Is Delta 8 Safe for Dogs and Other Pets?

Delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived CBD products have become increasingly popular in the cannabis industry. 

However, many pet owners may be concerned about their pets accidentally consuming Delta-8 THC or Delta-9 THC, and in this article, we’re going to dive into what to do if your pet gets into your stash and how to prevent it for peace of mind.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the hemp and cannabis plant in trace amounts. 

It shares many of the same effects as delta-9 THC because its molecular structure is extremely similar to that of delta-9 THC. 

Delta-8 THC has quickly solidified itself in the cannabis space because it is federally legal (because Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp cultivation and extraction as a part of the Agriculture Improvement Act). 

This allows those living in states where cannabis is illegal to experience the benefits of the versatile plant without worrying about getting in trouble.

How does Delta-8 interact in humans?

Like delta 9 THC, Delta-8 THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system by binding to cannabinoid receptors. The reported result is a relaxing experience redolent of marijuana but weaker. 

Delta-8 THC and delta 9 THC are being used for FDA-approved research for their potential health benefits: chronic pain reduction, increased relaxation, reduced anxiety, and help with sleep. 

For the most part, these two cannabinoids have been reported to be relatively safe, but more research needs to be done to know about the long-term effects.

Because Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance, those who are predisposed to mental illness, have a medical condition, or other possible complications should definitely consult a health care professional before using it.

Is delta 8 safe for your pet?

Because our furry friends are much smaller than us humans, the risk of a potentially dangerous experience is a much higher number. 

If your dogs or cats accidentally consume a small amount of delta 8 THC, they won’t be in too much harm. 

However, some pets can experience potential interactions that aren’t so fun. Some symptoms that your pet can experience are vomiting, tremors, seizures, drooling, low blood pressure, or altered heart rate. 

This doesn’t sound appealing, so it’s important to take extra care if you have pets. After all, delta 8 THC is still a drug.

What should you do if your dog consumes delta-8?

The first thing you want to do if your dogs or cats had THC is to find out how much they consumed. 

Since most dogs and cats don’t know how to smoke, it would be easier to estimate how much edibles they ate. 

While the lethal dose of delta 8 THC is very high, it can still be toxic for animals, so make sure you find out how much they took.

After figuring out how much they ate, you can either take them to the vet or let them rest. Since delta 8 THC will probably give your dogs or cats some anxiety, give them enough space to chill out until the effects of delta 8 THC wear off.

When should I take my dog to the veterinarian?

If your dog or pet has consumed a toxic amount of delta 8 THC, you need to take it to the veterinarian. 

Some signs of toxicity in animals are stumbling, vomiting, crying, or fainting. 

If they have extremely dilated pupils, experience excessive sleeping lethargy, have urinary incontinence, or repeated bouts of anxiety, you should take it to a vet or to health care practitioners.

How to keep your delta 8 away from pets

Most pet owners already do a great job of keeping their cannabis and Delta-8 THC products in a safe place, but if you’re one of the new pet owners that are wondering how to prevent their pets from consuming something they shouldn’t, we got you covered.

First, you can keep your Delta-8 THC products on a high shelf where your dog or pet cannot reach. 

Some people also use safes or lock boxes to keep their stash safe from animals. You can also get child-safe medicine containers from convenience stores. 

Using drawers can work, but some pets can learn to open them. If your dog or pet has found your stash, don’t put it in the same places that they were discovered.

Is CBD safe for dogs?

While delta 8 THC can be toxic for dogs, pet CBD oil products are rather non-toxic. In fact, you can buy some online or even at gas stations. 

High-quality CBD oil induces relaxation in pets, so there can be many benefits for your dog or pet. For example, most people who use CBD products for their dogs like to use them on flights or for long car rides. 

A tincture, a CBD product that comes in dropper bottles, can easily be used for your dog or animal to alleviate agitation symptoms or lower heart rate so that they’re calmer.

If you’re going to give hemp-derived CBD to your pet, though, make sure to start with an extremely small dose. 

Like humans, every pet can have a different reaction or symptoms to CBD. Also, like our bodies, CBD will bind to cannabinoid receptors in animals’ bodies.

CBD products for dogs

There are many different CBD products for dogs. 

For example, they have a CBD dog treat or CBD dog food. 

Tinctures are another popular choice because they’re fast-acting and easy to use. You can do a quick Google search to find the multitude of CBD products out there for your pet.

Conclusion

While delta 8 THC may have a slew of health benefits in the human body, it’s not so safe for animals. 

If they accidentally consume some, they may have harmful symptoms from the drug, so it’s important to learn how to treat them in case it happens. You also know when you should take your pet to the vet. 

With the information presented, hopefully you know how to store your delta 8 THC and take care of your pets in case they get in your stash. Go out, stay safe, keep your pets safe, and stay elevated.