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Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
Written By Grace Park
Published: 08/01/2016Updated: 11/24/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Marijuana Poisoning?
Cannabis sativa, or the marijuana plant, is a centuries - old plant which has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. This plant contains more than 400 chemicals, one of them being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol , commonly known as THC.
THC is what brings about many of marijuana’s psychological side-effects and is similar to the chemicals that are made within our human bodies called cannabinoid chemicals. Receptors of cannabinoid are located within specific areas of the brain that are associated with our memory, pleasure, thinking, coordination, and sensory functions. Many people use marijuana recreationally for pleasure, although it is illegal in many states. Marijuana is also used for medicinal purposes in some states.
This plant can be toxic to dogs, especially if a great amount is consumed. Marijuana can be toxic to dogs and the animals usually come into contact with the plant by ingesting the supply of the drug that belongs to the owners. If dogs ingest at least 3 g / kg, toxicity can occur. Symptoms usually begin within one hour and may vary depending on the amount eaten.
Marijuana poisoning in dogs is a result of dogs ingesting the marijuana plant. Marijuana contains a chemical which produces various harmful side effects and cause poisoning in dogs.
Marijuana Poisoning Average Cost
From 189 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,500
Average Cost
$1,200
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Symptoms of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog has eaten marijuana, the severity of the symptoms is relative to the amount he consumed. Symptoms of Cannabis sativa poisoning include:
- Depression
- Drooling
- Hypermetria
- Incontinence
- Vomiting
- Mydriasis
- Body tremors
- Bradycardia
- Hypothermia
- Agitation
- Ataxia
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnea
- Nystagmus
- Excitability
- Seizures
Types
Dogs can become poisoned by marijuana in various forms. Different ways of marijuana ingestion that can greatly affect dogs include:
- Inhalation of smoke
- Ingesting pills or tinctures
- Eating edible items that contain the plant, such as brownies, candies, cakes, breads, and other baked goods
- Drinking liquids that contain marijuana oils, known as “shatter”, BHO, or “dabs”
Causes of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
Causes of marijuana poisoning in dogs are the ingestion of the plant parts. The following may take place within one to three hours after consuming marijuana. Specific causes of poisoning are due to the following:
- Central nervous system activity
- The release of neurotransmitters in specific areas of the brain (frontal cortex and cerebellum)
- Cannabinoids produce neuropharmacologic mechanisms
- THC is lipid soluble and easily distributed into organs and fat
- THC affects the tissues of the liver, brain, and kidneys
Diagnosis of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog has eaten marijuana, it is important to take him into the veterinarian even if he consumed a small amount. Although marijuana is an illegal drug in many states, it is still important to be truthful with your veterinarian in terms of your dog’s ingestion of this drug. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination, and might want to perform blood work, a urinalysis, and biochemistry profile. Your honesty about the drug ingestion will help your veterinarian know what is going on, and will likely save you money in testing.
During the diagnosis, if your dog is agitated due to the chemicals of the drug, the veterinarian may need to sedate him. Benzodiazepines may be used to help calm the dog in order for the veterinarian to continue with his diagnostic techniques and to begin treatment.
Differential diagnoses do exist with marijuana toxicity, and these are prescription drug overdose, such as antidepressants, drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, xylitol, hallucinogenic drugs, and other similar human medications.
Treatment of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
Marijuana poisoning can be serious if your dog consumed a large quantity of the plant. Due to the varying toxicities that dogs have, treatment methods will vary. Techniques the veterinarian will use to treat your dog may consist of the following:
IV Fluids
IV fluids may be necessary if your dog has been vomiting in order to prevent dehydration. Antiemetics may also be administered through the IV; maropitant and ondansetron are typically the medications of choice. Sedation may be given if your dog is overly excited. Diazepam and chlorpromazine may be given to assist in any negative central nervous system effects.
Medications
Your dog may be given a medication to prevent him from vomiting. Due to the toxic properties of marijuana and the sedative effects your dog may be having, any vomiting your dog does must be controlled and monitored. Repeated vomiting also can cause dehydration. Your veterinarian may decide to induce vomiting if your dog has a high level of toxicity and will follow this up with activated charcoal.
Monitoring
Your dog’s oxygen levels and blood pressure will need to be monitored the whole time he is with the veterinarian and being treated. In severe cases of marijuana poisoning, many dogs are put on a ventilator or respirator. Thermoregulation is also conducted in severe cases.
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Recovery of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
Marijuana toxicity can be very serious if treatment is not administered as soon as possible. Once your dog recovers, your veterinarian will discharge him. When home, you will need to closely monitor his recovery and follow any instructions your veterinarian has given you.
Your veterinarian will give you detailed directions on how to care for your dog and will tell you what you need to watch for in terms of any new symptoms. Depending on your dog, if his gastrointestinal tract was severely irritated from vomiting or diarrhea, your veterinarian may suggest a special bland diet while he is recovering.
It is important to keep any follow-up appointments with your medical professional so you can be assured your dog is becoming well once again. To prevent marijuana toxicity, it is important to keep all marijuana and all types of substances that contain marijuana out of the reach of your loved one.
