What Can I Give My Dog to Reduce His Anxiety?
Treatibles Product Review and Giveaway
Summer is here. It is such a wonderful time of year where we can take our dogs for long walks, hikes in the woods, or walks on the beach. But for those of us with fearful, anxious, or reactive dogs, we have to take the utmost care for our animal’s well being.
The upcoming July 4th holiday is a prime example. Even in the comfort of their own homes, many dogs become terrified of the fireworks and revelry. Often we see notices on Facebook the following day about dogs that broke loose from their leash or yard because they panicked at the noise. Alternatively, photos of their pets hiding in their bathrooms or under their bed due to their anxiety.
There is a solution. Hemp wellness chews from Treatibles.
What Are Treatibles?
Treatibles are healthy, hemp wellness chews containing cannibinoids (CBD) that work with your animal’s natural processes to achieve balance. Treatibles use hemp plants cultivated in Colorado and baked in California.
Is Hemp the Same as Marijuana?
Hemp is a distinctly different plant than marijuana, although they are both in the Cannabis family. One glaring difference is that hemp contains very little THC, the hallucinogenic property that marijuana is known for. Alternatively, hemp plants produce more CBD (cannabidiol) than THC, while marijuana produces more THC than CBD.
According to Leaf Science:
“Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most common cannabinoid. Although it has no psychoactive effects, it appears to improve mood and alleviate pain. CBD has received a lot of attention lately because of its antipsychotic effect that calms the nervous system. Studies suggest that it may help with epilepsy, schizophrenia and a number of other ailments.”
How does CBD Work?
CBDs are therapeutic cannabinoids, which provides therapeutic effects but is not hallucinogenic as they contain extremely low amounts of THC. Dogs Naturally Magazine wrote about some of the benefits of therapeutic cannabinoids.
According to Dogs Naturally Magazine:
“The cannabis plant contains a number of different chemicals, including CBD, phytocannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids. Humans and other mammals have specific cannabinoid receptor sites. These sites are primarily in the brain and central nervous system, and in peripheral organs, especially immune cells. They make up what’s called the endocannabinoid system.
Studies show that many cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects, and can help with pain, tumors, seizures, muscle spasms, skin conditions, appetite stimulation, aggression, anxiety and neurological disorders.” – Cannabis For Your Dog: How It Can Help.
What Ingredients Are In Treatibles?
All ingredients are preservative-free, gluten-free, and vegan. They come in two flavors: Pumpkin and Blueberry. We received the Pumpkin Treatibles for Large Dogs for the purposes of this review. I absolutely love pumpkin and use it in my dog’s food regularly.
Why Does My Dog Need CBD?
My Anatolian Shepherd mix, Beau, is a reactive dog. We rescued him while a small puppy and even though he showed fearful and reactive tendencies. Through desensitization and positive training methods he has come a long way and is unconcerned by loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms. That being said, he does not handle crowds of people or other dogs well on leash. Knowing this, I don’t often put him in a situation where he will be stressed or may provoke a dangerous encounter.
Because of his anxiety Beau misses out on a lot of fun.
I regularly use canine massage and aromatherapy on my dogs. However, I strive for a holistic view of wellness. Because Beau is so food-motivated I was interested in learning more about Treatibles. This year at the BlogPaws conference I met and spoke with CEO and founder of Treatibles, Julianna Carella. After only a few moments, I knew that Beau would benefit from their product.
The Test
Beau is naturally intense. We rescued him from Tennessee while he was quite young, but he was very sweet and timid. While my dog is unafraid of loud noises he is overprotective and reacts to any perceived threat- especially to me. As an Anatolian Shepherd mix, Beau takes his job as my guardian way too seriously. I work with him on his intensity during walks. After all, our neighbors and their dogs are not a threat, and I want him to be able to relax.
Sadly training can only do so much. Beau needs help to relax and let himself enjoy walks. So the true test was how my dog would behave after having his dose of Treatibles.
About an hour after receiving his dose- 2 large chews (he is 75 pounds)- I took Gonzo and Beau for a walk together. My dogs walk very well on a leash but I wanted to see if I noticed a difference in his general demeanor. It was a lucky day because the landscapers came to work in the neighborhood.
Men walking around with loud, noisy tools will certainly provoke a reaction from one of my dogs, right? Imagine my surprise when Beau was perfectly happy to walk past the men with only a glance. We proceeded drama-free without a single warning bark or hackle raised. I was shocked really. Men are not allowed to walk near me usually. I did not do anything differently or bring training treats. But Beau walked right on by, glancing at them, and quickly refocusing on me. Success!
