Dog Ate An Edible! Vet Shares Critical Information

Edibles are defined as food that has a certain degree of concentrated marijuana or THC in them which is  metabolizes in the body. Marijuana is dangerous for dogs because THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), can cause a range of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. THC affects the endocannabinoid system (a type of neurotransmitter) in the brain, which can lead to altered perception, impaired coordination, and other symptoms.

Marijuana is legalized in many states, and because of this it’s becoming a common substance that people keep in their homes. This has caused marijuana poisoning to be an increasingly common occurrence. Dogs will be interested in edibles just like they are in other kinds of “people food”- they don’t know the difference between drugs and snacks.

Call A Veterinarian

Your vet will likely ask questions like the ones below so try to be prepared to give them great answers so they can best determine how to help your dog.

1. How much marijuana was in the edible? The amount of THC ingested is an important factor in determining the severity of the dog’s reaction. It’s often expressed in milligrams.
2. When did the dog consume the edible? Having a time of ingestion can help determine if the dog is at risk for more severe symptoms.
3. What symptoms is the dog exhibiting? Some common symptoms of marijuana ingestion in dogs include lethargy, mouth foaming, excessive drool, ataxia, disorientation, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
4. Has the dog had any prior medical conditions or previous reactions to medications? This information can help to determine how the dog may react to treatment.
5. What is the dog’s weight? The weight of the dog is important in determining the appropriate dosage of medications used to treat the symptoms of marijuana ingestion.
6. What other ingredients were int he edible? Many edibles contain sugar, some are chocolate, both of which can add complications to the situation. Try to find a ingredient list to share with the vet.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:

If you see your dog exhibiting any of the following symptoms and you even remotely suspect they may have eaten an edible, contact your vet immediately.

• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Uncontrollable shivering
• Pupil dilation
• Drooling
• Mouth Foam
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of motor function

Monitoring Your Dog

Your vet may determine that you are safe to monitor your dog at home after they’ve eaten an edible. If that’s the case, you’ll need to watch your dog closely until the THC wears off.  Dogs may not exhibit symptoms of being “high” like a person would.

Most likely their behavior will just seem off. They also won’t understand why they feel different, which could be scary or frustrating for them. You’ll want to comfort your dog as much as possible. Pet them and speak to them in a calm and reassuring manner. Whatever you do, don’t leave them in a room alone. They could become distressed and anxious and injure themselves or their surroundings. If you’re concerned your dog is going to hurt itself or you, it’s ok to crate them, but make sure you place the crate in the same room you’re in so that the dog doesn’t think they’re alone.

Preventing Your Dog From Eating Edibles

Edibles often look, taste, and smell like treats, so if your dog has access to your stash, chances are they’re going to try to eat them. They won’t know the difference, and ingesting edibles (even in small doses) could be very harmful for your pet. Be mindful of where you keep your CBD and THC products, and make sure they are secure and out of reach from your pets. As long as they’re securely stored, such as in a locked box on the top shelf of a closet, you shouldn’t have any issues with your dog eating them and becoming sick.