How a 5 kg dog's body processes THC
Smaller dogs react more intensely to THC because their systems process it slower. The gummy's sugar and gelatin base delay absorption, so signs may appear 30-90 minutes after eating. Your 5 kg dog likely got a concentrated dose relative to body weight, which explains the prolonged recovery window. Bloodwork helps rule out secondary issues like pancreatitis from the candy's fats and sweeteners.
Vets often see dogs this size struggle with coordination for 8-12 hours post-exposure. The liver works overtime to break down THC metabolites, which is why hydration matters. Expect your dog to urinate more frequently as their body clears the compound.
What improvement looks like hour by hour
First 6 hours post-treatment are critical for monitoring breathing and temperature. Many dogs sleep heavily but should rouse when touched. By hour 12, they might attempt to drink water, though their gait will still be unsteady. The 24-hour mark often brings tentative interest in food, even if just licking broth.
Days 2-3 show the clearest progress: fewer tremors, longer periods of alertness, and purposeful movement. Don't be alarmed if your dog seems "spacey" intermittently—THC's effects come in waves as it leaves fat stores. Complete normalization of sleep cycles may take up to 72 hours.
Home care while the drug wears off
Create a dim, quiet recovery space with non-slip flooring. Use baby gates to block stairs since depth perception issues persist. Offer water in a shallow bowl to prevent face-planting. For food, try hand-feeding small amounts of plain boiled chicken every 4-6 hours once swallowing reflexes return.
Resist the urge to "walk it off"—exercise increases THC redistribution in the body. Limit activity to leash-guided bathroom trips. Note urine output: dark yellow means dehydration, while frequent small puddles suggest the kidneys are flushing metabolites effectively.
When to call the vet again
Backslide in progress—like renewed disorientation after 48 hours of improvement—warrants immediate contact. Similarly, vomiting beyond the first 12 hours or failure to drink by day two needs assessment. Small dogs risk hypoglycemia if they refuse food too long.
Watch the clock if symptoms persist past three days. While rare, some dogs develop temporary urinary retention from THC's muscle-relaxing effects. Straining to pee or producing only droplets means your vet should check for bladder distension.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Marijuana / THC Poisoning in Dogs emergency guide.