Dogs can get high from eating weed, but it's not exactly the same as humans getting high.
The THC in weed binds to receptors in a dog's brain, causing a range of effects.
Dogs have a much lower tolerance for THC than humans, so even small amounts can cause significant reactions.
Symptoms can include drooling, vomiting, and increased heart rate.
In severe cases, dogs can experience seizures, tremors, and even coma.
The effects of weed on dogs can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs
What Happens If My Pet Consumes Weed?
If your pet consumes weed, you'll notice signs of cannabis poisoning within 30 to 60 minutes.
The effects depend on your pet's size and the amount of weed they consume, and even small doses can cause problems.
Some common warning signs to look out for include lethargy, dilated pupils, and a wobbly walk.
Other signs may include whining, agitation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and urinary incontinence.
Consider reading: Can Dogs Die from Eating Weed
In severe cases, pets may experience seizures, abnormal heart rate, respiratory issues, hypotension, hypothermia, or even coma.
Here are some of the warning signs of cannabis poisoning to look out for:
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils or glassed over eyes
- Ataxia (loss of coordination or a ‘wobbly’ walk)
- Whining or crying
- Agitation
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypersensitivity to sound
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
Home Safety
To keep your dog safe from cannabis toxicity at home, it's essential to keep marijuana edibles out of sight and reach. Store them in closed, elevated cabinets or in a locked drawer.
Keep in mind that edibles with THC can be particularly tempting for your dog, so it's crucial to keep them out of reach.
If you smoke or vape marijuana, keep your dog in a separate area with good ventilation until the smoke or vapor has cleared. This will minimize the risk of second-hand inhalation.
Remember to keep cannabis products safely out of reach from your pet, including edibles, leaves, and buds.
Understanding Weed and Pets
Dogs can get high from eating weed, and it's not a good thing. Consuming edible forms of cannabis, like brownies or cookies, is a common way pets get poisoned.
If your pet ingests cannabis, they'll likely show signs within 30 to 60 minutes, such as lethargy, dilated pupils, and ataxia. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, including seizures, abnormal heart rate, and respiratory issues.
To keep your pet safe, keep cannabis products out of reach, and smoke away from them. If you use medical-grade CBD oil, it's a non-toxic therapy that won't make your pet high. But remember, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving your pet any form of cannabis.
Here are some warning signs of cannabis poisoning in pets:
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils or glassed over eyes
- Ataxia (loss of coordination or a ‘wobbly’ walk)
- Whining or crying
- Agitation
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypersensitivity to sound
What Makes Pets High?
Pets can get high from edible forms of cannabis, such as brownies, cookies, and muffins. These treats can be toxic to pets, especially dogs, cats, iguanas, ferrets, and horses.
Directly ingesting cannabis leaves and/or buds can also get pets high, and being exposed to second-hand cannabis smoke is another way they can get accidentally high.
Dogs are particularly susceptible to getting high from eating weed, whether it's from stealing foods adulterated with marijuana or inhaling weed. Their smaller size compared to people makes them more vulnerable to the effects of cannabis.
To keep pets safe, it's essential to keep recreational drugs, including cannabis, out of reach. If you do use cannabis, make sure to keep it well away from pets and children.
Here are some common ways pets can get high:
- Edible forms of cannabis (e.g. brownies, cookies, muffins)
- Directly ingesting cannabis leaves and/or buds
- Being exposed to second-hand cannabis smoke
Differences in Human Highness
Being high is a unique experience for dogs compared to humans.
A dog's smaller size makes them more susceptible to serious overdose, which can be deadly.
Dogs have a different metabolism than humans, and they can quickly consume a large amount of THC, leading to an overdose.
While there have been no recorded marijuana deaths in people, the same is not true for dogs.
Dogs may be more prone to eating an entire stash in one go, whereas their owners might have enough for several sessions stored away.
CBD for Animals: Frequently Asked Questions
CBD oil is derived from marijuana or hemp plants, but it has very little to no amounts of THC, making it safe for pets.
If your pet ingests medical-grade CBD oil, they won't suffer from the same side effects as they would from other forms of cannabis.
In fact, CBD oil can be therapeutically beneficial for your pet, helping to treat conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety.
