These days, many people are using cannabis to relieve their pain and treat hundreds of other medical conditions. While marijuana has proven safe and effective for humans, this is not the case for our pets.
There are numerous cases of pet owners and vets concerned with THC’s effects on their furry friends. Here, we’ll find out whether delta-8 is safe for pets, what happens if they consume it, what you should do if your dog consumes THC edibles, and more.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a molecule found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of many cannabinoids that naturally occur in cannabis and are responsible for most of its effects. You will find delta-8 THC in low concentrations in some strains of cannabis, but it can also be synthesized in a lab. It has a psychoactive effect when consumed.
Delta-8 works by binding to cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, throughout the body and brain. These receptors are responsible for controlling many different functions throughout your body. They include pain sensation, mood regulation, memory formation, appetite control, hormone release, and immune response.
Delta-8 THC effects depend on how much has been taken, how often it’s taken, and what form it’s taken. Delta-8 THC can make you feel euphoric and relaxed; it may also lower your inhibitions and cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Is Delta-8 THC Safe For Pets?
Delta-8 THC is not safe for pets. Delta-8 THC does not metabolize in the same way as other cannabinoids. This means that giving your dog what is delta-8 THC will affect them differently than you.
Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors than humans, so they feel the effects of delta-8 THC much more strongly than we do. Even if you don’t feel high after ingesting a small amount of delta-8 THC from eating an edible, your dog might still be affected.
Hence, it could cause some serious side effects. For example, if your dog takes a large dose of Delta-8 THC, it may experience vomiting or diarrhea.
It could also have behavioral issues like aggression or anxiety. This is why we recommend giving them CBD products. Remember, the amount of time it takes for the effects of THC to wear off depends on how much delta-8 your dog took and how often they take it.
Is Delta-8 Bad For Dogs?
Yes, delta-8 is bad for dogs. It is a form of THC that was created to increase the potency of marijuana without increasing its psychoactive effects. This means that the dog will get high without getting stoned. Unfortunately, as with any drug, this can also cause serious side effects in dogs.
Delta-8 can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of balance in your dog. These symptoms usually go away once you stop giving your dog delta-8. However, they can also be symptoms of other problems that could be potentially life-threatening if not treated quickly. Therefore, you should never give delta-8 to your dog.
What Happens If A Dog Consumes Delta-8?
Delta-8 can be dangerous for your dog, or any animal for that matter. If your dog consumes delta-8, they may experience the following side effects:
- Anxiety
Many dogs become anxious when they are on the drug, leading to other health problems. You should seek treatment immediately if your dog shows signs of anxiety, such as aggressiveness or chewing on things.
- Increased Heart Beat
It is common for dogs to experience an increase in heart rate after consuming delta-8. This side effect can be dangerous and even fatal if left untreated. If you notice your dog’s heart beating quickly, contact your veterinarian immediately and provide them with your pet’s medical history, including what they ate and when.
- Too Much Drooling
Excessive drooling can be caused by a dog’s nervousness, excitement, or pain. However, if you realize an increase in your dog’s drool output, it might be time to take them for a medical check-up.
- Incontinence
Incontinence is another common side effect of consuming dog delta-8. It can occur when a dog cannot control when it urinates or defecates. Hence, making it difficult for them to adapt their behavior in social settings. If you notice that your dog is experiencing incontinence issues after consuming delta-8, you should discuss treatment options with veterinarians.
- Excessive Sleeping Lethargy
If your dog sleeps more, acts less active and responsive, or is less playful, it may be a sign that they have consumed delta-8. Lethargy is one of the most common signs of consumption of this drug and is a good indicator that an overdose has occurred.
- Low Blood Pressure
Dogs may experience low blood pressure when they consume delta-8 because this cannabinoid affects their nervous system directly. It attaches to CB1 receptors in the brainstem that control heart rate and blood pressure regulation. Low blood pressure can cause signs such as dizziness or weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to fainting or even death if left untreated.
- Vomiting and Dizziness
If your dog has consumed this drug and you see them vomiting, it’s important to call your veterinarian immediately. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, a serious condition if left untreated. While the symptoms of vomiting and dizziness are often mild, they can be severe in some dogs if not treated promptly.
What You Should Do If Your Dog Consumes THC Edibles
If you find that your dog has consumed THC edibles and gets delta-8 THC feeling, it is important to act quickly. There are several simple steps that you can take to ensure they are safe.
- Do Not Panic
The most vital thing you should do is not panic. Your dog may have consumed only a small amount of marijuana, which will not cause any serious damage to them.
However, dogs always risk an overdose in dogs as compared to humans. So, it is always great to be on the safe side and take some precautions.
- Confirm The Amount They Consumed
If your dog has eaten some edibles, determine how much they ate. This may be difficult if you haven’t kept track of the food they’ve consumed each day. Knowing where the edibles came from and how much was in that particular batch, you’ll know how much your dog consumed. Otherwise, try to estimate how many treats they consumed based on their size, like one per ounce of body weight.
