Your body's health reflects what you put into it.


The same is true for our canine companions, but there is a huge disconnect between what we are taught as people about nutrition and health and what we are taught as dog owners.


The same principals we should apply to ourselves, should also be applied to our dogs. Healthy food creates a healthy body.


You may be wondering why it matters, so I want to take a moment to explain why food is important. Food is life. Food consists of a combination of various nutrients that provide the body with what it needs to function. Nutrition is energy, and that energy is used for all of the body's systems... energy for activity, for growth and the repair of cells, and all functions within the body.


Across the globe, health professionals recommend we eat healthy food to prevent disease and live and longer life. The same applies to our dogs. Healthy food ultimately helps prevent disease and illness in our canine companions, while promoting a longer life.


What does healthy food look like for dogs? Healthy food is fresh food. Although kibble is mostly nutritionally balanced, it is highly processed and often uses poor quality ingredients to achieve nutrition requirements for dogs.


Adding fresh food to your dog's kibble, or switching to a homemade or raw food diet is ideal. It is of utmost importance and regardless of the diet you choose to feed, you maintain nutritional balance. An unbalanced homemade or raw food diet is also detrimental to your pet's health.


If you want to start adding fresh food to your dog's diet, try removing 25% of their kibble from the bowl and adding in ingredients like fresh finely chopped or steamed vegetables (such as broccoli, red cabbage, brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potato, cucumber, etc), suitable fruit (such as apple, blueberries, raspberries or banana) and meats like liver, heart, kidney and ground beef, chicken, or turkey.


Adding 25% of fresh food to your dog's diet will absolutely make a big impact on their health. Every bit counts!

With all the new CBD oil products flooding the market, you may be wondering if CBD oil is as good for pets as it seems to be for people.

Does CBD oil have any health or wellness benefits for pets? Is there anything in particular you need to know about how to dose or use CBD oil for pets?

This is an important topic, especially since it can be hard to find effective products that are specifically designed for use with pets.

In this article, we walk you through an overview of what veterinarians and animal experts have to share about CBD oil benefits for pets.

What Does the Research Say About CBD Oil for Pets?

Right now, there has been relatively little formal research that has tested the benefits of CBD oil for use with pets. But this will likely change in years to come.

However, as the American Kennel Club (AKC) points out, dog owners are reporting that CBD oil can potentially help to ease pain and neurological symptoms such as seizures.

One organization that has done research to look at how CBD oil might help pets with arthritis is Cornell University.
The Frontiers in Veterinary Science study results were published in 2018.

Researchers learned that dosing with CBD helped dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and increasing mobility and activity. Most promisingly, researchers noted that side effects seemed to be absent.

Another 2018 research study supported by Colorado State University's James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital delivered equally promising results for dogs with seizures.

Dosing with CBD was able to reduce the frequency of seizure episodes in 89 percent of canine research participants.

What Do Veterinarians Say About Using CBD Oil for Pets?

Although research studies on the topic of CBD oil for pets are still few and far between, this doesn't mean the topic isn't being discussed.

Quite the contrary, as a matter of fact. The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) reports that nearly two-thirds of veterinarians are having discussions with pet owners about using CBD for pets on a regular basis.

However, other than California, which has taken an open stance towards allowing veterinarians to discuss CBD products with pet parents, most other states are still quite strict in their restrictions.

Veterinarians who do not abide by state protocols risk losing their right to practice in that state.

You can always ask your veterinarian for guidance. This is particularly wise if your dog is already taking other medications or is elderly or immune-compromised. If your state's laws do not allow your veterinarian to offer guidance, they will let you know.

What Are Benefits of Using CBD Oil for Pets?

One fact is clear: there would not be so much discussion and interest in CBD oil benefits for pets if there were no benefits!

In fact, the two existing research studies on this topic - CBD for canine osteoarthritis and CBD for canine seizures - both showed tremendous promise.

In both studies, canine research participants received noticeable benefits, including a reduction in pain, an increase in mobility and a reduction in seizure episodes.

Are there other benefits that your pet might gain from using CBD oil?

One of the main ways that pet owners and researchers are approaching the possible benefits of CBD oil for pets is to look at similar human studies to see if there may be similarities.

PetMD outlines five categories that are generating a lot of interest in the potential benefits of CBD oil for pets: pain, arthritis, seizures, anxiety and cancer.

Pet pain and CBD oil.

Pet pain can be particularly hard to treat. Dogs cannot tolerate some human medications and some dogs in particular are very sensitive to medicines.

This makes CBD oil a potentially valuable alternate treatment for pain relief.

CBD oil can be combined with a massage, which is a well-researched and studied method of providing pain relief for arthritis, inflammation and chronic stress.

Pet arthritis and CBD oil.

Arthritis is incredibly common in pets. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons reports as many as one-quarter of all dogs may suffer from arthritis.

