What are Dog Weed Treats?

WARNING: Never give your dog THC or any products containing THC. THC is TOXIC for dogs.

Thanks to legalization and rapid innovation, we now have a cornucopia of cannabis consumption options and products to choose from. It seems as if there's no limit to what can be created. This is currently extending beyond humans and into the world of mammals. 

Dogs are one of humans' most beloved creatures. We'll do almost anything to ensure our furry friends are safe, happy, and healthy. That includes giving them a wide range of cannabis-infused treats aimed at maintaining and improving their quality of life.

Dog Weed Treats or CBD?

It is important never to give your dog or another mammal THC. Low levels of THC can be toxic for dogs and may cause a number of adverse effects. Instead, dog edibles contain CBD, a non-intoxicating compound that can benefit dogs in more subtle ways.

Infusing treats with CBD allows dogs and other pet mammals to potentially experience a number of beneficial effects, similar to what a human experiences when consuming the cannabinoid. Beneficial effects of dog edibles may include:

• Inflammation relief  
• Cardiac benefits  
• Appetite stimulation  
• Anxiety relief  

Again, canines should never have THC. They may experience adverse reactions from consuming THC, including:

• Declined coordination
• Slow movements
• Lethargy
• Dilated pupils
• Urinary incontinence
• Vomiting
• Tremors and shaking
• Agitation

Because dog “weed” treats are used with CBD, your dogs won't experience the intoxicating “high” effects associated with THC. Similar to humans, the dog can maintain its normal level of cognition and overall well-being while receiving more subtle effects throughout the body since the treats are made with CBD.

These possible benefits have inspired countless dog owners worldwide to try CBD on their pets. Ample anecdotal feedback from pet owners suggests that edibles for dogs can help older dogs move better and keep them calm during travel, grooming, and other stressful situations. 

It's also important to remember that when we say “edibles for dogs,” we aren't just talking about your traditional infused cookie or meat-based treat. While you can find an abundance of CBD-infused options that look like conventional treats, you can also purchase products like oil drops and CBD distillate powders.

These options help expand the ways owners can administer CBD to their dogs. Keep in mind that, unlike infused treats, many dogs may not be eager for a powder or a dropper that goes into their mouth.

How are Dog Weed Treats Made?

Making edibles at home has become a tradition in the cannabis community for decades. The last few generations of homemade edibles helped spark the medical cannabis revolution that led to where we are today. With making edibles such a crucial and fun experience in the cannabis world, it makes sense that many have replicated the process when creating CBD-infused treats for their dogs. 

Whether you're a DIY dog treat creator or a major brand operating on a commercial scale, there are numerous recipes and methods to making infused edibles for dogs. The recipe and source material for your CBD can vary depending on the product made. In some recipes, the instructions may call for including CBD oil in a mixing bowl with other ingredients. 

In other cases, the recipe may call for the inclusion of a powdery distillate instead. The distillate may be added to the mixing bowl or included in the end. 

Producers must be aware of their ingredients when making edibles for dogs or humans. Allergens may trigger minor or grave reactions in consumers, including dogs.

Canines regularly have high sensitivities to certain everyday foods that humans consume. Many ingredients, including several popular fruits, can be fatal if consumed.

If you are unsure of a specific ingredient's risk, double-check with a reliable source, such as your veterinarian or the American Kennel Club website.

Advantages of Dog Weed Treats

Using CBD oil and treats for anxiety, pain relief, and other beneficial effects appears to be a viable option for many dogs. Backed by similar results to humans and a growing number of lab analyses, it seems that using CBD for dogs and other mammal-based pets can result in many possible positive outcomes, including:

Anxiety Relief

CBD has been linked to anxiety reduction in dogs, just as it has been with humans. The positive effect on dogs may help treat certain canines suffering from common issues such as separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, and other stress-related behavioral problems.¹

Pain Management

CBD has been cited as a possible method to relieve joint and muscle pain, which can help with conditions such as osteoarthritis.¹

Seizure Frequency Reduction

One of CBD's more powerful potential benefits includes its ability to reduce seizure frequency in humans and dogs alike, alleviating some of the painful symptoms of conditions like epilepsy.²

THC Toxicity and the Drawbacks of Dog Weed Treats

It's important to reiterate the importance of cannabinoid difference when considering cannabis for your dog or other mammal pets. Using CBD has been proven to be effective in many use cases. On the other hand, THC, while often positive for humans, is frequently linked to grave adverse reactions.

