Cannabidiol (CBD) is an oil extracted from hemp plants. It is not to be confused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana. THC causes a high, while CBD does not. Hemp usually contains less than .3% THC, while cannabis (the marijuana plant) contains 12% THC.
CBD for Dogs
There are hundreds of products on the market for administering CBD to dogs, from chews to oils. See below for our guidance on what to look for when selecting the right CBD product for your pet.
Research
Research is still scarce, though studies regarding CBD usage have greatly increased in recent years. Today there are over 23,000 published papers looking at CBD’s effect on animals and humans, with encouraging results and testimonials for cannabidiol (CBD) decreasing pain, relieving itchiness, slowing seizures, decreasing aggression, decreasing anxiety (especially noise reactivity) and even beating cancer.
Studies
The studies below were found in an article by the College of Veterinary Medicine (see link at the end of this blog for more info).
In a Cornell study, dogs were given CBD chews prior to a stressful event, and 83% showed a decrease in stress or anxiety-related behaviors.
Another Cornell study involved giving CBD to dogs for pain management and resulted in 80% of the dogs with osteoarthritis experiencing a decrease in pain and a visible increase in comfort and activity.
Colorado State University has been studying the use of CBD in gaining control of seizure activity in epileptic dogs, and their research demonstrates that CBD, used in combination with traditional seizure medications, can be a successful approach.
CannPal, an Australian animal therapeutics company, tested the results of CBD on dogs with atopy (a dermatologic allergy resulting in itching and chewing). Of the dogs tested, 65% had at least a 50% decrease in itching and chewing – and half of those even recovered from all signs of itchiness during treatment.
Testimonials
According to the American Kennel Club (source listed at the end of this blog), a success story from Christy Moore recalls that her Ibizan Hound’s arthritis pain was so debilitating he had to be carried outside to eat, drink and use the bathroom. His pain medication wasn’t working, but after three days of CBD treatment, he could walk on all four legs again.
Another owner, Jenn Boswell, claims her Greyhound’s anxiety level went from 100 down to a 5 after just three drops of CBD oil. For reference, the trazodone prescribed by her vet only brought the dog’s anxiety down to a 50.
Giving CBD to dogs
Side Effects and Interactions with Other Medications
The general consensus is that CBD is harmless for dogs. The worst documented side effect is diarrhea. Studies have also shown that CBD can affect liver enzymes, specifically cytochrome P450 and alkaline phosphatase, both of which are involved in the metabolism of many medications.
This means that there’s a potential risk that using CBD can interact and change how other medications perform. If your pet is on any prescribed medications, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before using CBD.
Note: you should never give THC to your pet – especially medical-grade THC – as it is toxic to pets and can be very dangerous. If you think your dog has been exposed to THC, they should be taken to a vet for an exam and/or supportive care.
Contact your vet if you believe your pet has been exposed to THC
Regulation
The use of CBD oil has become a popular way to treat a wide variety of symptoms in humans and animals, and it is now approved in most states and is generally recognized as a safe, natural way to treat or improve particular symptoms. CBD is very loosely regulated for dog consumption, however, and is still not yet regulated by the FDA, so it can be intimidating to decide what is best for your pet.
Which CBD Products are Recommended?
There are hundreds of CBD products on the market, but we suggest looking for a product with the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Seal of Quality Assurance, and one that has a third-party certificate of analysis that includes potency, lists all ingredients and discloses the possible presence of heavy metals, mycotoxins or pesticides.
Avoid edible products formulated for human consumption, which often contain ingredients such as xylitol that are toxic to pets.
At Smoochie Pooch, we carry CBD products from trusted brands like Super Snouts Hemp Company, Pet Releaf, Pawse and Colorado Hemp Honey. Visit your local Smoochie Pooch salon & pet boutique to browse our CBD options available near you. You can also contact us here for more information.
Veterinarians
Veterinarians can now recommend and discuss CBD oil with all clients. If you have concerns about the use of CBD treats or oils for your dog, you can always check with your veterinarian before giving them to your pet.
