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Delta 8 is a federally legal cannabinoid present in cannabis. Delta 8 THC became legal when Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, which regulated and legalized hemp and hemp cultivation. Hemp is a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Even though delta-8 is federally legal due to the Farm Bill, few states have chosen to outlaw delta-8 THC. Delta-8 infused products are available in dropper bottles, gummies, cookies, cereals, brownies, blunts, etc. One can purchase them in the same places hemp-derived CBD products are sold, including online, at dispensaries, convenience stores, gas stations, etc.

What Are The Effects Of Delta-8?

A network of receptors, enzymes, and cannabinoids found throughout the body creates the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates many different biosystems and helps the body achieve a state of homeostasis (an automated process assisting the animals to maintain stability best suited to survival). Delta-8 has effects similar to delta-9 THC if ingested, but overall, it is less psychoactive. Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid, so there is much more to learn, which necessitates a careful approach to its use. The cannabinoid is generally available in concentrated forms because cannabis flower usually contains less than 1% delta-8-THC. Some of the benefits of delta 8 include:

• Helping users fall asleep
• Pain reduction
• Improved appetite
• Increased relaxation
• Decreased anxiety
• Calming effects

With all of these benefits, delta-8 might sound appealing to some who own pets, especially those dealing with extra anxious pets. Although delta-8 sounds like a rational solution, it can be toxic to animals.

 

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Is Delta-8 Safe For Pets?

Dogs and cats typically get scared and anxious due to thunderstorms, firecrackers, visitors, and traffic noises, among other things. It is pretty natural to help your pets out of these situations. However, you should avoid giving your pets THC altogether. No research states that THC is suitable for pets. Still, other products like CBD might have particular benefits for pets suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and other conditions.

The Canadian Veterinary Journal states that dogs have a much higher number of cannabinoid receptors in their endocannabinoid system than humans making them more susceptible to the intoxicating effects of THC. Although delta 8 THC might be relaxing for you and give you a mild psychoactive high, it could be a horrific and a potentially dangerous experience for your dear pets. 

It can be panic-inducing if your pet consumes delta-8 THC products. It can result from mild discomfort to severe issues leading to hospitalization. Most of the time, your pet will sleep it off, but it all depends on how much your animal consumes before stopping. It also depends on the edibles’ concentration levels and chemical constituents consumed.

The chances are that despite knowing this, your pet may stumble onto your delta-8 supplies and consume them by accident. So they need to be stored carefully and out of reach. Common sense indicates keeping them on higher shelves and inside locked medicine cabinets or drawers. 

What If Your Pet Consumes Delta-8 THC By Accident?

If your pet consumes delta-8 THC or any other THC product by accident, they might display the following symptoms. Most owners don’t notice these symptoms until they are very apparent. 

• Excessive sleeping
• Lethargy
• Urinary incontinence
• “Drunk” walking
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

In extreme cases of high toxicity, a pet can even suffer from:

• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Drooling

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Any of these symptoms present in your pet can mean accidental ingestion. However, the tricky thing to determine is the precise amount of THC consumed before you stopped them or found out. So if your pet has taken THC in some form or another, you can take the following steps instantly. 

• Step 1- Provide a dosage of cannabidiol to neutralize the THC

CBD is a THC inhibitor that works by blocking THC from binding with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, thus minimizing the effects of THC. Medical research shows concrete evidence of THC metabolizing at a different rate with the administration of cannabidiol. Therefore a CBD dose can be administered to a pet if it shows signs of intoxication. However, the exact dosage is still unknown due to a lack of research on different pets. A dosage of approximately 1.5 mg per pound for an average-sized 150-pound human, a 50-pound dog would require a dosage of about 34 mg. CBD is non-toxic, so offering a bit more based on each animal’s need can benefit.

• Step 2- Take your pet to the vet ASAP.

An overdose of delta-8 will rarely have fatal results. Some veterinarians have, in some instances, reported death due to associated circumstances when not immediately seeking veterinary care:

• Asphyxiating on their vomit
• Consuming edibles containing chocolate (chocolate is highly toxic to dogs)
• Consuming any other harmful ingredients (xylitol, onion, etc.)

They probably need to give the pet an IV at the vet’s. This helps to prevent dehydration caused by repeated bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. The vet may also give your dog a variety of drugs to treat the vomiting and diarrhea and any other symptoms your pet is having.

Takeaway

Taking responsibility is essential when a pet or a child lives in the house so that they do not consume substances harmful and detrimental to their mental and physical health. It is best to keep your THC out of reach from your furry friends and be extra careful if you tend to forget such products around the house absent-mindedly. These products are still very new, so it is always good to communicate any willingness to prescribe your pet delta 8 thc with the veterinarian first and then move forward with any decision. However, most pets fully recover after consumption and treatment from the vet, but it’s best not to subject pets to it. CBD is a much better and healthier alternative for your pet.