Over the past few years, interest in cannabis and its various derivatives has surged, sparking the creation of many products, including Delta 8. This cannabinoid is recognized for its possible benefits, such as reducing anxiety, providing pain relief, and stimulating appetite.
Despite its popularity among humans, there remains confusion regarding Delta 8 and its safety, especially for dogs. Many dog owners are left wondering whether Delta 8 is safe for dogs and whether or not it poses any risks. Can dogs have Delta 8? Is Delta 8 harmful to dogs? By addressing these questions, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about introducing Delta 8 products into your dog’s life.
Key Takeaways
- Delta 8 is Not Safe for Dogs – Although Delta 8 benefits humans, it can be harmful and even toxic to dogs.
- Dogs are More Sensitive to THC – Due to their higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors, dogs are highly sensitive to THC and its effects.
- Signs of Toxicity – If a dog ingests Delta 8, it may show symptoms like anxiety, drooling, lethargy, dizziness, vomiting, and even seizures.
- Immediate Care is Crucial – If your dog consumes Delta 8, it’s essential to monitor it for symptoms and seek veterinary help, especially if severe symptoms like paralysis or seizures appear.
- CBD is a Safer Alternative – CBD products designed for dogs are recommended for helping dogs with anxiety or discomfort.
- Keep Edibles and Cannabis Out of Reach – Prevent accidental ingestion by storing Delta 8 products securely and away from your dogs.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in both hemp and cannabis plants. It shares similarities with Delta 9 THC, which is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, but Delta 8 is only about half as potent. This means that while Delta 8 THC can offer therapeutic benefits, it typically produces less of the intense “high” associated with Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates critical functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and pain. Delta 8 THC binds to the CB receptors in this system, particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which helps to balance the ECS and can lead to positive therapeutic effects like pain relief or calming sensations.
Is Delta 8 THC Safe for Dogs?
Delta 8 THC is not a safe option for pets, especially dogs. Dogs are far more sensitive to THC than humans due to the higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their brains. Even though Delta 8 THC is less potent than Delta 9 THC, its effects on dogs can still be harmful. A small amount of Delta 8 THC can lead to serious consequences for a dog’s health, including symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, loss of coordination, and, in extreme cases, seizures or death.
Exploring dog-specific CBD products is better if you seek a natural remedy to help your dog relax instead of Delta 8 THC. These are specially formulated for animals and provide calming effects without the risks associated with THC exposure.
Is Delta 8 THC Bad for Dogs?
Yes, Delta 8 THC can be harmful to dogs. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors throughout a dog’s body, including their brain, lungs, liver, and digestive systems. While cannabinoids like CBD can offer benefits, THC — including Delta 8 THC — is far too potent and can lead to toxic reactions in dogs.
Even a small amount of THC can cause your dog to experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and tremors. In severe cases, THC toxicity may result in seizures or respiratory issues. Therefore, sharing any Delta 8 THC products with your pet is a risk that should be avoided.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Delta 8 THC?
If your dog consumes Delta 8, it may experience several negative side effects due to its high sensitivity to cannabinoids; here are some common reactions you should be aware of:
- Increased Anxiety – Dogs can display anxiety in several ways, such as excessive panting, shaking, hiding, destructive chewing, or a loss of appetite. They might also engage in repetitive behaviors like excessive licking. Not all dogs will exhibit every symptom, but any unusual behavior should be monitored, and seeking veterinary help is important.
- Excessive Drooling – Delta 8 can trigger receptors that affect salivation, potentially causing your dog to drool excessively. In severe cases, excessive drooling can lead to dehydration, which can become dangerous if not addressed promptly.
- Lethargy – Lethargy is another common side effect, as Delta 8 can bind to receptors that regulate energy and alertness. This might result in your dog feeling drowsy, unsteady, or having difficulty standing and moving. Extreme cases could lead to unconsciousness.
- Dizziness and Vomiting – Delta 8 may cause dizziness and nausea by affecting your dog’s balance and coordination. You might observe vomiting, diarrhea, or general disorientation. In severe instances, this could escalate into collapse.
- Altered Heart Rhythm – Delta 8 can affect a dog’s heart rate, leading to an elevated heart rate and heavy panting. If this escalates, it could even cause a heart attack in severe situations, so immediate veterinary attention is critical.
- Incontinence – THC may also affect bladder function, leading to incontinence. Your dog might unintentionally leak urine or feces due to THC relaxing the bladder muscles. In extreme cases, your dog may lose control of its bowels entirely.
Is It Safe To Get Your Dog High?
No. It’s unsafe to get your dog high because their bodies react very differently to THC. Unlike humans, dogs are highly sensitive to THC, which can quickly become toxic, even in small doses. When dogs ingest or inhale THC, they may experience symptoms like loss of coordination, vomiting, tremors, excessive drooling, and agitation.
In more severe cases, THC exposure can cause seizures, uncontrollable shaking, extreme lethargy, and even coma. Unlike CBD, which is sometimes safe for dogs in small, controlled doses, THC is not recommended as dogs lack the necessary liver enzymes to metabolize it safely.
What To Do If Your Dog Accidently Eats Delta 8 THC
If your dog happens to consume THC edibles, follow these steps to ensure their safety:
- Don’t Panic – This is crucial. Although dogs process THC differently and are more sensitive to its effects, staying calm helps you respond effectively. If your dog is behaving normally, remain composed and avoid overreacting.
- Find Out How Much They Ate – The toxic dose of THC for dogs is about 3g per kg of body weight. Knowing your dog’s weight and the amount of THC consumed is important. This helps gauge the severity of the situation. If you’re unsure about the THC content in the edible (especially homemade treats), assume the highest possible amount.
- Observe Your Dog – Watch for symptoms like increased urination, restlessness, drooling, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These signs indicate that it’s time to seek veterinary help. Any changes in behavior should be closely monitored.
- Give Them Plenty of Water—Even if your dog isn’t showing severe symptoms, ensure they stay hydrated. Water will help flush THC from their system and reduce the risk of dehydration.
- When to Call a Vet – If your dog experiences seizures, paralysis, or loss of consciousness, call a vet or rush them to an emergency animal clinic immediately. These severe symptoms are life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.
How to Prevent Dogs from Eating Delta 8 THC
Store all cannabis products in places where your dog cannot reach them, like high cabinets or locked boxes. Make sure to take cannabis away from your dog, especially when smoking or vaping. Dogs have sensitive noses, and smoke can overwhelm them. Lastly, be cautious when others are using cannabis around your dog to avoid accidental ingestion.
Final Thoughts
While Delta 8 has become increasingly popular for humans, it’s important to remember that it is unsafe for dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious side effects, including anxiety, vomiting, lethargy, and even seizures. If your dog accidentally ingests Delta 8, seeking veterinary attention is crucial.
The best way to prevent this situation is by securely storing your Delta 8 products out of your pet’s reach and being cautious about using cannabis around them. Always prioritize the safety of your furry friends by choosing pet-safe alternatives like CBD products specifically designed for dogs.
(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)
Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.
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