I felt confident enough to take Beau with me to the bus stop the next morning. Beau is great with children, but their excitement tends to feed his. He barks at everyone and doesn’t settle down nicely. He has fear of missing out. With his morning dosage of Treatibles, he was happy just to walk with his big sister.
Beau has a nemesis in the neighborhood. She and Beau have a lot in common, which is likely the source of the problem. A few days after the above experience, I took Beau with me to pick up his sisters after school. This is always a time of high excitement and a lot of other dogs are around at this time. I rarely bring Beau. But he’s been doing so well on Treatibles and I gave it a shot. We walked past barking dogs, and Beau’s only reaction was to ask me for treats, which he received for his good behavior.
Why My Dog Likes Treatibles
I wasn’t worried about Beau liking the taste. I am obsessed with coconut and love pumpkin, which are both ingredients in Treatibles. They have so many health benefits, and are naturally full of vitamins for your pet so I feed them to Beau often. I did give Gonzo, my picky eater, a chew to see what he thought. Two paws up! Gonzo and Beau both approved the taste test. In fact, Beau was licking his chops and begging for more. He’s a piglet.
More than the taste, Treatibles allows Beau to calm a few notches and stop thinking so much. I’m able to walk him during busy times of day with other dogs, adults, and kids running around. He is only reacting to larger stimuli and ignores the small things that used to drive him crazy. I’m sure my neighbors appreciate it!
Why I like Treatibles
Whenever possible, I use all natural products. Combining massage with the amazing benefits of aromatherapy does wonder for many animals. But I err on the side of caution and will only use essential oils topically, never internally. Treatibles are a wonderful way to help animals naturally achieve balance and calm from within their own bodies.
Hemp wellness chews are not a miracle cure for dogs, nor are they a replacement for positive reinforcement and training. They allow your dog to calm a little bit and be less anxious. Finally, he is able to focus on me better when I redirect his attention. Thinking, rather than reacting. Something, I know Beau appreciates.
Treatibles Are Not Just For Dogs
Surprise! Cats and horses can benefit from Treatibles too. Sadly, many products on the market are focused on dogs. Happily, CBD can be given Hemp wellness benefits many other animals. Cannabinoid receptors have been found in mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. I know quite a few horses that would benefit from the calming and balancing effects of CBD.
Where To Buy Treatibles
The company sells primarily online. Shipping costs vary, but for orders over $40 shipping is free. In addition to hemp wellness chews, they also sell CBD drops and gel caps.
Giveaway
Wonderful news and a gift for my readers! Do you think Treatibles may benefit your pet? Enter our giveaway. We will pick three winners by random draw on June 30th. Each winner will receive ONE bag of Treatibles for their pet.
*Terms & Conditions: I received free products in exchange for my honest review of Treatibles. All opinions are my own. Giveaway ends June 30, 2017. Three winners will be chosen by random drawing. Must be 18 years and older, and reside in the US. The winners will be notified by email at the email address provided in the Entry Information approximately July 1, 2017. Please view giveaway details at Rafflecopter for complete terms.
0 Comments
Debbie Bailey
I really really need to try these for Ringo and his fear reactivity. He’s come unbelievably far, but there are some situations that are just over his threshold. They’d probably be good for our older pup Helo and his thunderstorm anxiety as well.
Heather Wallace
I totally get it. Treatibles should help bring him down a level, but nothing replaces training and desensitization. It sounds like you have that in hand. Today the door bell rang and Beau walked over to bark at the mail man but he didn’t go full throttle, hackles up, and launching at the door. Progress!
shelby
Entered the contest! 🙂
Such a good idea. And nice explanation of the difference between hemp and marijuana.
Heather Wallace
Good luck! And thank you. I enjoyed researching this as it is such a timely topic.
Kristen (@My3LilKittens)
Beau is sure a handsome gentleman! I love reading that these are good for cats as well!
Heather Wallace
Beau says thank you! He sure does love female attention. I hope you enter the giveaway- there will be three winners and Treatibles will be happy to send chews for your cats to try.
Lola The Rescued Cat
I entered, because I’d really love to win these for my niece’s dog. He could definitely benefit from these. Great review!
Heather Wallace
Thanks for entering- good luck!
