Can My Pet Get Secondhand Smoke?

Everyone has had the thought before. You’re sitting in your living room smoking and your cute little dog looks up at you. All of a sudden you are overcome with guilt and questions. Could my dog be getting high right now? Is secondhand smoke bad for pets? These questions are normal and the truth is that pets actually can get high. And unfortunately, they not only dislike it, but it is bad for their health. Secondhand smoke for humans is different. No one really reports getting high from being the same room as other people getting high. But as the cannabis industry grows and more research becomes available, it seems clear that pets prefer to be kept away from cannabis consumption.

Pets, particularly dogs and cats, are being exposed to cannabis accidental all of the time and it has brought attention to the fact that it impacts them in a very different way than their human owners. In fact, dogs and cats actually have more cannabinoid receptors compared to people and that means that they will feel the effects of THC more intensely than humans. In addition to being impacted by THC, pets also have sensitive lungs and the smoke can cause irritation and even lead to more serious issues like bronchitis or asthma.

Accidental THC intoxication may seem like a funny concept, but it is a very serious matter. Curious pets often find themselves accidentally consuming flowers or edibles and that means an emergency trip to the vet. In the last 6 years, the Pet Poison Helpline reported that the rate of calls for cannabis-related incidents had increased 400 percent. The most common symptoms of THC intoxication in pets include:

• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Coordination issues
• Disorientation
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive urination
• Hyperactivity
• Reduced heart rate

As such, if you believe your pet has consumed THC in any form it is important to bring them to the vet right away. While THC for pets is bad news, medical cannabis or CBD is something that a lot of pet owners swear by. Many dog owners believe that CBD oil is imperative in keeping their dogs calm during storms or fireworks.

As a general rule, keeping your pet out of the room that you are consuming cannabis in is best. In addition, it is a good idea to steam-clean rugs and furniture every once in a while to ensure that your pets are free from cannabis products of all kinds.