With the legality of cannabis rising in the states, pet owners have started wondering if they can share their experiences with their beloved pets. Every animal reacts to every plant differently.
Each animal has its place in the universe. For example, a cat is a carnivore and would not benefit or eat plants happily. On the other hand, dogs are omnivores and enjoy the best of both worlds.
When it comes to bunnies, these furry animals are all about plants as they are herbivores. However, they cannot eat every plant. So, can rabbits eat cannabis?
Rabbits can eat cannabis, but they should not. There is not a lot of evidence on whether cannabis affects rabbits. It can cause them pain or pleasure. Being a pet owner, you should not experiment with foods that can harm your bunny because they can not voice their pain.
Rabbits are small and fragile creatures. They have sensitive digestive systems and reactive immune systems. Due to this, not every plant suits them. It is suggested to research before feeding your pet rabbit to avoid causing it pain.
Cannabis and rabbits is a topic that still requires much research. However, there is evidence in support of cannabis being bad for your rabbit buddy. Keep reading to know more!
Also Check Out: Can Rabbits Eat Cheerios?
Not Enough Tests on Rabbits
The only way to know what animals can eat is to expose them to it under controlled circumstances. It is done in a controlled environment to avoid fatality and serious harm to the animal.
Rabbits and rodents are the most common subjects for lab tests. However, due to the sensitive nature of a rabbit and legal issues of animal abuse, cannabis has not been tested on bunnies a lot.
Exposing your pet rabbit to an item that could have unknown consequences is inhumane for the poor creature. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to provide comfort to your furry friend and protect it from everything harmful.
When you have a baby, you have to give it things according to its needs and not your wants. Having a rabbit is the same. You should feed your furry friend what is beneficial for it, not what you want to enjoy with it as a shared experience. Cannabis might be relaxing for you, but it can harm your pet rabbit.
What Animals Get Intoxicated by Cannabis?
Even though bunnies have not been testing subjects for cannabis effects, other animals have been. These animals include horses, dogs, pigs, and cats. For research purposes, these animals were exposed to cannabis in a controlled environment to minimize any harm.
There is quite some evidence that dogs, horses, and pigs experience negative effects of the cannabis plant. Furthermore, it is observed that dogs and cats get intoxicated by inhaling marijuana smoke. Pet cats and dogs can also feel the intoxication effects of cannabis by eating the plant.
As per research, cannabis does affect some animals. Due to this, it is advised to keep all animals away from the cannabis plant or extracts because they are voiceless creatures.
Can You Blow Smoke to Your Rabbit to Get It High?
Bunnies have fragile organs. Any smoke will make them uncomfortable and cause them to struggle to breathe. Small creatures like bunnies have sensitive organs that require fresh resources to function at their best.
Blowing cannabis smoke on your bunny to get it on your level is harmful to your pet. Humans react to drugs in a different way than animals. Smoking or eating cannabis has a relaxing and calming effect on us. It can make us giggle and feel lighter. However, rabbits have different anatomy and neurology. Something fun for us can be the opposite for your pet rabbit. As rabbits cannot speak, you would be subjecting your bunny to a lot.
Smoking on your bunny can damage its lungs, resulting in respiratory issues. Rabbits are anxious creatures. When your furry friend gets physically sick, its emotional health also deteriorates. Any respiratory issue will increase your rabbit’s stress level. The increased stress can add to heart, digestive, immunity, and motor issues.
Also Check Out: Can Rabbits Eat Kiwi?
Signs Your Rabbit has Ingested Marijuana
Bunnies cannot talk or voice their concerns. However, all animals have their ways of showing how they feel. Your furry bunny has a way of conveying happiness, sorrow, anxiety, fear, anger, etc.
Similarly, a rabbit’s body language changes when it eats something rotten or unsuitable. If your bunny has accidentally gotten its paws on your hidden stash, these are the signs it will exhibit that should alert you of a poisoned or intoxicated bunny:
- Your pet will be lethargic or look sedated.
- Pupils of your furry friend will be dilated.
- Your precious bunny may look stunned or have a consistently surprised expression.
- It might be hard for your rabbit to walk.
- It can exhibit signs of vomiting or nausea.
You Can Get Punished for Giving Cannabis to Your Bunny
Getting your bunny high on marijuana can be considered unlawful as it is a form of animal abuse. You might think it funny to watch your bunny getting zoomies, or go into a trance because of cannabis. However, due to the lack of research, it can be causing your furry friend trauma without you being aware.
If your bunny is in distress and you have thought of trying cannabis to calm the little fellow, do not. You do not have jurisdiction in such a matter as you are not a vet. Furthermore, it can increase your bunny’s distress and result in fatality. The best thing to do when your bunny is sick is to take it to the vet and let the expert decide what to do.
How to Prevent Your Bunny from Eating Cannabis?
Rabbits are small creatures. Their reach is limited. You can use that as an advantage to keep your cannabis away from your rabbit’s paws.
If you have cannabis leaves or pot in your home, there are a few preventive measures you can adopt before smoking or baking your special plant. To protect your bunny from cannabis toxicity, do the following:
- Store your cannabis or pot in a closed cabinet.
- A higher cabinet is a better option as it will be out of reach for your pet bunny.
- When you smoke cannabis, make sure your bunny is not in the same space. Passive inhaling can cause your bunny to get high, and the smoke can damage its lungs.
- You can keep your bunny in its hutch or a well-ventilated area when you smoke pot.
- Wait a good amount of time before letting your pet come back into the room.
- Ensure that the room is smoke-free before your furry friend rejoins you. Even the slightest traces of cannabis smoke can be harmful to your pet.
What to Do If Your Rabbit Eats Cannabis?
If you notice your bunny depicting any signs mentioned above, it has ingested cannabis. Keep your bunny calm while you make an appointment with the vet. You can ease your bunny’s anxiety by stroking its back or petting its head.
As soon as you get the appointment with the vet, take your pet at once. The quicker you take your furry bunny to a doctor, the lesser chances it will have of getting severely sick. Listen carefully to what the vet says and implement the changes and medication required to get your bunny back to its healthy self.
Also Check Out: Can Rabbits Eat Hamster Food?
Final Word
Having a pet is as big of a responsibility as raising a child. A parent never exposes their child to something that might cause harm. It is the same case with pets. Rabbits are voiceless creatures and depend entirely on their owners for their well-being and health.
Cannabis is something that still needs research when it comes to feeding rabbits. There is no need to risk your precious pet rabbit’s health for the sake of fun. Your bunny is not an experiment or a toy. It is a living, breathing creature.
As a pet owner, you need to ensure your bunny gets everything it deserves for its happiness, health, and comfort. Bunnies are difficult pets only if your refuse to put in the work.
All these guys need is love, attention, playtime, food, and treats. If you give your pet rabbit these three things, it will fall head-over-heels in love with you. What could be better?
