Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products hit store shelves across the country. If you’ve ever stopped to browse through them, you’ve no doubt noticed there are all kinds of tinctures, gummies, chocolates, and topicals. Over the years, the market has expanded to include all manner of infused treats, beverages, and more.
If you have a dog, there’s a good chance you’ve come across CBD products for pets, too. CBD treats for dogs are everywhere, from online retailers to brick-and-mortar pet stores. They’re even popping up on the shelves at many pet grooming salons.
With the prevalence of CBD dog chews and other CBD pet products, you may be wondering if you should give them a try for your canine companion. Understanding what these infused products are, their potential benefits, and how to use them can help you decide if they’re the right choice for your beloved pet.
What Are CBD Treats for Dogs?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids in the hemp and cannabis plants. Research is showing that it may help with conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
While research is still ongoing, we’re learning that CBD may provide the same potential benefits to pets as it does to humans. Much of the evidence is anecdotal right now, but pet parents across the country are sharing stories about how CBD has helped with their dog’s pain or anxiety.
CBD treats are infused crunchy or chewy snacks for dogs. The CBD dog chews from CBD Direct Club include other beneficial ingredients such as valerian root, ginger, and passionflower in addition to 10 mg of hemp extract with naturally occurring CBD.
Like other treats, they also contain ingredients like beef, bacon, and cheese flavors, making them a tasty snack for your canine companion.
Why Use CBD Treats?
While most of the evidence for using CBD treats is anecdotal at this point, dog parents are finding that these infused morsels may positively affect a variety of different concerns, including conditions such as:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Seizures
- Anxiety (including anxiety caused by loud noises and separation anxiety)
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
When Can You Use CBD Dog Treats?
When to use CBD dog chews or other infused treats depends on your specific canine and their needs.
During Fireworks
If your dog gets anxious during fireworks, you might offer him a treat before the noise starts. That gives your dog’s body time to digest the snack and absorb the cannabinoid.
The general recommendation is to offer the treats at least an hour before you know fireworks will start going off, giving your dog time to digest them.
For Anxiety
If your dog suffers separation anxiety, you might provide him with a CBD treat an hour before you leave the house. Or, if you know a thunderstorm will be rolling in, you can offer him one before it reaches your area.
As Necessary
Many pet parents provide their dogs with CBD treats on an as-needed basis. If your dog has a chronic condition like arthritis, however, you might be wondering if you can offer them more frequently.
In general, you can give your dog an infused chew daily, but you should make sure to follow the recommended serving instructions. As with any other type of treat, moderation is essential. You should also make sure to read the ingredient label, especially if your dog has any food or ingredient sensitivities.
Speaking of ingredients, some CBD treats for dogs contain ingredients to help with specific concerns. For instance, some treats may be formulated to ease symptoms of anxiety. As such, you may not need to give them to your dog every day. Again, always pay attention to the serving suggestions on the package.
How to Give CBD Chews to Your Dog
CBD-infused dog treats are one of the easiest ways to administer a dose of CBD to your canine companion. You can offer them as you would any other crunchy or chewy snack.
You don’t have to worry about trying to drop a tincture into your dog’s mouth, nor do you have to deal with trying to give him a capsule. You can offer them with their meals or between them.
When giving your dog CBD treats, the general recommendation is to start with the lowest recommended dose. You might even consider breaking a treat in half to start. Watch your dog to see how the treats work and increase the amount you offer if necessary.
Important Things to Know When Giving Your Dog CBD Treats
While CBD treats may provide your dog with relief from symptoms of pain or anxiety, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:
Every Dog Is Different
Like humans, every dog is different. As such, CBD affects every dog differently. It may or may not work for your pet. If you do decide to try CBD dog treats, monitor your pet to see how he reacts.
It’s likely CBD chews won’t provide immediate relief. You may need to offer them for several days before you start noticing a difference. Or, you may need to increase the dose.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even though CBD may be safe to offer daily, the cannabinoid may have some side effects, such as:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- A temporary drop in blood pressure
If you notice any concerning side effects, don’t hesitate to speak with your vet right away.
Vets Cannot Recommend CBD as a Treatment
Despite anecdotal evidence and current research, vets cannot legally prescribe or dispense CBD products to their patients. You can tell your vet that you want to add CBD to your dog’s diet, but they won’t be able to provide you with any recommendations and may be limited on what they can discuss.
You Should Only Use Safe, Lab-Tested Products
Do your research before adding CBD treats to your dog’s diet. Look for companies that offer safe, lab-tested products that contain no THC. Any good company will provide you with third-party lab testing results on their website or upon request.
If they don’t, look elsewhere. Additionally, avoid anything with artificial ingredients or fillers. Finally, the packaging should have easy-to-follow serving suggestions.
Are You Thinking About CBD Treats for Your Dog?
There isn’t a whole lot of research available right now, but pet parents across the country are sharing stories about how CBD treats have helped with their dogs’ ailments. If you’re thinking about offering them to your dog, make sure that you do your due diligence and look for high-quality, lab-tested products.
Keep in mind, however, that while CBD may provide some relief, there’s also a chance it might not work for your pet. If you feel it might help, though, it may be worth trying.
Are you ready to buy CBD treats for your dog? Check out CBD Direct Club today.