Top Pick: Best THC Products for Pet Cannabis Overdoses
Discover the top THC products to safely manage pet cannabis overdoses, with pros and cons and a use-case recommendation.
Call a Veterinarian or Poison Control First
Cannabis poisoning in pets is a medical emergency. Call a veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline before you do anything at home. Give the species, weight, age, and health history. Report the product name, THC amount in milligrams, amount eaten, and time of ingestion. If you do not know the amount, say so. Do not wait for signs to start.
Do Not Induce Vomiting
Do not make a pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting can cause aspiration, choking, or harm if the pet ate chocolate, xylitol, or a sharp package. A veterinarian may induce vomiting if ingestion happened within 2 hours and the pet is stable. Activated charcoal is a vet decision. Do not give charcoal at home.
my dog ate cannabis what to do
Keep the Pet Safe and Warm
Move the pet to a quiet, indoor area. Keep the pet warm with a blanket. Do not leave the pet on stairs, furniture, or near water. Block access to other cannabis products. Monitor breathing, gum color, and body temperature. If the pet is unconscious, place the pet on its side and keep the airway clear.
Signs of Cannabis Poisoning in Pets
Signs start 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion. Edibles can cause signs that last 24 to 72 hours. Common signs include:
Emergency Vet for Cannabis Ingestion in Pets: What to Do
- Depression or sleepiness
- Incoordination or stumbling
- Vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Low heart rate
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
- Coma
Chocolate and xylitol in edibles add risk. Xylitol can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. Chocolate can cause heart and nerve problems. Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate increase the danger.
What to Tell the Veterinarian
- Pet weight in pounds or kilograms
- Product name and package
- THC dose in milligrams per item
- Number of items eaten
- Time of ingestion
- Other ingredients, such as chocolate or xylitol
- Any medicines the pet takes
- Any signs and the time each sign started
What Not to Do
- Do not give human medicines, including pain relievers or stimulants.
- Do not give food, water, or milk to an unconscious pet.
- Do not use ice baths or cold water.
- Do not leave the pet alone.
- Do not rely on home remedies.
When to Go to an Emergency Clinic
Go to a 24-hour veterinary hospital if the pet has seizures, trouble breathing, a slow heart rate, a body temperature below 99°F, or cannot stand. Go if the pet is unconscious or if the ingestion involved a large THC dose, chocolate, or xylitol. Call the clinic before you arrive so staff can prepare.
Veterinary Treatment
Treatment is supportive. A veterinarian may give intravenous fluids, antiemetics, oxygen, and warming support. Seizures need anticonvulsant drugs. Severe cases may need intralipid therapy. Most pets recover with care. Death can occur with high doses or other toxins. Prognosis depends on dose, pet size, and time to treatment.
Prevention
- Store cannabis edibles, oils, and flower in a locked container.
- Keep products out of reach and out of sight.
- Do not leave joints, vape carts, or edibles on tables.
- Do not smoke near pets. Secondhand smoke can cause signs.
- Check CBD labels for THC content.
- Call a vet if a pet eats any cannabis product.