CBD oil may be beneficial both in reducing pain and increasing mobility, which in turn can boost quality of life.

Pet seizures and CBD oil.

VCA Animal Hospital states that pet seizures are one of the most common neurological health issues in pets today.

CBD oil may be beneficial in reducing the number and intensity of pet seizures.

Pet anxiety and CBD oil.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has written extensively on pet anxiety. Separation anxiety is one of the most common anxiety conditions for pets.

Treatments to date have delivered only sporadic results. This makes CBD's well-documented anti-anxiety properties for humans of great interest to canine researchers as well.

Pet cancer and CBD oil.

The Animal Cancer Foundation reports that pet cancers are increasing. Animals are often treated in similar ways to how people with cancer are treated.

CBD oil may be useful for management of symptoms and side effects from cancer treatments and medications.

If you want to try CBD oil with your pet, always reach out to your veterinarian first to see if it is possible to receive guidance. As an alternative, start with the lowest manufacturer-recommended CBD oil dose until you see how your pet responds.

The chances you have heard about the potential for the medicinal benefits of CBD is excellent. CBD oil has been featured on the news, internet and even in magazines. This is the reason close attention is now being given to CBD by the researchers. CBD has become available in many different locations. Although most people are aware of the benefits for humans, they are not aware many of these benefits are applicable for their pets as well.

It is important to note no scientific studies regarding the use of CBD on pets have been conducted. Despite this, veterinarians and holistic doctors have both stated CBD is usually safe when consumed by pets such as dogs and cats. The possible side effects are generally lethargy or an upset stomach. Most side effects will disappear once the pet has become used to the CBD. If any side effect persists, you can simply stop giving CBD to your pet.


The biggest issue according to the medical community is the dosage your pet receives. In order to make certain your pet is safe and receives all of the benefits, you must ensure you are using the correct dosage of CBD. This will provide your pet with the best possible results as opposed to any undesirable consequences. CBD will help your pet with many of the same issues experienced by humans.

What is CBD?

Over 100 different, natural chemical compounds have been identified in cannabis plants. CBD or cannabidiol is the compound used most frequently for medicinal purposes. CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are different compounds of the plant. There is a lot of confusion regarding these compounds. THC is what provides users with a psychoactive or high feeling. Unlike THC, CBD is derived from the hemp plant. The THC content is so low, the CBD does not provide any mind-altering effects.

Despite how well CBD products work for animals, there is an issue regarding the legal classification of CBD. Even though the legal status remains somewhat unclear in numerous states, you can purchase CBD oil all over the country. CBD has been in legalized in numerous countries, but the restrictions differ. You do not need a medical cannabis card to purchase CBD in many different parts of the world. The position of the various governments is generally based on where the CBD was derived.

In the United States, the distinction is whether the CBD was derived from marijuana or hemp plants. If the THC content is below 0.3 percent, the CBD product is classified as hemp. There are currently no restrictions on hemp. The majority of CBD products you can purchase for your pet were made using hemp. This means your pet can safely consume these products.

Giving Your Pet CBD Safely

Both CBD and marijuana offer potential medical benefits. The most important aspect is they are both considered safe. In certain U.S. states, CBD is illegal. You should research the laws for your state prior to giving your pet any CBD products. There are a lot of dog and cat owners who have stated CBD made an extremely positive difference for their pets, but the available research in this area is still limited. Your best option is to discuss the correct dosage for your pet with a vet.

If CBD is legal in your state, you can simply purchase products intended for pets. Some of the places you can purchase CBD such as online will provide you with dosage recommendations based on the weight of your pet. Ensuring you give your pet the correct dosage is incredibly important. The correct dosage offers your pet numerous medicinal benefits. An incorrect dosage may be ineffective or result in side effects.

The Importance of the Ingredients

For the most part, CBD is unregulated. This means finding the right product for your pet can be challenging. Whether you own a dog or a cat, you should read the label prior to purchasing the product. The ingredients should be clearly listed with no contaminants in the product. Your best options have labels stating Good Manufacturing Practices are being followed.

Whether the product is intended for humans or animals, every high-quality CBD product has a certificate of analysis. The creation of this document is performed by a third-party, independent lab. The document shows all of the lab results for the product. This includes the percentage of both THC and CBD in the product. The results of contaminant testing are also included. You should think twice before purchasing any product without a certificate of analysis.


The Behavior of Your Pet

The most important step you can take is paying close attention to the mood or behavior of your pet after they have consumed CBD. Side effects from CBD are generally not significant, but there is a potential reaction if your pet has been prescribed any drugs. If you see any changes in your pet, you should make an appointment with your vet. Your vet will know how to proceed. You should also research any potential reactions between CBD and any drugs you are giving your pet.

