Paw-lease Don’t: Can Dogs Have Delta-8 THC?
June 13, 2025
Dogs. They trust us with their lives. We trust them with our homes, our hearts, and occasionally our socks.
But should they trust us to keep our Delta-8 snacks out of reach? Probably not.
Because here’s the thing—Delta-8 might be your reliable chill zone, but for your dog, it’s a hard no wrapped in a very snackable smell.
Still, accidents happen. One minute you’re deep into a show with a half-finished edible on the coffee table, the next your dog’s licking his lips like he just cracked a code. Maybe he did. But now you’re the one left figuring out what to do next.
So let’s talk about it. Dogs, Delta-8, and why your stash deserves the same locked-down status as chocolate, grapes, and every other “not for you, buddy” item on the dog no-fly list.
The High You Never Meant to Share
Let’s be very clear. Your dog doesn’t want to get high.
They want what you’re having. The cookie. The brownie. The suspiciously good-smelling chocolate square that’s secretly packed with 25mg of “this seemed like a good idea at the time.”
Dogs don’t know what Delta-8 is, but their brains? Oh, they absolutely do. Dogs (and cats) have more cannabinoid receptors than humans, which makes them way more sensitive to substances like Delta-8. And not in a cozy blanket, “this playlist is vibey” kind of way. More like disoriented, panicked, slow-blinking confusion, as even a tiny amount can throw off their whole system.
Delta-8 THC is psychoactive. It binds to those CB1 receptors and messes with motor control, mood, perception, and coordination. That’s fine if you’re human, hydrated, and horizontal on the couch. But if you’re a 25-pound Boston Terrier who just thought they scored a cookie, it’s a chemical curveball you’re absolutely not built for.
The result? A dog who suddenly can’t walk straight, doesn’t understand gravity, and is looking at you like you broke the laws of physics—and they’d really like you to fix it.
But It’s Hemp-Derived! That Makes It Fine… Right?
We know. We’ve seen the marketing too.
Yes, Delta-8 is hemp-derived. Yes, it’s legal in many states. Yes, it’s milder than Delta-9. But none of that makes it pet-safe.
“Hemp-derived” just means it came from hemp. It doesn’t mean it’s gentle, harmless, or suddenly chill for all species. Delta-8 is still THC. Still psychoactive. Still a lot for a body that weighs 28 pounds and thinks peanut butter is an event.
And that’s before you even get to the rest of the edible. Chocolate, xylitol, raisins, sugar alcohols, butter, artificial sweeteners (aka the greatest hits of the dog danger zone)—all things that make your edible delicious, but turn it into a full-on red flag for your dog.
So even if your pup only managed a tiny bite of a “mild” Delta-8 cookie, their system’s already reacting to something it was never built to handle in the first place. And if you're wondering whether it's probably fine… it's not. The answer’s still no.
Also read: Purr-suing the Truth: Can Cats Have Delta-8 THC?
The Moment of Oh No
If your dog got into that edible and now things are looking weird—maybe you walked in on them with foil in their teeth and zero regrets—the snack’s gone, and reality has officially kicked in.
So what now?
First, don’t panic. Seriously. This isn’t the time to spiral, it’s the time to get moving.
Start by figuring out what they ate. Was it a 10mg gummy? A full chocolate bar? A Delta-8 cookie with a label you suddenly can’t find?
While you’re checking, call your vet or an emergency clinic. Your dog’s system is processing THC right now, and they need help from someone who didn’t just Google “homemade detox for pets.”
Symptoms might start slowly or show up fast. The more upfront you are about the potential intoxication, the quicker your vet can assess and treat. Don’t assume they’re fine just because they’re wagging their tail. That tail is doing its best.
What High Looks Like on a Dog
Here’s what to watch for if you’re in that unfortunate “my dog might be high” situation:
🔹 Wobbly walking
🔹 Wide, glazed eyes
🔹 Whimpering or random vocalizing
🔹 Disorientation or pacing in circles
🔹 Sudden lethargy or unresponsiveness
🔹 Drooling or vomiting
🔹 Twitching or tremors
🔹 Heart rate changes (way too fast or way too slow)
🔹 Unusual body temperature (hot or cold to the touch)
🔹 Incontinence
🔹 Seizures
Some dogs zone out completely. Others get clingy, agitated, or just weird in ways only your dog can be.
The scariest part? It can look like they’re improving… right before things take a turn. THC can hit in waves, especially in smaller animals. So even if your pup seems “okay,” don’t skip the call. Better a quick phone consult than a midnight sprint to emergency care.
Treating a Dog Who Got High Without Consent
Most vets will assess severity and decide from there. Mild cases might just need monitoring and fluids. Serious cases could involve anti-nausea meds, IVs, warming blankets, or hospitalization.
No, there’s no magic antidote. No, you shouldn’t give your dog milk, oil, or Google-inspired home remedies. Unless your vet tells you otherwise, the best thing you can do is stay calm and follow instructions.
Oh, and don’t try to make them vomit unless you’re told to. That whole “make your dog puke” trick can backfire hard, especially with THC and oils in their system.
Can Dogs Have CBD Instead?
This is where the nuance comes in.
CBD is non-psychoactive and shows promise for pets. Some vets recommend it for anxiety, inflammation, or joint issues. But that doesn’t mean your CBD stash is fair game.
Human CBD products are made with different ingredients. Flavorings, sweeteners, oils. Many of which are bad for dogs. If you want to explore CBD for your pup, get a vet-approved product made just for them. Preferably one that says “0.0% THC” and doesn’t smell like birthday cake.
How to Not Let This Happen Again
Dogs are sneaky. Curious. Weirdly brilliant when snacks are involved.
So, be smarter than your edible. Here's how:
🔒 Lock your stash in a drawer, cabinet, or anywhere paws can’t reach.
🏷 Keep everything clearly labeled (no mystery bags in the pantry).
🗑 Don’t leave half-eaten edibles in purses, trash cans, or hoodie pockets.
🥜 Keep your “fun snacks” nowhere near the peanut butter jar or treat bin.
👯 If you live with roommates, make sure everyone knows which cookies are safe… and which ones come with consequences.
To your dog, it just smells like something you’re obsessed with, which automatically makes it treasure.
Avoid the chaos. Store it smart.
You Get the Buzz, They Get the Biscuit
Delta-8 is great—for you. Keep your edibles high up, sealed tight, and saved for solo time (cute snacks, not shared snacks).
And if things go sideways, call the vet right away. Skip the internet rabbit holes and DIY detoxes, because that just wastes time your dog doesn’t have.
In the end, you’ll both be better off. Your dog gets a proper biscuit, you get your buzz, and the couch gets two relaxed creatures, only one of whom needed a gummy to get there.
And lucky for you, Baked Bags has the goods.
From creamy cookie dough bites and dreamy ice cream cones, to crisp Kush Klaw seltzers, juicy gummies, and infused popcorn that eats like a meal, we’ve got the flavors, the formats, and the perfectly dosed chill to match whatever vibe you're chasing.
So go ahead, keep your stash safe, keep your dog out of it, and enjoy your edible moment. Fully. Softly. Deliciously.
