The Power of Hemp

CBD Hemp/THC-Free Hemp Supplements

When you hear the word “hemp”, your mind probably doesn’t instantly leap to dog treats.

Dogs can’t eat hemp…right?! Actually, that’s wrong.

Hemp treats are quickly gaining popularity. Vets and owners alike are finding that CBD hemp (and treats containing hemp oil) can be very useful for a number of conditions.

After some research, my hoomans decided to pick some up for me to try. They were curious to see if CBD could help combat my separation anxiety and improve my overall health. They found True Hemp Chews at Spaw Boutique. There are lots of new hemp treats and CBD oils coming out from other brands, but this is the one my humans picked this treat for me to try and I can tell you that I do like eating them.

Since I’m a senior dog, my humans picked chews that also offer hip and joint support. They will be carefully monitoring over the next few weeks to see if these chews will help with anxiety and my general health.

Are we talking about marijuana?!

So, here’s the down-low: marijuana and hemp both come from the same plant (Cannabis sativa), but hemp treats won’t be getting your pooch high. The cannabis plant contains over 60 chemicals (called cannabinoids). The two main are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBDs are therapeutic cannabinoids, while THC is the cannabinoid that gets you high. Hemp has a THC content of 0.3 percent or less, which isn’t intoxicating at that level. (Marijuana has a THC content between 10 and 15 percent).

Hemp is higher in CBD – the substance that provides the therapeutic effects. Hemp can help with conditions such as: stress, anxiety, joint pain, skin conditions, seizures, appetite loss and mobility and digestive issues. It can also be used to reduce swelling, pain and stiffness that occurs post-injury or after an operation. There are studies taking place to see if CBD can even have a positive effect on Type 1 diabetes and cancer, and many other conditions.

The amount of CBD a dog needs to see a positive difference varies, based on weight, age, and the reason hemp is being given. Want to find out more information on the truths and myths surrounding CBD oil? THC-free hemp oil can be purchased and added to your pups regular food or treats, but my pawrents opted for pre-made treats. They are delicious (and i’m a picky easter)!

Benefits of hemp treats:

CBD doesn’t have the same side effects as conventional medicine. There are little to no side effects, even in high doses.
The dose can be increased if desired (or required).
Hemp doesn’t conflict with any medication your pooch is on.
CBD treats (or oil) don’t have any psychoactive effects.

Potential downsides:

Very rarely, vomiting or excessive itchiness can occur.

Results will vary per individual. As for me, it’s been 6 weeks since I tried the chews, and my pawrents say I’m much more at ease when left alone (which is when I usually display separation anxiety symptoms). I’m also calmer when visiting friends (rather than pacing or going from person to person to get pet).

Hemp Oil

Just over 2 weeks ago, I started using Canna Canine Hemp CBD Oil, which is so far proving much more effective for me than the chews – perhaps because I need to eat around 6 chews to get the recommended amount of CBD for my weight (I’m 60lbs!), which I didn’t always manage. I was originally very suspicious when the oil was added to my water and refused to drink it, but I got used to the taste (for the most part) and has no issue eating it on a treat. Two full droppers were recommended for my weight, which sounds like a lot, but the oil will last much longer for me than same amount of treats.

You can purchase Canna Canine products are available online, or through various retail outlets.

As well as the separation anxiety benefits that hemp/CBD oil provides, my parents are also monitoring my overall health, including joint and mobility issues. They say I seem to be walking better (I tend to slow down a lot towards the end of my walks – so this is great news) and haven’t been hesitating when jumping onto and down from furniture. So far, so good!