Paws Off the Pot: What Dog Owners Need to Know About Cannabis Ingestion
As cannabis legalization rolls across the country—welcomed by many for its medicinal and recreational potential—it’s had an unexpected side effect for dog owners: a rise in marijuana ingestion cases among pets. With people more openly using pot in public spaces, sidewalk litter now includes joint butts, edible wrappers, and even dropped gummies.
And let’s be honest—New York City sidewalks are not exactly pristine.
For our canine companions, who explore the world mouth-first, that half-smoked joint on the curb might be irresistible. The results? A sharp increase in emergency vet visits and confused, stumbling dogs.
A Growing Problem: How Common Is It?
Veterinary hospitals nationwide have reported a dramatic increase in marijuana ingestion cases:
765% spike in cannabis-related calls reported by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) from 2018 to 2019.
400% rise in cases tracked by the Pet Poison Helpline over six years.
In NYC, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center noted a 43% increase in THC toxicity visits from 2019 to 2022.
According to the APCC’s 2022 annual report, marijuana-based products—including edibles—officially joined the top 10 toxins list for the first time, overtaking gardening supplies. This reflects the broader cultural shift: recreational drugs like cannabis, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and even cocaine are becoming more common household hazards.
In fact, marijuana-related calls to the APCC increased by nearly 11% in 2022 alone, contributing to a nearly 300% rise over the past five years. Edible cannabis products (like baked goods) pose a greater danger than plant material, as they’re often combined with chocolate, butter, or xylitol, compounding the toxicity risk. These cases often result in gastrointestinal upset, urinary accidents, and severe coordination problems like ataxia.
““For the first time, marijuana-laced edibles joined the ASPCA’s top 10 list of pet toxins—surpassing even garden products. Edibles pose a greater risk than raw cannabis, often causing severe disorientation, stomach upset, and incontinence in dogs.”
Why Are Dogs Attracted to Weed?
Dogs aren’t trying to get high—they’re scavenging.
Scent: With 100,000x our scent detection capacity, they easily detect THC-containing edibles, joints, and oils.
Taste: Edibles are often infused with peanut butter, sugar, or oils—flavors dogs love.
Habit: If a dog once found something tasty in a wrapper, they’ll keep seeking similar items.
Case Study: Dazzle and the Sidewalk Snacks That Weren’t Meant to Be
Meet Dazzle, a spirited four-year-old Havanese living her best life in Manhattan. Her guardian, Ellie, is a savvy dog mom who trains with positive reinforcement and never misses a walk. One day on Amsterdam Ave, Dazzle darted toward what Ellie thought was a stick.
It wasn’t.
Within 45 minutes of swallowing a discarded joint, Dazzle began drooling, stumbling, and bobbing her head like a drunk at karaoke night. A panicked visit to the emergency vet confirmed it: classic THC toxicosis.
After IV fluids and overnight monitoring, Dazzle recovered—but three more incidents followed over the next six months. A dropped edible. A half-burned joint. A melted wrapper. Dazzle was determined, and the city was full of temptation.
Today, she wears a soft basket muzzle during walks—not as punishment, but as protection. Ellie jokes that she’s the “designated driver” on their strolls through a weed-wild city.
What Happens When Dogs Ingest THC?
Dogs react more intensely to THC than humans. It affects their:
Nervous system (causing incoordination, tremors, disorientation)
Autonomic functions (incontinence, vomiting, low heart rate)
Behavior and mood (hyper-sensitivity, anxiety, sedation)
Most symptoms appear within 30–90 minutes and can last up to 72 hours. While fatality is rare, high doses of edibles or concentrates can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression or aspiration pneumonia.
How THC Affects the Canine Brain: Behavior, Memory, and More
THC mimics anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid that affects learning, appetite, emotion, and pain response. THC binds to CB1 receptors, concentrated in the:
Cerebellum → Affects coordination (stumbling, wobbling)
Hippocampus → Impairs short-term memory and learning
Basal ganglia → Alters movement and motivation
Amygdala → Heightens anxiety or hyper-vigilance
Hypothalamus → Affects body temp and bladder control
What this means for dogs:
They may forget previously learned behaviors or cues.
They can become anxious or unusually reactive.
In puppies, repeated exposure may impact brain development and social learning.
Is THC Addictive in Dogs?
While addiction as we understand it in humans isn’t documented in dogs, repeated exposure can lead to:
Behavioral reinforcement (scavenging, interest in wrappers)
Tolerance to mild doses
Learned behaviors that lead to repeat ingestion
What About CBD?
Unlike THC, CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and increasingly used in pet wellness products.
Potential Benefits:
Reduces anxiety, seizures, and inflammation
May improve pain management in arthritis and post-operative cases
Evidence:
A Cornell study showed 83% of dogs had reduced anxiety before fireworks after receiving CBD chews.
Another trial found a 33% drop in seizures for epileptic dogs using CBD.
But Beware:
Products must be THC-free and pet-formulated
Always consult a vet before use
Start with a low dose and monitor for side effects like sedation or diarrhea
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Weed
Don’t panic—but act fast.
Call your vet immediately.
Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed—it can worsen sedation symptoms.
Bring the packaging or substance (if available) for easier diagnosis.
Expect monitoring and fluids.
Most dogs recover fully with prompt intervention.
Prevention Tips for NYC Dog Owners
Trash Patrol: Watch your dog like a hawk—especially near bars, parks, or stoops.
Train a solid “leave it.”
Use a soft basket muzzle on chronic scavengers.
Educate roommates or visitors about storing cannabis safely.
Treat cannabis like medication—locked away, out of paw’s reach.
Final Thoughts: Weed on the Street, Worry at Your Feet
Cannabis may be legal for humans, but it’s a hazard for your pup. As legalization becomes normalized, responsible ownership must evolve too. Weed-proof your walks. Train impulse control. And don’t hesitate to seek help if your dog snags something they shouldn’t.
Just ask Dazzle. She’s clean now—but she’s still watching the curb like it’s a buffet line.
