CBD for Dogs, and Cats

Does CBD work for cats and dogs? 

It is safe? 

How do we know how much to give them? 

Pet owners have many questions about CBD for pets. Fortunately, we have many answers.

We share more with our furry friends than home and company. Our pets can feel stress and anxiety, just like we do, and they also deal with the effects of aging and chronic diseases.

There is something even deeper and more physiological that we share with our pets, that is, our mammalian pets. We both have an endocannabinoid system. And that is why we and our pets can benefit from the therapeutic effects of CBD.

Today, we will take a closer look at your pet's endocannabinoid system, examining what it is and how it works. And we will talk about how to tell when CBD is the right choice for your dog or cat.

Endocannabinoid system in Pets

All mammals on Earth have an endocannabinoid system. That includes you and me, as well as cats and dogs.

It is what scientists call the cell signaling system, which means that it is a complex system that allows cells to communicate by sharing molecular compounds, hormones, and chemicals.

The endocannabinoid system of all mammals is tightly integrated with our central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as with other systems throughout the body such as our immune, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and skeletal systems.

That means the endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating everything from sleep and memory to appetite, pain sensation, and stress response in both humans and animals.

How does it work?

The endocannabinoid system interacts with... you guessed it, cannabinoids.

As the name suggests, cannabinoids are found in the cannabis or hemp plant. They are also produced naturally by our bodies and that of our pets. Endocannabinoids are produced by our body, and phytocannabinoids come from plants like hemp.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid derived from hemp, and it is important to know that it is not psychoactive. That means you are not high on your pet, or yourself when ingesting CBD.

Instead, it interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

These receptors are proteins located in cells. There are two kinds. CB1 receptors are found in the brain and throughout the body in the central nervous system and certain organs and tissues. CB2 receptors are found primarily in the peripheral nervous system and the immune system.

Dogs have many more CB1 receptors in their brainstem and cerebellum than humans. Outside of that, the structure and function of the human endocannabinoid system are very similar to that of cats and dogs.

When cannabinoids meet these receptors, they bind to them and begin the neurotransmission process. This is when the therapeutic effects of CBD begin to take effect.

Where can I find out if CBD is safe for my pet?

Yes. In 2017, the World Health Organization declared CBD to be safe for animals.

THC, which is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, can be toxic to animals in certain situations, so it is important to avoid products that contain it. The CBD products that we will discuss today are made with broad-spectrum CBD, which does not contain THC.

When should I try CBD into my pet's diet?

Our pets can't talk, and scientific studies on CBD for dogs and cats are limited and ongoing; they focus primarily on pain and seizure control.

What we do know is that pet owners rely on CBD to provide their pets with the same calming therapeutic effects as humans.

Stress and Anxiety

Stressful times - like transitioning from the shelter, fireworks season, and interrupted family routines - are when many animal lovers turn to CBD to help their pets cope.

CBD Pet Treats for Stress and Anxiety is a convenient way to incorporate CBD into an animal's routine, from training rewards to comforting treats inside puzzle toys. In addition to 450 mg of CBD, they contain healthy supplements, such as chamomile and valerian, known for their calming properties.

Aching joints and Muscles

The aches and pains that accompany aging and chronic diseases, such as arthritis, are health problems for our cats and dogs as well as for us.

CBD Joint & Mobility Pet Treats are formulated with broad-spectrum CBD, as well as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories like turmeric, blueberries, and parsley. They are flavored with sweet potatoes, which are also a powerful natural anti-inflammatory.

Problem Skin

Dry air, insect bites, allergens, and environmental pollutants can give our dogs and cats the same dermatological problems that humans suffer from, such as dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

Irritated skin, paw pads (also known as foot beans), and nose can also be relieved with CBD pet balms formulated with 750 mg of CBD, as well as odorless shea butter and Alaskan salmon oil.

What should I give my pet, and how much should I give it?

There is no universally recommended dose of CBD for dogs or cats. The amount of CBD your pet needs depends on many factors, including his weight, and the concentration of CBD in the product he uses.

