What Happens When Animals Get High?

While the history of drug testing on animals dates back to as early as 1948, the effects of drugs on non-human animals are still a subject of great interest and concern among scientists and animal lovers alike. From an experimental standpoint, the brains of animals exhibit remarkable similarities to the human brain, making it possible for many species to experience the effects of drugs in ways that are analogous to humans.

Chemical Similarities and the Brain

The study of drugs on animals, as conducted by Swiss pharmacologist Peter Witt, revealed that the same neurotransmitters are found in a wide variety of species. In addition, the receptors that interact with these neurotransmitters do not differ significantly, leading to the assumption that the feelings experienced by animals when under the influence of drugs mimic those experienced by humans.

While mammals, especially rodents like rats and mice, serve as common test subjects for studies on drugs and addiction due to their evolutionary proximity to humans, the effects can vary somewhat between species due to differences in pharmacokinetics. For instance, it has been observed that even species as evolutionarily distant as octopuses can act similarly on certain drugs like MDMA.

The Case of Cannabis

Cannabis-related incidents in pets, particularly dogs, serve as cautionary tales. When my wife accidentally left a partially smoked bud from a vape pen, our 50-pound dog experienced a range of symptoms, including staggering, excessive sleepiness, and a hangover-like condition the following day. The vet advised us to closely monitor the dog and seek further assistance if severe symptoms arose.

According to the vet, the risk for smaller dogs, such as 5-pound canines, is significantly higher when ingesting the same amount of THC. A 5-pound dog consuming 30mg of THC would be ingesting approximately x160 the recommended human dose, whereas a 50-pound dog would only be taking x18. Even though there is a lack of specific science regarding the lethal dose for dogs, instances of cannabis-related deaths among dogs are documented, particularly when they consume large amounts of cannabis butter or brownies.

Ethical Considerations and Misunderstandings

Engaging in such behavior can be seen as a sign of irresponsibility and cruelty, especially when it comes to pets. The delusions, false sense of self, time distortions, and artificial stimulation that humans might experience from drug use often arise from a dissatisfaction with life. Animals, on the other hand, generally acquiesce to their current circumstances, which starkly contrasts with the need for humans to alter their perceptions to feel better.

The consumption of drugs by pets can lead to a range of adverse effects, from extreme sleepiness and vomiting to severe consequences like kidney or liver failure, pain, terrifying perceptual experiences, and loss of control over body functions. These risks highlight the ethical implications of putting our animals at such peril.

Our society must weigh the potential risks against the benefits of experimenting on animals, especially when the consequences for their well-being can be severe and irreversible. Pets, after all, are not merely tools for scientific advancement but living beings that depend on us for care and protection. It is crucial to question our actions and ensure that our pets are not subjected to unnecessary harm due to our own curiosity or negligence.