Trips with Dogs: The Do’s, the Don’ts, and the Deep Eye Contact
Psychedelic journeys can crack open your heart, rearrange your internal furniture, and remind you of what really matters. And for a lot of people, what really matters has four legs, a tail, and an unwavering talent for finding the coziest nap spot. Yep, we're talking about your dog. But what happens when your best furry friend is nearby during a psychedelic experience? Should they be there? Will they judge you? And wait… is it possible your dog can get high too?
Let’s explore the magic and the maybes of trips with dogs, including the things to keep in mind to keep both of you safe, grounded, calm, and happy.
The Emotional Support Pup: Comfort, Regulation, and That One Look They Give You
If you’ve ever found yourself locked in loving, full-eye-contact communion with your pup while tripping, you’re not alone. At Fireside Project, we’ve received numerous calls from folks reporting that just being around their dog helped them feel calmer, safer, and more connected during a psychedelic journey. There’s something grounding about a warm, fuzzy creature whose biggest concern is when dinner is.
Research and anecdotal evidence both suggest that animals, especially pets we love, can help regulate our nervous systems. That steady breathing rhythm, the soft fur, the tail thump of unconditional love… it can be deeply comforting in altered states. Some people even report a kind of emotional attunement with their dogs. One caller described a gentle, telepathic exchange with their pup. Another felt that their dog knew exactly what they were going through, and stood vigil like a furry little Bodhisattva.
Wait… Can My Dog Get High If I’m Tripping? (Please Don’t Test This)
One of the most common concerns callers raise is whether their dog could absorb psychedelic substances through touch. Here’s the science: It’s extremely unlikely your dog will absorb a meaningful amount of a psychedelic substance just from you petting them. That said, it’s always good harm reduction practice to keep all substances away from your animals, especially things like mushrooms or LSD tabs, which can be dangerous if ingested, even accidentally.
Your dog should never directly ingest or be exposed to any psychoactive substance. Period. Canines metabolize chemicals very differently than humans do, and even a small dose could result in serious adverse reactions. Love them with your whole heart, but keep the substances for your human self only.
Dog Anxiety, Human Anxiety, and That Feedback Loop You Didn’t Ask For
Let’s talk about energy transfer. If your dog is anxious, and you’re suddenly very tuned in to subtle cues, you might start to feel like something is “off.” You might think your dog’s discomfort is your fault, or that they’re picking up on something you’re missing.
This kind of loop can get intense. One Fireside caller reported becoming convinced that their dog was trying to warn them about “a spiritual emergency,” only to realize later that their pup was just mildly annoyed about a delayed walk.
If you have an anxious animal, or if you’re anxious about them, you might consider having someone else care for them while you journey. Your dog will be there for cuddles later, and you’ll both benefit from the extra space.
Trip Separation Anxiety: Missing Your Dog from Afar
Some people choose to journey away from their pets, whether at a retreat, in the woods, or with a trusted guide. And when the walls start to melt and your ego dissolves, you may find yourself overcome with love and longing for your beloved animal companion.
This is more common than you’d think. We’ve heard from multiple Fireside callers who reported crying tears of joy (or bittersweet longing) over the sheer perfection of their dog while tripping. One person even called a pet psychic during a journey to make sure their dog “knew they were loved.”
The takeaway? Your bond with your pet doesn’t just survive the psychedelic journey, it might just deepen it.
So, Should My Dog Be There When I Trip?
That depends. Here are a few things to consider:
Do you feel calmer with your dog nearby? Great. Their presence may be a grounding force.
Does your dog get nervous or overstimulated easily? You might want to spare them (and you) the stress.
Will someone else be present who can care for your dog if needed? Helpful, especially if you need to tend inward.
Is your space clean and substance-free when it comes to pets? Always a must.
Ultimately, the most important thing is intention and safety, for you and your pup.
Be Gentle With Yourself (and Your Dog)
Trips with dogs can be beautiful, hilarious, tender, and weird. Your dog might curl up next to you while you weep at the glory of a sunrise, or they might just wander off to chew a sock. Either way, their role is not to guide your journey, but to be a soft, furry reminder of love.
At Fireside Project, we know that psychedelics have the potential to help people heal from mental health disorders, deepen their relationships, and reconnect with what matters most. Sometimes, what matters most is a creature who greets you every day like it’s the first time, tail wagging, heart open.
Need support before, during, or after a psychedelic experience?
Call or text the Fireside Project Psychedelic Support Line at 62-FIRESIDE (623-473-7433)