We take the guesswork out of dosage by creating CBD tinctures specifically formulated for animals of certain size ranges.

Dogs weighing less than 20 pounds respond well to the 250 mg tincture for small breeds, and this is the preferred option for cats as well. We also make a 500 mg tincture for animals 20 to 60 pounds, 1000 mg for puppies over 60 pounds, and 2000 mg for large dogs over 100 pounds.

Did we mention those tinctures taste like bacon?

When it comes to how much to give your pet, it's best to start small and watch how he responds. It will generally take 30-45 minutes for CBD to take effect on your pet, depending on its metabolism and size.

When giving your dog CBD treats, remember that edibles take longer to take effect, because they have to be digested and metabolized. Don't give your pup additional CBD treats until you are sure the first one has taken effect.

Talk to your vet. Always start with your vet when it comes to trying any new supplement or therapy for your pet. They know your animal's medical history and personality and can give you good advice.

We always want to provide the best possible life for our beloved puppies and kittens. We will do everything possible to improve the comfort, mental health, and quality of life of our pets.

CBD is a safe therapeutic supplement for our dogs and cats, and it is available in products designed for almost any specific need. Give it a try. We bet your pet will thank you.

What happened after 30 days of giving CBD to my Dogs?

Dogs are the best! They are faithful companions, good friends, and can make excellent ridiculous comic relief. But just like humans, dogs can have all kinds of mental and body problems. They feel stress and anxiety, sometimes they get too excited, and they feel aches and pains like we do. Knowing how well CBD works for the calm and well-being of humans, I decided to try it on my dogs, to help them live their best lives. This is how it was...

Let's start with the obvious: I have the two cutest dogs in the world, objectively.

They are Meiko and Kiba, and they are amazing (again, not up for debate).

What Is CBD, in a Nutshell?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the most common of the active ingredients in hemp and is derived directly from the hemp plant. CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates several crucial functions, such as sleep, movement control, motor coordination, immune response, learning and memory, mood balance, pain tolerance, and more. Oh, and it's not psychoactive, so it won't make you or your dog "high."

This Is Meiko

At the age of 7 or 8, I'll be honest, I don't know her true age (like any great figure), Meiko is a Shiba Inu champion. With a graceful appearance, a model physique, and the heart of a lion, he is James Dean in dog form. While he's not the most emotional dog, he's too cool to run up to you or even lick him, and you respect him the most for that, he's not the easiest dog to get obeyed.

The Problem?

Due to his IDGAF (Google it) intelligence and attitude, it can be difficult to get him to respond to basic commands. In essence, she is a diva.

This Is Kiba

With a namesake that in Japanese means "Fang", Kiba has the power of the gray wolf from which he descended, but none of the stoic coldness. He is a lovable but goofy fool, by nature. As a Siberian husky, he was born brimming with boundless energy. But in the clustered confines of Los Angeles, it is extremely difficult for a dog to "run wild."

The Problem?

He urinates when he's excited ... and gets excited ALL THE TIME.

Needless to say, that's a lot of pee. And when you have an indoor dog that lives in a carpeted apartment, that combination is impossible.

So when faced with two dogs in need of a desirable and relaxing reward, what did I, as a caring owner, do?

Meiko the Addict

There's a bit of ancient wisdom that says you shouldn't give a dog table scraps. The reason is that once he has raised his taste buds to human food, they will never eat dog food again. What I discovered over the next month is that the same goes for a good pet treat.

Now, as we remember, Meiko's big problem was the fact that whether she listened to your orders or not, she was completely dependent on her mood at the time.

If she felt like throwing you a bone, she would honor a "come here" order. If she wasn't feeling it, a command to "sit" could easily be ignored.

What Meiko needed was adequate motivation.

Fortunately, that motivation smelled like bacon.

Using Bacon Flavored CBD Oil Pet Tincture, I began retraining and reinforcing commands for Meiko armed with the delicious taste of bacon and the calming effects of CBD.

If he obediently followed my orders, I would give the tincture a lick.

If he constantly disobeyed them, he would leave the tincture for the day.

The Result?