"She would do the same for me." is what a stranger with a heart of gold told Bryan Thompson, while out on a walk through the beautiful Shubie Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

This stranger, who is actually a pet health expert named Rodney Habib, has a beautiful white Shepherd named Sammie. This snow white 12 year old dog stole Rodney's heart and holds it captive, her unconditional love inspiring him to go above and beyond to give her the best quality of life imaginable.

On a cold winter day in Nova Scotia, Rodney bundled his faithful white Shepherd up in a bed with blankets and pillows, and pulled his precious cargo for a sunlit walk through the park. Her nose was busy sniffing all of the scents on the crisp air while her eyes absorbed the beautiful light of day while her devoted human gently pulled her along in her custom throne on wheels.

 Although Bryan had no idea who this kind man was, the dog world on Facebook recognized him instantly as his post went viral. Rodney has devoted years of his life to pursuing knowledge that helps his fellow pet parents and dog lovers take the best care of their furry family members possible.

Rodney runs an amazing, giving foundation called Paws for Change. Their mission is powerful: "Dogs & Cats deserve to live long, vibrant, and joyful lives. Together, with you, we're making this happen."

The world is in awe of Rodney's selfless, loving devotion to his beautiful dog. He even recently threw her a birthday party in her favorite park! With this story, we all wish Sammie a wonderful 12th birthday! Happy birthday, special girl!

To our dogs, we are everything. We are their source of everything good in the world, and most importantly we are their family. They rely on us to love them, take care of them, and keep them safe. Nobody can take care of them quite like us! Which is why this emotional ad hits close to home.

Your dog won't understand why you didn't come home last night... they won't understand that you didn't simply abandon them. Your dog won't understand any of it, and will feel the terrible sadness and anxiety of your sudden long (forever) absence. Make sure to make safe decisions for transportation during and after your celebrations! Stay safe, have fun, and arrive alive... you have a precious friend waiting for you to come home!

According to American Humane more than 100,000 pets (mostly dogs) die every single year due to pet owners letting their animals ride loose in the bed of their truck - completely unsecured! The bed of a truck can be one of the most dangerous places for your dog to be when traveling by vehicle. There are countless terrible things that can happen to them there.

Not only can they slip, jump or fall out of the bed of a truck, but any debris or object can hit them while you're moving. The majority of dogs jumping from truck beds ends fatally, or leaves them permanently disabled from serious injury. It is extremely dangerous to allow them to ride there unsecured. The smallest jerk of your vehicle at a high enough speed can send them flying to the busy road behind you. It is simply NOT worth the risk!

Dog safety during vehicle transportation is important, because car accidents or hard movements can seriously injure or even kill your dog. There are multiple options for car safety one can explore when preparing their pet for travel. Each option has its own pros and cons, which is why it is important to do your own research for any option that interests you.

A strong, impact-resistant crate or kennel is a great way to keep your dog safe during car travel. There are also seat-belts and safety harnesses designed for car use. It is important to keep a collar on your dog with an ID tag to make sure you can be contacted in case of emergency and your dog gets loose.

Depending on where you live, allowing dogs to ride in your truck bed may actually be illegal. Regardless, it is so important to keep your beloved furry family members safe when traveling. Please do not let them ride unsecured in the bed of a truck!

This beautiful, wise cat is named Rubble - and he is the oldest cat in the world! Rubble has lived in Exeter, England for his 30 years of life, along side his devoted owner Michele Foster. Michele got the adorable orange and white cat when he was just a kitten back in May of 1988 as a gift to herself for her birthday!

Michele has treasured and pampered her beloved cat Rubble for all 30 years of his life, which she says is likely the reason why he has lived so long. She is so grateful for this precious animal, so has provided her with so many incredible years of love and companionship.

Rubble is a relatively healthy cat, despite being on medication for high blood pressure. Michele does a wonderful job making sure he has all the veterinary care he needs, lots of food, water, and love. Her amazing care of Rubble is one of the reasons he is likely the oldest cat in the UK!

Michele was asked whether or not she was willing to enter Rubble into the Guinness World Records, and she responded,

Cream Puff was the cat with the Guinness World Record title for oldest cat, and lived to be 38 years and 3 days old. With all of Michele's love and devotion to her feline friend, I am confident Rubble will exceed those years! I can't help but respect Michele's desire to protect Rubble from the potential stress of being analyzed and recorded for Guinness World Record. Rubble deserves the VERY best!

Indoor cats have a life expectancy of 15 – 20 years, which makes Rubble's age even more impressive. It is quite amazing that he has lived such a comfortable, happy life with Michele. She clearly takes the very best care of him!

With that, we wish Rubble a Happy 30th Birthday! Here is to many, many more years with your loving human Michele!

Please share Rubble's remarkable story, his birthday celebrations, along with these amazingly adorable photos of the oldest cat in the UK with your family and friends!