It’s difficult to keep up with all of the new health trends these days. One of the most recent hot topics is CBD – often known as cannabidiol. While CBD may be a trending topic it is not new to science or holistic health professionals.

CBD products are available in a variety of forms, including oils, edibles, lotions. CBD products are widely known for a variety of health benefits including relief from inflammation or anxiety and depression. 

What is CBD?

In case you’ve been living under a rock somewhere and have not heard of CBD, Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in the hemp (cannabis) plant that occurs naturally and can be extracted from the hemp stalks or the other parts of the plant. CBD products contain many of the beneficial compounds found in the plant without the THC (the psychoactive compound that produces the high) that is found in marijuana. 

Cannabis has been used to cure a wide range of illnesses and ailments, including gout, malaria, and cognitive issues, dating back to the third century.

While the plant has been used medicinally throughout history, modern science is giving us more information about its properties and benefits. The two most researched compounds in the cannabis plant today are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). These two plant compounds are comparable, with one notable distinction. THC is responsible for the “high” that many people associate with marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, is found to have many uses and benfits – without any mind-altering effects.

Why give CBD to your dog?

CBD is a popular supplement among dog owners. There are several reasons for the popularity CBD has gained. One of the most common reasons we hear is that as dogs age, just like their human owners they start to develop aches, pains, and anxiety). There are many medicines on the market for these issues, but many individuals discover that they lose their effectiveness over time.

This is one area where CBD for dogs stands out, research has shown that unlike many prescription medicines CBD not only remains effective with continued use it can actually become more effective over time. 

CBD oil can aid in the treatment of anxiety in dogs, especially separation anxiety or a noise phobia (think fireworks or thunderstorms). It has also been found to help significantly with reduction of pain and inflammation, allowing for greater quality of life for dogs suffering from arthritis.

If you give your dog CBD in an edible oil form, it will start to work within 5-20 minutes after being given. When given to dogs with anxiety the research indicates that efficacy appears to improve if administered over a period of time rather than all at once, according to research.

What are the benefits of CBD?

Our pets, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system that allows CBD to function. This mechanism enables the cannabis plant’s CBD component to perform its magic for our canine companions in the same way it does for us. Because we share a similar endocannabinoid system , many scientists think that dogs might benefit in the most (if not all) of the same ways people do from taking CBD supplements.

Some of the possible uses for or benefits of CBD supplements for dogs are:

Treats anxiety and nervousness – research has shown that giving your pet CBD oil might help reduce stress caused by social/separation anxiety or other types of nervousness.

Improves appetite – CBD activates receptors in your dog’s brain that stimulate their appetite. It can help to relieve nausea and relax the central nervous system, making eating easier for your dog if they’re sick.

Reduced pain – Especially the pains associated with inflammation or age-related difficulties.

Prevent or reduce epilepsy or seizure episodes –  In a recent research, CBD oil was found to reduce the frequency of epileptic attacks in dogs.

Can heal and soothe skin conditions –  CBD helps to restore the skin’s barrier, preventing germs and allergens from getting a chance of having an impact on your pet

Is CBD safe for dogs?

CBD is certainly safe for dogs. CBD has no abuse or dependence potential in animals, according to the WHO, and it may be used to treat a variety of medical problems including anxiety and nausea.

When it comes to veterinarians, you may discover that they have different opinions and varying preferences. The main reason for this is because with research still limited there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence to determine without question whether CBD is a beneficial supplement for your dog. The results however speak for themselves and many dog owners are loving CBD supplements for their pets. 

There’s one warning to be aware of: because it is considered to be metabolized in the liver, like humans, some vets advise against giving CBD to dogs with known liver disease.

It’s important to understand how much CBD to give your dog if you decide to provide it. Introduce it gradually, just like any other type of new health supplement, food or medicine. If needed, you may slowly increase the dose to address the symptoms.

It’s completely up to you when to give your dog CBD. Some people advocate for once a day, while others prefer every eight hours. The quantity of CBD you give your dog is determined in large part by the symptoms he is experiencing and how significant they are.

It’s a good idea to follow the rule of thumb that your dog should get some symptom alleviation. Begin with a small amount and gradually increase as necessary.

What are the best CBD products for my dog?

For dogs, we recommend a Full Spectrum CBD Tincture. We know you are dedicated to providing your dogs with holistic methods to maintain their highest possible health, whether it’s through balanced raw dog food, high-quality CBD, or a combination of the two. Our CBD tincture is produced from organically grown hemp that has been third-party verified  and is produced without using GMOs.

Wherever you decide to purchase your pet CBD products there are a few things to look for:

Third Party Testing – ​​Because CBD products are not yet FDA-regulated, look for evidence that they have been evaluated by a third party. This implies that the product’s claims were verified by a laboratory. You should find this information on the company’s website. For example, a seal of approval from the U.S. Hemp Authority indicates that the company’s goods have met its rigorous criteria and have been audited by a third party.

High Quality Ingredients – On the product label or website, you should find a complete list of components in the CBD product. Look For high quality ingredients and less additives. Make sure to research all of the components in the item and check with your veterinarian before giving it to your dog.

Are Organic Ingredients Used – Organic farms generally avoid the use of most synthetic pesticides that are common in conventional agriculture. There are a lot of negative side effects associated with synthetic pesticides so it is best to avoid them whenever possible in supplements for your pets. Examine the list of ingredients to see if they’re utilizing organic farming methods.

Where The Cannabis Is Grown – Look for goods produced in the United States that are subject to industrial hemp rules. This enables you to have confidence in the quality of the hemp product itself. 

Now that you understand what to look for in the product you want to determine what type of product and delivery method best fits your needs. CBD products are available in a variety of mediums to fit any need, for example:

Tinctures and Oils – these can be taken orally and/or mixed in with food

CBD Edibles – these are often made into treats or snacks for pets or may come in filled capsules

Topical Creams – Lotions or ointments for external or skin conditions

Whenever you re looking at a new product or supplement it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian or a reputable pet-care company and inquire about whether the product may be beneficial to your dog.

Finally, if possible, look for a reputable website, a local company or a pet supply store that sells CBD products for dogs in your price range. You should always do your homework to find the best product type or quantity to address your pet’s needs. It may take a few tries to figure out what works best for your dog – but he will be sure to thank you later. We all know a happy dog is the best dog.