In a week, Meiko had gone from being a charismatic "trouble girl" to be my best student. Every time I went to the kitchen, where the pet tincture was waiting for me, he would lick his muzzle and stand at the far end, looking at me.

In two weeks, Meiko had become a full-blown addict. Sitting across from me while I watched TV, performing the tricks we'd tried without orders to earn a few more licks of the dye.

It was beautiful and strangely sad at the same time, but I allowed it.

A month later, Meiko's attitude has taken a 180-degree turn. He now is kind, friendlier, and, most importantly, obedient.

Kiba the Buddha

Like I said before, Kiba was an uncontrollable mess, both physically and emotionally. If I entered the house, Kiba would lose control of his continence and urinate all over the carpet.

While this started as cute, "look how much he loves me" cleaning it off my pants legs every day was wearing thin.

Kiba needed to relax.

He got into CBD pet treats for stress and anxiety.

With less need for training - Kiba was already moderately compliant - the focus was simply to calm him down. To aid in this endeavor, I would get him into the habit of eating some CBD pet treats with his meals. Since he is a large dog over 60 pounds, he would give him two or more pet treats and wait for a response.

Over time, I learned that he responded better to around two and a half pet treats, without feeling too groggy or sluggish from the inclusion of CBD. Fortunately, the true benefit of CBD is in its long-term Continued Use, As It Builds Up In The System.

In a few weeks, I was able to get Kiba to adopt a steady and relaxed mindset. The pee stopped, and my cleaners wept with joy.

Dos and Don'ts: Fireworks and Pets

Fireworks cause anxiety for many cats and dogs, and summer is the season for fireworks. Even aside from the official 4th of July displays and ball games, this is the time of year when bottle rockets somehow ring out every night, filling the air with unpredictable sights, sounds, and smells.

When the noise, flashes, and smoke from fireworks become overwhelming, animals can hide, destroy things, and have bathroom accidents. Some pets are so scared that they run away.

How can we help our furry friends cope with the fear and anxiety that can accompany fireworks?

Do

Talk Your Veterinary Surgeon

The place to start with all pet concerns is with your veterinarian. Not only will they recommend safe and useful tips (some of which we share below), but they will also get to know your pet and probably already know what might work best and what to avoid.

Create a safe environment

Just like bringing your pet home for the first time, it's important to create a space for your pet that feels completely safe and totally of its own.

Cats generally like resting places where they can observe what is happening. Sometimes they prefer a high place to rest when they are scared, but cats also love their privacy and like to have an enclosed space that is their size. Be sure to research how to create a safe space for your cat.

Dogs like a safe space that they can get in and out of on their own, and that isn't too isolated from their humans. Cage-trained dogs can view their cage as their safe space. In the case of fireworks, storms, and unexpected scary events, places like bathrooms or interior rooms that are more insulated from noise are ideal. Fans and white noise machines can help mask sounds.

Also, always make sure your pets are registered and tagged or chipped in case they panic and run away.

Try behavior modification on a small scale

Experts often recommend desensitizing your pet to fireworks using a gradual and gentle process to expose them to the experience. This works best with dogs.

Get or make a recording of fireworks and start playing them at a very low volume, so low you can barely hear them. Observe your pet's behavior. While the recording is playing, offer your puppy a treat or play with him.

With each successive session, gradually increase the volume. If your dog responds in fear, stop immediately. In the next session, lower the volume again.

Over time, your pet will be able to respond to sounds with less fear. As always, check with your vet for expert advice before trying a new training regimen.

Consider using a calming wrap

Pets often respond well to a relaxing coat or vest when faced with anxiety. You may have noticed that your dog responds differently to a hug or firm, slow pets than to quick scratches and pats on the head.

That's because the pressure of a firm hug or pet releases soothing endorphins in your pup. Vests and anti-anxiety vests work on the same principle. Many pet owners trust them, and while you can associate them with dogs, cats have been shown to respond to them as well.

There is a wide range of soothing wraps available on the market, but you can make your own as well.

Soothing supplements can be used

Just as we sometimes look to supplements like valerian, ashwagandha, and CBD when we are feeling stressed, there are natural remedies that our pets can benefit from as well.

