My Dog Ate My Edible — What to Do Right Now

If you came to this page in a panic — slow down for one second and read this. Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than humans, but cannabis poisoning in dogs is almost always survivable with rest, hydration, and supportive care. Most cases don't need a vet visit. Some do. Here's how to tell the difference and what to do right now.

First: Assess What and How Much

Before anything else, figure out:

• What did the dog eat? Cannabis flower? Edible? Concentrate? Something else mixed in?
• How much, approximately? The entire gummy? Half a bag? A whole chocolate bar?
• What was the THC content? If the package is around, check the label.
• How long ago?
• What size is your dog? 5 kg vs 30 kg matters a lot.

Write these down. The vet will ask. Honesty matters more than embarrassment — Thai vets see this regularly and their focus is treating your dog, not the police.

The Two Real Dangers (Not THC Itself)

Danger 1: Chocolate-based edibles

Chocolate is toxic to dogs independently of THC. Dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate. A small dog who ate a dark chocolate edible may be in more danger from the chocolate than the cannabis. If the edible was chocolate, call a vet now.

Danger 2: Xylitol (sugar substitute)

Some "sugar-free" or low-calorie gummies contain xylitol, which is severely toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts. Causes rapid blood sugar crash and potential liver failure.

For straight THC (flower, pre-rolls, or sugar-sweetened gummies with no chocolate), the risk is real but generally manageable. Read on.

Symptoms of THC Toxicity in Dogs

Most onset within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Symptoms typically last 12–24 hours.

Common (alarming but manageable):

• Wobbliness, stumbling, trouble standing — the classic "drunk dog" gait
• Glazed or dilated eyes
• Low body temperature
• Slow heart rate (sometimes fast)
• Drooling, mild nausea
• Urinary dribbling (the strongest tell — dogs on THC often dribble urine without realising)
• Hyper-sensitivity to noise or touch (jumping at small sounds)
• Lethargy, sleeping it off

Serious (call vet immediately):

• Repeated vomiting that won't stop
• Seizures or convulsions
• Loss of consciousness or inability to respond at all
• Severe slowing of heart rate or breathing
• Symptoms in a very small dog after eating a large amount
• Suspected chocolate or xylitol involvement (call vet immediately regardless of dose)

What to Do at Home (Mild Cases)

If symptoms are mild — wobbly, sleepy, dilated eyes, mild nausea — most dogs recover safely with supportive care:

1. Confine them somewhere safe — small room, no stairs, no furniture they could fall off. Their balance is compromised.
2. Keep them warm. THC drops body temperature in dogs. A blanket helps.
3. Offer water freely but don't force it. Most dogs will drink.
4. Don't give food for a few hours. Wait until the nausea passes.
5. Stay near them. Calm voice, light touch. They're disoriented and your presence helps.
6. Don't induce vomiting unless a vet specifically tells you to. If it's been more than 30 minutes, the THC is largely absorbed and vomiting can cause aspiration in a dog that can't coordinate properly.

Most cases resolve within 12–24 hours with this kind of care alone.

When to Call a Vet

Call a vet immediately if:

• The edible was chocolate or contained xylitol
• The dog is very small (under 5 kg) and ate a significant amount
• Symptoms are severe (seizures, repeated vomiting, unresponsive)
• Symptoms aren't improving after 12 hours
• You don't actually know what was eaten or how much
• You're not sure and want professional guidance — this is always a valid reason

When you call, tell them honestly: "My dog ate cannabis." Don't make them guess. Most vets in Bangkok have seen this many times. Their job is to help your dog.

What the Vet Will Do

For mild to moderate cases: IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, monitoring. Sometimes activated charcoal if eaten within the last hour and the dog is stable. Most dogs are sent home the same day or the next morning.

For severe cases: lipid emulsion therapy (a relatively new treatment that helps clear THC faster), oxygen, more intensive monitoring. Recovery is still the overwhelmingly likely outcome.

How to Prevent It Next Time

• Treat edibles like medication. Locked container, high shelf, out of reach. Dogs can smell food through packaging and will find it.
• Don't leave anything cannabis on the counter or low tables. Especially gummies, brownies, anything food-smelling.
• Be careful with ashtrays. Dogs will eat roach ends and edible-soaked filters.
• Tell housemates and guests. If someone visits and leaves an edible in their bag, your dog will find it.
• Childproof containers are dogproof too. Most labelled edible packaging is child-resistant — use it.

What Stash Recommends

Our Baked edibles come in dose-labelled, sealed packaging — store them like any other consumable. If something happens despite precautions, call a vet first, then if you want product-specific info (THC content, ingredients, other actives), call the shop you bought from — our On Nut branch and the rest of our four shops can give you the exact composition of anything we sold. Useful information for the vet.

FAQ

How toxic is cannabis to dogs?

More toxic than to humans — dogs have more cannabinoid receptors. But cannabis poisoning in dogs is almost always survivable with supportive care. Fatalities are rare and usually involve very large doses, very small dogs, or co-ingestion with chocolate or xylitol. For an independent reference, see the Pet Poison Helpline marijuana page and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

How long does cannabis last in a dog's system?

Most symptoms resolve in 12–24 hours. Larger doses can extend it to 36 hours or so. The dog will sleep a lot and behave normally in between symptom waves.

Should I make my dog vomit if it ate weed?

Generally no, especially not at home — coordination is impaired and aspiration risk is real. Only do this if a vet specifically directs you and only within the first 30 minutes of ingestion. After that, vomiting doesn't help.

Will my dog die from eating cannabis?

Almost certainly not from THC alone. Fatalities are rare and almost always involve compounding factors (very small dog, very large dose, co-ingested chocolate or xylitol). The overwhelming outcome is a sleepy, wobbly, fine-the-next-day dog.

How much weed is too much for a dog?

Sensitivity varies, but symptoms usually start at 1–2 mg of THC per kg of body weight. Severe symptoms tend to appear above 3 mg/kg. A 10 kg dog eating a single 10 mg edible is around the symptomatic threshold but unlikely to be severe.

Should I tell the vet honestly what my dog ate?

Yes — and quickly. Telling them exactly what was eaten, and roughly how much, speeds the right treatment. Don't downplay it to save face; the detail is what helps your dog.

This is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you're unsure, call a vet.