Ever feed your dog peanut butter? Did you check the label first? It may shock you to learn that some peanut butters contain a sugar substitute called xylitol. According to veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Silberstang, writing for PetPlace, "Although xylitol is safe for human consumption... it can be fatal when ingested by dogs. ...although dogs can tolerate regular sugar, xylitol is absorbed rapidly and can cause a spike in insulin. Because xylitol is not sugar, a spike in insulin causes severe hypoglycemia that can result in weakness, collapse, and seizures."

Xylitol is also commonly found in such ordinary items as mints, toothpaste, dietary supplements, gum and even baked goods. It's important to read the ingredients on any product label before giving your dog any food intended for humans. If one of those ingredients is xylitol, keep it away from your dog.

For more information about xylitol's dangers and how to treat xylitol toxicity, read Silberstang's article here: https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/xylitol-toxicity-dogs/?

The Dog Aging Project has published an authoritative, comprehensive article just for senior dog owners: "Understanding Behavioral Changes in Senior Dogs." It discusses:

• Why do we see behavioral changes in senior dogs?
• What behavioral changes should I look for in my senior dog?
• What should I do if I see behavioral changes in my older dog?

The article offers a good overview of DISHA, a broad classification of behaviors that may be related to cognitive dysfunction, which is commonly seen in senior dogs.

Check out the complete article here: https://dogagingproject.org/understanding-behavioral-changes-in-senior-dogs/?

Photo by Pavel Anoshin on Unsplash

Did you know that 53 percent of dogs in America are obese? Canine obesity is a serious problem but it is generally caused by two simple factors: Your dog gets too many calories and/or your dog doesn't get enough exercise. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? It's the same problem some people have!

According to PetPlace, if your dog is overweight, it's time to create an "obesity management program." That isn't as hard to do as the name implies: It means collaborating with your vet to properly feed your dog and ensure adequate exercise. It's important that everyone in your household understand and agree to the program so you can maintain consistency.

Dogs follow the lead of their people -- and they know how to push your buttons! While you may think it is a nice treat to give your dog "people food," particularly around the holidays, it really isn't a good idea. Just like with people, that's when pups can pack on the pounds. In addition, even if your dog seems hungry (and some dogs always seem hungry) it's best to keep portion sizes appropriate. For most dogs, daily exercise is an important part of obesity management -- so you or someone in your household needs to make that commitment. You should also know that some dog breeds, such as labs and golden retrievers, are more likely to gain weight as they age than others.

Here's a helpful article about dog obesity causes and cures from PetMD.

Image by Светлана Бердник from Pixabay

Pumpkin may or may not be a favorite of yours -- but it's a food that is good for your dog, particularly if he or she is having any stomach issues. Veterinarian Yvonne Stemwedel tells Eating Well, “It’s most useful for cases of what we call ‘dietary indiscretion’—meaning the dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have.” Veterinarian Ana Grum says its helps improve gastrointestinal issues and can be effective in relieving diarrhea.

In addition, pumpkin is nutritious and filling. It contains Vitamin A and potassium, good for a dog's coat, muscles and kidney function. Pumpkin's fiber content makes it a good option for weight management as well because it gives dogs a feeling of fullness, causing them to eat less.

The correct preparation for fresh pumpkin -- for dogs at least -- is to cook it and mash it with no seasoning, sweeteners or additives. Canned, 100 percent pumpkin is suitable, but pumpkin pie filling is not a good idea. Read this article for more tips.

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Does your dog have trouble walking? Has your dog had leg or hip surgery that makes it difficult or impossible to walk? Then you need to check out all of the specially-made devices from Walkin' Pets by HandicappedPets.com. Walkin' Pets was created in 2001 for pets with mobility issues. Founder Mark C. Robinson's goal is to help extend the lives of beloved pets who are aging, injured or have special needs.

