Cannabis/THC Ingestion
in Dogs
Substance: Cannabis (marijuana, THC edibles, hash). Symptoms appear within 30-90 minutes. Treatment costs £200–£800.
Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet now.
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to cannabis (marijuana, thc edibles, hash), contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. The PoisonLine is available 24/7 and run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
What to Look For
Symptoms of cannabis/thc ingestion typically appear within 30-90 minutes of exposure. You may not see all of these — even one or two should prompt an immediate call to your vet.
What to Do Right Now
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to cannabis (marijuana, thc edibles, hash), follow these steps.
Call your vet — be honest about what your dog has consumed; they will not judge you
Vets need to know the substance to give the right treatment
THC edibles are more dangerous than plant material because of higher concentration
Check if the edible also contains chocolate or xylitol (double poisoning)
Keep your dog in a quiet, calm environment
What the Vet Will Do
Treatment depends on how much was ingested and how quickly you seek help. Here is what to expect.
How Much It Costs
Estimated UK vet costs for treating cannabis/thc ingestion in dogs. Total treatment typically costs £200–£800.
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency consultation | £80-£250 |
| Decontamination | £80-£150 |
| IV fluids & monitoring | £100-£300 |
| Hospitalisation (if needed) | £150-£500 |
| Total treatment range | £200–£800 |
Prices are estimates based on UK veterinary averages. Out-of-hours emergencies typically cost 1.5–3x more than standard hours. Individual cases vary.
Recovery Outlook
Cannabis poisoning in dogs is rarely fatal and most dogs recover fully within 12-24 hours. However, THC edibles that also contain chocolate or xylitol are much more dangerous — the additional toxin is often the real threat. Very small dogs and puppies are at higher risk of serious effects.
How to Prevent This
The best treatment is prevention. Keep your pet safe with these steps.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Poisoning?
Yes — most pet insurance policies cover accidental poisoning as an emergency, including out-of-hours care, hospitalisation, and specialist referral.
With cannabis/thc ingestion treatment costing £200–£800, insurance can prevent a medical emergency becoming a financial one too. Check your policy covers emergency treatment with no sub-limit on poisoning.
Compare pet insuranceOther Poisoning Emergencies
Other common toxic substances that affect dogs.
Chocolate Poisoning
SevereGrape & Raisin Poisoning
CriticalXylitol (Sweetener) Poisoning
CriticalRat Poison (Rodenticide) Poisoning
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