Managing Multi Dog Households
If one dog gets into something, separate them right away so others do not copy or scavenge the same item.
Put the affected dog in a calm safe room with bedding and water while you check everyone else and secure the area.
Keep a close eye on the other dogs for subtle signs too since they might have nibbled something unnoticed. Preventing a second exposure is way easier than dealing with two emergencies at once.
Pet First Aid Kit For Substance Exposure
Have a small kit ready with your vet and nearest emergency clinic numbers, the poison control hotline, a flashlight, some towels, and a soft muzzle or calming wrap if your dog gets panic reactive.
Include a carrier or sturdy leash so you can move the dog safely without a mad scramble.
Avoid carrying or using home remedies without vet advice. The kit’s main job is to help you get information and transport your dog quickly and calmly to professional help.
Training And Prevention Strategies To Reduce Scavenging
Train reliable cues like leave it and drop it with short regular sessions and high value rewards so the commands actually work when temptation hits.
Practice under controlled conditions first, then slowly add distractions so the dog learns to listen even when there is food or interesting stuff around.
Combine training with management: secure trash, stash edibles in high locked storage, and get everyone in the household on the same page. Consistency from every human in the house is what stops repeat incidents.
Legal And Privacy Considerations When Seeking Help
If you worry about legal fallout or privacy, check local rules but remember vets are focused on the animal’s welfare and will treat the medical issue first.
You can ask the clinic about their privacy policy when you call, and many areas have poison helplines that offer anonymous guidance.
Document what happened and who was involved in the household or party if it’s relevant, but don’t let fear of consequences stop you from getting help fast. The dog’s safety comes first and vets expect honest calls.
How To Avoid Repeat Accidents
Dogs are sneaky, and sometimes it feels like they’re plotting against you when it comes to food. If your pup has already gotten into weed once, assume they’ll try again if given the chance. Get in the habit of clearing tables and countertops before leaving the house.
If you live with roommates or in shared housing, make sure everyone knows the rules about leaving edibles around. One careless moment is all it takes for your dog to end up in danger again.
Comforting Yourself Too
Watching your dog high can leave you feeling guilty, even if it was a complete accident. The truth is, you’re not alone.
Many owners go through this exact situation, and most dogs recover just fine with the right care. Try not to beat yourself up, what matters is what you do next.
Final Thoughts
Seeing your dog high is nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to end in disaster. Knowing the signs, keeping calm, calling the vet, and creating a safe space for your pup makes the process smoother and safer.
The best defense, though, is prevention, keeping edibles and cannabis out of your dog’s reach in the first place.
At the end of the day, accidents happen. What makes you a good dog parent is how you handle them. So if your pup ever stumbles through a high, will you be ready to help them through it?