CBD products and your Pet

Back in April of 2019, I wrote an article titled CBD Products and your Pet. Since then several companies and pet influencers have jumped on this growing trend in the pet health industry. Being that it has been over 3 years since I researched this topic and there have been numerous studies done in that time to examine the efficacy of CBD’s effectiveness on dogs and cats. I wanted to update my previous article with the newest information to help anyone reading this make a more informed decision about using CBD. I will link all the studies I reference as well as the veterinarian that helped me in my research, Dr. Robert Silver.

Dr. Robert Silver is a veterinarian with over 38 years of experience and he established the first holistic veterinary practice in Boulder Colorado. Dr. Silver’s first tip is to look for CBD products that companies have provided a certificate of analysis. A certificate of analysis is given to a CBD product that has been tested by a third-party laboratory and examined for quality. When looking at a products certificate of analysis make sure you look for the name of the laboratory that ran the tests, ensure the batch number is the same as the products batch number, look at the cannabinoid and terpene profile, look at the heavy metal analysis as well as the pesticide analysis. Click here for more information about a products certificate of analysis.

Several studies have shown the efficacy of CBD in pain management for epilepsy, cancer, and arthritis within canines. Anxiety in dogs is another area that studies have shown improved with the use of CBD. Dr. Silver says hemp or CBD products should not be a stand-alone treatment they are meant to be a part of a regimen in conjunction with other therapies and medicine to help these issues. CBD and hemp are not a cure by any means they aid in health issues without the possible exposure to toxins that may be in further medical protocols. 

Since CBD is an anti-inflammatory it has also been shown to help dogs with IBS or IBD and chronic diarrhea. It’s important to keep in mind that every dog is different. Dr. Silva recommends that you use a lower dosage 2x a day. He also recommends taking the dosage right before a meal. Studies have shown it is 4x as effective when consumed this way. 

When figuring out what dosage to give your dog you have to think about if your dog is overweight and since over 90 percent of pet owners with obese animals don’t know their animal is obese, please consult your veterinarian. Also, he says veterinarians are finding lower dosages of CBD for anxiety are more effective than higher dosages. Start with a 1/4 mg per pound twice daily. Give this dosage for 7-10 days and see if you notice any improvement.

As with any holistic or alternative medication source, always consult your veterinarian and monitor your dog's behavior carefully. This article is just to provide information and always speak with your veterinarian when thinking about adding any treatment to your dog's health regimen. 

Emergency Preparedness for You and Your Pet

Did you know June is National Pet Preparedness Month! And living in California: where the ground shakes, and the hills burst into flames—it's the perfect time to get serious (but not too serious) about making sure you and your furry friend are ready to skedaddle at a moment's notice. So, here are my top tips to make sure you're not caught off guard.

#1 Pet Safety Stickers: Slap a sticker on your window to let first responders know there are pets inside. If you’re stuck at work while disaster strikes, you’ll want the heroes to save Fluffy and Fido. You can score a free sticker from the ASPCA at https://secure.aspca.org/take-action/order-your-pet-safety-pack. It’s like a “Save the Cheerleader, Save the World” situation, but with pets.

#2 Trusty Neighbor or Pet Sitter: Give a spare key to someone you trust and your pets know. This way, if you’re stuck in traffic or having an existential crisis far from home, your pets can still be rescued. It’s like having a backup plan for your backup plan.

#3 Safety Kit for Your Pet: When you’re putting together your emergency kit, don’t forget the doggo or kitty. Keep everything in a waterproof container because, you know, disasters don’t care about your organizational skills. Here’s what to include:

• Extra pet food (and swap it out every two months unless your pet is on an intermittent fasting kick).

• Portable water and food bowls (because pets aren’t great at drinking from cupped hands).

• Extra leashes, collars, or harnesses (because losing a leash is like losing a sock—it just happens).

• Water bottles (again, swap them out every two months).

• A copy of your pet’s veterinary records (in case they need to prove their age for pet discounts).

• Portable pet carrier for smaller pets (or a miniature chariot, whatever suits your style).

• Blankets (because who doesn’t love a cozy blanket?).

• Disposable garbage bags (for cleaning up after your pet, or for impromptu fashion shows).

• Disposable litter trays (for cats who refuse to go au naturel).

#4 Pet First Aid Kit: Adding a pet first aid kit to your emergency stash is a smart move. Include:

• hydrogen peroxide (for those curious noses that get into trouble),

• gauze,

• non-stick bandages

• cotton balls

• Benadryl gel caps (for allergic reactions)

• antibiotic ointment spray (for minor wounds)

• milk of magnesia (for toxic ingestion)

• tweezers, scissors

• a soft muzzle (because even the sweetest pet can panic)

• a small towel (perfect for wrapping, drying, or making your pet look like a superhero).

#5 Update Microchips and ID Collars: Make sure your pet’s microchip info and ID collar are up to date. If you get separated, you’ll have a better chance of being reunited. Also, keep recent pictures of your pets handy, because, believe it or not, “I’m missing a black-and-white cat” describes about half the cats out there.

So there you have it! These tips should help you and your pet be ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way. Let’s hope you never have to use them, but it’s always better to be prepared. And remember, in the face of disaster, keep calm, stay safe, and don’t forget the treats.