If you're a cannabis consumer, there's a good chance you've had that heart-dropping moment where you wonder if your dog could have eaten one of your edibles.

Whether it's a cookie, brownie, or candy, the shock is real, and the concern is valid. THC — the psychoactive compound in cannabis — is extremely toxic to dogs, and they can have a much stronger reaction to it than humans.

So what do you do if your dog eats a cannabis edible? First and foremost, don't panic. While accidental ingestion of cannabis can be concerning, with the right steps, your pet will be just fine. In this guide, we'll walk you through what happens when a dog eats a cannabis edible, the symptoms to watch for, and the crucial steps to take in case of accidental ingestion.

That said, if your dog is currently in a state of distress, don't read through this article. Call your vet immediately and ask them what you should do. They're going to be a much better guide at this moment than we could be. If you're here for educational purposes though, we've got all the info you need.

How Cannabis Affects Dogs: The Basics

Before we dive into what to do if Fido chows down on one of your cannabis gummies, let's take a closer look at how cannabis affects dogs and why it's so dangerous for them.

So dogs have an endocannabinoid system just like humans, which is responsible for regulating various doggie functions like mood and appetite. However, the way that dogs process cannabinoids like THC differs dramatically from humans. In fact, dogs are much more sensitive to THC than we are.

THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors in a dog's brain and body, much like it does in humans, but since dogs have far more receptors in their brains than humans do, they are more susceptible to the toxic effects of THC. Unlike humans, who have a higher tolerance due to regular exposure, dogs' bodies can't handle even small amounts of THC, and consuming it can lead to a variety of dangerous symptoms. On top of that, cannabis edibles often contain other ingredients, like chocolate or xylitol, a sugar substitute that can also be harmful or toxic to dogs.

Signs Your Dog Has Ingested a Cannabis Edible

The symptoms of cannabis toxicity in dogs can vary depending on the size of the dog, the amount ingested, and the type of edible. However, there are some common signs to look out for:

• Lethargy or Unusual Sleepiness: One of the first signs you may notice is that your dog seems overly tired or lethargic. Cannabis can induce drowsiness, and dogs can sleep for hours after ingestion.
• Coordination Problems: Dogs might also start to lose their balance or appear uncoordinated. This is because THC affects their motor skills, leading to difficulty walking or standing.
• Dilated Pupils: Just like humans, dogs can experience dilated pupils after ingesting THC. This is a sign that their nervous system is reacting to the cannabinoid.
• Excessive Drooling: Cannabis can cause dogs to drool excessively, especially if they're feeling nauseous.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Some dogs may vomit or have diarrhea after ingesting cannabis, which is a common response to ingestion of substances that their body isn't used to processing.
• Increased Heart Rate or Panting: THC can cause a dog's heart rate to increase, leading to excessive panting or rapid breathing.
• Tremors or Seizures: In severe cases, THC toxicity can cause tremors, muscle spasms, or even seizures. This is less common but a serious symptom that requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Increased Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Dogs who have consumed cannabis may become more sensitive to stimuli like light or sound, which can lead to anxiety or distress.
• Urinary Incontinence: THC can also affect a dog's bladder control, leading to them urinating involuntarily.

While some symptoms might seem mild, others can be severe and require immediate attention. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a cannabis edible, it's important to act fast.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Cannabis Edible

If you find that your dog has ingested a cannabis edible, don't panic — but do act quickly. Here are the steps to take immediately after the incident.

Assess the Situation

The first thing you'll want to do is assess the situation. Here are a few important questions to answer:

What type of edible did they eat? Identify the type of edible your dog ingested. Was it a chocolate-infused edible? Did it contain other harmful ingredients like xylitol? Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can compound the effects of THC, so be sure to inform your vet of this. Even if the edible didn't contain chocolate, it's still important to know the size and potency of the edible.

How much did they eat? Take note of how much of the edible your dog consumed. A small amount may only cause mild symptoms, while a larger dose could be more serious. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary help.

What's your dog's weight and size? A small dog will be more affected by cannabis than a larger dog. If your dog can fit in a purse, even a small amount of THC can have significant effects.

