You may be thinking, cannabidiol (CBD)? For dogs? You heard right! CBD has become a more common option for those looking for a holistic way to help their dog. But what if your dog is picky?  Most dogs will go for the “cover a pill in peanut butter” trick, but what about the ones who lick all of the peanut butter off and then spit the pill out? One can do many other things to soothe your dog’s nerves about taking something new. Here at Companna, we believe that you deserve to know all about the best ways to help your dog. So, we want to go over all of this with you. This article will first explain why pet parents have started using CBD for their dogs, what products are available for animals, and what CBD tastes like to you and your dog. And different ways to get your dog to take CBD. We should, of course, start with the bare basics.

CBD: What is it? 

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of well over 100 different cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant is found in a variety of forms that have varying cannabinoid and terpene content. The best-known sort is the marijuana plant that contains high concentrations of the psychoactive cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the chemical compound that creates the high or psychoactive effects that make the plant so famous. This inebriating effect and the high amount of THC found in the plant are just a couple of the reasons why marijuana is not legal in all 50 states. However, quite a few states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes or for recreational purposes. There is another variation of Cannabis sativa that is arguably more important that is known as hemp. This plant contains high amounts of CBD and at or less than 0.3% of THC. Because of this, hemp derived CBD is available throughout the United States and is completely legal as of 2018. In 2018, the latest version of the Farm Bill was passed which allowed for hemp to be grown all across the country. Because the percentage of THC is so low in the hemp plant there is no possibility of getting ‘high’ while using a CBD hemp derived product. Although you cannot get high from CBD there are other possible benefits available.  

What do you mean there’s CBD for dogs?

That’s right, CBD is for dogs too! How could CBD possibly be beneficial for dogs? Here is a list of different ways that CBD may be able to help your furry friend.  

Promote a sense of calm: Dogs, just like people, often get anxious and/or nervous. This could cause them to act erratically. So, how do you help your dog without dampening their personality? CBD may be able to help. Studies, like this one, have suggested that CBD may be able to help induce a feeling of calm in people dealing with anxiety.

Joint health: Joint health is a great topic that should be looked at when looking toward CBD and your pets! This study looked at how CBD affects dogs. The researchers looked at dogs who had poor joint health. The researchers watched these dogs for four consecutive weeks. They were put on a regiment of CBD and the owners were asked to observe how they reacted. In the end, they found that CBD helped improve the joint health and increased the mobility of the subjects.  

It is important to keep in mind that there are many different more topics that need to be researched when it comes to CBD in general. However, current research is more focused on humans. Please speak to a veterinarian before giving CBD to your pet to make sure that it would be right for them. 

CBD products for dogs 

Now that you can see why others have chosen to use CBD for their pets. What kinds of CBD products may be able to help? Here is a list of the products that may be a good choice for your pup  

CBD cream:  Like all topicals, the CBD never reaches the bloodstream of your pet, but may have certain positive effects when applied to the skin.

CBD tablets: You may have a dog that can be tricked into taking pills. If that’s the case than CBD tablets may be a good choice.  

Canine tinctures: Tinctures are CBD oils that have a little bit more of a boost to them. Some have things like fish oil in them, which may be able to help with the taste, but also give an Omega-3 boost. These can be easily administered directly into the jowls, added to water, or poured over food.  

Canine softgel: Soft gels are formed into a fish shaped soft gel so that the end of the gel is easily removed to administer the CBD into the jowls of the dog’s mouth (the recommended application). 

Keep in mind that not all animals will react to CBD the same way as others. Always start with a small amount and then slowly increase until you have seen the results that you want.  

What is CBD like for dogs?

So, you want to possibly improve your pet’s life with CBD? What does it taste like? Is it enjoyable for them CBD is described as tasting “earthy” and this makes sense because it does come from a plant after all. Some dogs may not even notice the taste if you administer it directly into their jowls, but others may fight, so what are the options available? Since dogs tend to be pretty food driven, you may be able to give it to them through their food or a treat. That way the CBD is getting masked by a yummy taste.  

Perhaps starting with a small amount of CBD and increasing it so that your animal gets used to the taste will work as well. There are lots of ways to get your pet to take CBD it just may take a little while to figure out the right way. Try different methods until one works or contact your veterinarian to see if they have suggestions that may be right for your pet.  

CBD, your pet, and you  

The world of holistic health is booming, CBD along with it. We want what is best for you and your pets and that is why we have done everything in our power to create the best, highest quality products. Our CBD comes from organically grown hemp plants. We test our CBD to be sure of its quality. We are dedicated to make sure that our customers have the most up to date information possible to ensure their CBD knowledge is impeccable. As always, make sure to speak with your veterinarian before giving any type of CBD to your animal and to ensure they are safe, make sure the CBD you use is THC free. After you talk to your vet, come back here to Companna, for some high-quality CBD products.