Many pet parents swear by the CBD treats for dogs. Whether it's to treat an anxious pup or provide relief from arthritis, consumers are embracing the pet CBD market, which is exploding at an exponential rate. Yet it is a buyer-beware market (here's how to spot warning signs that a CBD product is fake), and unless you're in California, the only state where vets are allowed to discuss CBD, you're probably proceeding without your vet's input. Learn more about CBD for dogs.
Even though your vet may not be able to discuss CBD with you, you should still let your vet know that you're planning on giving it to your dog. Your vet may refer you to a professional like a veterinary cannabis counselor (VCC), a vet tech who has training in cannabis and who can help you evaluate products based on your dog's medical history. To locate a VCC, visit VeterinaryCannabis.org.
When selecting a CBD treat for your dog, you should always purchase one from a company that provides a certificate of analysis (CoA), which tells you what the product has been tested for and what's in it, says ReAnna Cornell, L.V.T., Michigan-based senior VCC for Veterinary Cannabis' Consultation Service. That CoA should have a batch or lot number on it and list the total cannabinoids in that product.
Cornell also cautions against falling for marketing buzz words like "organic" (who knows what's organic in that product?); anything that says it's "phytocannabinoid-rich" (which it should be anyway since cannabis is a plant); and products that say they're derived from seeds or stalks (those parts don't contain cannabinoids). Also, check the ingredients for flavorings, which could include harmful things like xylitol and carrier oils that your pet may have an allergy to.
Below are examples of some of the CBD treats for dogs along with tinctures that are highly rated products from reputable brands that show CoAs on their websites. Note that none of these have been vetted by professionals. Find out why one dog owner is convinced CBD helped her furry friend live longer.
ElleVet Calm and Comfort Chews
These chews designed to lower stress were named a top dog calming aid of 2020 by Pet Business. The company claims that they can provide relief in as soon as one to two hours. Each pack comes with three chews.
Honest Paws' Mobility Soft Chews
Aging dogs often struggle with joint stiffness, which is what these chews target. They not only contain U.S.-grown, organic full-spectrum hemp but also chondroitin, sulfate, glucosamine HCL, hyaluronic acid, and Boswellia Serrata Powder to aid the joints. Reviewers say they've seen noticeable changes in the activity levels of their aging dogs.
Charlotte's Web's Chews for Senior Dogs
These chicken-flavored chews contain U.S.-grown hemp as well as numerous botanicals including vitamin E, DHA, and elderberry. The chews are designed to help manage stress, aid cognitive functioning, and promote mental alertness as well as relaxation.
Medterra's CBD drops
The drops, which use organic MCT oil, come in three flavors—beef, chicken, or unflavored—and three strengths (always start with the lowest one). The company grows its organic, non-GMO hemp in Kentucky, and reviewers on its web site give the product high marks, namely for helping older dogs move better.
Fetch – CBD for pets from Extract Labs
This Colorado company uses certified-organic American hemp to make its full-spectrum tinctures, which contain organic coconut oil. Pet parents report that the tincture has helped improve conditions including seizures, pain, anxiety, and lack of energy in their pups.
Suzie's CBD Bites for Little Dogs
Suzie's grows its CBD on its USDA-certified organic farm in Fort Collins, Colorado. These chews for small dogs come in original, pumpkin, and apple flavors and are designed to improve overall health, increase vitality, help calm dogs, provide relief from anxiety, and offer neurological support.
Green Gorilla's Organic Pure CBD Oil for Dogs
Green Gorilla prides itself on using a special formula that allows for quick absorption of CBD, and it sources its hemp from farms that grow it organically. The carrier oil, extra virgin olive oil, is organic. Reviewers on its website show that people have seen anxiety decrease and mobility increase in their dogs.
Holistic Hound's Broad Spectrum Hemp & Mushroom Soft Chews with Ashwagandha
Holistic Hound uses organic broad-spectrum hemp grown and produced in Colorado. The chews also contain a blend of five organic medicinal mushrooms and organic ashwagandha extract, which is said to improve immunity, calmness, hormonal balance, and joint health.
CBD Calming Chews for Dogs from cbdMD
The turkey-based chews come in three strengths and include calming ingredients like L-Tryptophan, Chamomile, and Passion Flower. Not only will your dog feel calmer, but the company also says the chews can help your dog deal with common daily stressors.
Pet CBD Tincture: Salmon by TerraVita
Your dog will not only get a burst of organically grown hemp (and MCT coconut oil) but also omega 3s from wild Alaskan salmon oil. Those omega-3s may help your dog's coat, skin, and heart.
Next, read on to learn about using CBD for cats.
Sources:
- ReAnna Cornell, L.V.T., Michigan-based senior VCC for Veterinary Cannabis' Consultation Service
- Pet Business: "The Top Products of 2020"
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CBD Treats and Tinctures for Dogs, Source:https://www.rd.com/article/cbd-treats-for-dogs/
