Guinea pigs have always fascinated me. A friend of mine has recently got a guinea pig, and while watching a video, she was wondering if it was possible to get a guinea pig high.
But there’s much more to cover on this topic, including the potential risks of giving a guinea pig marijuana. So, keep reading to learn more.
Can guinea pigs get high?
Yes, guinea pigs can get high. It is advised not to expose them to cannabinoids as it may cause health problems in the long run3. This is supported by research showing that cannabinoids can have effects on guinea pigs, such as inhibiting acetylcholine release in the trachea2. Additionally, there are anecdotal reports and images on platforms like Reddit showing the effects of substances on guinea pigs1.
Is it bad to get a guinea pig high?
As any guinea pig owner knows, these beloved pets require a lot of care and attention.
In addition to providing them with a clean and spacious cage, owners must also give their guinea pigs a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. However, some guinea pig owners may be tempted to try something more…exotic.
After all, Guinea pigs are notorious for their love of eating grass, so it stands to reason that they might enjoy other plants as well. But is it really safe to get your guinea pig high?
It’s generally not advisable to give your guinea pig marijuana or any other type of drug. For one reason, marijuana can contain harmful toxins called THC that could make your guinea pig sick.
Also, marijuana can affect animals differently than humans, so it’s difficult to predict how your guinea pig would react. It’s always best to err on caution and stick to hay and pellets when it comes to your guinea pig’s diet.
That being said, some people believe that giving guinea pigs marijuana can have benefits. Some proponents of this method claim that it can help to relieve stress and anxiety in guinea pigs, as well as provide pain relief.
There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. So if you’re considering giving your guinea pig marijuana, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully, and as always, get a consultation from your veterinarian first.
What happens if you get a guinea pig high?
Guinea pigs are actually very delicate creatures. So, it is important to be careful when giving them anything, even if it is something you think might be harmless. If you give your guinea pig marijuana, there is a chance that they could get sick. Symptoms of marijuana intoxication in guinea pigs can include:
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Seizures
In severe cases, marijuana intoxication can even be fatal. So if you think your guinea pig has been exposed to marijuana, it’s important to get them to a veterinarian immediately.
Can guinea pigs get high on catnip?
Yes, guinea pigs can get high on catnip. However, you should not feed your guinea pig catnip. That’s because catnip can be harmful to guinea pigs. Some of the potential risks of feeding catnip to guinea pigs include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
In severe cases, catnip intoxication can even be fatal. So it’s important to avoid giving your guinea pig catnip, even if they seem to enjoy it.
But what is catnip?
Catnip is a member of the mint family, and like all members of the mint family, it contains a chemical called nepetalactone.
Nepetalactone is what gives catnip its unique smell, and it’s also what makes cats go crazy for the plant.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), and its volatile oils contain nepetalactone, which acts as a feline attractant.
Do guinea pigs like catnip?
Some guinea pigs may enjoy the smell of catnip, but there’s no evidence that they get “high” from it the way cats do. However, it is advisable not to give your guinea pig catnip, as it may cause them to experience an upset stomach.
If you want to give your guinea pig a treat, there are many healthy and delicious options available at your local pet store.
In fact, there are many healthy and delicious options available for guinea pigs, so there’s no need to give them catnip. If you’re looking for a treat to give your guinea pig, try one of these healthy options:
- Vegetables. Guinea pigs love vegetables, so feel free to give them a few of their favorites as a treat. Some good options include carrots, broccoli, and kale.
- Fruit. Fruit is another great treat for guinea pigs. Just be sure to avoid giving them too much, as fruit is high in sugar.
- Hay. Hay is an important part of a guinea pig’s diet, making it a great treat. You can give your guinea pig a small handful of hay as a treat, or you can get hay pellets from your local pet store.
- Pellets. Pellets are another great treat for guinea pigs. You can get pellets made specifically for guinea pigs at your local pet store.
So, please do not give your guinea pig catnip, as it may cause them to experience an upset stomach.
What happens if you give a guinea pig weed?
If you give a guinea pigweed, it will most likely die. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to changes in their diet, and they lack the ability to digest many plant-based substances.
Weed is also high in oxalates, which can accumulate in the guinea pig’s body and lead to health problems. In addition, weed contains harmful chemicals that can be toxic to guinea pigs. For these reasons, it is best to avoid giving weed to your guinea pig.
Can I smoke weed around my guinea pig?
If you give a guinea pigweed, it will most likely die. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to changes in their diet, and they cannot digest many plant-based substances.