Test First
CBD oil and supplements can have a calming effect on pets experiencing low-to-moderate anxiety levels during grooming sessions. They may reduce aggression and promote balanced behavior. However, their effectiveness varies among individuals, and what works for one pet may not work for another. It’s important to understand how your pet responds to CBD and how long the effects last before using it during their grooming appointment. Testing CBD at home before grooming can help gauge its impact on your pet.
There are many different coat types among hundreds of different dog breeds. The American Kennel Club recognizes 197 different breeds. Of these breeds, there are several that would be considered double-coated. A double coat is what people usually think of as a “shedding” coat. Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are excellent examples of these breeds. Any mix of these double-coated breeds also has the chance of having a double coat, or “shedding” coat, as well.
Golden Retriever is one of many double-coated dog breeds
The Science Behind Double-Coated Dogs
It is important to remember that most dogs were bred for a purpose. Golden Retrievers, for example, were bred to be service dogs, perform search and rescues, retrieve game for hunters and excel at other training. Their hair is meant to withstand being out in the elements and retrieving in fields or water. Their coats are thick enough to protect them from harmful UV rays, wind damage and extreme cold and heat.
The coat on a double-coated breed is designed to keep the dog’s temperature regulated. This applies to hot and cold weather – each hair follicle has a muscle that lifts and drops the hairs as needed to cool and create warmth for your pet. Each hair follicle produces one longer, coarse guard hair and 7-27 secondary hairs. The secondary hairs are what are considered the undercoat. It is the soft, dead hair that sheds out of the coat. In a dog with a well-maintained, healthy coat, the undercoat should not shed excessively. If the dog is regularly bathed and groomed, ideally by a professional pet groomer, your dog’s shedding will be minimal.
A shaved double-coated dog has to work harder to regulate its temperature. Shaving your pet neither helps it stay cooler nor reduce shedding. A common statement we hear is, “well my dog just stays in the house so it doesn’t matter.” The problem is that it does matter. Your dog’s body has to work significantly harder to regulate its temperature. The thick undercoat of double-coated dogs needs to be brushed out regularly, and they tend to drop their undercoat when it starts to get warm. If we cut into the undercoat, it confuses the dog’s body and can result in a syndrome called post clipping alopecia.
Post Clipping Alopecia
Post clipping alopecia is a syndrome where the hair takes a significant period of time to regrow hair follicles. When this happens, there can be patches of baldness and discoloration throughout a dog’s entire body with little chance of being able to regrow the hair. This is very common among Pomeranians but also affects breeds like Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Huskies and Golden Retrievers, among others.
Pomeranian with post clipping alopecia
To Shave or Not to Shave
Unless medically necessary, typically due to a skin disease, you should never shave your double-coated dog. Shaving may cause severe skin problems as well as a potential of the coat not growing back. This is why we will not shave double-coated breeds at Smoochie Pooch. It is our job as professionals to care for the skin and coat of every dog, and shaving the coat of these breeds causes significant issues both seen and unseen.
Proper Care for Dogs with a Double Coat
The recommended grooming for double-coated dogs involves regular baths and brush outs every 4-6 weeks, which allows the undercoat to release and the dog’s skin to breathe. Contrary to what you might think, your double-coated dog will actually be cooler with a full coat as long as it is properly maintained. Have questions about how to properly care for your double-coated dog? Are you considering shaving your pet? We highly recommend speaking to your professional pet stylist about alternatives to shaving and recommendations on proper maintenance for your fur baby.
When it comes to managing your pet’s overall health, effective flea and tick treatment is a critical component. These tiny parasites not only cause discomfort but can also transmit harmful diseases. It is necessary to use an effective flea and tick treatment to protect your dog from these pesky parasites. This blog has a variety of tips to help dog owners care for their pups.
Dog Grooming
Grooming can be one way to monitor your pet’s overall health and help with their skincare. Regular grooming will ensure your pet’s coat is clean and checked frequently. Besides helping with flea and tick upkeep, grooming your pet will also help neutralize odors. A dog groomer can tell you what to look for when grooming your dog and what types of products to use to protect your dog’s coat and skin.
