Meet Moose. Moose is your typical lovable spoiled old guy owned by Stacey Perez. He, like any dog that lives past 10, has arthritis and spinal spondylosis causing an inevitable rear end weakness.
Moose has been on Adequan and Meloxicam for about a year, which has been very helpful, but his rear would still drop a lot when he was just standing. So, Stacey started researching CBD.
Stacey is a nurse and needed to do all the research, especially for a product that is NOT currently regulated. This is a very important caveat! CBD is not regulated, and there have only been a handful of studies done. Please see the Whole Dog Journal’s article which discusses some of the studies, labeling (or lack of accurate labeling), lack of oversight, and other important information and warnings. Stacey understood that she was basically on her own as far as research and decision-making was concerned. Veterinarians are NOT allowed to dispense or administer CBD or any cannabis related products.
With all that said, how in the world do you know where to start? Like everyone else, Stacey was overwhelmed, but with the help of this guide, Stacey looked at the following:
- Cost. The ones you can get for 20 bucks online are likely nothing more than olive oil. The good ones do cost more.
- Extraction Method. Only buy CBD only that has used these two methods of extraction, ethanol and/or supercritical CO2 extraction. This information can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
- Hemp from USA. Only buy CBD from hemp plants grown in the USA to avoid unnecessary toxins.
- Label. Check label for the words, “whole plant” or “full spectrum” to get the secondary constituents in the hemp plant that work with the CBD to bring out the best health benefits.
- Lab Results. Only buy products that have third party lab results available on their website to ensure the actual mg of CBD advertised is indeed in the product, and the THC level is < 0.3%, as THC is what makes you “high” and can be very harmful to dogs.
She chose Blue Bird Botanical’s Companion CBD Capsules for Moose (Neither Stacey nor JW are in any way associated with this company.) and gives him 2 capsules a day, at a cost of approximately $75 a month.
After starting CBD, Stacey watched in amazement as Moose ate his whole breakfast with his rear up the whole time! Now, 3-4 weeks after starting, Stacey has been able to take Moose for a hike and a swim at the pond, and he was able to be out for 2 hours, and he walked 2.5 miles and his rear didn’t drop once even when tired. And he continues to improve daily! Wow!
Stacey says, “Of course I went into this not really expecting it to work, but once you see your old dog standing tall in the rear when he couldn’t previously, it makes you a believer. He will still get weak and drop some right after exercise when he’s fatigued but can at least now stand at his food bowl or walk around the yard without his rear giving out. It’s not a cure and I don’t expect it to fix him totally as he’s aging and has spondylosis and arthritis, has had two CCL repairs 7 years ago, but the quality of life it’s bringing him at this very moment is priceless, and we will ride the train as long as it seems to help.”
We couldn’t be happier to share this information with anyone with an old Weimaraner, as not only has it helped Moose, we have heard of CBS helping other Weims that have experienced seizures, separation anxiety and other issues. If you have had any experiences to share, please post below. Likewise, please drop any questions below!
Note: Neither Stacey or I are in any way affiliated with Blue Bird Botanicals. Stacey believes in the product which is why it is mentioned in this article. We cannot vouch for its effectiveness or safety for your dog. We are not veterinarians. Please consult yours before you administer anything to your dog.
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