Dogs can get high on marijuana in various ways. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the consumption of marijuana-infused edibles like brownies, chips, candies, and chocolate is the most common cause of cannabis toxicity. This is because marijuana-laced edibles smell and taste just like regular ones, and your dog may not be able to resist taking a bite.

Secondhand smoke is another way dogs can get high on marijuana. This means that if your pet is present in the same room with someone who's smoking a joint, they may develop marijuana poisoning if they inhale a lot of it. Likewise, eating a carelessly disposed smoked joint or ingesting marijuana-containing feces are other ways dogs can get high from cannabis.

The symptoms of marijuana toxicosis typically start showing within an hour. Nonetheless, you may notice symptoms faster if your dog inhales the marijuana or if they eat it along with other problematic substances like chocolate (causes vomiting, hyperactivity, and increased heart rate) or xylitol (causes dangerously low blood sugar, liver damage, and even seizures).

Generally, the symptoms start to dwindle within 18 to 36 hours and will vary in severity depending on your dog's age, weight, and health status. Here are some signs that you may notice in your dog following accidental exposure to marijuana.

• Lethargy

• Sleepiness or sedation

• Vocalization

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Dilated pupils

• Anxiety or disorientation

• Loss of coordination

• Increased or decreased heart rate

• Low or high body temperature

• Urinary incontinence

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Coma

If you suspect your dog has gotten into your marijuana stash or eaten some of your marijuana-infused edibles, you must consult your veterinarian immediately for proper treatment. Additionally, try to ascertain how much or what form of marijuana your pet consumed. This will help your veterinarian determine the best treatment approach for your pet. Likewise, if your pet consumed marijuana in combination with chocolate or other goodies containing xylitol, be sure to let your vet know as these substances tend to produce more severe symptoms.

The treatment of marijuana poisoning is symptomatic. If your pet recently ingested the marijuana, your veterinarian may consider inducing vomiting. This procedure would be dangerous if your pet was sedated and should never be attempted at home. Another early treatment option is the administration of activated charcoal to bind toxins.

If your pet's symptoms are mild, the veterinarian may just place them on supportive care, like administering IV fluids and temperature control (warming up or cooling down) until the drug's effects wear off. In severe cases, your vet may consider administering an enema or pumping your pet's stomach to reduce toxin absorption.

Now that you know the answer to the question, 'Can dogs get high to marijuana?' it is important to understand how to prevent marijuana toxicity. Responsible pet owners must protect their dogs from exposure to toxic or problematic substances like marijuana and other drugs. Here are a few tips that will help you prevent accidental marijuana exposure and poisoning in your dog.

• Store all forms of cannabis in tight containers, high cabinets, or locked drawers to prevent your pet from accessing them.

• Avoid leaving marijuana-laced edibles in plain sight and ensure your pet cannot reach them.

• Dispose of marijuana waste properly to prevent accidental ingestion by your pet.

• Ensure your dog stays in a separate room with good ventilation if marijuana is being smoked or vaped.

• Learn as much as you can about the dangers of marijuana in pets, and when dogs get high on marijuana, and educate the members of your household on the responsible use of marijuana products.

• Consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows signs of cannabis toxicity.

Dogs can get high from marijuana when they inhale marijuana smoke or eat marijuana edibles. Additionally, the toxicity risk is greater if they consume marijuana in combination with other concerning substances like chocolate or xylitol. While marijuana toxicity is rarely life-threatening, it can be serious. Please take precautions so that your dog isn't exposed to it.

Symptoms of marijuana toxicity include lethargy, excessive drooling, sedation, urinary incontinence, and seizures. To prevent your dog from getting high on marijuana, keep all forms of cannabis including marijuana-laced baked goods out of reach. Finally, consult your veterinarian for proper treatment if you suspect your dog has consumed marijuana.