Avoid Forest Areas
Depending on the season and type of canine your dog’s body will naturally shed its fur. In the spring you may find your dog’s coat become thinner. It is important to note that ticks and fleas tend to hide in forests and areas with tall grass or shrubs. For this reason, avoiding these types of areas is important, whether or not it is shedding season. Some pet owners believe if their dog sheds a lot, it will help reduce ticks. However, this is untrue because ticks can and will attach directly to your pet’s skin.
To remove ticks when grooming first gently run your fingers along your dog’s body. If you feel any bumps, then lift the fur to see if a tick is buried in the skin. Be sure to use a special tick removal tool to remove the tick. You don’t want to leave part of the tick in your pet’s skin as that can cause infections and other problems. Part of maintaining good skincare for your dog requires actively checking below the fur for any abnormalities.
Topical Medication
Another common method for treating fleas and ticks is topical medication. This solution is applied directly to the skin of your dog. The medication spreads over your dog’s body and kills pests on contact.
Oral Medication
Pet owners can also opt for a pill or chewable solution for fleas and ticks. These swallowable medications help by protecting your dog from the inside out.
Tips for Choosing Flea Treatments and Dog Tick Removal Near You
Choose medication that specifically claims to target both fleas and ticks.
Consult with the experts at Smoochie Pooch for dog tick grooming options. The best treatment for your dog will depend on their breed, size, age, and previous medical history.
Consider your dog’s lifestyle. Do you like to explore forests and large open spaces? If so, you may require a more concentrated solution as well as stronger preventative measures.
Primarily, consult your local vet, especially if you need to remove an external parasite and do not feel confident in your ability to do so.
Cat and dog grooming is an easy and important way to keep your pet happy and healthy. Regular grooming sessions will not only help maintain your pet’s appearance but they can also help improve their mood and overall well-being.
If you are looking for a cat and dog salon near you, all Smoochie Pooch locations deliver’s five-star services. After all, every owner wants the best for their pet, and we make sure those needs are met.
How Cat and Dog Grooming Can Improve Your Pet’s Life
To the uninitiated, grooming can seem like a purely cosmetic practice. In reality, grooming is an easy way to avoid and sometimes even detect, any health issues for your dog or cat.
There are various components when it comes to cat and dog grooming. It is not just their coat that needs tending. When you work with a professional, high-quality salon, you can expect such services as:
Ear cleaning
Nail trimming
De-Shedding
Skin treatments
Teeth brushing Bathing
Eye Cleaning
Anal gland Expression
It is always good to see what services a salon can offer. However, it is equally important to know why these services are essential to overall animal health. Some of the benefits are:
Maintaining Overall Coat and Skin Health
Grooming supports skin health, helps distribute natural oils and keeps a pet’s skin and coat moisturized and free of irritations. Having your cat or dog to be groomed regularly is the easiest way to keep their coats looking fresh and healthy.
Preventing Matting and Tangles
A lot of pets have long hair and complex coats which makes the chances of having tangled coats a lot higher. Whether you have a maltese or a Maine Coon it is essential to brush them regularly to get rid of dead skin, dirt, and excess oil so matted fur or tangled messes can be avoided. In some cases not doing so can even lead to skin infections especially if a mat began from fecal matter a pet might have left behind on its coat.
Removing Dead Hair and Debris
Your pet’s body naturally knows when to shed. Depending on the season, an animal’s coat will make the proper adjustments. However, grooming helps clear out the old fur to make room for the new. This helps prevent your dogs and cats from ingesting hair and debris when they groom themselves, which can cause digestive problems.
All dog owners should make grooming part of their routine. Try to find a balance between visits to a professional groomer to keep up with routine maintenance at home.
This benefits a young dog or cat the most. Bringing your pet to the salon means they are exposed to lots of different pets and people. This experience can help them learn how to cope better when there are new visitors in the home or when they are out in public.
Find the Best Pet Grooming and Bathing Services Near You
While some pets need to be bathed more frequently than others, all dogs and cats benefit from regular cleaning. If you need a professional salon you can rely on, look no further, because Smoochie Pooch is here and worth the visit.
