Can dogs get high? You bet! Many substances that cause intoxication and euphoria in humans also affect dogs. They have many of the same brain receptor sites as humans do, for example, opioid receptors. Opioids are widely used in pet medicine for all kinds of animals. Dogs can get drunk from alcohol, and they show definite signs of intoxication from THC, the compound in marijuana responsible for the high.
Although dogs can get high, it’s not necessarily a good experience for them. In fact, it might be frightening. Do not deliberately expose your dog to any drugs not prescribed or approved for them by a veterinarian. Drugs safe for humans may not be for dogs.
Dogs and Marijuana
Dogs exposed to marijuana may show the following symptoms:
- Dribbling urine
- Unable to walk normally
- Unable to stand without falling over
- Abnormally large pupils
- Nervousness
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
Dogs are often attracted to the scent of marijuana and many will readily eat it. However, they don’t understand the consequences of this. Can dogs get high? Yes, but they probably don’t find it to be an enjoyable experience. Drugs can cause distressing symptoms frightening to a dog who doesn’t understand why he feels so strange. Drugs can easily kill a dog, especially a puppy or a very small dog.
Dogs and Other Drugs
Opioids and THCP are used to relieve pain in both humans and dogs. When properly prescribed, they are safe and effective. However, a dog exposed to excessive amounts of opioids is in danger of death. They may be lethargic, sleepy, have a blank stare and shallow or slow breathing. Stimulants like amphetamine can kill a dog by causing a heart attack.
Most dogs weigh far less than the average human. Any substances ingested by them will probably have a much stronger effect. Keep your marijuana edibles and bud out of reach of your dog. If you’d like to try a natural remedy for your dog to relieve pain and anxiety, try a CBD product especially formulated for canines.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is short for cannabidiol, and it’s just one of the dozens of substances natural to hemp. Hemps plants contain 0.3 percent THC or less. This trace amount is not near enough to cause intoxication. Marijuana plants can easily contain 12 percent THC. CBD may help dogs with anxiety, arthritis, pain, appetite loss and nausea.
CBD vs. Marijuana
CBD is NOT the same as THC or marijuana. It absolutely cannot cause your dog to get high. It doesn’t cause intoxication in people, either. Both humans and dogs, and most other animals, have an ECS, or endocannabinoid, system. This system has specialized cell receptors called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located mostly in the brain and central nervous system. This is the receptor activated by THC. CB2 receptors are mostly in the peripheral nervous system and skin. This is the receptor activated by CBD. The CB2 receptor is not associated with feelings of intoxication. That’s why CBD cannot get you or your dog high.
How to Choose a CBD Product for your Dog
First, look at the label for the extraction method. It should say CO2. This method uses super cold carbon dioxide to extract CBD and its related compounds out of the hemp plant. It leaves no toxic residue. Look for a COA, which is a Certificate of Analysis. This means the product has been lab-tested for purity, strength and the absence of contaminants. Then look for the origin of the hemp. It should say it was grown in the United States. Full-spectrum CBD and THC-P https://d8superstore.com/category/thcp may contain trace amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum products contain none.
