How Long Do Dogs Stay High on Edibles? What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

Ever walked into your living room to find your furry friend acting super weird, only to realize they’ve gotten into your special brownies? Yeah, it happens more than you think. And then the panic sets in – how long is Fido gonna be like this?!

As a dog owner who’s researched this topic extensively (not from personal experience I swear!), I’m here to give you the straight facts about cannabis toxicity in our four-legged friends. This isn’t about judgment – it’s about keeping your pup safe when accidents happen.

The Quick Answer

Most dogs who consume cannabis edibles will stay high for anywhere from 3 to 24 hours. However in some cases especially with higher doses, effects can last up to two days. The duration depends on several factors including the dog’s size, the amount consumed, and the potency of the product.

Why Cannabis Affects Dogs Differently Than Humans

Before we dive deeper, you gotta understand why weed hits dogs so much harder than us humans.

Dogs have way more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than we do, making them super sensitive to THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis). When your pup ingests THC, their body processes it differently too.

Here’s what happens:

• Their bodies absorb the THC into the bloodstream
• The THC binds to receptors in their brain
• Their liver processes the THC, but here’s the kicker – dogs can actually recycle cannabinoids
• The gut absorbs THC and stores it in bile (fluid made by the liver)
• When they eat their next meal, the THC-loaded bile gets released again, re-exposing them

This recycling process is why the high can last so darn long in dogs compared to humans!

Signs Your Dog Is High on Edibles

Not sure if your dog got into your stash? Here are the telltale signs of cannabis toxicity:

• Stumbling/uncoordinated walking (like they’re “drunk”)
• Dilated pupils and glossy eyes
• Dazed expression
• Lethargy or hyperactivity
• Drooling excessively
• Vomiting
• Startling easily
• Sensitivity to sound and touch
• Involuntary urination
• Tremors or shaking

In more severe cases, you might see:

• Agitation or aggression
• Abnormal heart rate (too fast or too slow)
• Trouble regulating body temperature
• Seizures
• In extreme cases, coma

Timeline: How Long The High Lasts

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect if your dog eats cannabis edibles:

Remember, the effects typically last longer with edibles than with inhaled cannabis because of how the body processes them.

Factors That Affect How Long Your Dog Stays High

Not all doggy highs are created equal! Several things can impact how long your pup stays under the influence:

1. Size and weight of your dog – Smaller dogs are affected more severely and for longer periods
2. Amount consumed – A small nibble vs. an entire brownie makes a huge difference
3. THC concentration – Medical or recreational products have varying potencies
4. Your dog’s metabolism – Just like humans, some dogs process toxins faster than others
5. Other ingredients – Chocolate, raisins, or xylitol in edibles can cause additional problems
6. Empty vs. full stomach – Food in the stomach can slow absorption but won’t prevent toxicity

Is It Ever Fatal?

Let’s address the scary question – can weed kill your dog? While cannabis toxicity is rarely fatal when ingested alone, it can be life-threatening in certain circumstances:

• When combined with chocolate (which is already toxic to dogs)
• When combined with raisins (extremely toxic to dogs)
• When combined with xylitol (an artificial sweetener that’s deadly to dogs)
• In cases where breathing becomes severely depressed

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, there’s been a 400% increase in cannabis toxicity cases in pets over the past six years. While death is uncommon, the experience is definitely not pleasant for your furry friend.

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Edibles

If you catch your dog munching on your special cookies, here’s what to do:

Immediate Steps:

1. Stay calm – Your dog needs you thinking clearly
2. Contact your vet ASAP – Be honest about what happened
3. Keep the packaging – Knowing the THC content helps your vet determine treatment
4. DO NOT try to induce vomiting at home unless directed by a vet

What Treatment Will Look Like:

Your vet might:

• Induce vomiting (if it’s been less than 30 minutes since ingestion)
• Administer activated charcoal to reduce absorption
• Provide IV fluids to maintain hydration
• Give anti-nausea medication
• Provide temperature regulation
• Monitor heart rate and breathing
• In severe cases, hospitalize your dog for 24-72 hours

THC vs. CBD for Dogs: Important Differences

Many people get confused about CBD and THC when it comes to pets. Let’s clear that up:

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol):

• Psychoactive component that makes humans and dogs “high”
• Toxic to dogs even in small amounts
• Never intentionally give to your dog

CBD (Cannabidiol):

• Non-psychoactive component
• Doesn’t cause a “high”
• Some pet owners use it for anxiety, pain, and seizures
• Limited scientific research on benefits for dogs
• Products not well-regulated and may contain some THC

Always consult with your vet before giving your dog any CBD products, and make sure they’re specifically formulated for pets with zero THC.

Prevention: Keeping Your Dog Safe

Look, I’m not here to judge anybody’s lifestyle choices. But if you do enjoy cannabis products, here’s how to keep your furry friend safe:

• Store all cannabis products in dog-proof containers
• Keep edibles in locked cabinets or high shelves
• Don’t leave joints, vapes, or edibles unattended
• Store cannabis butter or oils in sealed containers in the fridge
• Be careful with ash and roaches – dogs will eat those too!
• Use cannabis in a separate room from your pets
• Inform houseguests about keeping their products secure
• Be extra vigilant during parties or gatherings

Real Talk: The Legal and Ethical Stuff

I know what some of you are thinking – “Will my vet report me if my dog gets into my stash?”

Here’s the real deal: Vets aren’t interested in getting you in trouble; they just want to help your pet. Most won’t report you to law enforcement. Their primary concern is getting accurate information to treat your dog properly.

Be honest with your vet about what happened. Trying to hide the cause only delays proper treatment and could endanger your pet’s life.

Final Thoughts

Accidents happen to even the most responsible pet parents. The important thing is knowing what to do if your dog does get into cannabis products.

The good news is that with prompt veterinary care, most dogs recover completely from cannabis toxicity within 24-72 hours. The key is getting help quickly and being honest with your vet about what happened.

Have you ever had a scary experience with your dog getting into something they shouldn’t? Share your stories in the comments below – no judgment here, we’re all just trying to keep our furry friends safe!

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog has ingested cannabis or any toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.