What happens if your pet consumes unsafe cannabis? It depends on their size and the amount consumed, but signs can appear within 30 to 60 minutes.
Some warning signs of cannabis poisoning in pets include lethargy, dilated pupils, ataxia, whining, agitation, excessive drooling, vomiting, urinary incontinence, and hypersensitivity to sound.
In severe cases, pets may experience seizures, abnormal heart rate, respiratory issues, hypotension, hypothermia, or even coma.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
Cannabis toxicity can be treated in most cases with proper medical care, so don't hesitate to seek help.
If you think your pet's health could benefit from cannabis, discuss it with your veterinarian first or contact a vet knowledgeable about cannabinoid therapies for pets.
Here are the warning signs of cannabis poisoning in pets:
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils or glassed over eyes
- Ataxia (loss of coordination or a ‘wobbly’ walk)
- Whining or crying
- Agitation
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypersensitivity to sound
And in severe cases:
- Seizures/tremors
- Abnormal heart rate
- Respiratory issues (often slowed breathing)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Coma
Weed and Pet Health
Dogs can get high from eating weed, and it's not a good idea. In fact, even small amounts of cannabis can cause toxicity in dogs.
The main culprit behind cannabis toxicity in dogs is THC, the psychoactive ingredient in weed. THC is responsible for altering the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and serotonin, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including lethargy, dilated pupils, and ataxia.
If you suspect your dog has ingested weed, it's essential to contact a veterinarian immediately. Your vet may conduct a urine test to detect THC and confirm the diagnosis. Informing your vet about what your dog was exposed to is crucial in guiding the course of treatment.
Here are some common signs of cannabis toxicity in dogs:
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils or glassed over eyes
- Ataxia (loss of coordination or a ‘wobbly’ walk)
- Whining or crying
- Agitation
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypersensitivity to sound
In severe cases, pets may experience seizures, abnormal heart rate, respiratory issues, hypotension, hypothermia, or even coma. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Is My Dog Under the Influence?
Dogs can get high from consuming cannabis, and the effects can be quite dramatic.
Symptoms of cannabis toxicity in dogs occur 5 minutes to 12 hours after exposure and can last from minutes to days. In severe cases, pets may experience seizures, abnormal heart rate, respiratory issues, and even coma.
Common signs of marijuana toxicity in dogs include sedation, lethargy, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, and difficulty walking. Other, less common signs include vocalization, agitation, and trouble regulating body temperature.
If you suspect your dog has ingested marijuana, contact a veterinarian immediately. Your vet may conduct a urine test to detect THC and confirm the diagnosis.
A diagnosis is made by the physical symptoms a vet finds on clinical examination, especially if there is a history of recent access to a stash. This is why it's especially important to confide in your vet and be honest about what happened.
Here are some signs to look out for that indicate your dog is high:
- Dilated eyes
- Drooling
- Excitability
- A bizarre gait
- Altered mental status and seeming spaced out
- An unusually slow or an abnormally high heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Seizures
- Coma and death
In all honesty, it's best not to take any chances, and take your pet to the vet. Your vet may place the dog on a drip of intravenous fluids in order to flush out their system and prevent dehydration due to excessive vomiting.
Here's an interesting read: Vet Prescription
Using CBD Oil in Pets
Using CBD Oil in Pets can be a game-changer for their health. CBD oil is derived from marijuana or hemp plants, but it has very little to no amounts of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
If you're considering using CBD oil for your pet, it's essential to note that it's not the same as giving them cannabis. CBD oil can be therapeutically very beneficial for your pet and can help treat conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety.
Medical-grade CBD oil is a non-toxic therapy and won't make your pet high. In fact, it's been researched for its anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anxiety-easing, muscle relaxant, and antioxidant properties.
If you use cannabis yourself, never give these products to your pet. Keep edibles, leaves, or buds safely out of reach from your pet to prevent cannabis poisoning.
Sources
- Can pets get high from cannabis? (cbdvetsaustralia.com.au)
- Marijuana Toxicity in Pets (petpoisonhelpline.com)
- Can Dogs Get High from Eating Weed? (wagwalking.com)
- Your Dog Got Into Weed and Got High? Here's What to Do. (washingtonian.com)
- Weed and Dogs: What to Do If Your Dog Eats Your Weed (earthmed.com)
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