Hemp has been widely used and recommended for thousands of years. It has become a very common herb to give ourselves and pets to help combat ailments and medical issues. Hemp fiber from the plant's stems has been used for clothing, rope, and some building materials for more years than is documented.
What is hemp?
Hemp is a variety of the cannabis family! However, hemp contains a very low amount of THC (the bit that gets you high!) Known as the sober cousin of marijuana! Hemp is legal and became legal in 2018. Since becoming legal hemp and its magnificent benefits have exploded on the internet and the data that has been collected from various experiments on both humans and animals has proved that hemp could quite simply be the future power plant for many illnesses and ailments.
Hemp is safe for dogs and cats.
A dog's endocannabinoid system is very similar to that of us humans. The endocannabinoid system is a system of chemicals that are similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis. These receptors are found throughout your dog's body. The endocannabinoid system plays a very important role in keeping your dog healthy. If you have an imbalance in this system then it is likely that your dog is sick or stressed. A way to help rebalance this system is by providing your dog with hemp.
How to give hemp.
There are many different products on the market that contain hemp. Depending on what you are using hemp for will depend on which product suits your dog.
Hemp oil.
Hemp oil is in my opinion the best way to administer hemp to your dog. Using the oil is easy and just requires you to place the dropper at the back of the tongue. Being absorbed this way means that the hemp can get into the system quicker as it is being absorbed through the mouth. Another way to administer the oil is by adding it to your dog's food at mealtimes. Hemp oil can be purchased from many online shops and health food shops. We also sell hemp oil for both dogs and cats here at The Valley Pet Shop.
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Treats.
Treats are another great way to get hemp into your dog. They are a very popular item in terms of sales and benefits. The only thing you need to be aware of is the amount of hemp in the treats. Some treats have a smaller concentration of hemp in them. Here at The Valley pet shop, we are in the process of experimenting with hemp to make all kinds of super tasty and healthy dog treats! watch this space.
Shampoos.
Hemp is a big industry in the beauty world so why can't dogs have it in their beauty products? Well, they can and it comes in the form of shampoos! The shampoos are great for various skin conditions, they also provide much-needed benefits for dogs suffering from itchy skin and sensitive skin.
Powder.
As well as the oil, hemp powder has to be my favorite way to administer hemp to my dogs. I simply put the required amount on their food each day and minus the amount I have put in their homemade treats, making sure that I am not overloading their system.
Hemp dog treats recipe.
4 teaspoons of hemp powder.
1 cup of oats grounded into flour.
3/4 cup of doggy peanut butter.
1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
Water for mixing until you get a dough consistency.
Desiccated coconut for dusting.
Method.
*In a bowl mix all the ingredients together (apart from the desiccated coconut) till you make a dough consistency. *Pinch out small amounts and roll them into balls. Make the balls a suitable size for your dog. *Then roll them in some desiccated coconut and leave them in the fridge to set. Kept in the fridge these should last about 5 to 7 days. Desiccated coconut.
