Most pet owners want to keep their furry friends safe. You may keep your pets groomed properly and up-to-date on vaccinations, medications, and other health-related things, but if you smoke medical marijuana, are you taking precautions to keep your dog, cat, or pet bird safe? Can puppies get high from secondhand smoke? Stick around while we tackle these questions and more.

Can smoking inside get my dog high?

In short, yes. Pets can and do get high; there are 911 and vet calls yearly to prove it. However, they often do not experience it the same way that humans do, and it can be detrimental to their personality and health. It is important to remember that there are vet-approved CBD and hemp products but there is the only thing that should be given to pets within the realm of cannabis.

Cannabinoids

Humans and pets have cannabinoid receptors; certain dog breeds are said to have even more sensitive receptors than humans. So, what exactly is a cannabinoid, and how does it react with our bodies?

The endocannabinoid system comprises an extensive network of chemical signals and cellular receptors densely packed throughout our brains and bodies. The “cannabinoid” receptors in the brain — the CB1 receptors — outnumber many other receptor types in the brain. They act like traffic cops to control the levels and activity of most of the other neurotransmitters. This is how they regulate things: by immediate feedback, turning up or down the movement of whichever system needs to be adjusted, whether hunger, temperature, or alertness.

Our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids to stimulate these receptors, which have a structural similarity to molecules in the cannabis plant. The first endocannabinoid discovered was named anandamide after the Sanskrit word ananda for bliss.

All of us have tiny cannabis-like molecules floating around in our brains. The cannabis plant, which humans have been using for about 5,000 years, essentially works by hijacking this ancient cellular machinery.

What does the ECS do?

The endocannabinoid system regulates learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. This vital system is currently at the center of renewed international research and drug development.

Like humans, tobacco and weed smoke can lead to respiratory infections, bronchitis, and in extreme cases, pneumonia or lung cancer. It’s vital to keep second and third-hand smoke away from yourself, your family, and yourself, and the best way to achieve that is to quit smoking inside.

Can Secondhand Smoke from a Puffco Proxy Affect Dogs?

Many dog owners wonder: can secondhand smoke from puffco proxy hits potential harm their pets? Dogs exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for health problems, such as respiratory issues and cancer. It’s important to keep your furry friend away from any type of smoke to ensure their well-being.

Signs of Pet Intoxication

Dry Mouth
Using CBD or Hemp oil can decrease saliva production. In dogs, this can present as increased thirst and drinking more water. It’s best to ensure they have a full bowl of water when administering to dogs.

Drowsy
The calming, relaxing effects of hemp and CBD can cause drowsiness. Pet parents may notice their dog taking more frequent or longer naps.

Lower Blood Pressure
Higher doses of CBD and hemp can cause a temporary, minuscule drop in blood pressure. This may show up as light-headedness and dizziness for your pet.

Other symptoms include:

•  disorientation
• lack of coordination
• drooling
• excess urination
• vomiting
• reduced heart rate
• hyperactivity
• pupil dilation

What is Secondhand smoke?

Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from burning tobacco or cannabis, and the smoke breathed out by users. Secondhand smoke contains thousands of chemicals, some of which are toxic. Secondhand smoke also includes passive, involuntary, or environmental smoke, so tobacco smoke affects more than just the person using it.

Mainstream smoke contains fewer toxic chemicals because tobacco burns cleaner at the high temperatures created when a smoker inhales. On the other hand, sidestream smoke burns at a lower temperature but is more toxic due to the dangers of smoking an unfiltered product.

What is Third-hand smoke?

Thirdhand smoke describes the residual contamination that lingers in rooms after the smoking stops and remains on fabrics such as clothing and carpet. You may think it’s just an offensive smell, but it is also a sign of tobacco toxins in the air.

Tobacco smoke residue concentrates and contains carcinogens and heavy metals, like arsenic and lead. Nicotine can stick to dust, carpet, curtains, walls, and ceilings. Smoking cannabis without a filter or using a tobacco blunt can produce similar toxins.

Is CBD and low-THC medicine for pets okay?

CBD has been shown to have various health benefits for pets, such as chronic pain relief, anxiety disorder relief, and even help with muscle spasticity, seizures, and insomnia.

More research is needed in this area, so dog owners should discuss it with their healthcare provider before using cannabidiol CBD oil or other CBD products on their pets.

Remember:

Please stay away from drug interactions with THC in them and have your pets take CBD oil and edibles meant for them only. Hemp-derived products are made for both cats and dogs. As with humans, the dosage for cannabis-derived compounds will differ for every pet, starting small, and gradually increasing.

Dosage:

How much CBD oil should I give my pet? The right dose of CBD oil for dogs depends on many factors. The product and level of CBD contained, and the tolerance and experience of the individual are all critical. A pet’s weight and body chemistry also influence CBD oil dosage.

At Leafy Mate, we recommend starting small to see how the body reacts to a quality CBD product and then increasing to higher doses after getting comfortable with the results and you see how much CBD oil your pet can tolerate.

Keep your Furry Friends safe

CBD and hemp oil can have various health benefits for humans and pets. Medical cannabis without THC can be used in many different forms, from pain management, joint health, inflammation, immune system support, and mental disorders to improve your dog’s brain function.

However, secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke, and especially THC can have lasting effects on your pet’s immune system and health. It’s okay to try pet-approved cannabis products. Still, it’s also essential to keep your stash away when you are partaking, and after that, there are no curious animals finding edibles on the coffee table.

Try smoking outside or near a window and always remember to keep the health of yourself and your animal friends at the forefront of the experience.