Pets and Pot

In light of the impending legalization of medical marijuana, we'd like to throw some facts at you about how to safely keep your herb out of the reach of those who should not be consuming it. Specifically, we're talking about your little furry friends: your pets.

Have you ever been sitting around with your herb, maybe relaxing with a movie or just scrolling through the B.O.B. Instagram newsfeed...and in walks your pet (or more likely, your pet flops itself onto your lap, interrupting your session)? You don't have to answer that, because it's definitely happened...more than once. Now, have you ever wondered...would my pet enjoy the relaxation marijuana brings the average human user?

In short...NO! If you read no further, the only thing you need to take from this is that your pup, kitty, or other pets should not consume/ingest/etc any sort of psychedelic medication you have – including your medicinal marijuana.

According to experts, when a dog/animal gets high, it's not laughing like you may be. They are thrust into a high-stress situation, of which they don't understand.

If you are not sure if your pet snuck some of your edibles or is high these are the signs:

Dribbling urine

Walking like they’re drunk (or high)

Beginning to fall over while standing still

Low heart rate

Low blood pressure

Wide, dilated pupils

Easily startled by sudden sounds

Your puppy has many more cannabinoid receptors in their noggin than you do – so THC effects them much more, especially if they've snuck into some of your edibles left on the coffee table.

Can My Pet Get High From Second Hand Smoke?

Short answer: YES.

Just like people, your pets can get high from breathing in your smoke. So, first and foremost, don't blow smoke in your pets' faces. If your pet has a preexisting lung condition, they are at an even higher risk of complications from smoke – especially if you're in a room with low ventilation and a lot of stagnant smoke.

That being said, if your room is well ventilated or you even have a window open, and you're not lounging in stagnant smoke clouds...your pet should be fine. Just be sure to watch them for abnormal behaviour/the signs mentioned above.

Don't be cruel, don't blow smoke in your dog's or any pet's face.

What Do I Do If My Pet Exhibits Signs Of Being High?

Short answer: The more quickly you get to the vet and are honest about the situation, the better.

It can be a really stressful and scary situation to have to deal with a high pet. Don't worry – your vet isn't going to judge you, the sooner you seek your vet's help, the better for you furry friend!

Most of the time, the only thing needed is some evaluation – but just like with anything ingested by your pet that isn't supposed to be eaten...complications can ensue.

Can My Furry Buddy DIE From Ingesting Marijuana?

Most likely, no, your buddy won't kick the bucket from just ingesting your herbs.

Risk is heightened though if they've eaten edibles, which contain more concentrated levels of THC, or if those edibles contain chocolate. Your pet's have less chance of being inclined to STOP munching on what they deem to be a delicious, non-dangerous, snacks.

The Takeaway From All of This?

Be extremely careful, guys. Keep your medicinal herbs out of reach of your critters (whether it's your pets or children) and have a plan incase something gets ingested.

The only doobies your doggies should be munching on.