CBD is an increasingly popular supplement for frantic cats and disturbed puppies. Animals, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system that responds to cannabidiol (CBD) for therapeutic effects. CBD interacts with receptors in this system, which is closely connected to the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Since our pets can't tell us what works and what doesn't, it can be intimidating to know what to try and how much to give them. Take some of the guesswork out by choosing a CBD tincture specifically formulated for pets of certain sizes.

CBD, Chamomile, and Valerian Stress and Anxiety Treats are another great CBD option and can also be used in your desensitization training. Again, always check with your vet before trying a new supplement.

Don’t

Here are some behaviors to avoid when your pet is dealing with the stress and fear of fireworks.

First, never punish your pet for being afraid. This only makes them more scared, and they cannot understand what is happening. Instead, stay calm and cool down. Speak slowly and calmly, and avoid raising your voice or yelling.

The Humane Society suggests not trying to reassure your pet with treats when he's scared because it could be interpreted as a reward for fear. With that said, veterinarians agree that you should comfort your frightened pet with calm, slow pets and staying calm. If you get frantic, your pet will only be more frantic.

Also, if your dog is not crate trained, do not put him in a crate during fireworks or storms. They could panic and hurt themselves trying to escape.

Lastly, don't try to force your pet to relax with something that scares her. Do not take them to a fireworks display or intentionally expose them to noises and sights that they find threatening or overwhelming.

Keeping your furry babies calm and safe during fireworks, thunderstorms, and other anxiety-provoking situations can be a real challenge. But with a little planning and a cool head, it's also an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your pet.

Creating a safe environment, staying calm and gentle, and planning to provide a fear-free experience is just as important as providing good nutrition and a warm bed. The well-being of your pet is in your hands, and, in return, your pet will give you a lifetime of love.

5 Tips for busy pet parents on pup wellness

In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, it can be too easy to neglect our furry friends. Of course, we make sure they are fed and drunk and get a good scritch or boop on the way out the door, but how can busy pet parents make sure their furry babies live a full and healthy life when they catch us? ? in the routine?

The well-being of a pet is much more than having a full plate of food and a safe place to sleep. Well-being is physical health, mental health, comfort, and full and attractive life. But how can we help our furry friends with this when it seems like we are always late for something elsewhere?

By organizing ourselves and focusing on the main needs of our pets, we can help them stay healthy and happy even when we are not at home as much as we would like.

Organization for a Smooth Week

There are probably some things you do at night or on Sundays to make your weekdays a little easier.

Ironing clothes, sorting medications and supplements, preparing meals, putting gas in the car, or recharging that transit card is just some of the things that help our weeks run smoothly, giving us precious minutes to relax and focus.

The organization is key to a quiet week. Having your puppy's food and treats assorted and sorted, keeping toys in one place to hand, having leashes on hand, and making sure his favorite place to rest is clean and free of obstructions are just a few of the very simple practices but very vital that they will help the well-being of your dog.

How does this help well-being? Reduce your stress levels. By knowing where everything is, you know when you need a resupply, and you can also walk out the door without undue anxiety that will carry over to your dog, be it from his mood or his frustrated actions. Also, when your dog can find that favorite chew toy or climb on that pillow by the window without stress, his potential separation anxiety can be mitigated.

Another important aspect of organizing is having important contact information on hand. This includes the vet, emergency rooms and clinics, and support walkers and caregivers. Emergencies wait for you to be prepared.

Stress-free getting in and out, as well as being able to easily communicate where important things are to dog sitters or walkers, is worth the small investment of time.

Physically Fitting Your Dog

Physical health is the cornerstone of wellness. A fit dog is more likely to be a happy dog.

Not only does exercise keep your dog entertained, but it also fights obesity and anxiety, helps with the aging process, and keeps you fit too. Not only can you and your puppy spend quality time together, but you can also share an exercise routine.

Daily walks and playtime are necessary, but it's also a good idea to consider the extra exercise that you and your pup can get together on your days off. This can include swimming, jogging, walking, and even dancing.

