Is Cannabis Safe for Dogs? Health Risks, Symptoms & Prevention

We won’t get into the nitty gritty of the arguments for and against marijuana, but there are a few things concerned veterinarians do want you to know about marijuana and your dog.

Can Dogs Get High from Marijuana?

Yes, your dog can get high by inhaling marijuana smoke and/or ingesting pot edibles. The difference is, dogs feel “high” much, much more intensely than humans do, and are likely to find any state of altered reality extremely distressing.

How Can You Tell if Your Dog is High?

Dogs can get a contact high just by being in the same room where marijuana is being smoked. Dogs have also been known to eat marijuana buds, and of course, edibles are tempting to them, too. If you’re unsure whether or not your dog may have inadvertently gotten into your weed, look for the following signs:

• Dilated pupils
• Drooling
• Low blood pressure/heart rate
• Unsteadiness
• Easily startled

Is Cannabis Dangerous for Dogs?

In a nutshell, yes. There are too few vet-sponsored studies on the effects of marijuana on dogs to know for sure whether or not it’s safe. Vets working in states that have legalized marijuana, such as Colorado, have reported an uptick in dogs coming in with symptoms of marijuana ingestion. 

Never give your dog weed, particularly without first talking to your vet. (Caveat: Some veterinarians believe in prescribing medical marijuana products that do not contain THC for dogs that require pain relief.)

Although pot probably won’t kill your dog, it could make him very sick. 

Small animals are particularly susceptible to the effects of cannabis. Be sure to get your pet to an emergency vet right away if you suspect he’s been in your stash – especially if you’re unsure just how much marijuana he has in his system. If less than half an hour has passed since he ingested it, your vet may be able to induce vomiting. Other treatments for pot ingestion can include IV fluids and careful monitoring. In more severe cases, they may give activated charcoal or oxygen therapy. 

Remember that even if marijuana isn’t necessarily “toxic” to your dog, the ingredients in some edibles might be. Some edibles contain chocolate, which is especially toxic for dogs — learn what to do if your pet ate chocolate.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Pot?

Treat marijuana just like any other medication or toxin:

• Store securely out of reach of pets.
• Monitor your supply so you’ll know if anything goes missing.
• Never smoke in an enclosed space while your dog is nearby.
• If your dog ingests marijuana, try to induce vomiting immediately and seek veterinary care.
• Be honest with your vet—they won’t judge you. Their priority is your dog’s safety.