Cannabis and Dogs: Lethal Dose Facts and Risks

Short answer

No single lethal dose of cannabis has been confirmed for dogs. Older studies place the oral LD50 of purified THC in dogs above 3,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and real-world deaths from THC alone are rare. Fatal cases usually involve an enormous dose from an edible or a second poison such as chocolate, xylitol, raisins, or another drug. THC still causes serious, dose-dependent poisoning in dogs, so treat any exposure as an emergency.

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What the research shows

Veterinary toxicology sources describe THC poisoning in dogs as common and underreported. The classic LD50 figures come from laboratory work done decades ago and do not reflect how pets actually get exposed. A dog that eats a 100 mg edible is taking a dose far above what a small dog would need to show severe signs. Commercial edibles also carry chocolate, peanut butter with xylitol, or macadamia nuts, all of which raise the danger beyond THC.

my dog ate cannabis what to do

To put the numbers in context:

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• Clinical signs in dogs have been reported at doses near 0.5 grams of marijuana plant material per kilogram of body weight.
• A reported oral LD50 for THC in dogs is greater than 3 grams per kilogram, a dose rarely seen in household exposures.
• Concentrates and edibles can deliver a THC dose 10 to 100 times higher than smoked flower, which narrows the safety margin.

Why dogs are more sensitive

Dogs have a higher density of cannabinoid receptors in the brain than humans, and they weigh far less. A few milligrams of THC that barely affects an adult person can cause severe ataxia in a 20-pound dog. Dogs also metabolize THC differently, and the effects can last 12 to 24 hours or longer after an edible.

Signs of cannabis poisoning in dogs

Signs typically appear within 30 to 60 minutes after inhalation and 1 to 3 hours after an edible. Watch for:

• Drowsiness, depression, or a dazed stare
• Unsteady walking, wobbling, or falling over
• Vomiting and drooling
• Urinary incontinence, with wet spots where the dog was lying
• Slow heart rate and low body temperature
• Tremors, seizures, or coma at high doses

These signs can also match other toxins, so do not wait for a diagnosis.

What to do if your dog ate cannabis

1. Move the dog away from the product and put the rest in a closed container.
2. Write down the time, the product name, the THC strength, and your best estimate of the amount eaten.
3. Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or a pet poison hotline right away.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting can be dangerous if the dog is already unsteady or sedated.
5. Bring the packaging with you if you go to the clinic.
6. Expect supportive care. Treatment may include IV fluids, activated charcoal, anti-vomiting drugs, and monitoring for 12 to 24 hours.

Prevention at home

• Store edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges in a locked cabinet, not a low shelf or purse.
• Keep cannabis out of reach of dogs that counter-surf or open bags.
• Tell guests where the product is stored so they do not leave it on a coffee table.
• Never give a dog cannabis for pain, anxiety, or any other reason without veterinary guidance.