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Best CBD for dogs: 5 CBD oils and CBD dog treats to help your pup relax

Top 5 CBD oils and treats to help your dog relax: Expert picks for a calm pup.

Best CBD for dogs: 5 CBD oils and CBD dog treats to help your pup relax

If your dog is often anxious or nervous, the best CBD for dogs may help it relax. CBD is a natural substance found in hemp, with many potential health benefits. Humans have long used it to manage anxiety, stress, and pain. More recently, CBD has become a common remedy for dogs, too. Some owners give their dogs CBD before stressful vet visits, and others give their pups a daily dose to keep them calm and content.

If you're interested in giving your dog CBD oil, it's important to make sure you buy from a reputable company. The best brands make CBD oil specifically for dogs. They carefully source their ingredients and formulate their pet CBD oil to be effective, well-absorbed, and enjoyable. So, what brands best fit this mold? Here are five top products we recommend you consider.

Best CBD Products for Dogs

  1. Best CBD Oil Overall: CBDfx CBD Oil for Dogs
  2. Best Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for Stressful Experiences: R&R Multifunctional CBD Dog Chews
  3. Best CBD Hemp Oil Chews for Joint Support: Chou2 Pharma Comfort
  4. Best Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD Soft Chews for Anxious Dogs: Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Soft Dog Chews
  5. Best CBD Oil for Picky Dogs: Soul CBD Oil for Pets

Potential Benefits of CBD for Dogs

  • Stress Relief: Dogs often become stressed due to changes in their environment or schedule. CBD oil may help dogs relax and adapt to these changes more quickly.
  • Fewer Anxiety Behaviors: Does your dog chew, pace, or bark excessively? These behaviors are often due to anxiety, and CBD oil can help manage them.
  • Pain Management: In addition to relieving anxiety, CBD may also help relieve pain. It's quite effective for dogs with joint pain due to arthritis or other conditions.
  • Calmer Digestion: Dogs who experience frequent diarrhea and gassiness may benefit from CBD oil. It can help relieve inflammation throughout the digestive tract, leading to fewer symptoms.

Best CBD Products for Dogs

1. Best CBD Oil Overall:CBDfx CBD Oil for Dogs


How Well It Works:

CBDfx Pet Tincture is a broad-spectrum CBD oil with a potent bacon flavor that dogs love. Although it is made for dogs, this CBD oil is made with human-grade ingredients. Plus, despite its bacon flavor, it is entirely vegan. CBDfx has this and its other pet CBD products medically reviewed by a veterinarian so you can have confidence in its safety and effectiveness.

Pet owners find that their dogs seem calmer and less nervous within an hour of being given this CBD oil. Some customers occasionally give their dogs this CBD oil, such as before a stressful vet visit or fireworks show. Others give it to their dog once or twice a day to manage ongoing anxiety. Reviewers say they notice their dogs barking and chewing less after a few days of consistently using this CBD oil.

CBDfx Pet Tincture can also be used for dogs with pain or neurological conditions. Owners of arthritic dogs often find their pups seem more energetic and agile after being given this broad-spectrum CBD oil for a few days.

CBDfx is a leader in the CBD industry, putting care into their products. This CBD oil for dogs is not only made in the U.S. but has also been lab-tested and found to be solvent-free.

Pros:

  • Vegan and Cruelty-Free
  • Lab-tested and solvent-free
  • Medically reviewed by a veterinarian
  • Made with human-grade ingredients derived from the hemp plant

Cons:

  • Only available in one flavor

Specs:

  • CBD type: Broad spectrum CBD
  • Size: 30 mL per bottle
  • Strength: 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, or 2000 mg CBD per bottle
  • Flavor(s): Bacon

Learn more about CBDfx CBD Oil for Dogs today.


2. Best Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for Stressful Experiences: R&R Multifunctional CBD Dog Chews


How Well It Works:

For dogs who struggle with stressful experiences, we recommend trying R&R Multifunctional CBD Dog Chews. These full-spectrum hemp extract CBD chews contain 5 mg CBD apiece. The recommended serving is 1 chew for dogs weighing 1-25 pounds and 2 chews for dogs weighing 26+ pounds. Chews are very convenient when your dog is already anxious and on edge. Feeding them CBD dog treats is often easier than administering liquid CBD oil.

