# Dog Ate Marijuana: What Should You Do?


## Key Takeaways

- Ingestion of marijuana products by dogs can lead to a range of clinical signs including neurologic dysfunction (sedation, ataxia, tremors), gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, hypersalivation), and cardiovascular changes, with severity dependent on the product's concentration of THC and CBD, the ingested amount, and the individual animal's body weight and health status.
- Prompt veterinary consultation is critical following suspected marijuana ingestion, as a veterinarian or poison control specialist will gather specific information such as the product type, estimated quantity consumed, and time of ingestion to assess the risk and determine the appropriate course of action, which may range from at-home monitoring to immediate clinic intervention.
- Owners should immediately remove any remaining marijuana products and their packaging to aid in risk assessment by veterinary professionals, and under no circumstances should home remedies or induced vomiting be attempted without explicit veterinary instruction, as these actions can be ineffective or even detrimental.
- Certain clinical signs and patient factors elevate the urgency of veterinary care, including the presence of severe symptoms like collapse, seizures, respiratory distress, pale mucous membranes, or if the ingestion involves a particularly vulnerable patient such as a very young, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised animal.
- Proactive risk mitigation involves secure storage of all potentially toxic substances, including cannabis products, medicines, plants, and certain human foods, in inaccessible locations to prevent accidental ingestion by pets.

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**Marijuana can be unsafe for pets depending on the ingredient, amount, and the pet's size and health. Cannabis products can cause neurologic signs, sedation, vomiting, and other problems in pets. If your pet ate it and you are unsure, call your veterinarian promptly.**

## What symptoms or causes should I watch for?

- **Unsafe item:** Some foods, medicines, plants, and household products are dangerous for pets.
- **Species differences:** Dogs and cats can react differently to the same product.
- **Amount and timing:** The clinic or poison-control team will ask what was eaten, how much, and when.
- **Early signs:** Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, shaking, or behavior changes need prompt advice.
- **No home guesswork:** A veterinarian can decide whether monitoring or clinic care is needed.

## What can I safely do at home right now?

- **Remove access:** Pick up leftovers, wrappers, crumbs, and any related food.
- **Save the label:** Ingredient lists help the veterinary team assess risk.
- **Estimate timing:** Write down when it happened and how much may be missing.
- **Do not treat at home:** Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional instructs you.
- **Call for guidance:** Early veterinary advice is safer than waiting for symptoms.

## When is this an emergency?

Go to an emergency veterinary clinic now if you notice:

- Known exposure to chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, or human medication.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, shaking, weakness, or collapse.
- Trouble breathing, pale gums, seizures, or severe restlessness.
- Not eating or acting painful after eating a risky food.
- Any exposure in a very small, young, senior, pregnant, or medically fragile pet.

## What will my veterinarian check?

Your veterinarian or poison-control team may ask for the product name, ingredient list, amount, timing, pet weight, and current symptoms.

## How can I reduce the risk next time?

Keep risky foods, medicines, plants, and household products in closed cabinets or sealed containers. Remind visitors and children not to share human food with pets.

## Related veterinary guides

- [Are Essential Oils Safe for Cats and Dogs?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-essential-oils-safe-for-cats-and-dogs)
- [Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs and Cats: What Owners Should Know](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/antifreeze-poisoning-dogs-cats)
- [Common Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/common-houseplants-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs)
- [Flea Prevention for Dogs and Cats: What Owners Should Know](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/flea-prevention-for-dogs-and-cats)

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Chocolate Toxicity Calculator For Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/chocolate-toxicity-calculator-for-cats)
* [Can Cats Have Tylenol?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/can-cats-have-tylenol)
* [Common Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/common-houseplants-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs)


## References

- [FDA - Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)
- [AVMA - Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)

*Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, does not establish a vet-client-patient relationship, and should not replace an in-person evaluation by a licensed veterinarian.*