Check out the website for Fall deals on some of their wheelchairs, scooters, harnesses, splints, boots and more:

https://www.handicappedpets.com/on-sale/

Image: Walkin' Pets

Fall is a great time for hiking with your dog in the Carolina mountains, but one of the nuisances, and sometimes health risks for dogs is ticks. It is very easy for a tick to embed itself in your dog's coat and attach to its skin. Dogs and humans barely notice the tiny tick, but it can be far more than an inconvenience and do more damage than you may think.

This comprehensive article on PetPlace.com discusses one of the more serious diseases that ticks carry, anaplasmosis. According to PetPlace, anaplasmosis is similar to Lyme disease, also transmitted by ticks, and is most often reported from June through November, when people are outside hiking with their dogs. Most cases of anaplasmosis are transmitted by the black-legged dear tick, often found in the midwest and northeastern states, so it is probably little cause for worry in our area. Still, the article has some solid information about how ticks transmit the disease.

Cases of Lyme disease have been reported to the Center for Disease Control in the Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina areas, so Lyme disease may be more of a concern. You can learn more about lyme disease and its signs and symptoms from the Lyme Disease Association.

It is always a good idea to check your dog for ticks when returning from outside activities. What appears to be a very small bump may in fact be a tick, so spread your dog's coat and examine it carefully. This article from American Humane explains how to prevent ticks and safely remove them.

Image by Elionas from Pixabay

Some dog owners may not admit it, but in the privacy of their own homes, they allow their dogs to sleep in bed with them. That means your dog is spending lots of time in your bedroom -- and that could cause some interesting challenges.

The folks at Slumber Yard have put together a handy guide to "Pet Safety for the Bedroom." It includes pros vs. cons for sleeping with your pet, tips to make sleeping with your pet safe and comfortable, and a very helpful list of seven specific suggestions for how to pet-proof your bedroom.

You'll find the free guide here: https://myslumberyard.com/blog/pet-safety-for-the-bedroom/

Image by Renato Laky from Pixabay

Guest Post by Jim Smith

Are you looking for the best joint supplements for dogs?

Watching your once happy and lively dog in pain can be heartbreaking. Arthritis, joint, and hip issues have become increasingly common in senior dogs. Joint supplements can help reduce symptoms.

But are they safe to use?

In this blog post, we’ll go through everything you need to know about joint supplements for dogs and help you pick the best ones.

Let’s get started.

As with humans, when dogs start getting older, they develop certain health issues associated with old age. Joint pain and inflammation are becoming increasingly common in all breeds.

Why is that so?
One of the biggest reasons is that our dogs are getting fatter. Overweight and obese pets are more likely to develop hip and joint pain as the weight puts more pressure on your dog’s joints.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Joint Pain

Not sure if your pooch has joint pain?
Our furry friends won’t be able to tell us they’re in pain. Dogs are especially good at hiding their pain and won’t let you know they’re hurting unless it’s unbearable. In the wild, showing pain can be a sign of weakness. So, dogs are programmed to hide it.

Common signs of joint pain in dogs include:

• Hesitation in climbing stairs
• Not jumping up and down the furniture
• Swollen joints
• Joint stiffness
• Standing up can be challenging
• Overall bad temper
• Low energy

If your dog is showing any of these signs, take him to the vet for a proper check-up and diagnosis.

Best Joint Supplements

Joint supplements can be a boon for dogs with limited mobility. They help alleviate most of the symptoms and bring back your happy-go-lucky pooch.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best joint supplements.

1. Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement Plus MSM

It comes in a yummy chicken flavor and is manufactured in the US using globally-sourced ingredients. Helps improve joint health and mobility.

2, Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews

These come in easy to chew tablets and helps support joint health. Decaffeinated green tea provides antioxidants.

3. Petlab Co. Joint Care Chews for Dogs

This helps improve joint mobility and improve blood flow to the joints, providing your dog with flexibility, strength, and comfort.

