How long does it take for a dog to recover from edibles?

Answered by James Kissner

When it comes to pets ingesting cannabis edibles, it’s important to act quickly and seek veterinary care as soon as possible. The effects of cannabis on dogs can be quite serious, and the recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the poisoning.

The study you mentioned, which found an increase in cannabis poisonings in pets, highlights the importance of responsible cannabis use and keeping edibles out of reach of our furry friends. Dogs are particularly sensitive to THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, and even a small amount can have significant effects on their health.

One of the challenges with cannabis poisoning in dogs is that the immediate symptoms can disappear relatively quickly, leading some pet owners to assume that their dog is fine. However, just because the symptoms have subsided does not mean that the THC has completely left their system or that the danger has passed.

The recovery time for dogs who have ingested cannabis edibles can vary depending on several factors, including the amount consumed, the size and weight of the dog, and how quickly they receive veterinary care. In most cases, dogs will start to show improvement within a few hours, but it can take up to 24 hours or longer for them to fully recover.

During this recovery period, it’s important to closely monitor your dog for any lingering symptoms or complications. Some common signs of cannabis poisoning in dogs include lethargy, disorientation, difficulty walking, dilated pupils, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested cannabis edibles, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment, which may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb any remaining THC, and providing supportive care to help your dog recover.

In my personal experience, I had a friend whose dog accidentally got into a bag of cannabis-infused cookies. The dog started showing symptoms of cannabis poisoning, including extreme lethargy and disorientation. They rushed him to the veterinarian, who began treatment right away. Thankfully, the dog made a full recovery within 24 hours, but it was a scary and stressful experience for both the dog and the owner.

The recovery time for dogs who have ingested cannabis edibles can vary, but most dogs will show improvement within a few hours and fully recover within 24 hours. However, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately and closely monitor your dog during this time. Responsible cannabis use and keeping edibles out of reach of pets are essential to prevent these incidents from happening in the first place.