As many states legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use, and hemp-derived THC is taking over the landscape, more people are increasingly curious about its effects on animals, especially our beloved dogs. After all, our dogs are family members, and we only want what’s best for them. So, the question on everybody’s mind is: Delta 8 for dogs, can they take Delta 8 THC? Is It safe, and how to dose it properly?
Here are the top 5 things to keep in mind if you give your dog THC.
Main Keypoints
- Delta 8 THC can offer the same health benefits as CBD.
- Delta 8 can help pets with increased relaxation and pain relief; however, you have to step carefully and follow very specific dosing advice.
- It is very important to keep an eye on your pets after giving them THC.
- If your pet exhibits any distress or bad reaction, call your vet.
Is Delta 8 THC Good For Dogs?
Is Delta 8 THC suitable for dogs? Most pet owners wonder if the hemp-derived compound can offer their furry friends the same potential health benefits as CBD. Here’s what you need to know.
The cannabis plant contains many cannabinoids, including Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta 8 is a minor cannabinoid that makes up only a tiny percentage of the THC in the plant.
Despite its low concentration, Delta 8 THC has been shown to have some potential health benefits. Like other cannabinoids, it binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and may help to modulate the endocannabinoid system.
So far, most of the research on Delta 8 THC has been done in animals, so we don’t yet know all of the potential health benefits it may offer. However, some studies have shown that Delta 8 THC may help relieve anxiety and nausea and may also have neuroprotective properties.
Currently, there is no FDA-approved research on the safety and efficacy of Delta 8 THC in humans. However, some animal studies have shown that it is well-tolerated and has a wide margin of safety.
Still, other products like CBD may benefit pets suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and other conditions.
Due to the lack of research, we don’t yet know if Delta 8 THC is safe for dogs. However, many pet owners are using hemp-derived CBD products to provide their furry friends with the potential health benefits of cannabinoids.
If you’re considering giving Delta 8 to your dog, you must talk to your healthcare professional first. They can help you with the potential risks and benefits and decide if it’s right for your pet.
Delta 8 THC is Federally Legal
Because Delta 8 THC is derived from hemp, it is federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act. But remember, not all CBD and THC products are created equal.
A lot of high-quality CBD products have trace amounts of THC. You shouldn’t worry if you aren’t giving your pet more than the recommended dose. Even in small enough amounts, Delta 8 THC has been shown to boost the effectiveness of CBD without causing any harm.
Make sure you only purchase high-quality CBD oil from a reputable manufacturer. And always talk to your healthcare professional before giving any CBD and THC products to your pet, as they can help you ensure you’re using a safe and effective product.
One of the easier ways to give your dog CBD or a microdose of Delta 8 THC is via an Oil.
We currently offer a NON-THC CBD oil that is easy to dose and a small THC dose of our Delta 8 THC oil.
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Tell me the effects of Delta 8
Endocannabinoids are complex systems of cells that contain endocannabinoids. This system regulates many of the body’s biochemical processes and assists in maintaining a stable environment for life. Like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 is also a psychoactive substance. It usually induces relaxation and is less potent than the Delta 9 THC high; hence it has become widely popular over the last few years.
Want to learn more about Delta 8 THC? Check our beginners guide here.
If you consider giving Delta 8 THC to your dog, here are 5 things to remember:
- Know the Right Dose: The first and more important thing to remember is that dogs process THC differently than humans. That means the correct dose for your dog will be much lower than the recommended dose for you. Start with a tiny amount – less than 0.5mg per kilogram of body weight – and monitor your dog’s reaction before giving them more; you do not want to give them a lethal dose by accident.
- Be Patient: It can take anywhere up to 2 hours for your dog to feel the full entourage effects of THC, so don’t be impatient. Give them time to feel the effects before deciding whether to give them more.
- Know the Signs of Overdose: Although it’s doubtful that your dog will overdose on THC, it’s still important to know the signs, just in case. The most common overdose symptom is vomiting, but other signs include excessive drooling, unsteady walking, and low heart rate. Stop giving your dog THC and call a vet immediately if you see any of these signs.
- Monitor Their Moods: Dogs can get anxious when they’re high, just like humans, so monitoring their moods closely after giving them THC is essential. If they seem agitated or uncomfortable, give them some space and let them ride it out. They should eventually come down from their high and return to their usual selves within a few hours.