Here's the Deal: Common Joint Supplement Side Effects

While dog supplements for joints do help alleviate symptoms, they can have harmful side effects of their own, such as:

• High doses cause excessive urination
• Diabetes (in case of sugar-based supplements)
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Allergies
• Bald spots
• Constant licking
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Itchy skin
• Gassiness

Some of these symptoms are easy to deal with, while others are more serious. So, it’s best to stick to natural supplements for your pooch. These are safe, effective, and easy to use. More on those in a moment.

A Note on Cheap Chinese Supplements

You’ll find several cheap supplements on the market when looking for the best joint supplements.

While these look like a great deal, they can end up making your pet extremely sick! The FDA is investigating 600+ pet deaths and 3600+ injuries linked to Chinese supplements. Products imported from overseas are not regulated by the FDA. This means that they aren’t legally obliged to disclosing where the products are sourced from. In fact, some supplements may be advertised as “Made in the US” but can be sourcing their ingredients from China and other countries.

Isn’t that terrifying?

That's why it is safer to stick to natural joint supplements for dogs.

Choosing Natural Joint Supplements

Natural supplements for dogs are safe, effective, and easy to use. They help reduce joint inflammation and the pain that comes with it.

And, they don’t have harmful side effects!

1. CBD Oil for Dogs
   CBD Oil For Dogs finds its origin in the cannabis plant. CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps treat chronic pain conditions like hip and joint dysplasia. It helps reduce pain and doesn’t have harmful side effects.

   CBD oil isn’t just great for hip and joint issues. It helps with a plethora of issues like anxiety, chronic pain, epilepsy, and helps improve a dog’s overall quality of life. You’ll find many CBD products online, most of them are low-quality. So, you should choose organic, natural, and lab-tested oil like Relievet’s CBD oil for dogs for effective results.

2. Collagen
   Collagen is a type of protein found in cartilage, tendons, bones, ligaments, and joints. As your dog grows older, collagen production slows down, causing problems like mobility issues, joint and hip pain, weakened teeth, etc. You can boost your pet’s collagen production using collagen supplements.
3. Turmeric
   Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a variety of issues. It’s safe to use with pets and helps reduce joint inflammation and pain. For the best results, choose organic Turmeric.

Did we answer all of your questions?

You’ll find several dog supplements for joints on the market, but not all of them are safe for your pooch. Some have serious side effects, while others are imported from questionable sources.

So, it is safe to stick to natural supplements when possible.

CBD oil for dogs is heavily researched scientifically proven to reduce joint pain--and it is safe to use. But, with the market saturated with CBD products, it’s important to choose the right one for your pooch.

Relievet’s CBD oil for dogs is natural, organic, and lab-tested to ensure quality.

Do you have any questions? We'll be happy to answer them if you visit https://www.relievet.com/.

Jim Smith has a passion for animals -- he lives with his cat and two dogs in San Diego. He has been writing about animals for the past 5 years, specializing in natural and alternative health.

Photo by Harrison Kugler on Unsplash

If you've owned your dog for awhile, you undoubtedly have developed a special bond. One reason your dog naturally bonds with you is because dogs are pack animals. Dogs are generally happier as part of a pack whether it's human or canine, but most dogs seem to welcome a canine companion. So the question is: Should you adopt a second dog?

Dr. Stephanie Borns-Weil, the veterinarian who heads the well-regarded Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic, believes that "dogs in general are happier with other dogs. It's hard on social creatures not to live with their co-species members." Still, getting a second dog should not be a hasty decision. “A dog might enjoy another dog initially,” she says. "But the two dogs may not display their full range of behaviors in that situation, and they have to make a quick decision based on initial impressions. We’re layering our own best judgment over that to create what is essentially an arranged marriage that may or may not work to best advantage.”

The Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine has some excellent, authoritative suggestions for how to add a second dog to your household in an informative article, "Would Your Dog be Happier with a Second Dog?" Read it here: https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/dogownership/would-your-dog-be-happier-with-a-second-dog/

Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay

Guest Post by Keith J. Myers

Did you know that dogs, like humans, have endocannabinoid receptors in every tissue type and cell in their body? This means that like humans, they are also receptive to every healing benefit that Cannabis has to offer….benefits that regulate joint pain, anxiety, depression, seizures, stress, and many more. 

CBD can be a great natural remedy to control your dog’s range of symptoms. CBD’s are routinely used to treat dogs who suffer from appetite loss and separation anxiety. They have also been found effective in treating cancer.

But among the CBD products that are in the market today, how can you be sure that the dog-specific CBD products you choose are beneficial to your dog? How would you know the exact amount to give them? 

We’ll discuss the 3 tips you should look into when buying CBD for dogs. You can also check our site, The Hempire, for further details.

But first off, let’s discuss what CBD is.

What is CBD?

CBD is a short term for the word Cannabidiol. CBD is one of the many chemicals that can be extracted from its main plant, the Cannabis Sativa plant or Hemp plant.

CBD is non-psychoactive. That means, unlike the effects of marijuana, CBD does not alter your mind and does not bring harm to the individual who is taking it.

CBD-based products are as of the moment prohibited in several markets, however, some countries are allowing them to be a prescription drug with strict rules and regulation to be followed.

A lot of different forms of products with CBD are now being marketed. The usual oil that was made can now be found in the form of edibles, such as biscuits, brownies, and any finger food that is pleasing to the palate.

For dogs, CBD dog treats are now bombarding the market and are being aggressively sold, as this is a great innovation that benefits the pet owners, giving them an easier way of making their pet take medicine.

Benefits of CBD Dog Treats

The first benefit of CBD dog treats is that your pet dog will love them! 

Another benefit is that CBD dog treats may come in different ranges of sizes and doses to choose from to fit your dog's needs. Usually, products like these are labeled on their package indicating how much dosage is in the product.

The only thing that you should be wary of is what effects the treats might have on your dog. Choose products that are legitimate rather than from sources selling bogus products.

Keep in mind that it is your dog's health that is in line here. So choose wisely in selecting the right product for your dog.

3 Tips Before Buying CBD

Make sure the product you purchase has CBD in it

It may sound obvious but basically, this is where people get scammed easily. Usually, people who have bad motives advertise their products as products that have CBD on it but in truth, they don’t. 

In buying CBD products that are made specially for dogs, make sure that the laboratory that created the product offers a lab report that verifies that their product has the actual presence of CBD. Without proof, you may get products that are of low-quality that are made from hemp seed and may give your dog poor results -- or worse, give your pet side effects that may harm its health.

Be wary of the dosage

Although CBD is less dangerous to dogs, it is still advised to follow proper dosing as failure to do so can result in drowsiness. Some known worse cases can give dogs nausea or even vomiting.

As a standard, when using CBD tincture, it is recommended that for every 10 pounds of your dog's weight, use one drop of CBD oil. For example, if your dog weighs 40 pounds, use 4 drops of oil. When giving your dog the CBD treatment, always administer the oil directly under the tongue.

Keep track of the dog’s behavior and health for about a week. Check if there is any improvement in his condition and see if it does more harm than good. It is highly advised to check with a veterinarian before doing self-medication in your pet in order to prevent harmful results. 

Ask for a veterinarian's prescription

It is best to work with your veterinarian. Veterinarians have knowledge of CBD and they are the experts in terms of treating pets for physical or mental conditions. 

If you have more information or experiences treating your dog with CBD, feel free to let us know. Visit our website, The Hempire, and share your thoughts.

Keith J. Myers is the Founder & Editor in Chief of the Hempire. He has overseen and directed the editorial growth and skill of this website since 2012. Before creating the Hempire, Keith was a writer and editor who covered topics in CBD, health, science, and wellness.

Image by R+R Medicinals from Pixabay

Every dog owner knows that summer temperatures can be dangerous to their pet, especially when a dog is left in a hot car. What you may not know is that some dogs are much more susceptible to the heat than others.

