Is Delta 8 Safe for Pets?

Delta 8 THC has recently exploded in popularity in the world of cannabis, becoming almost as popular as other well-known cannabinoid greats like CBD and delta 9 THC. And since delta 8 use has become extremely popular among humans, it also has people wondering if delta 8 is safe for pets.

Pet CBD is another popular cannabis product, which has a lot of people wondering whether there is such a thing as pet delta 8. Since we want to make sure your fur babies are as safe as possible, the short answer is: no, delta 8 THC is NOT safe for pets.

But there’s more to it than that, so we’re going to break down exactly how delta 8 THC affects humans versus animals like cats and dogs, and how to use CBD to effectively help your pet with any stress or anxiety they may have.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you believe your pet has consumed THC of any kind, please reach out to a trusted veterinarian immediately.

 

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis and hemp plants that is molecularly very similar to delta 9 THC, which is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana. Like delta 9, delta 8 THC is also psychoactive which means it produces a “high” when you eat it in edibles, vape it in concentrates, or smoke it as flower.

Once you consume delta 8 THC, it enters the bloodstream and makes its way to the body’s endocannabinoid system (or ECS). The human body contains a naturally-occurring system called the ECS that is specifically designed to interact with natural cannabinoids to produce the feelings, effects, and benefits we’ve come to expect from the cannabis plant.

Delta 8 is considered to be less potent than delta 9 THC, making it easier for cannabis users of all tolerances and experience levels to use. But just because it’s not as strong as delta 9 doesn’t make it any safer for your pets to consume.

 

Is Delta 8 Safe for Pets?

Is delta 8 safe for pets? While delta 8 can be wonderful for humans, no, delta 8 is not safe for pets. Consumption of delta 8 can lead to acute sickness in cats and dogs, and in extreme cases, even has the potential to be fatal.

Is Delta 8 Safe for Dogs?

Is delta 8 safe for dogs? No, delta 8 is not safe for dogs.

Is Delta 8 Safe for Cats?

Is delta 8 safe for cats? No, delta 8 is not safe for cats. While cats and dogs may seem to be opposites, their regulatory systems are remarkably similar. Many of the same things are toxic for both cats and dogs, such as chocolate, garlic, onions, and THC.

 

Side Effects of Delta 8 THC in Pets

If your pet accidentally gets into your delta 8 stash, they may begin to show some side effects before succumbing to further illness. Seeing these side effects can alert you to the situation and can give you the necessary time to get your pet to the vet before THC toxicity sets in.

It’s important to recognize these side effects of delta 8 THC in pets:

Delta 8 Can Cause Stress for Pets

Since delta 8 THC is psychoactive, it may give your pets an experience similar to a “high.” And while some people may think that’s “funny” or the pets “like it”, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Experiencing the effects of THC can be extremely scary and stressful for any animal as they don’t have the capacity to understand what’s happening to them.

Delta 8 Can Make Your Pet Dizzy

Delta 8 can make your pets dizzy, which will usually show as a wobbly walk. Dogs and cats will have a hard time standing up and walking straight when they’re under the influence and is a huge sign that they’ve consumed a psychoactive substance.

Delta 8 Can Make Your Pets Lethargic

Consuming delta 8 can make your pets tired and lethargic enough that they may not respond to normal stimuli. This means they won’t move or get up via the normal physical or verbal prompting that is necessary for them to normally get up or move.

Delta 8 Can Cause Excessive Drooling in Pets

One sign that many pets exhibit when they’re sick is excessive drooling. While there are some pets that are naturally drooly, if your pet isn’t one of them and suddenly begins to drool excessively, make sure to take it seriously.

Delta 8 Can Affect Your Pet’s Heart Rhythm

One of the scariest side effects of delta 8 THC in pets is an interrupted heart rhythm. Animal physiology is very different from human physiology, which is why things like onions and chocolate are poisonous to them and not us. THC is toxic enough for pets to cause heart arrhythmias or other heart rhythm interruptions.

Delta 8 Can Cause Loss of Bodily Function in Pets

The last side effect before THC toxicity, delta 8 can cause loss of bodily function in pets. This can mean a loss of control of their bladder or bowels or a sudden cessation of eating or drinking.

 

My Pet ate Delta 8, What Do I Do?

If you know your pet has eaten delta 8 and you’ve noticed these side effects in your pets, please get them to a proper veterinarian immediately. If your pet eats enough delta 8, they may begin to succumb to THC toxicity, which is extremely dangerous for animals and has the potential to cause long-term illness, organ damage, or in some cases, even death.

Signs of THC Toxicity in Pets

Some signs of THC toxicity in pets include:

• Tremors or seizures
• Severe agitation and anxiety
• Loss of motor function
• Urinary incontinence
• Vomiting
• Whimpering or moaning
• Passing out 
• Hypothermia
• Tachycardia

If THC toxicity in pets is not treated, there is a chance that your pet may have consumed a lethal dose of delta 8. If you believe your pet has consumed a lethal dose of THC, please reach out to a trusted veterinarian immediately.

Lethal Dose of Delta 8 THC for Pets

The exact lethal dose of THC is going to depend on a couple of factors: weight, body mass, breed, and overall health. But for the most part, the lethal dose of THC for most domestic pets is around 3g of marijuana.

It’s extremely important to keep any and all types of THC away from your pets, whether it’s delta 8, delta 9, or delta 10. If you’re looking for a cannabis product to help your fur baby with any stress or anxiety it may be having, take a look into CBD for pets instead.

 

Delta 8 vs. CBD for Pets

Any kind of THC is going to be extremely dangerous for animals, but because CBD is nonpsychoactive, it won’t have the same effects as delta 8 or delta 9 THC. CBD for pets can be extremely useful for animals who struggle with anxiety or stress issues.

CBD for Cats

CBD for cats can be extremely helpful for pets who are scared, anxious, or agitated. CBD for cats can be perfect for cats who struggle with things like travel, visits to the vets, or any other significant interruption in their immediate environment.

CBD for Dogs

Many people use CBD for dogs who have issues like separation anxiety. A common problem among dogs, CBD has proven to be useful in calming down pups who have a hard time coping when their owner leaves the house.

 

The Best Delta 8 Products to Keep Your Pets Safe

While some people may like to enjoy their delta 8 by eating gummies or making brownies, there is a bigger risk that your pet might get into your stash and eat your goodies.

Keep pets safe by buying these delta 8 products instead:

Delta 8 Vape Pens

Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pens are a great way to enjoy your delta 8 without any smells or tastes enticing your pets into getting into them. The vapor might be appealing to humans, but pets will want nothing to do with them. Plus, once you’re done, you can toss out the pen so there’s no leftover delta 8 anywhere for any curious critters to get into.

Delta 8 Vape Cartridges

If you want something to fit a reusable battery, delta 8 vape cartridges are another great way to enjoy delta 8 without fear that your animals will want to steal your stash. These carts are kept in glass containers which not only keep the concentrate safe for human use but are smell-proof for pets, too.

 

In Conclusion

You can still enjoy delta 8 gummies and tinctures as long as you practice responsible THC storage. If you hate pets in the house, make sure you’re always keeping your stash in a safe and secure place that is out of reach of any prying paws. We want your fur babies to stay safe!