Whether you have seen it advertised as an additive in a dietary supplement or sold by itself as a stand alone product, hemp oil seems to be everywhere. And for good reason! Hemp oil is an all-natural oil derived from the hemp plant that is non-psychoactive and offers incredible health benefits. Today, even our pets can reap the many benefits of hemp dog treats. What kind of health benefits does hemp oil offer both humans and dogs? We're so glad you asked! Here are the top 4 benefits of hemp oil for dogs!
Dietary Benefits
Arguably the most important internal system for your dog's day to day health is his digestive tract. More than any other system in your dog's body, the digestive tract is susceptible to all sorts of issues. Hemp oil acts as a catalyst within the digestive system to support healthy digestion and intestinal health.
The general gastrointestinal benefits of hemp oil largely involve hemp oil's hydrating properties and ability to support healthy inflammatory pathways. As we know, hemp oil, due to its special relationship with water, is a great resource for staying hydrated. However, the way that hemp oil interacts with water doesn't just make it a good source of hydration; it also makes the gut and digestive system less acidic.
Hemp oil is a basic compound which means that it is less acidic than water. Because the body absorbs hydration better in a basic environment, the addition of hemp oil to your dog's diet means he is absorbing more of the water he drinks, and as a result, is better hydrated. You may have heard the term "alkaline" in regards to water; well hemp oil effectively alkalizes your dog's entire gut so that water can be absorbed.
As your dog becomes more hydrated, the food he ingests will begin to digest more rapidly and with better efficiency. This is just a fancy way of saying that hemp oil, due to its hydrating properties, helps your dog digest his food. According to SitStay, one important byproduct of better digestion is a stronger appetite. So long as your dog is active, a healthy and vigorous appetite is a good thing.
The more food your dog eats, the more nutrients he ingests, and the better his digestive system functions on a regular basis. When administering hemp oil, it is important to keep your dog active to avoid any preliminary weight gain, but this is typically a non-issue for most dogs.
Finally, hemp is a good addition for the microbiomes in your dog's digestive tract as it is an all-natural source of nutrient-rich probiotic elements. Probiotics are healthy microorganisms that help regulate immune and digestive health, and hemp oil helps these little organisms! Hemp oil is nutrient-rich in things like fatty acids which microorganisms in your dog's digestive tract use to stabilize and clean the gut as a whole.
Physical Benefits
It's not just your dog's internal systems that get a benefit from hemp oil; he will look visibly healthier too! Specifically, you will notice your dog's skin, coat, and nails all get healthier after consuming hemp extract. As mentioned previously, hemp oil is rich in fatty acids, specifically Omega-3 and Omega-6. According to Dogs Naturally, these two fatty acids work to promote the generation of biotin and collagen, which are vital to hair and nail growth.
A shiny coat and stronger nails look great, but they are an indicator of a deeper level of well-being. A healthy coat and strong, rapidly growing nails, indicate that your dog's liver is actively producing the necessary compounds for sustained health. Your dog's liver is a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to long-term health, so the more your dog sheds and needs his nails trimmed, the better you should feel about his longevity.
One of the side effects you may notice after administering hemp to your dog is an increase in energy levels. Largely due to everything we have discussed thus far, hemp oil gives your dog more energy because hemp oil makes your dog feel better. When his internal systems are functioning well, your dog will feel his best. As a direct corollary, this will more than likely manifest itself in increased levels of energy and a strong desire for additional activity!
With all the extra activity, thanks to his newfound surplus of energy, you will want to keep his bones healthy. Luckily for your dog, hemp oil is an excellent source of calcium and great for keeping bones strong!
Mental Benefits
Hemp oil is a wonderful source of nutrients that help your dog's internal and external health. However, hemp oil also has benefits on cognitive and brain health. Your dog's mental health is just as important as his physical well-being.
Hemp oil is directly linked to impacting a whole host of mental issues. Most commonly, hemp oil for dog anxiety is often used as a natural alternative.
According to Veterinary Practice News, hemp oil also helps to manage receptors in the body that perceive extreme discomfort which can help in managing your dog’s levels of general discomfort associated with particular health issues.
One of the biggest discoveries regarding the health properties of hemp oil is in relation to neurological issues.The natural chemicals in hemp oil, rich in fatty acids, supply the brain with a surplus of vitamins and minerals that are excellent for promoting healthy and normal cognition .
Emotional Benefits
Overall, a healthier, more physically capable, less anxious dog, means a happier dog. As wonderful as the incredible physical and mental benefits of hemp oil are, the biggest benefit is an increase in general happiness. When your dog is healthy, active, and mentally sharp, he is at his best. Your dog may not understand the complexities of life, but he does understand when he feels good, and that is worth a lot.
A happier dog ensures a higher quality of life for your four-legged friend, and isn't that what we want for our dogs? We want our dog to be as happy as he can be, and sometimes we lose sight of the fact that happiness starts with health. Hemp oil restores happiness from the inside out by providing your dog with the physical and mental base of feeling good.
In Conclusion
Hemp oil doesn't just offer emotional benefits for your dog; it offers you peace of mind as well. The satisfaction and serenity you will feel knowing that you are taking a proactive step to protect your dog's health is priceless. Though it may be tempting to start your dog on hemp oil immediately after reading this article, it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Your vet's in-depth knowledge of your dog's personal medical history is a great asset that you should rely on before taking the plunge with a new supplement.
Just think, there's a reason why so many pet owners are giving their four-legged companions hemp products. Whether your pup suffers from digestive issues, discomfort, joint issues, nausea, or anxiety, our natural products for dogs can help.The effects of hemp oil are extremely positive, and we are certain that your dog would benefit greatly from hemp oil in all its forms!
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/cannabis-oil-dogs-everything-you-need-know
https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/faq-what-you-need-to-know-about-hemp-and-dogs/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/5-reasons-to-use-hemp-oil-for-dogs/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
https://sitstay.com/blogs/good-dog-blog/how-much-cbd-oil-should-i-give-my-dog