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Marijuana Poisoning Average Cost
From 189 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,500
Average Cost
$1,200
Top
Marijuana Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Lab mix most likely pointer
8 months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Sleepy, Incontinece
My husband took our normally active pup to outdoor lodge to run around. She was outside in the woods running around, then payed down on her side. Got back up. My husband thought she was tired so brought her inside. She fell asleep on couch. He brought her home and her eyes looked dilated, she was dragging and was dripping pee . She must have gotten into some thing but we do t know what. Some of these guys in the club do weed so I wonder if she found a bud or and end of a joint or something. She’s always digging in the couches and garden and dirt for things. Vet is closed. She’s snoring now
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Those are fairly typical signs of marijuana ingestion. I hope that she is okay - if she is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 14, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
White Shepherd
Four Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomit And Not Eating
My dog has eaten Marijuana tree, what I should I do for it to be ok
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 25, 2020
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Chihuahua
Twelve Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly, Unable To Stand, Vomiting, Urinated While Laying Down, Sleeping, Wont Eat Or Drink
I think she might have eaten some marijuanna that someone dropped. I don't know what to do. Can't imagine my life without her.
Aug. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If you think that there has been an toxicity of this type, and she is showing signs, it would be best to have her seen at an ER right away. She may need supportive care to help get her through this. I hope that all goes well for her.
Aug. 7, 2020
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Maltipoo
Two Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly
My dog sways back and forth. He’s usually really energetic but sometimes he’s really slow and then he starts wobbling and falling over. We thought it might be car sickness. He has been traveling a lot.
Aug. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Small breed puppies can develop low blood sugar if they don't eat frequently, and that might be what is going on with him. You can put some Karo syrup on his gums, just a little, the next time this happens and see if it helps. It would also be a good idea to mention this to your veterinarian, as some pups can have liver shunts that require treatment.
I hope that all goes well for him!
Aug. 3, 2020
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Jackrussle mix
18 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaky Legs Cant Open Mouth
My dog ate 2 half pre-rolled joints, he has his medic card. She hasn't gotten suck but has a shaky walk and cant open her mouth to eat or drink but got a few drops in her mouth
July 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If she cannot eat or drink, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian. They may be able to give her supportive care to help clear the drug from her system more quickly so that she is back to normal.
I hope that she is okay.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
Goose
Four Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Incontinence
Wobbly
Confusion
Trouble Walking
We took our lab-basset mix into the emergency vet around midnight for suspected marijuana ingestion after exhibiting several of the symptoms. It cost less than $200. They examined her and injected her with fluids. It's been about 20 hours since and she's completely back to normal.
Some additional symptoms which weren't available to tag: decreased heart-rate and dilated pupils.
She is about 40lbs and we have no idea how much she ingested.
Labrador Retriever
Wrigley
10 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Whining
we took our 10month old lab to the ER vet last night. She had eaten part of a joint that was on the ground when we got off the T(subway). She was wobbly, couldn't walk or hold her head up. It was terrifying. The vet treated her with IVs and instructed us to watch her over night. She was much better after an hour of fluids, but still pretty lethargic. This morning, she was almost like her playful puppy self. But now, it's evening-- about 24 hours after she ingested the pot, and she's acting hyper-- jumping up an down, whining, pulling so hard on the leash that I can't hold on. What's going on?
Romanian Mioritic Cross
Bear
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
Torn Skin
Excitable
Sore Ears
Sore Chest
Hi through a facebook support page it's been suggested to give my dog CBD oil to calm him so he can recover from several problems - he is a rescue dog with very long thick fur who is scared of baths and water- even a teaspoonful. He gets sweaty and itchy and is still quite jumpy and reactive - that makes him barky and when he's alert like that he is even more sweaty. His skin is then irritable and he has lumps and tears from scratching. His ears and chest are really sore all the time despite creams. He has had vet checks and treatments but we don't want him on steroids longterm and would think about trying CBD oil if there was more advice on pros vs toxicity.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Chloe
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Yesterday evening, my 50 pound German Shorthaired Pointer ate about 1 ounce of my medical marijuana balm (about 25mg CBD and 25mg THC). She was lethargic last night and vomited small amounts about 3 times. She slept well but was slow this morning. She declined breakfast. I took her on a walk and she behaved normally, pooping and peeing as usual. When we came home, she wanted to go out in the yard and ran around at her regular light-speed pace. When she came in, she wanted her treat and then ate her full breakfast. She then went out again and ran around as usual. She is now outside lying in the sun. Is there reason to take any further action?
Yorkie
Buddy
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fatigue Wobbly Unresponsive Shakey
My dog is only 4 lbs and he ate a nug of weed he’s been wobbly while walking falling a lot today doesn’t really want to eat or drink anything I’ve been giving him water and pidialyte threw a sirenge I’m so scared he will die what should I do I can’t afford the vet
Marijuana Poisoning Average Cost
From 189 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,500
Average Cost
$1,200
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
