As the use of CBD products for pets gains popularity, many dog owners may wonder whether Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive molecule in cannabis, is also safe for their furry friends. While CBD products can effectively support emotional comfort and joint health in dogs, THC could potentially be toxic to pets. However, some dog products do contain small amounts of THC, leading pet owners to question whether this is safe for their beloved companions. So, can you use Delta-9 THC for dogs? Let's dive deep into the potential risks and benefits of giving THC to dogs, and discuss how much THC a dog can intake!
How Does Delta-9 THC Work on Dogs?
Delta-9 THC interacts with the same communication network within dogs as it does with humans. The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system that plays an important role in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes in the body. It comprises two main types of receptors—CB1 and CB2—as well as various endocannabinoids and enzymes.
When THC enters the body, it binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, mimicking the effects of the endocannabinoid anandamide. This results in a wide range of effects, including altered perception, mood, and cognition.
Interestingly, dogs have a similar endocannabinoid system to humans, which means that THC may also bind to CB1 receptors in their brain. Dogs have been shown to possess CB1 receptors in various parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia.
Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of THC on dogs, including potential wellness benefits and risks. In the meantime, it's important for pet owners to be cautious and consult with a veterinarian before administering THC products to their pets.
Does Delta-9 THC for Dogs Work Like Humans?
While research into the effects of THC on dogs is limited, early studies suggest that THC could potentially have similar effects on dogs as it does in humans, including altered perception, mood, and cognition. However, it's important to note that dogs are more sensitive to THC than humans and can experience adverse effects at much lower amounts than humans.
While dogs have a similar endocannabinoid system to humans, there are some key differences that can lead to different effects when they are exposed to THC. One of the main differences is that dogs have a higher density of CB1 receptors in their brain compared to humans, which means that they are more sensitive to the effects of THC.
Additionally, dogs may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of THC than humans. This is because their livers have a lower capacity to metabolize THC, which can lead to a buildup of toxic metabolites and potentially harmful effects on the body.
How Does THC Affect Dogs?
Cases of dog intoxication have increased since marijuana legalization has become more common across the United States. It's important for pet owners to be aware of subtle differences in their pet's behavior if they come into contact with marijuana.
Owners must also be cautious when administering any THC products to their pets. Even small amounts of THC can cause adverse effects in dogs, including:
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Disorientation
- Incontinence
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy
- Motion/sound sensitivity
- Shaking/tremors
- Seizures
In severe cases, THC toxicity can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to THC, don't wait to seek veterinary care. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating THC toxicity in dogs. Call your veterinarian immediately or take your pet to an emergency animal hospital for prompt treatment. Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome for your dog.
Can THC Kill a Dog?
Yes, THC can be toxic to dogs, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal. In cases where THC toxicity in dogs is not severe, doggos can be managed with supportive care.
Extremely high amounts of THC can lead to life-threatening conditions such as respiratory depression, seizures, and coma.
If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to THC and is showing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, disorientation, or seizures, it's important to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. With prompt treatment, most dogs can recover from THC toxicity, but delaying treatment can increase the risk of serious complications and even death.
How Much THC Can a Dog Intake?
It's important to note that THC can be toxic to dogs, and even small amounts of THC can cause adverse effects and potentially lead to toxicity. As such, there is no safe amount of THC that can be given to a dog.
If a pet owner is considering administering a CBD product with THC to their dog, they should consult with their veterinarian first and carefully read the product label to ensure that they understand the concentration of THC and other cannabinoids in the product.
In general, it's recommended to start with a low amount of CBD and THC and monitor the dog closely for any signs of adverse effects. It's also important to select products that are specifically formulated for pets and do not contain any additional ingredients that may be harmful to dogs.
Ultimately, the best approach is to consult with a veterinarian who can provide individualized recommendations based on the specific health needs of the dog and its response to CBD and THC products.
How Much THC Can a Dog Take Before it’s Fatal?
The minimum lethal oral amount of THC for dogs is not well established. However, based on anecdotal evidence and limited research, it's estimated to be approximately 3 grams of THC per kilogram of body weight.
This means that a small dog weighing 10 pounds could potentially experience toxicity and even death from consuming as little as 1-2 grams of THC. It's important for pet owners to keep all THC-containing products out of reach of their pets and seek veterinary care immediately if they suspect that their pet has been exposed to THC.
For dogs that weigh between 25-50 pounds, toxicity is less common, but larger amounts of THC can still cause negative effects such as lethargy and disorientation. Dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds are generally less susceptible to the effects of THC, but they can still experience toxicity if exposed to higher amounts.
This is all very general information. Keep in mind that the toxic amount of THC can vary based on several factors, such as the concentration of THC in the product, individual differences in metabolism, and underlying health conditions. Additionally, not all marijuana products contain the same amount or concentration of THC, which can make it difficult to accurately determine the risk of toxicity.
Overall, pet owners should always exercise caution when it comes to exposing their pets to THC or any marijuana products. Even small amounts of THC can be harmful to pets, and it's essential to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect that your pet has been exposed to THC and is showing signs of toxicity.
Safely Using Delta-9 THC for Dogs
It's important for pet owners to understand that THC can be toxic to dogs, and even small amounts of THC can cause adverse effects and potentially lead to toxicity. Some key differences in the endocannabinoid system between dogs and humans make dogs more sensitive to the effects of THC, and their livers have a lower capacity to metabolize THC, which can result in a buildup of toxic metabolites.
If a pet owner is considering administering CBD products with THC to their dog, they should consult with their veterinarian first and carefully read the product label to ensure that they understand the concentration of THC and other cannabinoids in the product. In general, CBD products for pets should contain 0.3% THC or less.
It's recommended to start with a low amount of CBD and THC and monitor the dog closely for any signs of adverse effects. This is particularly important for smaller dogs that are more susceptible to the effects of THC. It's also important to select products that are specifically formulated for pets and do not contain any additional ingredients that may be harmful to dogs.
Ultimately, the best approach is to consult with a veterinarian who can provide individualized recommendations based on the specific health needs of the dog and their response to CBD and THC products. Pet owners should always exercise caution when it comes to exposing their pets to THC or any marijuana products, and seek veterinary care immediately if they suspect that their pet has been exposed to THC and is showing signs of toxicity.
Hannah Smith is Joy Organics Director of Communications. She is driven by her passion for providing clear and accessible wellness and CBD education. In 2015, she received her BA in Media, Culture and the Arts from The King’s College in New York City and before Joy Organics, worked as writer and photographer in the Middle East and North Africa. Her work has been featured on Forbes, Vice, Vox, Denver Post, and the Coloradoan.
