Fact vs. Fiction in Using CBD Oil

Our deaf dog, Judea, is a candidate for CBD as she ages and her joints begin to ache.

iHeartdogs.com is an excellent source of information regarding our furry, four-legged family members. Their emails offer facts that help us sort things out or give useful tips when caring for our precious and beloved dogs.

I began taking CBD oil myself and found it to be a wonderful source of pain reduction. To help you determine whether or not to consider using it with your pup, I am sharing iHeart’s latest posting.

 “Are CBD sellers [truthful]...?”

“We get it, there's A LOT of talk going around the internet and by word of mouth about CBD – and therefore it can be hard to tell what's real.”

“There are indeed lies that some are spreading about CBD oil, and we want to address some of the most common:”

 [Myth] #1 – CBD Will Cure Anything That Ails My Dog

“We recommend referencing research and testimonials from pet owners to learn about what issues CBD can help. Studies have shown that CBD can help dogs with epilepsy and osteoarthritis.”

“Dog parents report many other benefits, including a reduction in anxiety and pain.”

 [Myth] #2 – CBD Is Illegal In My US State

“Unfortunately, many people confuse hemp with marijuana – they are two related but different plants. Hemp, with all its many uses, is the plant from which CBD is sourced and is legal in all 50 states. In fact, hemp has been a cash crop in the US for centuries!”

 [Myth #3] – CBD Is Psychoactive & Will Make My Dog “High”

“This [misconception] stems from the confusion between hemp and marijuana. It’s the THC in marijuana that gives people a high. CBD oil from hemp, however, contains less than 0.3% THC.”

“This trace amount of THC can be removed, which is best for pets – though we only know of one CBD oil that does this, and that's Cannanine™ Organic Hemp Oil with CBD!”

CBD for the Fourth!

The Fourth of July is a sad day at shelters because they are overrun with confused dogs that have bolted from their homes as a result of the terrifying explosions in the sky.

CBD oil can calm and relax your dog so the fireworks don't have such a negative effect. “

Holiday Safety Thought #2

Christmas decorations create a beautiful and an almost magical display in our homes.  For us humans these pretty ornaments and plants are understood to be just that - decorations. However, our pets are often fascinated with these new "toys" that seem to them to offer fun, play, and even a treat to munch on.  Please take great care and protect your precious dogs, cats, and other pets!

Christmas trees need to be secured so they can't topple over if our pets try to jump on or climb.  Fast moving dogs can upside down an unsteady tree in a heart beat. Locate the tree where it is safe from exploring critters who are curious about an outdoor tree moving inside! Friends of mine placed their tree in their enclosed porch with glass doors. The humans get to enjoy it without worrying about their pets toppling their tree or, much worse, their beloved pet getting dangerously hurt.  

I knew that eating tinsel and various ornaments can cause intestinal blockages, but I never gave much thought to the needles of the real or artificial tree. They can perforate the intestines' wall and cause life-threatening leakages and infections. This is another big reason to locate our trees out of reach of our beloved pets.

Popcorn balls or strings are yummy temptations and can cause our pets to tug at the tree and destroy our lovely evergreen. Remember that mistletoe, holly, and poinsettia plants are toxic and will poison our loving, four-legged family members  

Electrical lights and cords can electrocute and kill when chewed on or strangle when played with and our pets get wrapped up. Secure all wires

Fires in the fireplace are cozy but please protect your pet from getting burned by placing a sturdy fire screen.  One of my pups loves the warmth so much that she gets much too close. Her tail could easily go up in flames if a safe barrier were not there to keep her out of harm's way.  This applies to burning candles as well.  Keep them up and away from your pets and the possibility of getting knocked over.  A friend's apartment went up in smoke quite literally from a candle being knocked over by a wagging tail.

A good rule of thumb is to think first and use only decorations that we are absolutely positive will not become a potential danger to our pets. Err on the side of caution every time. I would rather have a safe and happy holiday than one spent in the veterinarian's hospital.

God bless you all and have a blessed, peace-filled holiday. Thank  You