Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid not approved for pets. Dogs are highly sensitive to THC, and Delta 8 can cause sedation, confusion, vomiting, or toxicity at low doses. Safer alternatives include CBD-only products designed specifically for pets.

Dogs deal with stress, pain, inflammation, and aging too. And when traditional meds start to feel like a dead end, it's no surprise that people begin looking at Delta-8 THC.

What Is Delta-8 and What Does It Do When Consumed?

Delta 8 is everywhere right now. It's showing up in gummies, vapes, and even pet treats, often without much context. 

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid, like CBD or Delta 9 THC, but its structure is slightly altered. It’s made from hemp through a lab conversion process that shifts CBD into a form of THC with a lower binding affinity to your cannabinoid receptors.

In simpler terms, it still gets you high, just not with the same intensity as Delta-9.

For humans, that experience is often described as clear-headed relaxation. You might feel a warm buzz, a little sleepy, or suddenly very interested in snacks. It’s the sort of feeling people often want to share with their anxious or aging pets. 

But here’s where the gap in logic begins. 

Dogs don’t interpret psychoactivity the way we do. They don’t recognize a shift in perception as relaxing. They feel disoriented.

Delta 8 For Humans

Delta-8 THC has been life-hanging for many of our customers. Unlike Delta-9, it offers a smoother, gentler experience that supports wellness without overwhelming the senses. Here’s how real people are benefiting:

• Deep Relaxation: Customers love Delta-8 for the way it melts away tension without knocking them out. Many describe it as a “calm buzz” that helps them unwind after a long day.

• Restorative Sleep: Struggling sleepers report that just one gummy before bed helps them fall and stay asleep through the night. Unlike pharmaceuticals, there’s no grogginess the next day.

• Pain Management: From back surgeries to chronic joint pain, customers tell us Delta-8 helps ease discomfort and stiffness. It’s become a go-to for those trying to reduce or avoid traditional pain meds.

• Mood Support: Delta-8 has a reputation for lifting spirits without making users feel out of control. Users dealing with stress, burnout, or general blues say it helps them feel “more like themselves.”

Read All Of Our Reviews From Happy Customers

Gentle Onset, Long Relief: While effects may take 30–90 minutes to kick in, that delayed onset translates into longer-lasting relief. Customers appreciate the steady, dependable comfort that doesn't fade too quickly.

Dogs + THC = A Bad Mix

People often assume that what works for them might work just as well for their dog, especially when it comes to plant-based solutions like Delta 8 THC.

But cannabinoids affect different species in very different ways, and the science behind how dogs process THC should raise some serious red flags. 

Even a mild compound like Delta 8 can hit much harder than you expect.

Canine ECS: Hyper-Sensitive by Nature

Dogs have an endocannabinoid system just like we do. It regulates everything from mood to appetite to immune response. The problem is, their system is much more sensitive. 

Specifically, dogs have more CB1 receptors in their brain than humans. These receptors are the primary binding sites for THC compounds, including Delta 8.

That increased density means a small dose for you could be an overwhelming amount for your pet. Even when Delta 8 is described as gentle, the way it binds to your dog’s receptors can lead to effects that feel anything but. 

There is no such thing as a harmless buzz when the animal experiencing it has no way to rationalize what is happening.

What Can Go Wrong: Common Symptoms of THC Toxicity

When dogs ingest Delta 8, the effects can unfold gradually and then escalate without warning. 

Dogs cannot interpret a shift in perception. Instead, they experience the physiological fallout as confusion, discomfort, and in many cases, panic. 

This is not just a matter of drowsiness or calm. It can become a health emergency.

Some of the most common symptoms of Delta 8 toxicity in dogs include:

• Vomiting or dry heaving

• Loss of coordination or balance

• Excessive drooling

• Tremors or muscle twitching

• Disorientation or confusion

• Extreme sedation or unresponsiveness

• Glazed eyes or dilated pupils

Small dogs are especially vulnerable. 

