Those of us with dogs in our lives are always looking for new ways to enhance their quality of life and help them live longer and be happier. Recently, a wonderful new discovery toward that goal has come in the form of CBD.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural supplement derived from the cannabis plant that does not carry the psychoactive effects of THC. The full benefits of CBD are still being explored, but to date it has been demonstrated to be useful at countering such ailments as pain, anxiety, seizures, and even cancer.
Companies such as CannaBiDog in Englewood, Colorado, are already making strides in offering CBD for dogs in forms such as chewable treats and tinctures. It is their devotion to the health and happiness of dogs that inspires this work.
Here are some further health tips and suggestions that could improve your dog’s quality of life.
Feed Him a High Quality Diet—But Don’t Overfeed
Dogs thrive on high quality dog food, so this isn’t the place to cut corners. Choosing a high quality food will give your dog glossy fur, enhance his immune system, and help keep his intestinal health in shape. In addition, your dog is likely to take more pleasure in high quality food. But don’t indulge him too much. Allowing your dog to become overweight comes with its own set of problems. It can cause heart and joint disease, and could end up reducing your dog’s life by as much as two years.
Take Care of His Teeth
Dental disease is common in pets, and it can be very painful. If left unchecked, it can even make it difficult for your dog to eat. Not only that, dental disease can directly lead to heart and kidney issues, which can be very serious.
Brushing is the most effective way to take care of your dog’s teeth, but some dogs don’t take well to having their teeth brushed. For them, try dental treats and toys, which can be found at any major pet store.
Get Him Some Exercise
If your dog is behaving destructively or showing signs of anxiety, the simple solution may be that he’s just going a little stir crazy! A dog’s need for exercise varies by breed and size, but most dogs do need one or two hours of exercise per day to work off the energy from that healthy diet you’re feeding them.
If you’ve got a small dog and a big house, buy some toys and try to engage him in a game of fetch. If you have a fenced in yard, let him out to run around. And, of course, it’s always a great idea to take your dog for a walk and get some exercise along with him!
Visit a Vet
Finally, make sure your dog has a good veterinarian and schedule regular visits. Seeing a vet routinely will allow them to monitor your dog’s health for changes and catch any issues before they get out of hand.