Contact a Veterinarian or Animal Poison Control

Once you've assessed the situation, it's important to get professional advice as soon as possible. If you notice symptoms or if you're unsure how much your dog consumed, call your vet immediately. Let them know the type of edible, how much was ingested, and when it happened. They may advise you to bring your dog in for a check-up or induce vomiting.

If you can't reach your vet, contact an animal poison control hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435. They are available 24/7 and can provide guidance on how to handle cannabis ingestion and help you determine the severity of the situation.

Don't Wait for Symptoms to Appear

If you are sure that your dog has eaten an edible, it's best not to wait around for symptoms to show up. Even if your dog doesn't seem affected right away, THC toxicity can progress, so getting immediate help is important. The earlier you take action, the better the chances of preventing severe reactions.

Monitor Your Dog's Behavior

While waiting for advice from your vet or poison control, keep a close eye on your dog's behavior. Make note of any unusual symptoms like:

• Excessive drooling or vomiting
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Unusual behavior or confusion
• Rapid breathing or panting

If your dog starts showing signs of serious distress — such as tremors, seizures, or loss of consciousness — take them to the emergency vet immediately. They'll be able to treat them there.

Treatment Options for Dogs Who Have Ingested Cannabis Edibles

If your dog has ingested a cannabis edible, the treatment will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Here are some of the common treatments a veterinarian might administer:

Inducing Vomiting: If the ingestion happened within the last hour or so and your dog is not showing severe symptoms, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to prevent further absorption of THC. However, vomiting may not be effective if a significant amount of time has passed since ingestion.

Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal can be used to absorb toxins in the stomach and intestines. If your vet administers this treatment, it may help reduce the amount of THC your dog absorbs.

Intravenous (IV) Fluids: IV fluids are often administered to keep your dog hydrated and help flush the THC out of their system. This can also help support their kidney and liver function.

Monitoring and Supportive Care: In mild cases, your vet may choose to monitor your dog's condition and provide supportive care until the THC has cleared from their system. This may include keeping your dog comfortable, watching for changes in their behavior, and offering pain relief or anti-nausea medications as needed.

Seizure Management: In severe cases where the dog has seizures, the vet may administer anticonvulsant medications to control the seizures and ensure your pet's safety.

Regardless of what happens, the quicker you can act, the better. It's not necessarily the end of the world if your dog consumes an edible, but you want to intervene as quickly as you can to make sure no damage is done. The best course of action is to speak to a vet or animal poison control immediately and tell them what happened. With that in mind, though, let's talk about how to prevent this from happening in the first place.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Cannabis Edibles

Accidents can happen, but it's important to take steps to prevent your dog from ingesting cannabis in the first place. Here are some tips for keeping your edibles safe:

Store Edibles in a Secure Place: Keep your cannabis edibles in a locked, pet-proof container or in a high cabinet that your dog cannot reach. Never leave edibles unattended, especially in places where your dog can easily access them.

Dispose of Edibles and Packaging Properly: When finished with cannabis edibles, dispose of any leftovers and the packing they came in properly. Don't leave anything lying around, and make sure it's all securely sealed in trash bags that your dog cannot get into.

Educate Others: If you live with other people, make sure they understand the risks of cannabis edibles and how to keep them out of reach of the pets you have in the home. Remind them that pets can often access places you might not expect.

Use Childproof Packaging: When buying edibles, look for products that come in childproof packaging. While this isn't foolproof, it can add an extra layer of security.

Dog Ate Your Edible? Stay Calm and Act Fast

If your dog eats a cannabis edible, stay calm, assess the situation, and seek help as soon as you can. Don't wait until symptoms manifest — treat it immediately. The effects of THC can be severe, but with prompt action and proper treatment, your dog can recover without any long-term harm. If you ever find yourself in doubt, remember that a veterinarian or animal poison control is always the best source of advice.

At Sherpa, we love pets of all sorts. That's why we created our 100 percent safe and dog-friendly CBD treats. While you enjoy your edibles, give one of them to your four-legged friend for us.