Raise your paw if you have a pandemic pup? Now raise your paw if they are anxious or get stressed easily and you are looking for a solution?
We love our fur babies with all our hearts, so it’s no surprise that they break when we think out pup is stressed out, anxious, in pain or having any other troubles — the only thing they need to think about is when they are getting their next belly scratch, right?
The first step is always to go to the veterinarian, as your pet’s medical health should be addressed by a professional. Once seen, your vet may suggest medications, or they may bring up CBD.
Yes, that CBD, the one derived from the hemp plant that also produces other cannabinoids like THC (not for dogs!) and CBG. While CBD can be used for both humans and pets, the brand, formula and dose may differ, so it is important to buy a pet-specific brand for your pup and don’t share your own stash.
We wanted more information as well, so we called up a vet of our own to give us the full scoop on the supplement, making sure to ask about use case, benefits and other tips and tricks. Dr. Colleen Lambo, from The Vets mobile vet clinic shared her thoughts, also making sure to let our readers know to also consult a vet in addition to the information found in this article.
Why would one give CBD to a pet?
If your sensing your dog is anxious, whimpering or showing signs of distress, the first stop is the vet. Then, if they recommend CBD as a calming aid, this is when you can start looking up brands and reviews (or scroll to the end of this article for our top picks.)
“CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in hemp plants. It has become popular for its potential health benefits in both humans and pets,” explained Dr. Lambo. “For pets, CBD is commonly used to help with issues such as anxiety, pain, inflammation, and seizures. However, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any CBD products to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for your pet’s specific needs.”
What are the potential benefits of CBD for dogs?
Just like in humans, sometimes a natural remedy is a wonderful addition to your daily routine, especially if you feel relief from it. In addition to regular walks, playtime and nutritious food, giving your dog CBD may be an effective way to improve their quality of life.
“CBD has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in dogs, such as reducing anxiety, improving joint mobility and comfort, and managing seizures. It may also have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties,” said Dr. Lambo.
You also need to be sure you are giving your dog the proper dose in order to get the full effects of the oil, treat or tincture. As stated time and time again, your vet is the person to discuss this with, as they have their most up-to-date vitals and health records handy.
“The recommended dose of CBD for adult dogs can vary depending on factors such as weight, age, overall health, and individual tolerance. In general, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. Some products may provide dosage instructions based on weight or age ranges, but again, it is best to consult with a veterinarian before administering any CBD products to your dog,” she added.
Other vet-recommended tips and tricks about CBD for dogs:
Aside from sit and stay, want some more tricks? Kidding aside, here are a few more tips and tricks from Dr. Lambo, which may also help inform what sort of questions you ask at your upcoming vet appointment.
Do your research: “The most important factors in selecting a CBD brand are sourcing and testing consistency,” said Dr. Lambo. “These products are not regulated, so the best companies self-regulate by using a consistent crop source and testing their product frequently to verify it meets the advertised potency.”
Water or oil? “Water-soluble products will be more expensive and require refrigeration but are fast-acting. The oil-soluble products usually rely on slowly building up in the system and reaching an effective state after a few weeks,” she said.
Taste matters: “Taste may also be important to your pet, and as always, it is essential to avoid any CBD products containing xylitol for taste, as this is toxic to dogs,” added Dr. Lambo.
Call your vet: “Your veterinarian may have a CBD product that will work best for your pet, or know a reliable company in the area,” she said.
The best CBD brands for dogs:
For a holistic approach to care, check out HolistaPet. Their line of CBD products span those for dogs, cats and even some for horses, should you have an anxious pony on your hands. Choose from oil tinctures, chews and treats, making it easy to give to your pet in the form they prefer.
We also recommend CBDistillery for our human consumers, but if you want you and your pet to match, you’re in luck. The CBD Pet line includes full-spectrum CBD in an oil tincture, with varying degrees of strength.
While you shouldn’t give this to your pet pig or spider, you can give Charlotte’s Web products to your dog. The canine collection includes formulas for your pup’s coat, skin, joints and mood, with chews and tinctures available.
We prescribe… peanut butter flavor! The CBD and CBDA dog chews are a bestseller from ElleVet, made with yummy peanut butter flavor that dogs love. The brand also sells flavorless capsules, oils and even a paste for cats, should you want to share the love with your felines, too.
Anxious? We hope not anymore. The Anxious Pet carries a full range of oils and chews for your dog, with some also being cat safe, too. They sell oils and chews, but also bars for your dog to munch on, that are easy to give and even easier for them to eat.
6. CBDFx
Give Fido a treat, oil or a rub-down with some CBD balm. The pet offerings at CBDFx include bone-shaped treats, chicken and bacon flavored oils and a moisturizing pet balm.
Honestly, we don’t love anything more than our pets. Honest Paws Has a whole line of care products, with pre and probiotics, shampoo and of course, hemp oil with three levels of potency to choose from.
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