Dogs And Marijuana: Is It Toxic For Your Pup?

As the use of medical and recreational marijuana continues to grow — as well as the legalization of weed in the U.S. — pet dogs have more chances of exposure than ever before. If you use marijuana or your dog is around someone who does, you may be wondering how it can affect your pup. Can dogs get high? Is weed bad for dogs?

Our experts have compiled a list of the most common questions and answers about dogs and marijuana to give you the best information you need to keep your pup safe and healthy.

Cannabis vs Marijuana vs CBD

The terminology surrounding cannabis, marijuana, and CBD can get confusing, so it’s important to have a good understanding of each term. Cannabis is a plant that comes in several species, including Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The hemp and marijuana plants are two types of cannabis plants.

The cannabis plant contains compounds called cannabinoids, the most widely known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that gets you high. The marijuana plant, which has many nicknames (e.g., marijuana, weed, pot, reefer, ganja, and Mary Jane), has very high levels of THC and low levels of CBD.

CBD is extracted from hemp or marijuana plants. However, the hemp plant has extremely low amounts of THC (< 0.3%) and high amounts of CBD. CBD is not psychoactive, so it doesn’t produce the same side effects as THC. You may have heard about the increasing use of CBD oils and treats as an all-natural remedy for dogs’ certain ailments.

Can Dogs Get High?

Yes, dogs can get high from marijuana in a few different ways.

1. If your dog ate weed directly by ingesting marijuana leaves and/or buds

2. If your dog ate edible products — food laced with marijuana (brownies, cookies, muffins, etc.)

3. Secondhand smoke — yes, your dog can get high from inhaling smoke

How Does Marijuana Affect Dogs?

What happens if a dog eats weed or inhales secondhand smoke? Here are some of the signs you should look out for if your dog’s exposed to weed, even in small doses.

• Lethargy

• Dilated pupils or glassed over eyes

• Loss of balance

• Breathing problems

• Whining or crying

• Agitation

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Blood pressure changes (increase or decrease)

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Urinary incontinence

• Body temperature is too high or low

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Coma