If you smoke and own a leopard gecko as your companion pet, you may wonder if these adorable creatures can get high. Not that you are planning on giving your little pal a puff (hoping you wouldn’t attempt doing it), but just showing concern about the health impact smoking may cause to your reptile.
Geckos, like other small pet lizards, such as beardies, can get a little light-headed from second-hand smoke. The reason why this is possible is that geckos contain endocannabinoid systems (ECS) like humans do.
That said, if you own a leopard gecko, make sure to smoke far from your little reptile. Otherwise, he may start feeling lethargic and vomit, thus ruining his happy moments.
Signs of High Leopard Gecko
Since geckos have ECS similar to humans, some responses to weed are identical. But because their respiratory systems are inferior, they could feel worse off.
Generally, your leopard gecko will show extreme disorientation whenever he inhales or ingest some substances.
A high leo will be lethargic and feel moving from place to place tricky. Mostly your pet will remain in one spot for a couple of minutes.
In addition, your pet could experience vomiting after inhaling cannabis. So don’t be fooled that your gecko enjoys this.
Apart from vomiting and difficulty moving, your leopard gecko could experience symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Respiratory system failure
- Possible poisoning
In the worst-case scenario, failure to treat the symptoms could be fatal to your adorable reptile.
How Do I Prevent My Leopard Gecko from Getting High by Accident?
1. Maintain a Distance from Its Enclosure
If you need to take some puffs, avoid smoking around your gecko if he’s out of his vivarium. Second-hand smoke could make your reptile feel drowsy and experience the aforementioned symptoms.
What’s more, don’t smoke near your gecko, even if he is inside the tank. Smoke from cannabis could remain in the terrarium’s enclosure giving him multiple bouts.
2. Change Your Clothing After Smoking
Marijuana has a strong scent and will stick to your clothes easily, especially when you are in a closed enclosure. That said, besides smoking marijuana at a distance from your leopard gecko, it is essential that you change your apparel when handling your pet after smoking.
Due to their incredible ability to smell, thanks to the sensitive Jacobson’s organ, your gecko can show signs of highness from slightly inhaling cannabis from your clothes.
It’s advisable to stay away from your leopard gecko for 15 to 30 minutes before handling him after taking some puffs.
Should I Show Concern If My Gecko Gets High?
Although leos will likely get better after getting high from marijuana smoke, you must keep a close eye on your pet. Remember, no research shows geckos benefiting from inhaling cannabis or notice-based products.
As a reminder, consult your exotic pet as soon as possible should you notice your leopard gecko vomiting, having difficulty moving, or becoming increasingly lethargic.
What Can Make Geckos Fall Ill?
1. Improper Diet
Besides your leopard gecko falling ill after subsequent episodes of inhaling marijuana, improper diet can expose him to infection and diseases, which can be fatal. Just like humans get a poor immune system due to a lack of a healthy diet, it’s the same with pet geckos.
Mostly, your leo will get sick from calcium deficiency-the most fundamental nutrient for reptiles. And low levels of calcium in your gecko’s diet lead to open injuries, Metabolic bone disease, and death.
All that said, you must offer your adorable lizard the right amount of nutrients and proteins.
2. Dehydration
A dehydrated leopard gecko could find common responses and movements difficult to manage. These signs are similar to a gecko that is a little light-headed.
To avoid health issues caused by dehydration, ensure you provide your reptile with the right amount of moisture in its terrarium. Providing clean, fresh water, ensuring correct tank humidity, and misting are some of the most effective ways to tackle hydration.
3. Stress
Leopard geckos are prone to stress linked to improper care. They can suffer stress from changes in sleep patterns, inadequate lighting, competition for food, or being placed in the same tank, among other causes.
Whatever the stressor, as a gecko parent, you must be sure to provide ample support and care to enhance your little pal’s comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Smoke Around My Leopard Gecko?
No. Smoking around leopard geckos makes them delusional. It’s recommended to avoid smoking near your pet gecko. Your docile reptile has an endocannabinoid system and can get high from second-hand smoking, which in turn causes adverse health effects.
Can I Vape Around My Leopard Gecko?
No. Do not vape around your pet gecko. Though most owners think it is harmless, your gecko can’t handle second-hand smoke.
Do All Lizards Get High?
No. Not all lizards can get high. Some lack an endocannabinoid system, which acts as a cannabinoid receptor, making it less likely for them to get high. However, some lizards, like beardies have ECS, which makes it possible for them to get lightheaded and on weed.
Can I Tell If My Leopard Gecko Is High?
Yes. You can tell whether your leo is high or not from signs such as unawareness, shortness of breath, vomiting, and lack of movement.
Can a Leopard Gecko Get High From Cigarette Smoke?
Yes. your pet gecko can get high from cigarette fumes like it would with marijuana. So, next time you think of lighting up, remember geckos can get high from most recreational substances.
Wrap Up
Leopard geckos can get high but with some negative consequences. The endocannabinoid system that leos possess is what makes them prone to most health issues after inhaling weed and cigarettes. Your gecko may become lethargic, find it difficult to breathe, move or even die.
If you smoke marijuana, it’s best to puff far away from your gecko. It’s entirely your main responsibility to look after your pet gecko. You definitely don’t want a dead gecko under your watch due to health problems caused by second-hand smoke while enjoying some puffs.
