CBD Oil and Josie week 10

Well, it's been a while since I wrote an update. In the beginning the changes were fast and easily noticeable. I think we have now reached our plateau. It would be hard to keep writing weekly updates as there aren't many changes from week to week now. I may continue with monthly updates instead. 

Labs are prone to bad hips and lose some of their mobility as they age. I watched the loss with a previous lab we owned and eventually he had to be put down. He was 16 years old but his mind was still viable. Putting a dog down who stills understands what you are saying but lacks the ability to even stand anymore is one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever done. Experience is key in life! After we went through it, we made a decision to do the things needed to alivaite some of that pain and suffering for our next dog. No matter the cost! I remind myself, I went and chose Josie, she didn't come pick me out. I owe her the best life I am able to emotionally,  physically, and financially give her. 

So after 10 weeks where are we?

1. Mobility

After ten weeks Josie has increased mobility. This one is a little hard on me to be honest. I love that she doesn't get as tired walking to the back of our acre yard to relieve herself but I don't like that after, she tries to wonder around in the neighbors' yards. This includes the ones across the creek at the back of our property. Before the CBD oil treatments Josie wouldn't leave the yard. It took her an enormous amount of time to walk to the backyard, relieve herself, then slowly wobble back to house. Now she trots back and forth, mouth open, ears flopping, and tongue hanging out. 

2. Playfulness 

I started wondering if Josie had gotten to old to want to play anymore. My other labs never lost their desire to retrieve balls. Josie would go once or twice retrieve the ball and walk to the door. Ten weeks later, she initiates play herself now. The other night out of the blue she ran around the coffee table chasing my husband much like a pup would. They were playing with a ball and being completely silly with each other. It's these moments that we haven't seen in the past year or so that makes me think the CBD treatments are turning back the years for her.

3. Soreness

Let's not be nieve, Josie is 7 and half years old and nothing will keep her from getting sore. She will shows signs of soreness after high demands of physical play or hunting. Labs are breed to work, it's in their blood. She is a bird dog.  She is living her best life when she is out running and kicking up birds. As she as aged, these demands have left her sore and unable to barely move for several days. I remember the days of her moaning and groaning just laying around. After several weeks of the treatments she is able to recover much quicker. Even though she is sore, she doesn't moan and groan as she did previously. 

4. Commitment 

We are in a stage in our lives were we are able to serve her needs better. Our children are grown. It takes little effort for us to take the time necessary each day to remember to provide the treatment. 

5. Recommend 

I would definitely recommend CBD oil treatment for any aging dog that shows areas of concern that have been addressed above. I prefer a natural approach over medications. CBD oil is naturally extracted from the cannabis plant. Medications can damage livers and have other terrible side effects. We chose to take the natural route instead. I have had several friends reach out with questions after reading my blog. I always say the same thing, what can it hurt to try? If you dog doesn't react the way you like then stop.