You love your dog like a member of the family. As he gets older, you might begin to notice more than gray hairs on his muzzle and around his eyes. He may start having some trouble getting up in the mornings or moving around. Perhaps he’s even been diagnosed with some age-related health issues. His pain is your pain, and you want nothing more than to help him manage it. The thing is, you might not be completely on board with conventional pain medications, which can have some rather unpleasant side effects. Cannabis infused treats for your pup may be just the thing to help him feel a little bit more like himself.
Common Issues Affecting Older Dogs
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs are considered seniors at around the age of seven years old. While lifespans vary from one breed to the next, most dogs still have plenty of years beyond this point.
Some signs of aging are visible. You may notice your dog’s coat beginning to gray. He may move a bit slower these days. In addition to these external changes, several things happen on the inside, too. As your dog gets older, his risk for developing serious age-related conditions increases. Some of the most common problems include:
- Arthritis
- Heart problems
- Cancer
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Cognitive decline
Can Cannabis Infused Treats Really Help?
In many cases, veterinarians treat these age-related health conditions with prescription medications. Unfortunately, medications often come with unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, lethargy, and more. As more people discover the benefits of cannabis for humans, the question then becomes, can cannabis help your aging dog?
Like humans, dogs have endocannabinoid systems and cannabinoid receptors. The problem is, however, that there are even fewer studies showing the potential benefits of CBD and cannabis for our four-legged friends. One study from 2018 showed that CBD could help to alleviate inflammation and improve pain and mobility.
Benefits of Infused Treats Vs. Oils
Cannabis edibles provide humans with a variety of significant benefits, and cannabis infused treats may provide your dog with similar results. The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties can help to improve mobility in a dog with arthritis. Treats may also help to manage symptoms associated with cancer, gastrointestinal issues, and mental decline.
Infused treats are just one option. Tinctures are another common solution that dog owners use. The major benefit of dog treats, however, is that most dogs enjoy getting snacks. Cannabis-infused treats contain tasty ingredients that many pups are sure to love. As such, they’re much easier to administer.
If your older dog is having trouble getting around or showing other signs of age-related issues, cannabis-infused dog treats may provide some relief. When shopping for treats, be sure to pay attention to the ingredients and make sure that the products are lab-tested. You can also request a copy of the results from the company if you want more in-depth information. Any quality company will be more than happy to provide you with what you need to determine which products are best for your canine companion.