Dog THC Toxicity Calculator | Symptoms, Dosage & Home Care Guide

It’s a scenario that is becoming increasingly common as legalization spreads: you turn your back for a second, and your dog snatches a brownie, laps up some vape juice, or eats a joint roach off the floor. Now, your pet is acting strange—wobbly, lethargic, or jumpy—and you are frantic.

If you are searching for a dog THC toxicity calculator app or a reliable online tool, you are in the right place. Our Dog THC Toxicity Calculator below is designed to give you an immediate risk assessment based on your dog’s weight and the type of cannabis consumed. Whether you are in the USA, Canada, or anywhere else, knowing the thc toxicity in dogs dose is the first step in navigating this stressful situation.

What Is THC Toxicity in Dogs?

What is THC toxicity in dogs? It is officially known as THC toxicosis in dogs. Unlike humans, dogs have a significantly higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors (specifically CB1 receptors) in their cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination.

This biological difference means that dogs are incredibly sensitive to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A dose that gives a human a mild buzz can leave a dog unable to stand, incontinent, and hypersensitive to sound for days. While “getting high” might seem harmless to some, for a dog, it is a terrifying neurological event that results in severe ataxia (wobbliness) and disorientation.

Symptoms My Dog Is High: What to Watch For

If you suspect ingestion but didn’t see it happen, you need to know the signs. Dog THC toxicity symptoms usually appear 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, though edibles can take longer to digest.

The Classic “Pot Dog” Signs:

• Ataxia: This is the most obvious sign. The dog looks drunk, sways while standing, or falls over.
• Urinary Incontinence: This is a hallmark symptom. Symptoms my dog is high almost always include dribbling urine uncontrollably because THC relaxes the bladder sphincter.
• Static Ataxia: The dog stands rigid and rocks back and forth as if trying to balance on a ship.
• Hyperesthesia: They become hypersensitive to touch and sound. A sudden noise might make them flinch violently.
• Dilated Pupils: They may look “glassy-eyed.”
• Bradycardia: A dangerously slow heart rate is common (unlike in humans, where heart rate often speeds up).

Can THC Kill a Dog?

This is the big question: can THC kill a dog?

The short answer is: Rarely on its own, but yes, it is possible.

The lethal dose of pure THC is incredibly high (estimated at over 3,000 mg/kg). Most dogs who consume pure cannabis flower will sleep it off. However, the danger lies in the delivery method.

The Hidden Killers in Edibles:

If your dog ate “pot brownies” or gummies, the THC isn’t your only problem.

• Chocolate: Brownies contain chocolate (Theobromine), which causes heart arrhythmias.
• Xylitol (Birch Sugar): Many gummies are sugar-free. Xylitol causes rapid hypoglycemia and liver failure.
• High-Concentration Butter: The massive fat content in “cannabutter” can trigger acute Pancreatitis, which is painful and potentially fatal.

Therefore, while the weed might not kill them, the brownie it was baked in could. Always use the calculator to check for these secondary toxins.

Dog THC Dose Chart and Calculation

Calculating the exact dose is difficult because products vary wildly. A dog THC dose chart generally follows these toxicity thresholds:

• 3 mg/kg: Mild signs (sleepiness, slight wobble).
• 10 mg/kg: Moderate toxicity (incontinence, inability to walk).
• > 20 mg/kg: Severe toxicity (hypothermia, slow heart rate, potential aspiration of vomit).

Our thc toxicity in dogs calculator handles the complex math of converting “percentage of THC in flower” or “mg per gummy” into a usable number. For example, a joint roach contains concentrated resin, making it far more potent by weight than fresh flower.

⚠️ How to Treat THC Poisoning in Dogs at Home

We see searches for “how to treat thc poisoning in dogs at home” and “my dog ate thc what do i do” daily.

Step 1: Determine the Risk. Use the calculator. If they ate chocolate or xylitol, GO TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY.

Step 2: Supportive Care (If only THC). If the dose is moderate and no other toxins are present:

• Keep Them Warm: THC interferes with thermoregulation. Wrap them in blankets.
• Confine Them: They have no balance. Keep them in a crate or on the floor so they don’t fall down stairs.
• Reduce Stimulation: Turn off lights and TV. Noise is terrifying to them right now.
• Activated Charcoal: If ingestion was recent (< 1 hour), administering Activated Charcoal can help bind the remaining toxins in the stomach.

Professional Treatment: When to Go to the Vet

If your dog is unable to stand, is vomiting continuously, or has a heart rate below 60 bpm, home care is not enough.

Veterinarians treat THC toxicosis in dogs with:

• IV Fluids: To maintain blood pressure and hydration.
• Anti-Nausea Meds: To prevent aspiration pneumonia (choking on vomit).
• Lipid Emulsion Therapy: A specialized treatment where fats are injected into the blood to “soak up” the THC, speeding up recovery dramatically.

Long Term Effects of THC Toxicity in Dogs

Owners often worry about the long term effects of thc toxicity in dogs. The good news is that there are rarely permanent neurological effects. Once the drug clears the system (which can take 24 to 72 hours), most dogs return to normal completely.

However, the experience can be traumatic. Some dogs develop anxiety around the location where the “high” started. Furthermore, if they suffered secondary issues like aspiration pneumonia or pancreatitis from the butter/chocolate, those conditions can have long-lasting health impacts.

Recovery and Gut Health

After the ordeal is over, your dog’s digestive system may be wrecked. Vomiting and the stress of toxicity can strip the gut lining. During the recovery week, feed a bland diet.

We also strongly recommend a course of Pawbiotix. Restoring the microbiome is essential, especially if your dog received activated charcoal or anti-nausea medications, which can disrupt gut flora.

Finally, you must address how this happened. Dogs are scavengers. If you keep stash in the house, it must be locked away. If your dog is a counter-surfer, consider the Brain Training for Dogs program to teach reliable impulse control commands like “Leave It.”

A Note on Cats

While this article focuses on dogs, a quick note on drug toxicity in cat scenarios: Felines are less likely to eat edibles because they lack “sweet” taste receptors, but they are just as sensitive to THC if exposed to smoke or tinctures. A wobbly cat is a medical emergency just like a wobbly dog.

Conclusion

THC toxicity is frightening to watch, but with calm action, it is rarely fatal. The key is to distinguish between a “stoned” dog and a poisoned one (chocolate/xylitol).

Use the Dog THC Toxicity Calculator above to get your baseline. If the risk involves secondary toxins, rush to the vet. If it is pure THC, keep them safe, warm, and quiet until the storm passes.

Medical Disclaimer: This tool and article are for educational purposes. They provide estimates based on veterinary data but cannot predict individual biological reactions. If you suspect your dog has ingested drugs, contact the Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian immediately.