Did you know CBD can be as therapeutic for your pet as it is for you? In fact, the past few years have ushered in a wide variety of pup-particular CBD products and therapies.
CBD is as safe for your dog to consume as it is for humans. It works on the same systems in both humans and dogs, and the effects are very similar. Many pet owners believe it provides their dogs with a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
If you think CBD might be a good fit for your dog, but you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few tips.
Wait, What Is CBD exactly?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive chemical compound found in the hemp plant. This isn’t the compound that causes a “high.” Instead, it provides a wide range of therapeutic benefits by interacting with receptors in our endocannabinoid system, which is integrated with our central and peripheral nervous systems.
Why Should I Give It to My Dog?
Like us, dogs are mammals, and all mammals have an endocannabinoid system. CBD interacts with receptors in your dog’s system to impart wellness benefits in the same way it does for you.
Dog owners find that the soothing properties of CBD may calm their dog, while imparting some of those therapeutic benefits we spoke of earlier.
Dogs experience phobias and generalized anxiety, just like us. But they can’t just come out and tell us — at least, not in words. There are other ways they let us know, through growling and barking, body language, hiding, shedding, bathroom accidents, and more.
Okay, so how do you go about picking the right product for your distressed doggo?
- Talk With Your Vet
Vets are very familiar with CBD therapy these days. The American Kennel Club funded clinical trials of CBD for dogs, and vets are well-versed in its uses. They can help you identify whether CBD is a good choice for your pup and what types of CBD products might work best, such as a tincture, a treat, or a cream.
CBD is safe for pets, but it’s always good to consult with your veterinarian.
- Follow Your Dog’s Lead
Much like taking a great dane for a walk, your dog can take the lead in picking the right product. No human knows your dog better than you, and you’re the person best qualified to understand your dog’s needs.
Do you have a nervous pup? Does your dog get distressed during thunderstorms or fireworks events? Does your dog get a little crazy when you’re away from home or when you have guests?
Or, is your dog aging and feeling the strain of the years on its joints and muscles?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you might want to consider CBD.
Also, you likely already know if your dog prefers getting supplements via treat, or a dropper of liquid — your pup has told you in any number of messy ways.
Tinctures are incredibly versatile. You can add a drop to your pet’s food, their water, or even give it to them straight from the dropper. Delicious treats are another option, and they can be used as rewards.
All dogs are different, and you’ve probably been through the process of getting your pup to take medicine or a supplement and learned what works best with your pooch.
One thing is for sure … bacon never hurts.
- Think About Flavor
Flavor makes all the difference in how your beloved pup feels about this whole supplement situation. All-natural flavors always work best — your dog can sniff out a fake.
Our dogs have made it abundantly clear that bacon is the holy grail of snacks — loved even more than chicken nuggets. A bacon-flavored pet tincture can be added to food or water, but it’s also likely your dog might enjoy it straight from the dropper.
Nutrient-rich vegetables, like sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli and beets, are great for dogs. They even like the taste of some vegetables (maybe not the broccoli). A treat, with natural flavors that dogs love, will have pup appeal.
- Choose a Product Designed for Your Dog’s Specific Need
All CBD products, just like all dog breeds, are not built the same. Some are designed specifically for joints and mobility, and others for stress and anxiety.
Why does it matter? Because you want your dog to get the best possible results, and each product will contain ingredients selected for specific needs.
A formula for mobility will typically include additional ingredients, carefully chosen for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. This includes glucosamine, turmeric, spinach and vitamin C.
On the other hand, a formula for anxiety and stress will also include soothing supplements like valerian and chamomile.
These products are carefully created and lab tested, and designed so that your pups can live their best lives.
- Size Matters
What works for a Chihuahua won’t necessarily do the same for a Bernese Mountain Dog. Weight and height are the driving indicators of how much CBD you should give your dog.
Look for products geared toward dogs of specific size and weight to ensure you provide your pup with the most effective dose. Tinctures geared toward small, medium, large, and extra large breeds make it easy to know just how much works best for your furry friend.
If your pup prefers treats to a liquid, either in their food or from a dropper, it’s important to note what size dog the treats are designed for. Most are created for medium-sized dogs, in which case you’ll want to break off a smaller piece for that tea cup poodle. It’s a good idea to start with a small amount and work your way up.
Treat Your Pup
Doggos, pupperinos, floofs, heckin’ boofers … they’re our best friends, our companions, endless sources of entertainment and comfort.
Our dogs give us so much happiness. Let’s return the favor. Help your best friend live their best, healthiest, happiest life. High-quality ingredients and lab-tested products that are pesticide- and mycotoxin-free ensure that our pets get “human-grade” CBD options.