- Don’t Drive With Them in the Car: This one might seem apparent, but it’s worth mentioning anyway – don’t drive with your dog in the car if they’ve taken THC! Not only is it illegal in many states, but it’s also hazardous for you and your dog. If you need to go somewhere, wait until they’ve come down from their high before getting behind the wheel.
Does Delta 8 THC Have Any Negative Side Effects on Pets?
When your pet takes THC, it can cause several unwanted side effects. The most common are minor, but some pets have complications from taking this compound and should be monitored closely by their owner for signs of discomfort while being treated with cannabis-based medication.
Many people think animals don’t feel pain like humans do.
Recent research proves just how wrong they are! If you’re considering giving THC as medicine, please know what risks might come with its use.
Listed below are some side effects to look out for:
- Stress– Delta 8 THC is a cannabis strain with few side effects on humans but can be pretty problematic for animals. Some pet owners offer this product to their furry friends to help reduce stress and anxiety, only leading these creatures toward even greater feelings of panic or horror when used.
- Dizziness– THC can make your pets dizzy and cause them to lose balance, but this might not be the case with all of them. It could also indicate dehydration which is common among those who consume Delta-8 THC and marijuana products as side effects go; however, it’s worth noting that if you notice any signs like nausea or vomiting, tremors, seizures, or drooling after giving cannabis (tinctures), then please seek medical attention right away because those symptoms mean something else may have happened.
- Urinary Incontinence– There are a few things that you should know about your pet and THC. Pets with THC in their system cannot control themselves when it comes time to go out for an emergency bathroom break, leading them to wee all over the house! This isn’t fun for either of you. This can also lead to other possible complications like UTIs or kidney infections.
- Lethargy– If your pet is feeling listless and sleeping more than usual, it might be due to a side effect of THC. Side effects can include decreased energy levels or a lack of appetite.
- Drooling– There is no doubt that THC can cause excessive drooling in pets. This side effect may indicate pain for your little friend, so it would make sense to give them some relief if possible!
- Altered Heart Rhythm– When you introduce THC into a pet’s system, it can lead to arrhythmias and other severe side effects. These include insufficient blood flow throughout the body and tissue damage that could cause death in some cases.
*Other side effects and symptoms of your pet ingesting Delta 8 include: Excessive sleeping, Lethargy, Urinary incontinence “Drunk” walking, Low blood pressure, Increased heart rate, and in extreme and high toxicity cases, a pet can even suffer from Vomiting, Tremors, Seizures, and Drooling.
Suppose you notice your pet experiencing any of the above symptoms. In that case, you should definitely contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, as ingesting THC can be a potentially dangerous experience for your fur baby. (1)
Final Thoughts on Delta 8 For Dogs
Giving your dog THC can be fun to share an experience with your furry friend, but it’s important to do it safely and follow these simple tips. Remember – start with a small dose, be patient, know the signs of overdose, monitor their moods, and don’t drive with them in the car! With these guidelines in mind, you and your pup can have a fun and safe time exploring cannabis together!
Thanks for reading, and happy hemp’ing!
Want to try the NON-THC CBD Oil? Go here.
Or, if you want to try our low-dose Delta 8 THC oil, go here and pick the 500mg.
Learn more about THC here:
The new Era of legal THC gummies
Negative side-effects of Delta-8 THC
References:
- Farm Bill- The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/farm-bill - The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act- Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/laws-enforced-fda/federal-food-drug-and-cosmetic-act-fdc-act - THC in pets- THC (Marijuana) Poisoning in Dogs: What to Know
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/thc-poisoning-dogs
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post contains no legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
FAQ For Dogs and Delta-8 THC
Delta 8 became legal when Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill; it regulated and legalized hemp and hemp cultivation. Hemp is a cannabis plant Sativa containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Even though Delta 8 is federally legal due to the Farm Bill, a few states have outlawed Delta 8 THC.
Always ensure that your pet has a bowl of water that is easily accessible. You can also give your pet ice cubes to prevent repeated bouts of dehydration.
It depends on your pet. Play with different methods and see what THC or CBD product your pet prefers.