Symptoms My Dog Is High: Why It’s an Emergency
Dogs are much more sensitive to THC than people, and even a small exposure can make them very sick. Today I am going to walk you through THC and dogs so you can recognize the symptoms your dog may be high and know what to do. If a dog eats marijuana or breathes secondhand smoke, the signs your dog is high can show up fast and feel scary to watch. This is a medical emergency, and the safest step is to get to a veterinarian right away rather than waiting at home.
Symptoms my dog is high
When a dog is high, the changes in their body and behavior can look dramatic. Many dogs suddenly lose their coordination, wobbling as if they are drunk, or collapsing because their legs can no longer hold them up. Some develop rapid eye movements or pupils that look wide and glassy. Others feel shaky all over or go limp when you try to pick them up.
It is also common for dogs to act strangely vocal or restless. Some will whine or pace without being able to settle, while others become so drowsy it is hard to wake them. A housetrained dog may suddenly have accidents because they lose bladder control. In more serious cases, breathing slows, body temperature drops, or the heart rate becomes irregular. These are dangerous signs that mean a dog needs immediate veterinary care.
One important thing to understand is that marijuana works as an anti-nausea drug. This means that vomiting, which many dog parents expect with poisoning, does not usually happen when your dog is exposed to THC.
THC poisoning in dogs symptoms Halo’s frightening experience
A Cavalier friend, Michele and her dog, Halo, recently went through an experience that left her shaken and wanting to warn others. She and her sweet girl, Halo, were at a hotel unloading their car. Halo was perched in her car seat, wagging her tail and taking in the sights around her. A group of people nearby began smoking marijuana, and within minutes the car filled with smoke.
At first, Halo just seemed to shift her weight, but then her head started to bob, her legs gave out, and she collapsed into her seat. When her mom picked her up, Halo was limp in her arms with a racing heart. She could not even stand. Terrified, she rolled down the windows, got fresh air moving through the car, and drove straight toward an emergency veterinary hospital.
On the way, Halo started to respond a little, but by the time they arrived she was still stumbling like she was drunk. After a couple of hours of monitoring, she was thankfully back to herself. The veterinarian confirmed what her mom suspected: Halo had experienced THC poisoning from secondhand marijuana smoke.
This was not something she ever imagined could happen just from smoke exposure, and she wants other dog parents to know how quickly it can turn into a serious emergency. Thankfully, Halo made a full recovery.
Symptoms my dog is high: Stewart’s strange episode
One afternoon, Stewart suddenly started acting very nervous. He sniffed at the ground, tucked his tail oddly, and even pulled away from me when I tried to scoop him up. This was completely unlike his normal happy, confident self, and it worried me.
I contacted animal poison control and headed straight to the emergency vet. Both asked the same question right away, “could he have had any chance of THC exposure?” The answer was no. As we waited, Stewart slowly began to act more like himself, and by the time we left, he seemed closer to normal again.
Looking back, the episode didn’t match the classic signs of THC poisoning, and because Cavaliers are prone to neurological issues like Chiari malformation and PSOM, I do suspect something along those lines may have been at play. Which I’m monitoring. But, it was interesting that both asked if my dog was exposed to THC.
Can THC kill a dog
Yes, THC can kill a dog. While some dogs recover with quick veterinary care, others may not survive, especially smaller dogs or those who ate a large amount. Severe THC poisoning in dogs can cause seizures, dangerously low blood pressure, or even coma. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, there is no safe level of THC for dogs, and every case needs veterinary attention.
I think my dog is high, what do I do
If you think your dog has been exposed to marijuana, do not wait it out at home. Call your veterinarian immediately. If it is after hours, go to the closest emergency hospital. Bring any packaging, leftover edibles, or details about how your dog was exposed. This information helps the vet provide faster, more effective treatment.
How does weed affect dogs
When people want to know how does weed affect dogs, the answer is that it impacts them much more strongly than it does people. THC affects a dog’s nervous system, heart, and balance, and even a small amount can cause serious problems. Inhaling marijuana smoke is just as dangerous as eating it because THC enters the bloodstream quickly. Dogs do not experience a harmless high, they experience poisoning that puts their health at risk.
Is weed bad for dogs to inhale
Weed is absolutely bad for dogs to inhale! Just like secondhand cigarette smoke is harmful, marijuana smoke can be toxic. Dogs in enclosed spaces, like cars or small rooms, can be exposed quickly. Inhaling smoke can cause all of the same dangerous symptoms as eating marijuana. If people are smoking near your dog, move them out of the area right away.
What about CBD for dogs
You may hear people talk about giving CBD to dogs and wonder how that is different. CBD, or cannabidiol, is another compound found in the cannabis plant, but it does not have the psychoactive effects of THC. In other words, CBD does not make dogs high. Some families use CBD to help with issues like anxiety, arthritis, or seizures.
The most important thing to understand is that not all CBD products are safe. Because the industry is not strictly regulated, some products sold as “CBD for dogs” may actually contain THC, pesticides, or heavy metals. This is where a Certificate of Analysis, often called a COA, becomes critical. A COA is a lab report that shows exactly what is in the product and confirms it is free from THC and other contaminants. If a company does not provide a current COA from a third-party lab, it is best to avoid their products. Learn more about CBD and dogs in this blog post.
Be responsible if you use marijuana around dogs
If you smoke marijuana, use edibles, or keep cannabis products at home, please be responsible and respectful. This is not only about protecting dogs, but also babies, children, and other animals who share your space. Store products securely where curious paws or hands cannot reach them, and avoid smoking in enclosed spaces where others are breathing the same air. Even if you are outside, be mindful of where the smoke drifts and who is nearby. A little extra care helps keep everyone safe.
Final thoughts on THC and effects on dogs
THC is toxic to dogs, whether it comes from an edible, a dropped joint, or smoke in the air. The symptoms my dog is high are frightening to see and can become life threatening very quickly. The most important thing for every pet parent to know is that there is no safe level of THC for dogs. If you ever suspect exposure, act fast and get veterinary help right away.
For more guidance on keeping your dog safe, supported, and living their best life, I offer extra resources and encouragement inside my Patreon community. It’s a space for dog parents who want to feel confident and connected as they navigate the ups and downs of caring for their best friend. You can join here: https://www.patreon.com/c/raisingyourpetsnaturally.
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Hi, I’m Tonya Wilhelm—a positive dog trainer, holistic pet care educator, and proud dog mom. With nearly 30 years of experience helping families raise confident, well-mannered dogs, I focus on trust-based training, enrichment, and natural wellness. I’m also a published author and content creator who shares effective, proactive ways to prevent behavior problems and help dogs thrive. You’ll often hear about my angel dogs Dexter and Stewart, who continue to inspire my work every day.