Charlottes web CBD products for pets

I’m a relative newcomer to the world of veterinary hemp or CBD products. We weren’t versed on it in veterinary school and I work in a clinic that leans more towards the traditional side. However, I also happen to have an “old lady” dog and a one-year old that wants nothing more than to frenzy bark at the  delivery trucks all day. So, I figured why not give some of these products a try.

My dogs tested out the Hip & Joint chews, the Hemp Extract Liquid, and the Calming chews; which for these two of my dogs was exactly what was needed. How did Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract stand up to these tough critics? Let’s find out.



4.0


Editorial Rating

What we like:
Great natural alternative for pets

What We Like

  • The chicken flavor made these chews irresistible
  • Convenient serving sizes
  • A more natural alternative
  • Has a Subscribe and Save system for easy ordering (and 10% off every order)

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t have FDA approval for use in dogs because the FDA does not currently oversee CBD regulations
  • Excessive packaging
  • Contains possible allergens like brewers yeast and chicken flavoring

Charlotte's Web Package

How Much Does it Cost?

For the Hip & Joint Chews: They come in a package of 60 chews for $19.99, or roughly $0.33 per chew. The recommended serving varies based on weight. For my dog at 50 lbs, the serving is up to two chews per day or $0.66. Dogs under 10 lbs would get ½ chew per day and dogs over 100 could have up to 8 chews per day.

For the Hemp Extract Liquid: It comes in a 1 oz (30 ml) bottle for $59.99 or $1.99 per ml. Four pumps (now droppers) from the bottle yields about 1 ml. Serving size recommendations range from 1 pump for under 25 pounds to 4 pumps for 75 and over. My dog ran in the middle at 1-2 pumps per day or around $1.00 per serving.

The Hemp Infused Balm runs $24.99 for 1.5 oz and would last depending on the size of area you’re using it on.

Chews for Senior Dogs runs 30 chews for $19.99 or 60 chews for $34.99.

About Charlotte’s Web Hemp Products

Hemp is a plant, related to marijuana, that grows normally in nature. The main difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of THC, the  psychoactive compound sought after in marijuana, that is present. Hemp has a much lower level of THC (legally required to be under 0.3%), yet still contains high levels of phytocannabinoids that can calm the mind, reduce everyday stresses, and help aid sleep. Charlotte’s Web Hemp utilizes the benefits of phytocannabinoids without causing the  euphoria that marijuana does.

Charlotte’ Web products are formulated to “ease hip and joint stiffness in adult dogs caused by routine exercise and activity.” The Hip & Joint chews contain not only the phytocannabinoids but also glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric to increase joint health.

The Calming Chews are meant to “calm and relax adult dogs, easing the stress of travel, separation, change of routine and whatever else may cause pet stress.” In this product the phytocannabinoids are combined with other calmers like valerian root, chamomile and passion flower extract.

The Senior Dog Chews utilized the natural antioxidants of vitamin E and elderberry, along with DHA to support cognitive function in your dog’s golden years.

And the balm is a topical way of utilizing phytocannibinoids to improve skin health for those pups with sensitive skin.

Charlotte's Web Products

How it Works

If you’re new to the world of hemp, try using Charlotte’s Web product finder and take the quiz to help narrow down the product that you hope will benefit your best friend. While this tool is based on the human products, it may help you narrow down the dog product that you’re looking for. Many of the products on Charlotte’s Web are formulated for humans, so be sure to only utilize those meant for dogs on your pup as products meant for humans may contain ingredients that are unsafe.

My Experience With Charlotte’s Web Hemp Products

As I said before, I had two very specific issues that I was hoping to help in my two dogs. I looked to the Hip & Joint Chews to help my elderly girl and the Calming Chews to take the young one down a notch or two.

The products arrived very well packaged. They were wrapped in bubble wrap to keep them from getting squished, a huge benefit, but maybe a little unnecessary since they were shipped in a cardboard box as well. Not a deal breaker for sure, but something that some of us might want to know.

My dogs like the taste of these products right away. There was no coaxing or trickery needed. They just gulped them down. The Hemp Extract Liquid I easily put on their food and it didn’t matter whether I used the chicken flavored or the unflavored, I never had a problem.

Now, as to the effectiveness, it’s going to take more than a few phytocannibinoids to calm my young dog down. However, as a veterinarian I have recommended various calming supplements to dog parents that aren’t quite willing to take the unnatural road and have come back with mixed results. What supplements have worked wonders for some pups haven’t phased others. So, even though my dog didn’t experience much calming, that’s not to say that others wouldn’t.

My older dog, on the other hand, did seem to benefit. I did notice a bit of an increase in her activity, which is a win in my book. In the case of joint support, it may take several weeks for the benefits to be noticeable.

Final Thoughts on Charlotte’s Web Hemp Products

Supplements, including hemp and other popular ones like glucosamine, aren’t regulated by the FDA. This means that dosages, efficacy and safety haven’t been as thoroughly researched as pharmaceuticals that are approved. This doesn’t mean that supplements can’t be effective and safe, it just means you should talk to your veterinarian about them before you give them to your pup.

I have also read that hemp and CBD products can cause drowsiness. While my dogs weren’t affected by this, it may be a possibility, especially at the higher end of the serving sizes . So, if you’re hoping to get your pup moving freely again, you may experience the opposite effect.

If you have a dog that needs help with their movement or one that needs a little calming touch and you’re not ready to seek out unnatural alternatives just yet, Charlotte’s Web hemp products might be of help.