Call a vet or pet poison control first

If a pet eats cannabis, call a 24-hour emergency vet or a pet poison control hotline. Do not wait for signs. Onset can be 30 to 60 minutes for edibles and 5 to 10 minutes for inhaled smoke. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435. Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the product package, pet weight, and time of ingestion ready.

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Signs of cannabis poisoning in pets

Dogs eat edibles more often than cats. Cats are more sensitive. Common signs:

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Signs peak in 1 to 3 hours. They last 12 to 72 hours. Severe cases include coma and seizures. Death is rare.

emergency vet for cannabis ingestion in pets

What the vet will do

There is no antidote for THC. Treatment is supportive. If ingestion happened within 30 to 60 minutes, the vet may induce vomiting. They may give activated charcoal. This binds THC in the gut. IV fluids help maintain blood pressure. Warming blankets treat hypothermia. The vet monitors heart rate, temperature, and blood glucose. Hospitalization lasts 12 to 72 hours. Some pets need oxygen or seizure medication.

cat ate weed symptoms

Cost and prognosis

Emergency care for cannabis ingestion costs $500 to $3,000 or more. Cost depends on length of stay, tests, and treatment. Prognosis is good with supportive care. Most pets recover. Death is rare and linked to high doses or pre-existing conditions. Chocolate in edibles adds risk. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Xylitol in some edibles can cause liver failure and low blood sugar.

Prevention

Store all cannabis products in a locked container. Keep them out of reach of pets. Do not leave edibles on counters or in bags. Do not give cannabis to pets for any reason. If you see a pet eat cannabis, call for help right away. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. Do not give human medications.