CBD a year later

So here we are almost a year later, how is the CBD treatments going? I updated a previous blog with updated information.  After a year most thoughts I had a year ago are still the same. 

Remember these feelings I posted months back? 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 reduce 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. 

Yes still strongly feel the same way. We have even added the use of Cosequin Joint Heath Supplements.  The use of both the CBD oil and Cosequin have helped my old girl with her mobility tremendously.  I have found in the last year she is far more playful and active than the previous year. 

1. Mobility

My nineteen year old daughter is stuck at home doing college virtual. She has gotten to spend the last few months taking care of our girl during the day.  So she told us the other day that she let our dog out to go the bathroom.  Usually she sticks to our acre yard but we don't have fences around any of the lots in our neighborhood.  We know where our property lines are but no one wants an ugly fence around their big yards.  Amazingly most pets just learn too. Well her mobility has gotten so much better that she still wonders through our yard, down the creek and up into the neighbors yard on the other side of the creek. The daughter caught her and had never known she did this.  She tells my husband and I she hollared for her to come back. Once back she scolded her REALLY good. Unable to control our laughter, I told my daughter not to ever talk to her that way again. Just kidding but not really! Plus she's going to do it again. 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 loves to play and has actually started fetching the ball from longer distances and for longer durations.  I feel like the treatments are turning back the years for her. I love the moments when she initiates play. 

3. Soreness

Let's not fool ourselves, Josie is 8 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 still living her best life when she is out running and kicking up birds. As she as ages, 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 months 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. We are also more financially sound to be able to afford the costs associated with treatments.  But honestly a bottle is around forty dollars a month.  I choose to spend that forty on my dog rather than something else.  

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.