Last medically reviewed: 2026-04-24
Is Marijuana (Cannabis) Toxic to Dogs?
Marijuana is toxic to dogs, and pets are far more sensitive to THC than humans. Ingestion of cannabis edibles, buds, or butter can cause incoordination, lethargy, urine dribbling, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. Marijuana brownies pose a double threat: THC toxicity PLUS chocolate toxicity. If you suspect your dogs has ingested marijuana (cannabis), contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Is Marijuana (Cannabis) and Dogs in danger right now?
If your Dogs ate Marijuana (Cannabis), you need to act fast. This emergency kit has everything vets recommend — before you need it.
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Every minute counts. Don't wait until it's too late.
| Toxic? | Severity | Time to Onset | Commonness | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Moderate | 30–60 minutes (edibles may be longer) | Increasing | Urgent |
The Toxic Principle
The dangerous compound in Marijuana (Cannabis) is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
THC affects cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the central nervous system. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors than humans, making them more sensitive to THC's effects. The toxic oral dose in dogs is approximately 3 g per pound of dried marijuana, but edibles (which contain concentrated THC in butter or oil) are far more dangerous per gram. THC is fat-soluble, so butter- and oil-based edibles produce much higher blood levels. The LD50 in dogs is approximately 3 g/kg of THC — very high — but clinical toxicity occurs at much lower doses.
How Much Is Dangerous?
The risk depends on your dogs's weight and the amount ingested.
| Pet Weight | Dangerous Amount | Expected Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog (under 10 lbs / 4.5 kg) | A small amount of edibles or a few puffs of secondhand smoke | Moderate |
| Medium dog (25–50 lbs / 11–23 kg) | A cannabis edible or small amount of dried buds | Moderate |
| Large dog (50–90 lbs / 23–41 kg) | Multiple edibles or larger amounts of plant material | Mild |
| Any size dog (marijuana brownies) | Double threat: THC + chocolate toxicity | Severe |
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of marijuana (cannabis) poisoning in dogss typically progress through these stages:
Onset
30–90 minutes- Lethargy or depression
- Drooling
- Wobbling / incoordination
- Dilated pupils
- Sensitivity to sound/touch
Peak
2–6 hours- Urine dribbling
- Static ataxia (standing rigidly, swaying)
- Hypothermia or hyperthermia
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Vomiting
Severe
6–24 hours- Seizures (rare)
- Coma (rare)
- Death (very rare, usually from edibles with chocolate)
Don't Let This Happen to Your Dogs
You just read what marijuana (cannabis) does to dogss. The symptoms. The suffering. The $200–$3,000 vet bill. The question is: are you prepared if it happens again?
Get the Emergency Kit — Be Ready →What to Do Right Now
- 1 Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 — be honest about what was consumed.
- 2 If marijuana brownies were eaten, treat this as a chocolate emergency too.
- 3 If ingestion was within 1 hour and your vet instructs, induce vomiting.
- 4 Keep your dog in a safe, quiet, warm environment — minimize stimulation.
- 5 Do NOT try to 'wait it out' — veterinary monitoring is recommended.
- 6 Vets are not law enforcement — they will not report you. Your dog's health comes first.
Treatment and Recovery
For recent ingestion, induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal. Supportive care includes IV fluids, thermoregulation, and anti-nausea medications. Most dogs recover within 24–72 hours with supportive care. Severe cases (typically from concentrated edibles) may require sedation, seizure control, and extended monitoring. Be honest with your vet about what was consumed — they need to know to provide the right treatment. Veterinarians are not required to report marijuana exposure.
Estimated Cost
$200 – $3,000
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Compare Pet Insurance Plans →Frequently Asked Questions
Can marijuana kill a dog?
Death from marijuana alone is extremely rare in dogs. However, marijuana edibles that also contain chocolate, raisins, or xylitol pose a much more serious and potentially fatal risk. The combination of THC toxicity plus chocolate/xylitol toxicity is what makes edibles dangerous.
Will my vet report me if my dog ate marijuana?
No. Veterinarians are focused on treating your pet, not law enforcement. They will not report you to police or animal control for marijuana exposure. Being honest about what your dog consumed is essential for proper treatment.
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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. This page was last reviewed on 2026-04-24.