- Assess Your Dog’s Behavior
You should assess your dog’s behavior while waiting for help from a veterinarian or animal clinic staff member. If they seem disoriented, lethargic, or uncoordinated, it is likely that they consumed too many THC edibles and could be suffering from a toxic overdose. If this happens, call medical professionals to administer any necessary treatment before it’s too late.
- Provide Them With Enough Water
Another important thing you can do if your dog eats THC is to ensure they have plenty of water available. Provide fresh water every hour if possible so they can keep themselves hydrated while they process the THC in their system.
The more water they consume and the better hydrated they are, the quicker they’ll be able to process any remaining THC from their body after exposure.
- Give Them High-Quality CBD Oil To Neutralize THC
CBD is among over 100 compounds found in hemp and marijuana plants. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. Hence it won’t get your dog high. Instead, it works as an antidote for THC poisoning by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain that THC would otherwise occupy. This process helps prevent more serious symptoms from developing.
- Take Them To Your Vet Immediately
The sooner a vet sees the affected dog, the better chance they have of making a full recovery. If possible, take them immediately after you realize they’ve consumed the edible and tell them what happened. That way, they can start treating your pet’s symptoms.
Best Detox for Delta-8
Pet CBD is a great detox for delta-8. Besides, it is one of the most popular cannabinoids in the world. It is a non-psychoactive chemical compound that comes from hemp and cannabis plants.
CBD has many potential health benefits. It is great for treating anxiety because it helps to balance chemical levels in the brain. For example, if your pup gets anxious when you leave them alone at home, this can help them feel calmer while you’re away. Hence, they can relax instead of stressing out about being left alone again.
CBD products are also great for controlling seizures in dogs. Seizures can be caused by various factors, including trauma, infections, brain tumors, and genetics.
The most common type of seizure is known as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTC). This type of seizure occurs when the brain sends out an electrical impulse that causes muscles to contract uncontrollably. It can cause the dog’s body to stiffen up or shake violently for several minutes.
CBD also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help with arthritis, skin conditions, and other inflammatory diseases. It also helps improve overall health by boosting the immune system, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
How To Choose Hemp-Derived CBD Products For My Dog?
Since the agriculture improvement act started regulating and legalizing hemp cultivation, many pet owners have opted for hemp-derived CBD products. Cannabidiol helps improve a pet’s health by controlling anxiety, pain relief, etc. However, not all brands are the same; you should know how to pick the best. Here are things you should look for when looking for CBD products;
- Safe Extraction Method: The extraction method is critical because it controls the quality of the final product. Look for products that use clean CO2 extraction methods without toxic solvents like hexane or propane. Find another brand if a company doesn’t state how they extract their CBD.
- Lab Reports: Before buying any CBD product, you should always look at lab reports. They provide valuable information about the potency of your product, its purity, and potential contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or other chemicals. This information can also help you determine whether your pet may have an adverse reaction to certain ingredients.
- Broad or Full-Spectrum Hemp: Many brands sell CBD oil for dogs containing only CBD and no other cannabinoids. This can be problematic to most pet owners because it removes all therapeutic synergies from using whole-plant hemp oil. Look for full-spectrum hemp oil, which includes all of the beneficial compounds in hemp. These include terpenes and flavonoids that have powerful anti-inflammatory effects on their own.
- Clear Dosage Information: Make sure you can find clear dosage information on the label of any product you consider buying for your dog. It should also be easy to determine how many drops per day based on weight and size.
How To Prevent Your Dogs From Taking Edibles
If you have a dog and you smoke weed, then you probably know that it can be difficult to keep your dog away from the smell and taste of your stash. Like many animals, dogs have an innate sense of smell and taste. They can easily detect the presence of cannabis just by sniffing around.
It is vital to try not to let the presence of these products in your home tempt them. How do you prevent your dog from eating weed products? Follow these tips:
- Use Weed In A Well-Ventilated Area
When smoking weed, ensure plenty of fresh air is circulating. Hence the smoke won’t linger too long in one place and attract curious noses. If possible, use a fan or other ventilation device to help clear the room quicker after smoking.
- Store Cannabis Products Away From Your Furry Friend
Don’t leave edibles out where your dog can reach them. Keep all edibles in a secure location where only humans can access them. If you must leave edibles out, put them in something unattractive to dogs, such as an airtight container or a locked safe.
Why Do Pet Owners Give Dogs THC?
Some dog owners give dogs THC because they want their furry friends to experience the same benefits as humans. They normally want to relieve anxiety and stress. However, it can cause serious side effects in dogs, including vomiting, loss of balance, and seizures.
Many pets suffer from separation anxiety, which can make them destructive or hyperactive. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, giving them a dose of CBD can help calm them until you return home.
Conclusion: Is Delta-8 For Dogs?
THC can lead to a potentially dangerous experience for your dog. Your furry friend may be tempted to sample your stash or chew on a bud if they find it lying around. They could get sick or worse if they get their paws on some edibles.
