With marijuana legalization in many states, and with more following suit, there’s more pot floating around than ever before. So, what happens if my dog tries some? Can dogs get high from pot too? Whether it’s legal or recreational, marijuana is not for dogs! CBD oil and hemp seed oil, on the other hand, are fine for your cats and dogs!

Marijuana, Hemp, and CBD: What’s the Difference?

All 3 are from the Cannabis sativa plant, but not all will get your dog high! It comes down to whether it contains Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is what gets people high, while CBD provides therapeutic, medicinal effects without the high. Marijuana – dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant that contains CBD, THC and other cannabinoids. Legalized marijuana is available in many US states for its medicinal effects. People use recreational marijuana for the “high”. Hemp – hemp seed oil doesn’t contain any THC or CBD. It does, however, contain fatty acids and vitamins that are good for your dog’s heart and skin. CBD oil – from the leaves and flowers. It contains high levels of CBD, which will act as a painkiller for your pooch, with almost no THC. It’s the THC that binds to cannabinoid receptors that give dog owners that high feeling – as dogs have more than people, they can get very high. Can dogs get high and enjoy it though? No! Getting dogs, or any pets, high with weed products is never a good idea. Stick to safe CBD oils!
No, animals can’t get high from CBD oil as it has little to no THC content. So why give dogs CBD?
  • It’s an effective painkiller
  • Soothes anxiety in animals
  • Great for lactose intolerant or allergy prone pets
  • Anti-inflammatory effects ease the symptoms of arthritis and aching joints
  • Suitable for long-term use for fur babies with a chronic disease
  • No serious side effects from taking too much – your pets may get a bit drowsy though!

Honest Paws CBD Oil is the Good Stuff Without the THC!

Honest Paws is a great place for people to find CBD oil treats. These are formulated for doggies and give clear instructions on how much CBD oil you should give your pup! Their products are legal in all 50 states. Plus, they’re made with premium, GMO-free and lab tested grade hemp plants. Psst. They also have a section on CBD oil for cats, so Mittens the Manx can get some pain relief too!

Other Tried, Tested and Safe for Dogs: Honest Paws CBD Products!

Getting your pooch to take his medicine is no easy feat! With big dogs, like the Great Dane and Greater Swiss Mountain dog, you’ll need a whole dropper to give them the right dose. Yummy treats that they want to eat are sometimes a better choice!

Puplicious CBD Dog Treats and CBD Soft Chews

Crunchy and calming, CBD dog treats contain all-natural ingredients including CBD oil. The peanut butter flavor is good for calming anxiety and stress while traveling or going on vet trips. It’s great for dogs who can suffer separation anxiety, like the Jack Russell Terrier and Vizsla. The turmeric flavored treats are especially great for dogs that suffer from inflammation, hip dysplasia, and joint pain. The German Shepherd and Rottweiler are prone to joint problems so a tasty turmeric treat before playtime is a great preventative treatment! Finally, the scrummy coconut flavored CBD treats are perfect for allergies, irritated puppy skin, and dull coats. Give to English Bulldog and Shar Pei breeds when the skin folds around their face become infected or irritated, alongside medication provided by your vet. For Pups with the Munchies will LOVE the CBD Infused Peanut Butter! Dogs love this peanut butter! This doggie PB smells so good you’ll be resisting the urge to try it yourself. It contains 5mg of CBD per tablespoon and is great for mashing into dog recipes, like our sweet potatoes mash.

3 Ways Dogs Can Get High

Feeding your dog medical marijuana is possible, but a bad idea. You’re not improving your dog’s life by making him high. Besides the medical problems it can cause, it can leave your dog feeling very scared and confused. Your canine cannot consent to take any drugs and won’t understand what’s happening. It can take up to a day and a half for your dog to come back down from a terrifying high, even after they’ve passed the drugs as fecal material. It’s inhumane and cruel to put any animal through suffering, no matter how “funny” your friends think it is. Stick up for your furry friends, be good pet parents and keep them safe from drugs!

1. Eating those Mary-Jane Leaves or Buds

Yep, eating raw marijuana (including medical marijuana) will make your dog high. Keep your weed stashed away somewhere your pets can’t snuffle it up.

2. Inhaling Second Hand Smoke

Leaving joints burning in the same unventilated room as your dog can make them high. Keep your dog away from second-hand smoke. It can cause problems quickly for brachycephalic breeds, like the pug and exotic shorthair cat, who have a hard time breathing anyway.

3. Eating “Special” Brownies, Butter or Other Food Laced with Weed

These are doubly bad. Not only is the weed dangerous for your dog, but the other ingredients in baked goods (from chocolate to butter) can cause serious damage to your dog, even in small amounts.

Signs Your Fido Got into Your Stash and is Now a Very High Dog

  • Doing the doggie drunk walk
  • Breathing problems
  • Muscle spasms
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dribbling urine
When your dog ingests or inhales marijuana, the substance affects the central nervous system and blood vessels, causing the low blood pressure and wobbly walking. In severe cases where your dog has ingested a lot of medical marijuana (easily done, as marijuana gives dogs munchies too), IV fluids and 24/7 high blood pressure/heart rate/body heat monitoring may be required.

Having a Stoned Dog isn’t Funny, It’s Animal Abuse!

It’s very frightening for an animal to experience the psychoactive effects of the hemp plant. Although it’s extremely rare for your dog to die from consuming a lethal dose of medical cannabis, it is still poisoning their bodies with toxins they can’t handle. If your dog has ingested marijuana accidentally or not, take him to a veterinary center immediately and tell the vet exactly what happened. The only responsibility your vet has when it comes to reporting you, is if they suspect animal abuse. Vets are not legally required to report pet owners to the authorities for taking weed. Be honest, trust your vet, and lock away your weed at home!

Common Questions on Doggie Highs!

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Katelyn Son