As your canine companion ages, there’s one thing that most pet owners fear, the onset of joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis and other medical conditions.
For this reason, pet owners always want to ensure they are doing everything to keep them healthy and happy. And topical CBD for dogs is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to do just that.
Many pet owners and veterinarians alike swear by the therapeutic effects of CBD topicals, but with a wide variety in the market, choosing the right product for your dog can be a hard choice to make.
The following tips will help you make a better choice.
Consider Your Dog’s Weight
When you’re considering what CBD topical to use on your dog, feel their weight. Vets say that most dogs don’t need a total dose of CBD unless they’re sick, and a smaller amount may be more effective and safer than a larger dose. A safe bet is two drops per 10 pounds of body weight, twice daily.
Choose Quality
Quality is king when it comes to topical CBD for dogs. When using CBD topicals, look for brands that use non-GMO hemp extract and organic oil. These ingredients can help reduce inflammation and will be well tolerated by your dog’s sensitive skin.
Look at Potency
When buying products that contain cannabis or hemp-derived compounds, look at how much of each active ingredient (CBD or THC) is in a product and what concentration of that ingredient is included.
Products with high concentrations of CBD are more likely to provide relief than those with low concentrations but will also be less likely to cause intoxication (if you were wondering). This distinction is essential because marijuana-derived CBD and hemp-derived CBD don’t work the same way.
Look at Strain Type
Certain strains of cannabis are beneficial in treating certain types of ailments, but not all CBD products are created equal. Be sure you know which strain of cannabis is best suited for your dog’s needs before you make a purchase.
Consider Brand Reputation
You must buy your topical CBD from a reputable company. Many companies have jumped on board to market dog-friendly products, but not all are created equal. You can consider how long a company has been in business and its general reputation before making a purchase.
For best results, it’s always best to purchase topical CBD for dogs from a trusted brand.
Get Non-GMO Hemp if Possible
The hemp industry is unregulated, meaning any hemp oil product may be made from low-quality industrial hemp.
To make sure you’re getting good quality, non-GMO hemp oil, look for products that are certified organic or that have been verified by third-party lab testing.
Consider Other Ingredients Included
You may also want to consider what other ingredients are included in topical treatments.
For example, some medicines contain Vitamin E or aloe Vera. Neither of these ingredients is harmful, but they don’t improve your dog’s condition either. If you want CBD topicals that treat itching and inflammation, look for creams containing peppermint oil, and so on.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what you’re getting into is vital to choose topical CBD for dogs that will specifically help your pet. Research is important, but it pays off in the end. If you pick wisely, you can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life and make them healthier too.