CBD is everywhere, but is it right for your pooch? Bobbi tells us what it is and how it can help your canine.

When I first got Ricky in 2014, he was in sad shape. He was found on the side of the road, scared of everyone and everything. I felt so bad for the little guy! Although Ricky has calmed down a lot since I got him, he still gets nervous around strangers, thunderstorms and loud noises. Although a ThunderShirt and calming aids help, they aren’t 100% effective for Ricky. Over the years, people have recommended CBD, but I wasn’t sure what it was or how it would work. I finally decided it was time to look into the matter, so I spoke to Bobbi, founder and owner of Hempcetera. She sells CBD dog treats and has a lot to say on the subject.

**If you do decide to give your dog CBD, please check with your vet first to make sure it’s ok for your pooch.**

What is CBD and what does it stand for?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is one of the many cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. There are 3 main types of CBD: Isolate, Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum. Hempcetera uses a Full Spectrum extract, meaning we do not use CBD oil mixed with a carrier oil. We use the pure extraction from a farm in Colorado. Each batch comes with a COA report stating which beneficial cannabinoids are included, proof of 0% pesticides and tested in a 3rd party lab. Full Spectrum CBD contains the legal amount of THC (.3%) which offers many more health benefits than Isolate or Broad Spectrum.

What are the benefits of CBD for dogs?

CBD works great for dogs with anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, seizures, decreased appetite, nausea, hot spots, allergies and skin & coat issues. There are also possible anti-cancer and other healing benefits. CBD is great for overall dog health from the inside out.

Is CBD safe for dogs?

Although CBD is legal in most states, it has not yet been approved by the FDA for humans or pets. However there are many studies that show that CBD is very beneficial. A 2017 World Health Organization report concluded that “CBD is generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile."

How can dogs ingest CBD and how much should they take?

Hempcetera infuses its CBD extraction into dog treats, made with 3 wholesome ingredients: whole wheat flour, natural peanut butter & pure pumpkin. They are a huge hit with 4-legged animals! We sell 1.5mg for dogs up to 30lbs and 5mg for dogs over 30lbs.

Can CBD make your dog high?

We use Full Spectrum CBD, meaning it contains THC. Full Spectrum CBD offers many more healing cannabinoids over Broad Spectrum, which contains 0% THC. Our treats are well below the legal THC limit (.3%). There's just a tiny amount of THC in each treat, so our treats will not make your dog high. Perhaps sleepy if given too much, but not high.

How long does it take for CBD to start working on your dog?

Studies show that CBD typically takes 30 minutes to begin to work, but I've had customers tell me that they notice a difference in their dogs almost immediately, especially with obvious joint issues. Some who have dogs with trouble getting up and walking around notice that they are up and moving around without pain within 10 minutes.

How many doses of CBD should you give your dog?

I personally give my 14 year old shitzu two to three 1.5mg treats a day, depending on his pain. Every dog is different and there are many factors including weight, pain level, body chemistry, body fat, metabolism, etc. I always suggest starting with a low dose and working your way up until you see a difference. I have a customer who gives her older lab two 5mg treats a day, one in the morning and one at night. It really helps with her dog’s joint pain.

Tell us about Hempcetera and your CBD dog treats?

Our dog treats are all-natural and made with whole ingredients, including peanut butter and pumpkin. Most dogs love those ingredients, so even the pickiest dogs love our treats. Being all-natural, they do need to be kept in the refrigerator. If you serve them right out of the fridge, they seem like a super special treat to your dog because they are cold and savory, unlike most store bought treats. They are also so much healthier for dogs. You can also freeze them to keep them fresh.

How can people find out more about your CBD dog treats? Where can they purchase them?

We have our full menu & prices posted on Instagram & Facebook. We also sell human cookies! We are in the process of building a website, but for now you can email us at hempcetera@gmail.com, or follow and message us on Instagram & Facebook . We can meet locally or you can pick up your items in North Nashville. We also sell at farmers markets & events around Nashville, with more markets coming soon:

• Earth Day Festival on April 24th

• 12 South Farmers Market every Tuesday, from May to October

• Hendersonville Farmers Market on Saturdays

• Murfreesboro Friday Night Market on Fridays

If you are thinking of buying CBD for your dog, Bobbi shares some advice before you purchase any products:

1. Full Spectrum is more beneficial than Broad Spectrum & Isolate. Those don’t contain THC, so the health benefits won’t be as great.

2. Ask for a COA (Certificate of Analysis), a document that shows the amount and type of cannabinoids in the product and proof of no contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals and solvent residues. Every CBD product must have a COA.

3. Check reviews

4. Do some research

5. Know the proper dosage for your dog

Bobbi, thanks for sharing all this great information about CBD. Your dog treats look delicious and I love that they are all-natural and made with whole ingredients. I know your client’s dogs love them and I’m sure Ricky will too!

**Again, check with your vet if you are thinking of giving CBD to your pooch.**

You can contact Bobbi and Hempcetera@:

hempcetera@gmail.com

@hempceteraofficial

facebook.com/hempcetera