Let’s face it: You are probably more concerned with your dog’s wellbeing than your own. Don’t worry, we understand. Can you blame us? We love our pets too. While you are looking out for your furry friend it is likely that you look for the best things possible. You buy them the best food and toys, plus that big comfy dog bed that they always seem to ignore in favor of the couch. The same should be with what you give them to help their overall wellbeing. You are reading this article for a reason, perhaps it’s because you are looking for a more holistic alternative to a medication or just want your pet to feel as good as possible. Don’t worry, you right where you need to be. Here at Companna, we want to make sure that you have all of the info that you need to feel confident in what you’re giving your beloved dog. Let’s first start off with some basics of CBD for dogs. 

What is cannabidiol?  

Cannabis plants have a group of compounds called cannabinoids. One of these is cannabidiol (CBD). The cannabis plant is a naturally found plant that comes in many variations. One of these being the hemp plant. In 2018, hemp was made federally legal by the latest version of the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill allows farmers across the United States to grow and sell the hemp plant. This is because the hemp plant contains high amounts of CBD and at or below 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is another cannabinoid that can be found in cannabis plants. However, THC gives users an inebriating effect or a ‘high’. The marijuana plant is likely something that you have heard of. Because marijuana has high levels of THC, it is still federally illegal. With that being said, it is important to note that marijuana is legal in a handful of states for recreational use as well as medical use. One of the biggest misconceptions is that CBD will get you ‘high’ that is not the case. CBD products made from hemp must have less than 0.3% THC. Though, it should be noted that THC is very toxic to dogs and they shouldn’t be given any. If you’re thinking of giving your dog CBD, look for a product that is labeled as “CBD isolate.” This will have CBD and no other cannabinoids. 

CBD? For dogs?

Now, we know what you are thinking: these people are crazy! Why would anyone give their dog CBD? Well, let us tell you why.   

Joint health: In this study pet owners of dogs with joint health issues were asked to give them CBD to see if there would be any improvements to their pet’s ability to move and in quality of life. Joint issues like inflammation can make movement of any kind very difficult for dogs. The pet owners were asked to give their dogs CBD twice a day for four weeks consecutively. One milligram was administered for each five kilograms of body weight to ensure the animal was getting the proper amount for its size (an important aspect when giving animals CBD). Then the owners had to complete a survey on how their dog’s movement may or may not have improved. After the four weeks, the researchers found that all of the measures we had taken had significantly improved. The dogs in the study had increased mobility and because of this we can understand that CBD may assist with anti-inflammatory issues.    

Sense of calm: Dogs, just like people, can get nervous and upset. They can also deal with anxiety disorders. When a dog is anxious, they tend to act erratically or completely withdraw. While there haven’t been studies on what CBD could do for canine anxiety, there have been a lot of studies on what it may do for human anxiety. Studies, like this one and this one, greatly suggest that CBD could help ease anxiety. Since these studies are not on dogs, do approach this with some caution, but there is still a good chance that CBD may be able to help soothe your pup.

These are just two reasons to give your dog CBD that have been nicely researched and that come with some evidence. So, what products can you give your dog? Here are some examples of what you may find. 

Canine Softgel: These canine soft gels are full of our pure hemp oil. The 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).

Canine Tincture: Canine tinctures are formulated to be THC free products. These can be easily administered directly into the jowls, added to water, or poured over food. 

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

It is good to remember that some CBD companies are careless with their production, they don’t always make sure that their products are up to snuff. So, be sure to research who you are buying from. It is also important to reach out to a veterinarian to talk about CBD for your pet. 

Which is the best way to give my dog CBD?

Every dog is different, so it’s hard to say which CBD product is the best one for our dog. This means that you may have to do some experimenting. Try mixing a small amount of CBD oil in with your dog’s food. If they only sniff at it or eat only a little bit, you may want to try a different route. There are CBD-infused dog treats, so you could try some of those. Generally, the hemp-like flavor that is not uncommon with CBD products will be covered up by the flavor of the treat. However, it still shows through with some treats. If your dog is picky enough, that may turn them away from the treat. So, if your dog is still struggling to take CBD, try the topical route. You can buy topicals (as we mentioned above) that you rub on your dog’s paws. Or you can take some CBD oil and rub it on your gums or the inside of their jowls. Your dog may fight you on this, but if it provides them with some relief than it may be worth it.

But before you go giving your dog any CBD, we have to urge again that you go and talk to your vet. Most states don’t allow veterinarians to prescribe CBD, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t give you their opinion on it and whether or not it could be a good choice for your dog.

After you talk to your vet, come on back here to Companna to get some high-quality pet CBD products!