What are the different ways you can give your dog CBD? It’s a pretty important question to consider.
If you think your dog could benefit from CBD, there isn’t a “one size fits all” method for giving them CBD. It takes some work to determine which method is best for giving your dog a dose of CBD.
Dogs can be just as unique as people. Your dog has preferences about what they eat and an opinion on how long the walk should be.
When it comes to giving them a CBD product, your pup might love some products but dislike others. You may need to go through a process of trial and error.
Luckily, there are plenty of pet owners who have gone through the same thing and can share their experiences.
Here, we’ll explore why CBD works, plus six different ways to give your dog CBD products.
Why Does CBD Work With Dogs?
All mammals, which includes both us humans and our pets, have an endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system influences critical functions like sleep, pain, stress, appetite, and more.
CBD interacts with this complex signaling system, working with receptors to maintain homeostasis. CBD products work by supplementing naturally-occurring levels of cannabinoids and promoting balance within the body.
So, the good news is that our doggos can experience the therapeutic benefits of CBD, just like us. If you think that CBD might benefit your dog, here are six different approaches to administer a CBD product.
#1: Mix CBD Tincture with Food
We’re going to go ahead and guess that your dog…LOVES food.
It’s one of the few things that unites all dogs—they’re always going to beg for a portion of your meal.
One easy way to get your dog their serving of CBD is to add it to their meal. Not only will they not put up a fuss, but they’ll also make sure to finish it all.
An easy way to incorporate CBD is to use CBD oil pet tinctures to mix with their food. Depending on the texture of what you combine it with, you may want to wait a few minutes for the oil to soak into the food before giving it to your dog.
Keep in mind CBD is an oil-soluble compound, which means eating it with a high-fat meal encourages better absorption. A fatty meal, including something like fish, wet food, or another fat like peanut butter, can help your dog’s body absorb the compound.
Finally, your dog may be unfamiliar with the hemp-like smell of CBD oil just by itself. Combining it with food also has the added benefit of partially hiding the hemp scent from your dog’s sensitive nose.
#2: Use a Regular Routine of Treats for Mobility Issues
There may have been a time when your dog could keep up with any adventure. But as dogs get older, they may start to experience certain issues that come with aging.
For many pet owners, mobility issues can start to become a major concern. Your dog may be favoring a particular leg, hesitant to engage in activities they used to love, or struggling to sit or stand.
If this is the case, you may want to consider regularly giving your pup something like CBD Pet Treats for Joint and Mobility for mobility issues.
These treats combine a dose of CBD with natural antioxidants like blueberries, spinach, and parsley, plus anti-inflammatory compounds like turmeric, glucosamine, chondroitin, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid.
If your dog could use help regularly with mobility issues, adding CBD treats to their routine can help smooth out the effects of inflammation.
These treats are incredibly convenient because they come pre-measured in a lower concentration, so it’s easier to manage the serving size for your pet.
#3: Give CBD Oil Through a Dropper
Another way to give your pup a CBD oil pet tincture is to use the tincture bottle’s dropper.
CBD pet tinctures come in pet-friendly different CBD strengths, according to your dog’s size and tolerance. The droppers are customized to measure out specific servings so you can keep track of the serving amount.
If your dog tolerates this method, utilizing the dropper method is a simple approach to integrating a helpful CBD serving.
If your pet doesn’t hold still enough for this option, you may want to consider dropping the CBD oil into a spoon first. If your dog is licking the dropper, you don’t want to place it back into the tincture full of remaining oil. Your dog may have certain bacteria in their mouth that can contaminate the dropper and then the oil.
However you give them CBD oil, make sure to reward your dog for their excellent behavior. Before you know it, they may be looking forward to the CBD tincture just for the treat!
#4: Offer Treats for Special Situations
Your pet may experience stress or anxiety in certain situations. New noises, smells, and environments can be so unfamiliar that your dog becomes anxious.
For example, dogs can commonly feel stressed during things like a fireworks show on the Fourth of July or flying on an airplane.
If certain situations cause your dog to display anxious behavior, CBD Pet Treats for Stress and Anxiety can help your pet stay calm. These treats come with the beneficial effects of CBD that encourage feelings of calm, and they contain other calming ingredients like chamomile and valerian root.
This method is best when you only need to give your dog CBD occasionally for certain special situations. Treats are especially convenient because they are portable and easily administered if you and your dog are in a new environment or on-the-go.
#5: Apply Topicals for Skin or Muscle Discomfort
Although CBD topicals for pets are a relatively new product, they show lots of potential for common pet issues.
Topicals with CBD offer relief when applied for skin irritation or muscle discomfort. In addition, many of these topicals also have natural ingredients or essential oils that soothe irritation as well.
If your pet has muscle discomfort, paw irritation, or something like an insect bite, applying CBD topicals can provide surficial relief and help your dog find calm.
#6: With Your Vet’s Approval
Alright, this isn’t really a technique, but it is definitely worth mentioning: before you give CBD oil to your dog, it’s best to discuss it with your veterinarian first.
Some veterinarians have differing opinions on the safety of CBD for dogs. Especially if your dog is on medications, a vet can offer you specific advice on how CBD may affect the efficacy of different treatments.
Many veterinarians and experts consider CBD generally safe for dogs.
Many CBD companies formulate pet products specifically with broad spectrum CBD oil, which contains 0% THC. Make sure to read the label on your CBD product before giving it to your dog.
You are the one ultimately in charge of your dog’s health, but staying informed on the latest research on CBD use in dogs is helpful as you decide your best options. You want what is best for your pup, which is why you’re researching this in the first place!
Considering one of these options for giving your dog CBD?
Take a look at CBDfx’s collection of CBD products for pets!