Weed is also high in oxalates, which can accumulate in the guinea pig’s body and lead to health problems. In addition, weed contains harmful chemicals that can be toxic to guinea pigs. For these reasons, it is best to avoid giving weed to your guinea pig.
Can you smoke weed around your guinea pig?
You should not smoke weed around your guinea pig. Even if you are not directly giving the guinea pigweed, secondhand smoke can still harm them. Inhaling secondhand smoke can cause respiratory problems in guinea pigs.
Also, the fumes from burning cannabis can irritate their eyes and skin. If you must smoke weed while your guinea pig is present, it’s best to do so outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
And be sure to keep them away from areas where smoke might accumulate, such as in an ashtray.
Hopefully, you’ll consider these prerequisites. Your guinea pig’s health and safety should always be your top priority.
Do guinea pigs have cannabinoid receptors?
Yes, guinea pigs have cannabinoid receptors in their brains. These receptors are responsible for mediating the effects of cannabinoids, such as those found in marijuana.
Cannabinoid receptors are found in animals, including humans, that respond to cannabinoids. These receptors are most commonly found in the brain and nervous system, and they play an important role in how we experience pain, pleasure, and other sensations.
That said, there is no evidence that guinea pigs get “high” from marijuana. So, even though they have cannabinoid receptors, it’s unlikely that they experience the same effects from marijuana that we do.
That said, if your guinea pig hates that weed or catnip, these may be only the two most common things they hate, but not the top!
If you own a guinea pig or are thinking about getting one, get to know what other things they may not like before bringing them home.
I have a recent article that I encourage you to read that goes into more detail about what guinea pigs hate.
Click the link to learn more about it on my site.
Can guinea pigs eat marijuana?
Guinea pigs should not eat marijuana. While marijuana has therapeutic effects on humans, it can have very different and potentially dangerous results on other animals, such as guinea pigs.
Marijuana also contains nicotine which can be toxic for guinea pigs. Therefore, even if your intentions are good, skipping the treat altogether is the safest bet for your hairy fluffballs!
Can guinea pigs eat catnip?
Although guinea pigs shouldn’t eat catnip, they may enjoy its smell. Catnip is a strong-smelling plant that many cats love and will rub against to get their dose of the ‘cat high’ it gives them.
Guinea pigs may sniff the catnip and nibble on it, but this shouldn’t make up more than a tiny portion of their diet.
In small amounts, it’s generally safe for guinea pigs to eat, but too much can cause digestive issues like vomiting. If you must give your guinea pig some catnip, make sure it is fresh and free from any other herbs that can be harmful to them, such as wild garlic or onions.
That said, try sticking to commercial varieties of dried catnip specifically meant for cats because these have been tested for safety and quality assurance. Look for the phrase ‘Catnip Certified’ on the packaging when purchasing dried catnips for your guinea pig friend.
What happens if I smoke around my guinea pig?
Smoking is very dangerous for guinea pigs and can cause health problems. Guinea pigs are very sensitive creatures, and their health can be easily compromised by tobacco smoke. Inhaling tobacco smoke can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation.
Also, guinea pigs have extremely sensitive noses, and the smell of tobacco smoke can be overpowering for them.
If you must smoke around your guinea pig, it is important to take precautions to minimize their exposure.
Try to smoke in a well-ventilated area, and avoid blowing smoke directly into their face. Additionally, consider using an air purifier to help remove the smoke from the air.
Summary
Before we move on to the conclusion, we’ve summarized this article into a short list of key points for you to remember:
- Guinea pigs should not eat marijuana.
- Catnip is generally safe for guinea pigs to eat in small amounts, but too much can cause digestive issues.
- Smoking is very dangerous for guinea pigs and can cause health problems.
- If you must smoke around your guinea pig, take precautions to minimize their exposure.
Final thoughts
In this article, we have explored whether guinea pigs can get high.
We have looked at the risks and dangers associated with giving your guinea pig catnip or weed. We have also considered other alternative benefits of giving your guinea pig a small amount of hay or pellets as a treat.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get your guinea pig high is up to you.
However, I hope that this article has helped you to understand better the risks and benefits associated with giving your guinea pig cannabis.
Want to learn more about guinea pigs?
Ready to boost your knowledge to the next level? If so, check out the articles below:
- 7 Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Are Aggressive (Explained)
- Why Do Guinea Pigs Eat So Much? (Explained)
- Guinea Pig Alternatives to Hay: 8 Things You Should Know
Sources
- You smoke, they choke: don’t light up in front of pets
- Characterization of the effects of cannabinoids on guinea-pig
