My Pet Ate My Weed Edibles, What Do I Do?
You were just trying to relax when it happened—one second your cannabis gummies were on the table, the next, your dog (or cat) looked way too guilty. Now you’re panicking and Googling like mad. Deep breaths.
Yes, this situation is serious, but it’s not hopeless. Whether your furry friend got into your stash of THC edibles or scarfed down a CBD treat meant for humans, here’s what you need to know, and do, right now.
Key Takeaways
Stay calm: Panicking helps no one, especially not your pet.
THC is toxic to pets: Even small amounts can cause problems, especially in dogs and cats.
Call your vet immediately: Or an emergency animal poison control hotline.
Don’t try to make your pet throw up unless instructed: It can make things worse.
Know the signs: Watch for wobbliness, vomiting, tremors, or unusual behavior.
First, Take a Breath (and Don’t Blame the Dog)
Accidents happen. Pets are curious, and edibles can smell like food or candy to them, especially peanut butter cups or fruity gummies. You’re not a bad pet parent. But now it’s time to shift from panic mode to action mode.
Call the Vet—Yes, Even If You’re Embarrassed
We get it. You don’t want to be that person calling your vet to say your dog ate a pot brownie. But trust us, you are far from the first. Most vets would rather help your pet than judge your lifestyle.
If your regular vet is closed, call:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
- Some services like Fuzzy, Pawp, or Airvet offer cheaper virtual consults, but they’re not toxicology-specific.
Note: These hotlines may charge a consultation fee, but your pet’s life is worth it.
THC Is Not Safe for Pets
While humans and cannabis can be best buds, THC can be dangerous for animals. Even small amounts can trigger symptoms, especially in smaller pets.
Common symptoms of THC poisoning in pets:
Wobbliness or trouble walking
Drooling or vomiting
Dilated pupils or glassy eyes
Lethargy or agitation
Whining, howling, or crying
Tremors or seizures (in severe cases)
Urinary incontinence
If your pet is showing any of these signs and you know or suspect they ate weed edibles, skip the guesswork and call a vet immediately.
Don’t Induce Vomiting Unless Told To
It might seem like a good idea to make your pet throw up. That works in the movies, right? Unfortunately, that can actually make things worse. THC can affect the gag reflex, and forcing vomiting can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia.
Only induce vomiting if your vet instructs you to do so and gives you specific instructions.
How Long Does Weed Stay in a Pet’s System?
It depends on your pet’s size, how much they ate, and their metabolism. Most pets recover within 12–24 hours, but in some cases, symptoms can last up to 72 hours. Monitoring is key.
| Pet Size | Recovery Time (Mild Case) | Vet Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 15 lbs) | 24–48 hours | Very likely yes |
| Medium (15–50 lbs) | 12–36 hours | Probably yes |
| Large (50+ lbs) | 12–24 hours | Depends on dosage |
CBD vs. THC: Is It Still Bad?
Even if the edible your pet ate was labeled CBD-only, it might still contain trace amounts of THC or ingredients like chocolate or xylitol (both of which are toxic to dogs). Always assume the worst and call your vet just to be safe.
That said, CBD products made specifically for pets are a different story. These are carefully dosed, free from harmful additives, and often formulated with pet-safe oils or flavors. If your pet got into their own vet-approved CBD chew? Probably no need to panic—but if they grabbed your CBD gummy from the nightstand, call your vet just to be safe.
Keep Edibles Out of Paw’s Reach
After the panic passes and your pet’s okay, it’s time to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Treat your stash like medication or chocolate—locked up, hidden, and 100% pet-proof.
A few tips:
Store edibles in sealed containers high up or locked away
Never leave infused treats on counters, coffee tables, or nightstands
Label your containers if you have pet-safe CBD or treats vs. human edibles
If you’re reading this and thinking, “My pet ate my weed edibles,” you’re not the only one—and it’s a good reminder to stash your edibles somewhere safe.
Final Thoughts
“My pet ate my weed edibles” might sound like the start of a weird stoner story, but it’s a serious situation. The good news? With quick action, most pets make a full recovery.
The most important thing you can do is stay calm, call a professional, and be honest about what your pet ate. Trust us, your vet won’t be shocked, they’ve seen it all. And next time you reach for an edible, maybe double-check that your furry friend isn’t within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for symptoms to show after my pet eats weed?
Usually within 30 to 90 minutes. You might see signs like stumbling, vomiting, or acting “off.”
Can dogs or cats die from eating THC edibles?
It’s rare, but possible, especially with large doses, synthetic THC, or if your pet is small. Always seek veterinary help ASAP.
What should I do if my pet ate my weed edibles and seems fine?
Even if your pet seems okay after it happened, don’t assume they’re in the clear. If my pet ate my weed edibles, I’d still call a vet—THC effects can take time to show, and symptoms may get worse unexpectedly.
What if my dog ate a CBD edible instead of THC?
CBD is generally less toxic but can still cause side effects, specifically if the product contains even trace THC or other harmful ingredients like chocolate.
Can I just watch my pet at home if they seem fine?
If symptoms are mild and you’ve spoken with a vet who agrees, maybe. But always call first. Never assume.
Should I be worried about edibles with chocolate or xylitol?
Absolutely. Chocolate and xylitol are both toxic to dogs and could be more dangerous than the THC.
