5 Ways to Use Hemp to Help Your Small Breed Dog

Hemp refers to special strains of Cannabis sativa commonly used for oils, ointments, nutritional benefits and other purposes outside recreational marijuana use.  Because hemp variants contain lower ratios of THC (the primary intoxicant in cannabis), they are capable of providing animals and humans alike with many of the benefits of cannabis without making them feel high or “stoned.” That’s why many pet owners across the nation make use of animal-friendly hemp products, to foster optimal health, comfort and care for their cats and dogs.

At Canna Companion, we’ve invested nearly 20 years of research into understanding the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the beneficial effects of cannabis products on canines and felines.  Canna Companion supplements were created, providing hemp-based pet supplement which enhances the benefits of cannabis while negating the “high-inducing” capacity of THC. We also take pride in providing pet parents with all of the knowledge and support they need to understand and leverage the effects of cannabis to ensure their pets stay healthy and happy for many years. When administered properly, hemp products can be incredibly effective at supporting the health and well-being of every canine breed, even the smallest ones! Today, we’ll be discussing five ways hemp products can be used to help and support the wellness of your small breed dog. But before we jump in, let’s take a few moments to go over the important differences between hemp and marijuana products.

Hemp vs. Marijuana Products

There are two primary types of cannabis: marijuana and hemp. Both marijuana and hemp products utilize natural compounds that support the endocannabinoid system of mammals, but marijuana contains higher THC amounts than hemp. As a result, marijuana products can cause a host of negative effects in pets, including:

• Low blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Incontinence
• Inability to walk straight
• Lethargy or excessive pacing

Because of these serious side effects, most pet parents heavily favor hemp supplementation, and we agree. Hemp products contain smaller amounts of CBD, THC and other helpful cannabinoids, giving companion animals all of the benefits of cannabis while minimizing its side effects. Moreover, cannabis overdoses occur far more frequently in marijuana than hemp because of its more potent concentrations of cannabinoids. And, most importantly, it’s critical to remember that possession of any marijuana product is illegal in many parts of the country. Hemp products, however, are 100% legal to own and use in every single U.S. state, provided the ingredients are sourced from seeds and mature stalks of the cannabis plant, thus not under DEA control.

Now that you have a solid understanding of how hemp products differ from marijuana products, let’s talk about the benefits of hemp products and how they can be used to provide the highest quality of care for your favorite four-legged friend.

1. Using Hemp to Support Your Dog’s GI Tract

Dogs of every age and breed have a penchant for eating things they shouldn’t. If your small dog loves to vacuum up food dropped by your kids, at every opportunity, odds are good that you can attest to that fact. Despite their relatively hardy GI tracts, every canine can experience stomach sickness and discomfort, especially when they eat things that are bad for their system (like spoiled or rotten food). That’s why it’s always a good idea to bolster your pup’s GI tract through supplementation. Hemp supplements like Canna Companion are very effective at supporting a dog’s digestive processes and maintaining a healthy GI tract, making them a great boon for owners who want to keep their canines in top form.

2. Optimizing Your Dog’s Immune System

Your dog’s immune system is his or her body’s first line of defense against a variety of foreign invaders. Keeping this system in peak condition plays a pivotal role in ensuring your dog stays healthy and strong, particularly as they grow older and their immunity weakens. Leading cannabis researchers have found that a healthfully functioning endocannabinoid system is a key component to a happy immune system.  Natural hemp supplements utilizing ratioed compounds for ECS support are even more effective at encouraging maximal immunity in dogs when paired with a healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine.

3. Supporting Your Canine’s Joints and Mobility

Daily exercise and activity can put incredible strain on your dog’s body, often resulting in joint discomfort that negatively affects their quality of life. This issue is particularly problematic for working dogs or canines who are approaching seniority. Fortunately, hemp supplements can be used to mitigate all joint discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity, supporting general joint health and ensuring that your dog won’t be slowed down for long after a hard day of jumping, running and playing.

4. Maintaining a Normal, Calm Demeanor

It’s no secret many dogs struggle with temporary and situational anxieties. These feelings of distress can stem from the absence of a family member, spending time inside of a moving vehicle or hearing loud and upsetting sounds (like fireworks or thunder). If your small dog is grappling with these emotions, then you should consider alleviating their concern with hemp products. For example, our Canna Companion supplements are very effective at encouraging a normal, calm demeanor in canines by mitigating the effects of temporary and/or situational anxieties, making them a great tool for keeping your pup feeling safe and remaining calm.

5. Fostering Optimal Neurological Function

Regrettably, a wide number of situations (including the normal aging process) can cause a dog’s mental health and performance to wane over time, decreasing their quality of life and making it more difficult to perform daily activities. Luckily, hemp products contain a variety of phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids that support the endocannabinoid systems of dogs, promoting healthy neurological function regardless of age or condition.

Contact Canna Companion Today

Be sure to call or message Canna Companion if you have any questions about our pet-friendly hemp supplements and hemp oils for dogs. You can also contact us if you want to learn more about the effects of cannabis on animals or how hemp for dogs can be used to maintain health and happiness in your canine. We look forward to hearing from you soon.