Whenever we adopt a dog, we sign up to take care of them through each stage of their life, doing all that we can to make sure that they’re happy and healthy. Once our precious pups reach senior age, it’s common for us to notice signs of slowing down, such as less interest in play and changes in mobility. CBD for senior dogs may be something that will keep them happy and healthy during those golden years.

Once a canine reaches senior age, it’s time to consider providing additional care and support to their daily routine. We can start incorporating supplements into their diet, taking them to the vet more frequently and doing what we can to make it easy for them to get around. We can also start using CBD oil for senior dogs, since we know that the hemp plant offers a number of valuable properties that can improve how they feel, both physically and mentally, each and every day.

Why Choose CBD for Dogs?

Maybe you already know someone who is giving their dog a dose of cannabidiol (CBD) daily. It’s becoming increasingly common for pet owners to administer servings of hemp to their furry friends, and there’s a good reason for that. At the end of the day, our beloved companions can derive the same effects out of CBD that we do. And, that’s all because of a system that is found in every mammal, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

For decades, we’ve known that humans, dogs, cats, and all other mammals share an endocannabinoid system, which is a system of the body that explains why cannabinoids like CBD can be so immensely valuable to our daily lives. This system of the body is what allows cannabidiol to produce effects that can improve how we feel from head to toe.

The ECS has a pretty straightforward job: promoting homeostasis, which is a state of equilibrium in which all bodily processes are operating at their fullest potential. This system is made up of cannabinoid receptors, which are located in every system of the body – the nervous system, the immune system, the digestive system, etc. Cannabinoid receptors are each tasked with regulating an adjacent process of the body, whether that be inflammation levels, mood, alertness, immune function, or so on. But, CB receptors need one thing in order to actually fulfill their roles, which is cannabinoids like CBD.

Basically, because dogs have endocannabinoid systems, CBD can work hard to improve the overall function of their bodies, which in turn improves the way that they feel and get through their days. As is the case for humans, CBD is nontoxic to canines.

CBD for Older Dogs: What It Can Offer

If you’re considering CBD for old dogs, then it’s good to know that the cannabinoid really can make a difference – just ask any owner of an aging canine who’s started their companion on a hemp regimen. We’re still learning a lot about cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, but one thing that is consistently observed is that as mammals age, they tend to produce less cannabinoids. See, cannabinoids are actually produced within the body, to feed the ECS what it needs to do its job. But, with age, everything slows down, including the production of these compounds. And, that’s why taking CBD as a senior can make such a positive difference in the overall functionality of the body.

CBD is an excellent choice for those who are specifically seeking out hemp senior mobility support.  Just a couple of years ago, Cornell University released a study that showed that osteoarthritic dogs who were administered CBD showed a reduction in pain and an increase in mobility. It’s normal for our canines to experience wear and tear of the joints over time, but CBD may be able to provide natural joint support so that they can get around more easily and with far less discomfort.

Researching CBD specifically for canine applications is pretty new, since hemp was illegal up until a few years ago. Still, researchers by and large agree that overall, cannabidiol can do a lot to improve an aging dog’s quality of life. Besides joint support, CBD may be able to regulate appetite, digestion, mood, sleep, and other functions that tend to become more unstable with age. All of this makes it clear that CBD for senior dogs can make a real difference.

How to Give CBD to Your Dog

In general, canines don’t mind taking CBD each day. There is nothing off-putting about the taste of hemp, and companies that make CBD for dogs know how to produce formulas that appeal to their senses. 

If you’re trying to figure out the best CBD for senior dogs, first consider these product types below:

• CBD Dog Treats: These are just like regular dog treats, but they’re infused with CBD oil.
• CBD Pet Oil: It’s a diluted hemp extract that comes in a dropper bottle, which can be administered sublingually or easily added to your dog’s food bowl.
• Dog CBD Pills: Cannabis pills for senior dogs are simply CBD-infused capsules that are administered like any type of capsule.
• CBD Pet Topicals: These are topical-based formulas made specifically to be administered well… topically, to provide localized relief to your pet’s skin, muscles, and joints, especially when their at a senior age.

What Should You Know Before Giving Your Senior Dog CBD?

Now, let’s quickly cover some important tips to ensure only the safest and most effective CBD routine for your precious companion.

Tip #1: Choose a CBD Product for Dogs

We urge you to only buy a CBD product that is made specifically for canines, for two reasons. One is that a dog-friendly CBD product will come in dosage amounts that are considered appropriate for your dog, with dosing directions according to weight. The other reason is that CBD products made for dogs contain ingredients safe for canines, since some human CBD products contain ingredients that are safe for us, but toxic for our pups.

Tip #2: Look for Lab Reports and Reviews

Never buy a CBD product before doing a little research first. Look through the reviews of a product and a company to make sure that other dog owners have had positive results. And, look for third-party lab reports, which should be easy to find on the company’s website, which come from a state-licensed testing facility, to prove that the CBD that the company is using is clean, uncontaminated, authentic and compliant with the law as well as federal standards.

Tip #3: Work CBD into Their Daily Routine

Overall, CBD is more effective when it’s given daily, because the cannabinoid needs to accumulate in the body to be as useful to the endocannabinoid system as possible.

Tip #4: Keep an Eye on Your Dog

Whenever you start your dog on a new kind of regimen, it’s important to monitor them after their first few doses to make sure that they’re responding well. Side effects with CBD are rare, but your dog may experience mild grogginess as their bodies adjust to cannabidiol.

No Doubt, CBD is the Perfect Addition to a Senior Dog’s Regimen

Overall dogs can get great results out of CBD, just like we can, especially when it comes to things like appetite, mobility and overall comfort levels. It’s worth it to look for only the best CBD for elderly dogs, by checking reviews, reading through lab reports and finding an all-natural formula that is gentle on their body. Just one daily serving of cannabidiol daily might be able to give them the support they need to live their best lives at any age.