Medically Reviewed By:
Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative MedicineTable Of Contents
Table Of Contents
Delta 8 For Dogs – Is It Safe?
Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived CBD products, we have seen a surge in the cannabis industry, particularly for delta 8 THC products.
The popularity of delta 8 THC has risen mainly due to the similar properties it shares with delta 9 THC.
Although delta 8 THC is psychoactive, it is less intense than delta 9, and it has many therapeutic benefits. Many people use delta 8 for stress and pain relief.
Delta 8 has proven to have some great health benefits for humans, which has made many pet owners wonder if it has potential health benefits for their dogs.
Is it okay to give your dog delta 8 to help with their anxiety or pain reduction? If not, then what other alternatives are there?
This article aims to help you find answers to your questions about giving delta 8 THC to your dogs.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant when we talk about delta 8 gummies for dogs.
It is found in trace amounts, meaning that one would need a massive number of plants to extract any significant amount of delta 8.
However, delta 9 and CBD extracted from the hemp and cannabis plants can be converted to delta 8 THC in the lab through a series of chemical processes for commercialization.
Delta 8 is an isomer of delta 9 THC; they both have the same chemical formula but different structures. Delta 8 THC has a double carbon bond on the eighth carbon, while delta 9 has it on the ninth carbon.
The slight difference in the molecular structure of delta 8 causes this psychoactive substance to have a different effect on the body than delta 9 THC. Delta 8 intoxicating effects are milder and more therapeutic.
Is Delta 8 Safe For Dogs?
While the benefits of delta 8 THC in humans may sound appealing to pet owners, it is not safe for dogs. While there is very limited research specifically on giving delta 8 to dogs, research available on giving delta 9 to dogs shows that delta 9 THC has very intense psychoactive effects on dogs.
Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their endocannabinoid system, particularly in their brain than humans, which makes them more highly sensitive to THC products.
Since delta 8 is a THC analog, we can safely conclude that giving your dog THC edibles might harm the animal.
What Are The Side Effects Of THC On Dogs?
Giving your dog a THC product like delta 8 THC may cause the following side effects and other possible complications.
Can Affect Their Heart Rhythm
Giving your dog THC can cause arrhythmia, leading to severe complications like insufficient blood flow, tissue damage, cardiac arrest, and in some cases, death.
Excessive Drooling
THC in dogs could cause pain, uneasiness, or discomfort, and this can cause your furry friend to drool excessively.
Dizziness
Delta 8 THC can also cause dehydration. This can lead to your dog losing its balance which can be quite dangerous if they fall from a flight of stairs.
Excessive Sleeping Lethargy
Giving your dog delta 8 THC can cause them to feel lethargic. Your dog will lie down or sleep for long periods with no interest in food or water, which will, in turn, deplete its energy level.
Urinary Incontinence
THC in dogs can result in loss of bladder control. Your furry friend won’t be able to control their pee like it used to. When this happens, especially to house-trained dogs, it causes them to feel ashamed and leaves them stressed.
What Is The Delta 8 Alternative For Dogs?
It is natural for most pet owners to feel the need to help their furry friend out of their anxiety or pain, but delta 8 THC isn’t a good option for dogs. However, you can still help your dogs by giving them other hemp products that don’t contain THC, such as CBD oil.
CBD For Dogs
The best delta 8 or THC alternative for dogs is CBD products. CBD products don’t contain THC. They work by blocking the cannabinoid receptors that bind with THC, which makes them non-toxic and a better option for dogs.
In fact, a study conducted in 2020 found that hemp-derived CBD was useful in treating osteoarthritis pain in our furry friends.
Just as there are CBD products and delta 8 edibles for humans, you can also get CBD-infused dog treats or high quality CBD oil from CBD suppliers.
What Are The Side Effects Of CBD?
As with most substances, CBD has some side effects, but these are minor. Some of the side effects may include:
These side effects can possibly be avoided if you give your furry friend a smaller dose of pet CBD products.
How To Safely Give Your Dog CBD
It would help if you took some precautions in order for your dog to get the best out of its CBD intake.
If you would like to know more about the difference between delta 8 THC and CBD hemp cultivation and how CBD can help your furry friend, read our article on delta 8 and CBD.
Disclaimer: Always speak with your vet or health care professional regarding the intoxicating or psychoactive effects of Delta 8 THC. You should always consult with a vet before giving CBD to your pets or other animals. Speak with a lawyer for any questions regarding the Agriculture Improvement Act.
Clayton McCall
Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.
