What, Are You High or Something??!!

My Opinions on CBD for Pets

CBD (cannabidiol) is getting a lot of attention these days. For a number of years, I’ve been reading about CBD and dogs. Finally, after researching all of the wonderful benefits, I decided to try it.

I have a small dog with small dog syndrome. Plus, she suffers from high anxiety and fear, which sometimes leads to aggressive behaviors. It breaks my heart to see her struggling with this anxiety. Aside from positive training, we have tried many, MANY other remedies, both holistic and traditional. And while her behaviors showed some improvement, she still suffered from severe fear and anxiety.

So, after reading about how CBD can help with anxiety, I decided to check it out. And what did I discover: IT WORKS! After taking CBD, my girl is much calmer and less fearful. People have even commented how different her behavior is (without knowing she has had some CBD). Don’t get me wrong – she is still fearful, but it is noticeably less.

When we first started, I started her out on the low end of the recommended dose, but this was too much for her. I ended up cutting her dose way down. So, what I learned is to start below the recommended dose and work my way up.

I recently read an article in Dogs Naturally Magazine that gives some great information about CBD for pets. Below are some of the highlights from the article, but I encourage you to read the whole article yourself!

10 Things You Didn’t Know About CBD Oil For Dogs

1. CBD is not psychoactive – it’s a compound found in cannabis & hemp. It contains no/very little THC, so your dog won’t get “high,” but will get all the benefits without the intoxication

2. CBD oil reduces anxiety

3. CBD can fight cancer & help increase the effectiveness of cancer meds

4. CBD can treat seizures & epilepsy

5. CBD relieves pain & inflammation

6. CBD can help with inflammatory bowel disease

7. CBD reduces chronic inflammation & autoimmune disease(s)

8. CBD protects the nervous system & helps with neurodegenerative diseases (& is especially good for senior dogs)

9. CBD increases appetite & helps with nausea

10. CBD promotes cardiovascular health

A Few Additional Notes. CBD is:

1. a powerful antioxidant, more powerful than vitamins C & E

2. legal (for dogs) in all 50 states

3. has antibiotic properties

4. safe – numerous studies show that CBD appears to be safe, even when taken in high doses & over extended periods of time

5. side effects are mild & animals don’t appear to build up a tolerance

Not All CBD Oils Are The Same – Choose A High Quality Oil!

1. Buy organic

2. Don’t cheap out: The higher the quality/purity, the higher the cost

3. Get the analysis of the amount of CBD in the product – it makes a difference

4. Make sure there is little or no THC in the product

Important Notes To Consider

1. Talk with your vet about CBD

2. Start your dog off low &slow

3. Buy CBD as a tincture: it’s easier to adjust the dose in a tincture

So….How Does This Relate to Massage?

In my practice, I see a lot of anxious and/or fearful pets, both chronic and acute conditions, and sometimes even aggressive pets. Before a session I will often use put a few drops of CBD  on my hands, or offer some to the guardian to give to his/her pet. I also recently purchased a room spray to try.

For me, CBD oil has been a great addition to both my dog, and at times in my practice. Please remember, this is all my personal experience and opinion – I am not a vet, nor do I play one on TV 🙂

Thanks for checking in!