Just one Delta 8 gummy formulated for humans could cause significant symptoms in a ten-pound dog. Larger breeds may tolerate slightly more, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe or predictable. 

Every dog processes cannabinoids differently, and the line between “mild” and “medically concerning” isn’t something you want to play with.

CBD vs Delta 8: Which One Belongs in Your Dog’s Bowl?

Once pet owners see their dog relax after a long bout of anxiety or pain, it's tempting to reach for stronger or faster solutions. That is often how Delta 8 enters the conversation. 

But when you're talking about daily wellness and long-term health, the goal should never be sedation or disorientation, but rather comfort without confusion. That’s why it’s important to know that CBD presents a much better alternative to Delta 8 THC.

Why CBD Is the Safer Choice

👉Get Our CBD Dog Treats 10mg 

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system without binding aggressively to the CB1 receptors in the brain. 

That means it can help with pain, inflammation, and nervous system regulation without triggering fear or altered perception.

Veterinary researchers have studied CBD in dogs for several conditions, including osteoarthritis and generalized anxiety. 

While the data is still growing, results consistently point to improvements in mobility, comfort, and overall mood when CBD is dosed correctly.

Most importantly, dogs on CBD stay present. They may rest more deeply or bark less at the mailman, but they do not lose motor control or eye contact. That level of safety builds trust. 

A dog who feels calm without being confused is far more likely to associate wellness routines with security rather than stress.

Safe CBD Products for Your Dog

It’s a part of the CBD Genesis’ mission to design pet-safe products that respect the unique biology of dogs while offering dependable relief. Here are a few we are particularly proud of:

CBD Pet Treats

• Soft texture, easy for seniors to chew
• Infused with calming CBD, not sprayed
• Great for daily anxiety and mobility support

If Your Dog Ate Delta 8, Here’s What to Do

Accidents happen, especially with curious dogs and accessible treats. If your pet gets into a Delta 8 product, the first step is not to panic. 

While Delta 8 THC can cause alarming symptoms, most exposures can be managed safely with monitoring and quick action.

Start by removing any remaining product and checking the packaging for dosage information. 

Try to estimate how much your dog may have consumed based on weight and concentration. Do not try to induce vomiting unless a veterinarian advises it. Instead, give your dog a quiet, calm space away from stimulation.

Keep an eye out for symptoms like:

• Vomiting or repeated gagging

• Wobbling or difficulty walking

• Glazed or dilated eyes

• Muscle tremors or twitching

• Excessive drooling or sedation

If your dog is still showing symptoms after two hours, or if symptoms worsen at any point, call your vet or a pet emergency line. Most veterinarians will not report you for Delta 8 exposure. 

Their focus is your dog’s safety, not judgment or punishment.

Here’s a rough guide to how much Delta 8 can start causing issues:

• Under 10 pounds: more than 1mg can lead to symptoms

• 20 to 40 pounds: 3 to 5mg can trigger toxicity

• 50 pounds and up: 10mg or more may cause distress

Delta 8 can linger in your dog’s system for several hours, sometimes longer. Mild cases may only need hydration and rest. More severe ones may require fluids or anti-nausea support. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and contact your vet.

Let’s Be Real: Your Dog Wants Comfort, Not a Buzz

Dogs don’t ask for mood boosters. They just want to feel safe, pain-free, and close to you. 

Giving them a psychoactive compound like Delta 8 doesn’t offer clarity or peace. It creates a mental fog they can’t understand, and for many pets, that’s terrifying.

If your goal is to soothe your dog’s nerves, ease their joint pain, or help them rest more comfortably, there are better options. 

CBD is gentle, well-researched, and made to support without overwhelming. It lets your dog stay connected, alert, and relaxed—not sedated or stumbling.

We’ve always believed that relief should feel familiar, not foreign. 

That’s why the customers trust CBD Genesis to provide clean, reliable cannabinoids they can share with the pets they love. We test every batch, keep our ingredients simple, and offer large quantities that work for real families.

Take a sniff around our product collection and you might spot something special for your dog or yourself!