Reporting on a British study, The New York Times recently indicated that "Big dogs, older dogs, dogs with flat faces and certain breeds are all at higher risk of illness or death in hot weather. ... Nine breeds were at significantly higher risk than others, and five of them have flat faces: Bulldogs, French bulldogs, dogues de Bordeaux, chow chows and pugs. Greyhounds, English springer spaniels, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and golden retrievers were also at higher risk."

Care should also be taken with dogs older than twelve, since they have a 75 percent higher risk for illnesses caused by excessive heat. Dogs that weigh over 110 pounds are also at higher risk. And for all you mixed breed/shelter dog owners, you'll be happy to know that purebred dogs have an 85 percent higher risk than mixed breeds.

Image: Pixabay.com

Greenville Humane Society (Greenville, SC) is currently offering adoptions, vaccines and spay/neuter by appointment only.

Adoptions

All adoptions are performed on a first come, first interviewed basis. No appointments can be scheduled for specific animals. Please be prepared to respect the following guidelines during your appointment: (1) Only 2 people may attend your adoption appointment. (2) For your safety and the safety of employees, please wear a mask. (3) Please maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from other customers and staff. View animals and schedule an appointment here: https://www.greenvillehumane.com/adopt/

Vaccines

Vaccines and heartworm testing are available by appointment. Please be prepared to respect the following guidelines during your appointment: (1) Only 1 animal per 15-minute appointment. You may schedule back-to-back appointments for more than one animal. (2) Only 1 person per animal. (2) For your safety and the safety of employees, please wear a mask. (3) Please maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from other customers and staff. (4) Owner will be required to wait in the lobby during services. Vet tech will retrieve pet and take it to the exam room for services. Get more information or schedule an appointment here: https://www.greenvillehumane.com/vaccine-clinic/

Spay/Neuter

Spay/neuter surgery is performed by appointment by 4 licensed veterinarians and 10 highly trained assistants. Hours are Monday through Friday only with drop-off from 7:30 to 9 AM and pick-up from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. For more information including prices or to schedule an appointment, visit: https://www.greenvillehumane.com/spay-neuter/

Dogs are remarkably loyal to humans -- and they also are remarkably similar to humans in the conditions and diseases they share. Among those conditions is the allergic reaction, a common occurrence year round, but especially when trees and grasses send off pollen during the spring.

Keeping your home allergen-free is good for you and your dog, and a handy guide from Everlywell.com offers 18 easy ways to allergy-proof your home. The guide offers room-by-room suggestions and printable checklists as well as an allergy log. It also includes a special section about pets, who may unwittingly bring outside allergens into your home.

Get your free guide here: https://www.everlywell.com/blog/indoor-outdoor-allergies/how-to-allergy-proof-your-home/

Image: Pixabay.com

COVID-19 is still very much a threat to all of us. You probably have a lot of questions about how to keep you dog safe during this global pandemic. Cyberpet has put together a handy infographic with  the answers to twelve of the most common questions concerning pets and coronavirus. You'll find authoritative answers to questions including:

1. Can pets catch coronavirus?
2. Can my dog transmit coronavirus?
3. How can I protect my dog if I am sick?
   ...and 9 more.

You'll find the infographic here: https://www.cyberpet.com/covid-19-and-pets/

This information is provided as a public service and reproduced from https://avltoday.6amcity.com/helping-dogs-adjust-home-alone-asheville/?

By Brook Bolen for AVL TODAY

As we get further along into Phase 2 of the Governor’s three-phase plan to reopen the state, more of us will be venturing outside the home more frequently, and many of us will be returning to the office. How can we best help our dogs avoid the “Back to Work” blues and prepare for added solo time?

