Remember that time my neighbor's golden retriever, Max, got into some "special" brownies? One minute he was fine, the next he was wobbling like a drunk sailor. That panic in my neighbor's voice when she called me – "I think my dog's high!" – stuck with me. It's scary how easily pets can accidentally ingest substances. This stuff happens way more than people realize.
If you're searching for symptoms my dog is high, you're probably worried right now. Let me walk you through exactly what to look for and – more importantly – what actions actually help. I'll skip the textbook jargon and give it to you straight, like we're chatting over coffee.
Why Dogs Accidentally Get High (It's Not What You Think)
Most cases aren't about intentional drug use. Seriously, your dog isn't sneaking joints behind your back. Common culprits include:
- Edibles: Weed brownies or gummies left on countertops (dogs love anything food-like)
- Secondhand smoke: Hotboxing a room? Your dog breathes it in too.
- Street debris: Discarded joints or pills during walks (my vet says this spikes after festivals)
- CBD/THC treats: Intended for pets but incorrectly dosed
- Human prescriptions: ADHD meds, opioids, or even some antidepressants
Here's what bugs me: Edibles are the #1 offender. They smell like delicious snacks! Why wouldn't Fido grab that "cookie" off the coffee table?
Clear Signs: Symptoms My Dog Is High Right Now
Don't expect your dog to act like a college kid at a party. Dogs process THC differently. Watch for these physical and behavioral cues:
Physical Symptoms My Dog Is High
| Symptom | What It Looks Like | Urgency Level (1-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of coordination | Stumbling, falling over, trouble standing (like walking on ice) | 4 ⚠️ |
| Dilated pupils | Big, black "saucer eyes" even in bright light | 3 |
| Drooling excessively | Constant dripping saliva (more than usual) | 2 |
| Vomiting or nausea | Dry heaving, licking lips anxiously | 5 ️⚠️ |
| Slow heart rate | Pulse below 60 bpm (check inside thigh) | 5 ⚠️⚠️ |
| Incontinence | Peeing without control | 3 |
(Urgency 5 = ER vet immediately)
Behavioral Symptoms Your Dog Is High
- Extreme lethargy or hyperactivity: Either completely zonked or bouncing off walls
- Anxiety/paranoia: Hiding, trembling, excessive whining
- Unresponsive to commands: Staring blankly like you're speaking Martian
- Disorientation: Getting "stuck" in corners or behind furniture
- Vocalization changes: Unusual howling or whimpering
I once fostered a beagle who ate a pot cookie. He alternated between trying to climb walls and face-planting into his bed. Classic.
⚠️ Red Flags: When It's an Emergency
Skip Dr. Google and go straight to the ER vet if you see:
- Seizures or muscle tremors
- Collapse or inability to wake up
- Vomiting blood
- Body temperature below 98°F (36°C)
Time matters. THC toxicity can depress vital functions.
First Response: What to Do Immediately
Panic won't help. Here's your action plan:
- Secure your dog: Move them to a quiet, padded area away from stairs.
- Check mouth for residue: Gently wipe away any substance with a damp cloth.
- Identify the substance: Find packaging or remnants – show this to the vet.
- Call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 ($85 fee but worth it). They'll calculate toxicity.
- Do NOT induce vomiting: Unless instructed – aspiration risk is real.
Keep this info ready for poison control:
| What They'll Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Dog's weight | Toxicity calculations |
| Substance name/ingredients | THC % determines danger level |
| Quantity ingested (estimate) | A whole brownie vs. a crumb changes everything |
| Time of ingestion | Absorption rates vary |
What the Vet Will Do (From Experience)
Expect these steps at the clinic:
- Decontamination: Activated charcoal to bind toxins (messy but effective)
- IV fluids: Flushes kidneys and prevents dehydration
- Vital monitoring: Continuous heart rate and oxygen tracking
- Anti-nausea meds (like Cerenia) if vomiting
- Blood work: Rules out other toxins or underlying issues
Cost reality check: Emergency visits average $250-$800. Ouch. But cheaper than tragedy.
Recovery Timeline: What's Normal?
Don't expect instant recovery. Here's a typical progression:
| Time After Ingestion | Typical Symptoms | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 hours | Severe disorientation, vomiting | Vet supervision needed |
| 4-12 hours | Sleepiness, clumsy walking | Limit movement, offer water |
| 12-24 hours | Mild lethargy, confusion | Bland diet (boiled chicken) |
| 24-72 hours | Nearly normal behavior | Gradual return to routine |
Note: High-fat edibles (like butter cookies) prolong effects up to 72 hours.
Prevention Checklist: Avoid Repeat Episodes
After Max's incident, I became obsessive about prevention:
- 🔒 Lock edibles in smell-proof containers (not just cabinets)
- 🚭 Smoke outdoors away from pets, use air purifiers indoors
- 🦮 "Leave it" training for walks (practice daily with treats)
- 🧼 Dispose of joints in lidded trash cans
- 💊 Store meds in high drawers – not purses or nightstands
It's about respecting their curiosity. Dogs explore with their mouths.
FAQ: Your Top Concerns Answered
Can my dog die from being high?
Fatalities are rare but possible with extremely high THC doses or pre-existing conditions. Seizures and cardiovascular collapse are the biggest risks. Smaller dogs face higher danger.
How long will these symptoms my dog is high last?
Typically 18-36 hours for mild cases. Edibles with high fat content extend this to 72 hours. Older dogs or those with liver issues take longer to metabolize THC.
Should I give my dog CBD if he seems anxious?
No! Adding CBD during THC intoxication worsens disorientation. Wait until fully recovered, then consult your vet about pet-specific products with 0% THC.
Will my vet report me to the police?
Vets care about treatment, not judgement. In 20+ ER cases my friend handled, zero involved law enforcement. Honesty saves your dog's life.
Can I just let my dog "sleep it off"?
Only for very mild cases (< 1mg THC/kg body weight) with zero red flags. Example: A 50lb dog eating < 0.5g of low-potency weed. When in doubt? Vet.
Final Reality Check
Seeing symptoms my dog is high is terrifying. But preparation cuts the panic. Bookmark your nearest 24-hour animal ER now. Save poison control in your phone. And maybe stash those edibles a little higher.
Dogs bounce back surprisingly well – Max was begging for treats within 48 hours. Just act fast, stay calm, and trust the pros.
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