I think my dog is high what do i do?

If you think your dog is high, the next few minutes matter for both safety and your peace of mind. Stay calm, observe carefully, and act in a clear, stepwise way — dogs can show odd behaviors that look alarming but are often manageable, yet some signs mean you need immediate veterinary help.

Why it matters when your dog appears “high” — and what’s at stake

Recognizing and responding to possible intoxication keeps a dog from hurting themselves and prevents escalation into a life-threatening situation. I typically see panic from owners who find a dazed pet after a gathering, and delayed action can make supportive care more difficult. Knowing what to watch for reduces fear and helps you get the right help quickly.

Common owner scenarios include a dog finding an unattended edible in a purse or on a coffee table, scavenging discarded food after a walk, or being exposed to secondhand smoke at a social event. Exposure is also possible when visitors bring cannabis products into a home without realizing the risk to pets.

Households with curious puppies, small-breed dogs, elderly pets, or animals with liver, heart, or neurological conditions are most likely to need this information. In my experience, homes with frequent guests or where edibles are used are at higher risk of accidents.

What to do right now if you think your dog is high

If you suspect your dog is high, follow these steps right away to triage the situation and reduce further exposure. Work calmly and deliberately; your dog will respond better if you speak softly and move slowly.

1. Check breathing and responsiveness. Make sure the airway is clear, the dog is breathing without obvious effort, and can be woken or roused. If breathing is shallow, very slow, or the dog is unresponsive, treat this as an emergency and call your vet or emergency clinic now.
2. Remove access to the substance and secure the environment. Put the dog in a quiet, dim room and take away any remaining edibles, smoking materials, or packaging so there’s no repeat ingestion.
3. Call for professional guidance. Contact your regular vet, an emergency clinic, or a poison-control hotline (ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline) and be ready to describe the product, amount, timing, and the dog’s weight and symptoms.

How intoxicants affect a dog’s body and brain

Cannabis contains THC and other cannabinoids that act on the endocannabinoid system, a regulatory network that helps control balance in the nervous system. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which may blunt coordination, alter behavior, and affect consciousness in dogs in ways that are similar to humans but often more pronounced.

Dogs appear to absorb and metabolize cannabinoids differently than humans. Oral ingestion of concentrated edibles can lead to higher and longer-lasting blood levels than inhaled smoke, and because dogs are usually smaller, a dose that seems minor for a person may be significant for a dog. The liver metabolizes THC into active and inactive forms, and depending on the dose and the dog’s metabolic capacity, effects may be prolonged.

Typical signs — stumbling, excessive drooling, wobbliness, unusually quiet or sedated behavior, dilated pupils, or disorientation — are likely linked to THC’s effect on the brain’s coordination and arousal centers. Some dogs show increased vocalization or mild agitation before becoming sedate. In a small number of cases, signs can include tremors, seizures, or severe depression of the nervous system.

Where and when accidental exposures most often happen

Most exposures I see follow ingestion of edibles — brownies, gummies, butters, or other food items that mask the smell and taste of cannabis. Dogs are drawn to fatty, sweet foods and may eat an entire item that contains far more THC than a pet-safe dose.

Inhalation of secondhand smoke at home or in a car can produce milder signs, but concentrated vapors or heavy exposure in a small enclosed space can cause more noticeable effects. Topical products are less commonly a problem, but accidental contact with concentrated oils or tinctures can lead to exposure if the dog licks the area.

Smaller dogs and puppies are at greater risk because a given amount of THC represents a larger dose per kilogram of body weight. Senior dogs and pets with existing liver or heart disease also have higher risk for complications because their ability to metabolize and compensate may be reduced.

Red flags: symptoms that require immediate veterinary care

Some signs suggest a medical emergency rather than routine intoxication and require immediate veterinary attention. Call your vet or emergency clinic right away if you see seizures, loss of consciousness or coma, very slow or shallow breathing, or if the dog cannot be easily roused.

Worsening signs such as persistent vomiting, unrelenting diarrhea, severe tremors, hypothermia (cool body temperature), or an abnormally slow or fast heart rate may indicate systemic involvement and the need for supportive care. A collapsing dog or one with severe weakness should be treated as an emergency.

Certain populations — puppies, older dogs, pregnant dogs, or pets with heart or liver disease — are at higher risk for complications and should be evaluated sooner rather than later even if signs initially seem mild.

Owner’s emergency checklist — calm, ordered steps to follow

Work through these steps from discovery to vet handoff. I use a checklist like this in the clinic because a calm, documented approach helps staff act quickly when you arrive.

1. Secure the dog. Move them to a quiet, safe area away from stairs, water, or other hazards. Use a leash or carrier if needed to prevent further wandering or access to more substances.
2. Remove any remaining product and packaging. Save samples — packaging labels, wrappers, or remnants — to bring to the vet; they often contain concentration information that helps with treatment decisions.
3. Assess and record vitals and timing. Note when you first noticed symptoms, what you think the dog consumed or was exposed to, and the amount if known. Check respiratory rate, heart rate if you can feel it, and whether the dog is responsive to voice and touch. Write these down; they help the clinician.
4. Call your veterinarian or poison-control service. Provide the dog’s weight, known substance, the amount and form, timing, and current signs. Follow their instructions about whether to go to the clinic immediately or monitor at home temporarily.
5. If transporting, choose a secure carrier or use a leash and the shortest safe route. Bring the product sample, any vomit in a sealed bag (if present), and the dog’s medical history, including medications and pre-existing conditions.

Preventing a repeat: homeproofing and behavior tips

Prevention is the simplest way to avoid a repeat incident. Store all edibles, oils, and smoking materials in high, locked cabinets or lockable containers that pets cannot access. Think about where guests put their belongings and set a household rule that products stay out of reach.

Training is powerful: a reliable “leave it” cue and strong recall reduce the chance a dog will sample something on a walk or at a party. Reinforce those behaviors in low-distraction settings first and practice often. Supervised access to counter or table areas prevents scavenging in kitchens and dining rooms.

Educate visitors and family members — ask them not to offer any human food or medications, and explain why edibles present a special risk. Consider pet-proof trash containers with secure lids so discarded wrappers or food can’t be retrieved.

Essential gear to keep on hand for safety and quick response

Having a few practical items on hand makes an emergency easier to manage and gives you options for safer prevention.

• Lockable storage containers and high cabinets specifically for any cannabis products.
• Pet-proof trash bins with secured lids to prevent scavenging of discarded edibles or wrappers.
• A sturdy leash and a well-fitting carrier for safe transport to a clinic; a carrier helps a sedated or unsteady dog travel without injury.
• A basic pet first-aid kit that includes a digital thermometer, absorbent towels, and a small flashlight; a thermometer helps detect hypothermia or fever.
• Sealable plastic bags or containers for samples and packaging to bring to the vet, and written notes about timing and observed symptoms.

References and trusted resources for further guidance

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: “Marijuana (Cannabis) Toxicity in Pets” — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center guidance and case summaries
• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Cannabis (Marijuana) Poisoning” — clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment considerations for small animals
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “Cannabis and Pets: What Veterinarians Need to Know” — overview of risks, clinical presentation, and client counseling tips
• Pet Poison Helpline: “Marijuana: Toxicity in Dogs and Cats” — treatment recommendations and hotline resources for pet owners and vets