Unlike humans, dogs run a greater risk of unwanted outcomes when consuming THC. Not only does your pooch not understand what to expect from consuming an intoxicating substance like THC, but its body isn't equipped the way ours is. 

Both humans and dogs have a complex system of receptors throughout the brain and body called the endocannabinoid system. Unlike humans, dogs have an elevated level of receptors in their body, making them more susceptible to the effects of THC than humans.

Side effects can lead to unwanted and potentially severe outcomes such as:³

• Lethargy
• Uncoordinated movements
• Drooling
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Death

Pet owners must also consider the brand and production quality used when making products. Sadly, the pet industry has often been linked to using subpar and potentially even dangerous ingredients in pet foods and treats.

Introducing a cannabinoid, like CBD, to the process shouldn't pose much of a risk. However, it could be dangerous if the source material used has not been confirmed to be free of pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

While CBD treats for pooches appear primarily beneficial, the risks warrant consideration for alternative options. Remember that just like humans, dogs respond differently to cannabis, be it THC or CBD. 

Owners must consider all the factors that could harm their dogs before allowing them to consume any products. Similarly, owners should monitor their pets during the first few applications to ensure they do not respond negatively.

Tips for Buying Dog Weed Treats

Before buying any edibles for dogs, consider the following:^4,5  

Third-Party Lab Tested

It is recommended to only purchase from brands with a QR code linked to testing on the package and those that provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the product batch on the website that details the results, confirming the product's cannabinoid levels and checking for any potential contaminants. If you are unsure of the results a company provides with a product, you can always call the lab to verify the results are accurate. 

Proper Labeling

Verifying the product contents also includes confirming the dosage and cannabinoid ratios are correct. These facts can also be confirmed when reviewing the lab results.

Reputable Brands

Consider reviews from fellow dog owners to get an idea of some of the more trusted and well-liked brands.

Avoid THC

THC is much more dangerous to dogs and other mammal pets than it is to humans. Do not give your dog high levels of THC, or you’ll risk some potentially grave outcomes.

Check for Additional Contaminants

Dog owners should confirm their product contains no other unwanted elements besides THC. Lab testing can verify these details.

Top 5 Dog Weed Treats

These are some of the more highly regarded CBD dog treats for anxiety, pain relief, and other quality-of-life improvement:

Charlotte's Web Dog Calming CBD Chew

The iconic CBD brand uses a blend of full spectrum hemp extract with other common ingredients such as Valerian root, passion fruit extract, and camomile to help keep dogs calm during stressful situations potentially.

Suzie's CBD Biscuits Sampler Pack

Made from organic ingredients and full-spectrum CBD, this variety pack and its entire line offer dog owners and their pets a range of flavors to choose from.

Honest Paws CBD Dog Treats

Made from organic, non-GMO ingredients, this entire line is made to treat a range of common dog ailments and is sold in several formulations and flavors.

Austin and Kat CBD Dog Treats

Made from full-spectrum CBD, these dog treats improve a dog's general wellness and overall health, making them a particularly appealing option for older dogs and fans of natural ingredients.

Bailey's Omega Hemp CBD Soft Chews

Made from full-spectrum CBD and fatty acids, these soft chews help dogs maintain healthy joints while staying mobile.

References

1. Di Salvo A, Conti MB, della Rocca G. Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1204526 ↩︎
2. Garcia GA, Kube S, Carrera-Justiz S, Tittle D, Wakshlag JJ. Safety and efficacy of cannabidiol-cannabidiolic acid rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2022;9:939966. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.939966 ↩︎
3. De Briyne N, Holmes D, Sandler I, Stiles E, Szymanski D, Moody S, Neumann S, Anadón A. Cannabis, Cannabidiol Oils and Tetrahydrocannabinol—What Do Veterinarians Need to Know? Animals. 2021; 11(3):892. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030892 ↩︎
4. Wakshlag JJ, Cital S, Eaton SJ, Prussin R, Hudalla C. Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Heavy Metal Analysis of 29 Over-the-Counter Commercial Veterinary Hemp Supplements. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. 2020;11:45-55. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S248712 ↩︎
5. Li J, Carvajal R, Bruner L, Kaminski NE. The current understanding of the benefits, safety, and regulation of cannabidiol in consumer products. Food Chem Toxicol. 2021;157:112600. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112600 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.