Can Dogs and Cats Get High From Weed Smoke?

Yes, pets can get high from weed smoke. Dogs and cats are much smaller than us, so secondhand smoke in a closed room can be enough to give them a dose of THC, plus irritated airways on top of it. If you smoke at home and have pets, keep the smoke and the stash away from them.

From odd behavior to genuinely serious health effects, knowing what happens when an animal inhales cannabis is the first step to preventing it and keeping your furry roommate safe.

Can animals get high from weed smoke?

Smoking around your pets raises a fair question: can animals get high from secondhand cannabis smoke? For humans, passive exposure rarely does much, mostly because we're bigger and heavier. For your pets, it's a different story.

Dogs and cats are far more sensitive to cannabis because of their size. Breathing in even a small amount of smoke can be enough to get them stoned. Hang out in a hotboxed room with a lot of weed going around, and odds are your pet is feeling the THC too.

And getting high isn't the only issue. Pets are also more prone to breathing problems and irritation, because their respiratory systems are more sensitive than ours.

Rule of thumb: the smaller the animal, the bigger the risk of a bad reaction to cannabis smoke. Bottom line, the best way to protect your pet's health is simply not to smoke around them.

What about CBD for pets?

CBD is getting a lot of attention as an option for various conditions in pets, especially dogs, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you give it to them.

If your dog has a health issue and you think CBD might help, it's worth considering, as long as you talk to your vet first. Unlike THC, CBD isn't intoxicating, so it won't get your pet high.

That said, even if you're smoking a CBD-rich strain, keep your pet away from the smoke. Your vet can point you to safer, more practical options instead, like CBD oil, which is easy to give at the right dose.

How does the endocannabinoid system work in pets?

Dogs and cats have an endocannabinoid system (the network of receptors that cannabinoids act on) similar to ours, which means cannabis can affect them in similar ways. So yes, just like dogs, cats can get high if they're exposed to THC from weed smoke.

A 2018 study reportedly found detectable THC levels in the bloodstream of cats exposed to cannabis smoke, which suggests cats process THC somewhat like people do. That doesn't mean you should share your stash with your cat.

Exposing your pet to weed can be dangerous and genuinely harmful to its health, cats included. Keep your cannabis out of reach and look for safer, vet-approved options for whatever ailment your pet might have.

Possible negative effects of cannabis on pets

These are the main risks worth keeping in mind for your pet's well-being:

1. Breathing problems: Cannabis smoke can irritate a pet's lungs and airways, which can trigger coughing, trouble breathing and other respiratory issues.
2. Intoxication: If a pet takes in cannabis in any form, whether smoke, food or other products, it can end up with cannabis intoxication. Symptoms can include weakness, poor coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased sensitivity to noise and changes in heart rate, all of which can be dangerous.
3. Neurological problems: In some cases, cannabis exposure can affect a pet's central nervous system and trigger seizures, tremors and other neurological problems that need immediate veterinary care.

How to keep your pets safe from cannabis

1. Don't blow smoke in their face: Never expose your pet directly to cannabis smoke. Blowing smoke at them irritates their airways and makes them miserable.
2. Never give them edibles: Don't feed your pets anything that contains cannabis. Even small amounts can be dangerous to their health.
3. Ventilate properly: If you smoke at home, air the rooms out well or smoke outside, especially if you have small pets. It also helps to keep your pet in another room while you smoke.
4. Deep-clean your place: Clean regularly and thoroughly, including upholstery, rugs, carpets and curtains, since cannabis smoke gets trapped in fabrics and can keep exposing your pets.
5. Keep cannabis products out of reach: Store your weed and edibles, like pot cookies, somewhere safe where your pets can't get to them. If your pet gets into them anyway, take it to the vet right away.