I spoke with Pia Silvani, a pet behavioral specialist — also the Interim Director of the Asheville Humane Society’s Behavioral Department — to find out what pet parents can do to make the transition as painless as possible. Here’s what Pia suggests doing ASAP:

• Stop taking your pets with you everywhere (even if that’s just inside your house). “If they’re clingy, and they follow you around from room to room, close the door and leave them alone,” she says. “If they’ve been sleeping in the bed with you throughout quarantine, put them back in their dog bed.”
  
  
• Leave your furkids alone for a few hours each day. Now that we can leave home again, step outside and run some errands. “Little spurts of time away will help them get used to you leaving again,” Pia notes.
  
  
• Stick with a routine. If you’ve been going on lots of walks in quarantine, keep them up, but get up early in the morning so you can fit them in. “It’s very important to make sure your pet gets adequate exercise,” says Pia. Similarly, if you keep music or the TV on during the day, be sure to leave it on for your pooch while you’re gone.
  
  
• Start waking up earlier. If you’ve been sleeping in and lounging in bed, start getting up earlier so your dog gets used to it, too.
  
  
• If you work remotely, then implement some distance at home. Start by shutting the door to the room where you’re working. Even seemingly small changes like this can help your pet acclimate to spending less time with you. 
  
  
• Bring your dog along to the office if you can. Let your pooch join you for half a day and then take them home. 
  
  
• Extend your lunch hour to run errands or other things you might do after work. That way, you can go directly home to see the one(s) who’ve been waiting for you all day long.
  
  
• Talk to your neighbor and see if they can check in on your dog during the day (alternately, hire a pet sitter/walker). These folks can let your dog out to relieve themself and give a few belly rubs. 
  
  
• Keep in touch with your veterinarian. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, there are lots of natural products to help pets feel more calm + comfortable, Pia says. In the event they need something stronger, your vet can prescribe the appropriate medication.

Image: Pixabay.com

As dogs age, they are susceptible to aches, pains, joint inflammation and muscle loss, much like humans. Older dogs may also suffer from various conditions that can make walking around difficult. Writing for PetPlace, veterinarian Dr. Debra Primovic discusses mobility problems in older dogs and what you can do to help with them at home.

She writes that some of the more common reasons for mobility problems include hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disc disease, all of which she describes. Among her tips for improving an older dog's mobility at home are:

• Create a regular exercise routine
• Use natural remedies or, when needed, NSAIDs prescribed by a veterinarian
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be thoughtful about your floors
• Maintain proper hygiene
• Enlist the help of mobility aids.

Check out her helpful article for more details about all of the above. You'll find it here.

Image: Pixabay.com

Did you know that xylitol, a sweetener that may be found in such common items as candy, toothpaste and even peanut butter, is toxic to dogs? Or that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs? Even milk and cheese can be harmful to adult dogs.

For a very comprehensive updated list of dog toxins reviewed by a veterinarian, check this out from BetterPet: https://betterpet.com/bad-foods-for-dogs/

This list contains 22 people foods that are bad for dogs as well as 29 toxins that are found around the house -- dangers in the bathroom, garage, utility room, laundry room and in other areas, as well as outside in your yard. Plus, as a bonus, you'll find a listing of healthy foods and superfoods that are the healthiest super snacks for your dog.

Want to keep your dog safe and healthy? Read the list!

Image: Pixabay.com

WoofReport.com has published Your Essential Guide to Keeping Your Dog Happy at Home. This handy publication has "top tips for sheltering in place with your dog... and how to prep for what come's next."

The guide includes:

• Tips to keep your dog happy and healthy
• Fun activities to entertain and engage your dog
• At-home activities just for dog lovers.

The guide is loaded with helpful information. Get your free guide here:

https://www.woofreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Woof-Report-Happy-Dogs-at-Home.pdf

Guest Post by Chele

Description: CBD oil has taken the health and wellness industry by storm. It’s natural that healthy-lifestyle loving people would want to share their new-found diet supplements with their pets. And so, CBD oil for dogs appeared.

What Is CBD Oil For Dogs?

CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound found in hemp - a type of cannabis plant. Being legal in 50 states in the US, hemp is unlike its sister compound, marijuana, and does not cause intoxication. CBD was extracted from hemp to create all-natural health products for humans initially, but now you can find CBD oil for dog products as well. There are many benefits that supplementing with CBD oil for dog products can bring to your best friend’s diet. Let’s take a look at what CBD oil is used for specifically.

Benefit 1: Anxiety 

CBD oil for anxiety is a well-known treatment among humans, and it’s no different among canines either. If your little furry friend is a shelter-dog and has a history of abuse (which causes anxiety), CBD oil is likely to be a great treatment. Likewise, if your dog gets stressed about car trips, going on trains, visits to the vet, or anything else - a CBD oil for dogs product is a good choice. It is a well-known fact that CBD oil for dogs supplements can help with general neurological health and emotional well-being. 

Benefit 2: Cancer

Wow, not holding back here, are we? Well, there are whispers that one of the CBD oil benefits is that it can help with the treatment of this serious disease. This is a MASSIVE claim, and definitely too serious for this article (please consult a veterinarian). We’re just reporting that ‘yes, indeed’, using CBD oil for dogs with cancer has been claimed as an option. 

Benefit 3: Immune System

The CBD origin came into the health industry because of its anti-inflammatory benefits and the ability to help stimulate the immune system. So, CBD oil for dogs is great for supporting, healthy heart, joint, and skin function. An all-round winner!

How To Administer CBD Oil For Dogs

Your fur-babies can get their dose of CBD in a variety of ways. There are capsules and droppers as standard, but some dogs might refuse to take the supplement in this way due to taste. Most pet shops stock CBD-infused treats, so you can feed your dog the supplement, like any other medicine. Lastly, there are topical options for CBD oil for dogs. If you’re looking to target their fur, skin, and joints, topical cream or oil might be the best option.

Doses Of CBD Oil For Dogs

Before you even let your pet near any CBD, please consult a qualified veterinarian. Supplying information about dosage sizes for your fur-baby is beyond this article. We’re just providing some general information here so you can kick-off on your own research hunt. Just as with all medicines and supplements, our preference is to start off at a low dosage and increase it slowly over-time.

Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Dogs

Unwanted side effects of all CBD oil products for dogs are rare, but they can occur. Your furry friend might experience dry mouth, vomiting, lethargy, depression, tremors, and lowered blood pressure. Some of these side effects might be initial teething problems as your dog adjusts to the supplement. If side effects continue, it would be advisable to take a SECOND visit to your veterinarian after the initial consultation and agreement with the supplementing.

Final Thoughts On CBD Oil For Dogs

Overall, the jury is still out on how powerful CBD actually is for health benefits - even in humans. Sure, studies suggest that it’s a great anti-oxidant for both humans and dogs - and helps as an anti-inflammatory tool in our bodies.

We’re interested to know, have you started CBD oil for dogs supplementation? And, if so, how’s it going? Has your pet enjoyed any of the positive effects that we’ve described here and none of the negative ones? Reply in the Comments section to let Carolina Mountain Dog know your experiences.

-----

Chele is a pet shop owner from Blackpool, UK. She writes a weekly newsletter for her online customers and is well-known and liked in the local community. There’s nothing that Chele likes more than going for walks along the Blackpool beach in winter with her dogs.

Image: Pixabay.com

From WoofReport.com:

Petting Petiquette. 

With social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, you need to stay at least 6 feet away from others, but does the same apply for dogs? The Washington Post reporter Karin Brulliard answers the burning question: Can I still pet other people’s dogs? 

According to experts at the American Veterinary Medical Association, “based on available evidence, there’s little reason to avoid petting” because the virus survives best on smooth surfaces and not “porous materials, such as pet fur." Other experts cited advise “the most conservative approach would be to refrain from touching others’ dogs” since the dog owner may be infected but show no symptoms. (The Washington Post)

Image: Pixabay.com