Over the course of several years, mankind has reaped the benefits of marijuana - both for medical and recreational purposes.
It wouldn't be so surprising to hear if a lot of people smoke around their pet dogs either, which begs the question: can marijuana make your dog high?
Although cannabis can increase one's appetite, decrease nausea and more importantly, relieve chronic pain, maybe the same can't be said for canines.
In fact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has seen a rise in reports over recent years on pets that accidentally ingested weed.
As it turns out, dogs can get high from the THC content of marijuana by second hand smoke (as well as direct consumption). However, the dog's high is dependent on its size, in addition to the smoke concentration and length of exposure to the smoke.
Unfortunately, dogs don't get the same benefits of marijuana as they do for humans. According to The Stoner's Cookbook:
"Dogs will likely pace, pant, lose their balance, and may be in distress. The signs [sic] typically begin 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, or sooner if inhaled. Most cases involving marijuana ingestion end in a matter of hours, after which the dog is perfectly fine.
"In severe cases, dogs may vomit, get tremors or have seizures. In some reported cases, dogs have even died from marijuana toxicosis. However, these symptoms occur when the animal is exposed or ingests too much."
On the other hand, sick dogs can benefit from cannabis ingestion. They can gain their normal appetite back, show manifestations of pain relief, and can even exhibit puppy behaviors after years of pain.
Not only that, but pet owners nowadays are even turning to medical marijuana to help their sick dogs. Dogs with cancer, arthritis or other severe illnesses can get pain relief from marijuana edibles made especially for dogs.
Dogs who aren't sick and ingest a small amount of marijuana won't pose any dangerous side effects. However, it isn't recommended to let your canine friends get high - unless they're suffering from severe illnesses and are in need of pain relief.
In any case, it's best to talk to a vet to ensure what option is best for dogs with chronic conditions.