Rachel
These sound great! Very informative info on CBD as well. And your video is so good! I think my dog Eddie would like these. He has a bit of anxiety, although fireworks don’t bother him one bit. 🙂
Heather Wallace
Beau is fine with loud noises too. It’s funny what sets them off. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, thank you!
fashionbeyondforty
We love CBD oil products for pets and humans! They truly do help! We have to get past stigma and fear – we are not getting high here haha it’s medicinal and put on our earth for a reason – HEMP is NOT pot.
Heather Wallace
Agreed, there are big differences between hemp and marijuana. I’m glad that these are available to help my dog.
Beth
I didn’t realize that Treatibles worked so quickly. I have a dog who could benefit from them.
Heather Wallace
They work very quickly! Make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win them for your dog and try for yourself!
Shayla
Great review! Your personal details are so helpful, we are excited to try Hemp treats for our old man too!
Heather Wallace
Thank you Shayla! I appreciate your comments and hope your “old man” takes a shine to Treatibles.
Jana Rade
I have to say I am still skeptical about “cavalier” use of CBD. Would I consider it if I had a serious problem, though? Absolutely.
Heather Wallace
I agree with you in that it should be taken seriously, and is not a “treat” for every dog. However, it is a healthier alternative to chemicals and doggie prozac. These are not treats, they are health supplements meant to reduce anxiety and fear.
Kamira Gayle
I’m happy to hear Treatibles works so well for your dogs. Also as a former cat mom it’s nice to know it can be used for cats as well. This is a great versatile option for anxious pets. Thanks for sharing.
Ruth Epstein
They sound like an awesome treat, Layla getting older is becoming afraid of odd things but I do notice that when she eats her food earlier in the day, I free feed her, she is a lot more relaxed as her food contains amongst everything else hemp hearts
Sweet Purrfections
I’m definitely interested in winning a bag of these treats for my mom’s dog. He goes crazy with thunderstorms and fireworks.
Robin
It is great that your dog is seeing some relief from his anxiety with these treats! Anxiety can cause so many unnecessary problems both in humans and animals. Treatibles seems to have found a simple, temporary solution for pets who need to just get through an anxious moment.
Dolly the Doxie
I’m trying some calming treats on the girls right now as the fireworks are so bad here. Even when we go for a late afternoon walk there will be a boom so good thing they are on secure leashes. We are definitely going to give these a try!
Heather Wallace
A secure leash is so important! Many dogs slip their collars because of their fear. Definitely enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free bag for the girls.
fullyfeline (@fullyfeline)
Thanks for sharing! Hemp has an ‘image problem” to overcome. Many people go straight to the pot card. Positive posts like this will continue educating people about hemp and all the positive effects it can have for pets and people
Heather Wallace
Thank you Karen! Agreed that most people assume hemp is marijuana when it is not. I hope this article helps to dispel that notion and allow for natural aids using hemp and CBD to help pets.
Talent Hounds
I too was intrigued by Treatibles as Kilo the Pug is a reactive rescue too- he would like to eat the mailman. Glad your experience was positive and can’t wait to try them.
Tenacious Little Terrier
Mr. N has separation anxiety so I’m curious to see if these would work for him. He can be picky about treats though. I wonder if the drops would be better.
Heather Wallace
The treats were well-received by even my picky eater, Gonzo, but the drops would probably be easiest for Mr. N.
Kitty Cat Chronicles
I’m seeing and hearing more and more about hemp and cannabis oil being used with dogs and humans. It seems to have so many health benefits! It sounds like these treats are a great solution for those dogs that are scared of things like fireworks or thunderstorms. Thanks for sharing!
Heather Wallace
I was skeptical, but was very happy with the results. The nice thing is that cats and horses also have the same receptors. The dosage is weight depending but benefits a multitude of species.
FiveSibesMom
Your review came at a perfect time! One of my Huskies who is partially deaf, has become very sensitive to fireworks and thunder the past year. These treats would be perfect to try for her to help ease her anxiety, especially with the Fourth right around the corner! Thank you for your great review. I definitely want to give these a try. Love your blog, by the way…I was an equestrian in my youth, so love your topics of horses and dogs! I am following you across social media now!
Heather Wallace
I can imagine that partial deafness increases the anxiety because she has trouble hearing what she wants to. I am so glad that you learned something from my review that will benefit your dog. And thank you for kind words about my blog and for following along. Your support means so much!
samuel
Such a good piece. i have borrowed alot of lessons.thanks