Training your dog is another way to have a good time together as the two of you get off the couch. Treats are as good an incentive for our puppies as they are for us. Some treats include supplements, ranging from vitamins and minerals to CBD, chamomile, and spinach for mobility and calm.

A healthy diet with the right nutrients and ingredients for your dog's breed and age is vital, as is regular medical care from your vet.

As dog's age, they can develop chronic diseases and conditions. Some breeds are known to be prone to certain health problems. Mobility problems and pain due to aging joints and muscles are common problems. It's a good idea to check with your vet on how to help your dog manage pain and stiffness while away from work.

Many dog ​​owners turn to CBD to help their dogs stay comfortable. Tinctures specifically designed for your dog's size are a safe and easy way to ensure your dog is getting the correct amount of CBD for the day.

A soothing and hydrating pet balm with CBD, Shea Butter, and Alaska Salmon Oil is a great way to support ouchy skin, paw pads, and nose while working on a little massage time.

Mental and Emotional Wellness

For humans, wellness isn't limited to fitness and nutrition, and the same goes for your pet.

Dogs deal with stress, anxiety, and fear just like we do. Whether you are transitioning your pet from the shelter to its new home forever or dealing with separation anxiety or fear of storms, you know that stressors can wreak havoc on your dog's mental health.

Not only does separation anxiety make your puppy unhappy, but it also brings on a host of problem behaviors, from incessant barking to destroying furniture and making a mess.

Fortunately, there are many resources available to help with separation anxiety. Sometimes this can be as simple as helping your dog associate something he fears with something he likes, for example giving your puppy a treat or a puzzle every time he leaves the house.

More severe cases of separation anxiety may require sitters, medications, veterinarian-supervised therapy, and even taking your dog with you (when possible) to work or events outside the home.

Storms, fireworks, construction noise, and loud or annoying noises are also the main fear points for dogs. When you are not at home, you can't control your dog's experience with that jackhammer outside of the storm coming in.

Always check with your vet about your dog's anxiety or fear. They will have abundant resources to help him cope, especially in those difficult times when he is away. Many pet owners choose CBD to help their dogs handle tough days.

Boredom is another cause of disruptive or destructive behavior in dogs. Being stuck at home all day gets repetitive and lonely. Your puppy needs mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and other rewarding mind games are great for your dog while he's alone. But don't forget the importance of interactive and challenging play between you and your dog when you are together.

The Home front

Your dog needs a safe and comfortable place to live. As he does with children, he makes sure to put away things that are toxic, dangerous, and easy to destroy.

Not only will it break your heart if your dog destroys that fragile antique vase, but your pup could also be severely cut by the shards.

Keep your home temperature-controlled and comfortable for your dog while he is away. Calm music has been found to help dogs with separation anxiety. Dogs seem to like classical music, quiet jazz, soft rock, and reggae (surprise).

Putting your dog in cages is a safe way to keep him away from dangerous objects and to keep fragile objects away from him. If your dog is not in a crate, make sure exterior windows and doors are properly closed. Don't rely on a screen to keep your dog away from that squirrel and the great outdoors.

It is also helpful to place a sticker on the door for emergency services, informing them what and how many animals he has in the home.

Have Fun

You must be busy and have a lot on your mind. But the best way to ensure your dog's well-being is to spend quality time together.

Spend time with your puppy just like you do with your partner, children, or friends.

When you are home from work, try not to tune out on your phone or the TV. Spend some time playing with your dog: walk, play, snuggle. Get yourself and your puppy out of the house. Fresh air, socializing, and a simple change of scenery can do wonders for both of you.

The love our dogs have for us is unconditional, and it is our responsibility and joy to reciprocate that, not just with pets and playtime, but with the happiest, safest, and healthiest life we can provide for them.

Final Thoughts

CBD is the real deal, especially when it comes to dogs. Facing two completely different problems, I was able to use the different forms of CBD (pet treats and tinctures) to alleviate major long-term problems in both animals.

So whether you are looking to teach an old dog a new trick, or just make your dog great, CBD can be a boon to any owner or trainer.