Since R&R Multifunctional Dog Chews are made with full-spectrum CBD, they contain not just CBD but also traces of CBC, CBN, and CBG. These other cannabinoids have their own relaxing and pain-relieving properties and also amplify the effects of CBD. So, your dog will get plenty of relief from these chews. Many customers find their dogs appear calmer and less worried within 30 minutes of taking a chew. Just like their “people products,” they do note that consistency is key for more visible benefits, and it may take up to 5 days of consistency to allow the compound to build and to begin noticing positive changes in your dog.

The other ingredients in R&R Multifunctional Dog Chews are healthy, whole-food ingredients, including sweet potato, flax seed, and chicken liver. These ingredients have their own health benefits, including healthy digestion and improved energy levels. R&R specially formulated them for a low refusal rate - meaning, it is one of the best tasting chews on the market that even the pickiest of dogs will like!

Reviewers say their dogs enjoy the flavor of these treats and eat them willingly. Many customers use these treats when their dogs are nervous about fireworks displays, guests in the home, or new pets. R&R Multifunctional CBD Dog Chews are lab-tested, and the results are available on the company's website. They hold nearly perfect 5-star reviews on their site and on Google for this product.

Pros:

  • Made with whole-food ingredients like chicken and sweet potato
  • Recommended for dogs of all sizes
  • High in antioxidants and minerals
  • Lab-test results available

Cons:

  • Due to their soft profile, a few chews may break apart during shipping in the jar

Specs:

  • CBD type: Full spectrum CBD
  • Size: 60 treats per jar
  • Strength: 5 mg CBD per treat
  • Flavor(s): Chicken

Learn more about R&R Multifunctional CBD Dog Chews today.


3. Best CBD Hemp Oil Chews for Joint Support:Chou2 Pharma Comfort


How Well It Works:

Chou2 (shu-tu) Pharma Comfort Hip & Joint Support is a CBD product designed specifically to support joint health and mobility in dogs. Using targeted cannabinoids, these soft chews provide CBD and CBG (and no THC), making them even more potent and effective than treats containing broad-spectrum CBD. They are also formulated with MSM, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine, all of which are shown to help keep joints healthy, loose, and limber.

Owners of athletic dogs like using these chews to help keep their dog’s tendons, ligaments, and joints comfortable. These treats are also popular for older dogs starting to develop hip and joint concerns. Customers say their aging dogs become more interested in running and playing after a few days on these treats.

Chou2 Pharma Comfort Hip & Joint Support treats are designed for maximum absorption. The cannabinoid molecules are specially processed to be more bioavailable and better absorbed. These treats are also made with organic ingredients and are entirely grain-free and soy-free, making them suitable for dogs with sensitive digestive tracts.

These CBD dog treats are THC-free and veterinarian-approved. They have also been tested in a third-party lab, which gives pet owners confidence in their purity and potency. But still make sure to talk to your vet about any changes to your dog’s health routing and diet.

Pros:

  • Contains targeted, pure cannabinoid molecules
  • 0% THC
  • Contains MSM, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine for joint health
  • Formulated for maximum bioavailability
  • Grain-free and soy-free
  • Veterinarian-approved

Cons:

  • Bag can be hard to reseal

Specs:

  • CBD type: blend of pure CBD and CBG
  • Size: 30 chews per bag
  • Strength: 5 mg CBD/CBG per chew
  • Flavor(s): Savory Beef

Learn more about Chou2 Pharma Comfort Hip and Joint Support today.


4. Best Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD Soft Chews for Anxious Dogs: Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Soft Dog Chews


How Well It Works:

We suggest Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Soft Dog Chews for dogs who pace, bark excessively, or show other signs of serious anxiety. These bacon-flavored chews are specifically formulated to be relaxing. Reviewers say they notice a positive change in their dogs' demeanor after consistently feeding these treats for a few days. Hyperactive dogs tend to calm down and spend more time resting.

Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Soft Dog Chews are USDA Organic. They're formulated by veterinarians, which gives us confidence in their safety and effectiveness. These soft chews are made with full-spectrum hemp extract. So, in addition to CBD, they contain plenty of beneficial terpenes and flavonoids from hemp. Organic chamomile and passion flower provide additional calming benefits.

Aspen Green makes these treats and their other products with hemp grown in Colorado. They use an eco-friendly CBD extraction method called Supercritical CO2 extraction, which produces very pure CBD oil. Their CBD products are all third-party lab-tested and confirmed free of mold, salmonella, and heavy metals. You can scan the QR code on any package to see the lab test results for that batch.

Pros:

  • Enhanced with calming chamomile and passion flower
  • Formulated by veterinarians
  • Lab-confirmed free from common contaminants
  • CBD extracted using eco-friendly, Supercritical CO2 method

Cons:

  • Large dogs need 4 chews per serving

Specs:

  • CBD type: Full spectrum CBD
  • Size: 60 soft chews
  • Strength: 10 mg CBD per chew
  • Flavor(s): Bacon

Learn more about Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Soft Dog Chews today.


5. Best CBD Oil for Picky Dogs: Soul CBD Oil for Pets


How Well It Works:

Soul CBD Oil for Pets is a great choice for dogs who turn up their noses at other CBD oil for dogs. It has a tempting bacon flavor, and many customers find their dogs lap it willingly from the dropper. This CBD oil for dogs is also made with CBD isolate, so it has far less hemp flavor than broad spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil. If your dog is not a fan of the taste of hemp, they'll probably like this CBD oil for dogs.

Soul CBD Oil for Pets has a simple ingredient list. It's made with sunflower oil as a carrier oil. The product has been lab-tested to ensure it's safe and potent. Customers also like that it comes in a plastic bottle, so they don't have to worry about it breaking if their dog knocks it on the floor.

Some customers use this CBD oil for dogs who are anxious or overly hyperactive. They find that CBD oil helps their dogs stay calmer and more focused during training. Other customers give this CBD oil to their older dogs. They find it helps ease arthritis symptoms so their dogs can run and play more comfortably. The suggested dose is one dropper of oil, but customers with smaller dogs often find they only need half a dropper to enjoy substantial relief.

Pros:

  • Made with CBD isolate; little to no hemp taste
  • Simple ingredient list
  • Comes in a plastic bottle
  • Lab-tested

Cons:

  • Some customers find the bacon aroma unpleasant

Specs:

  • CBD type: CBD isolate
  • Size: 30 mL per bottle
  • Strength: 250 mg CBD per bottle
  • Flavor(s): Bacon

Learn more about Soul CBD Oil for Pets today.


How We Picked The Best CBD for Dogs

As more and more dog owners have discovered CBD, the market has become flooded with CBD dog treats and CBD oil for dogs. Unfortunately, not all products are of the same high quality. It's important to make sure the CBD products you give your dog are safe, pure, and effective. We were careful in our analysis to ensure we selected only the best CBD oils and treats to recommend in this article. Here are the main criteria we considered in our analysis.

Lab-Testing Protocols

CBD oil for dogs should always be lab-tested. This testing demonstrates two things. First, it can show that the CBD oil is free from contaminants like heavy metals and bacteria. Second, it shows how much CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids the CBD oil contains. Dogs are very sensitive to THC and cannot have very much of it. So, in this article, we only included CBD oil that has been lab-tested and found to have THC levels that are safe for dogs.

Ingredient Sources and Quality

The quality of the ingredients really matters in CBD oil for dogs. First, we made sure the hemp was sourced responsibly from producers within the U.S. We also looked into other ingredients. We often preferred products made with organic ingredients and those with short, simple ingredient lists.

Company Reputation

How long has the company been in business? While there are some promising newcomers on the market, we tended to prefer companies that have been in the CBD industry for a while. We also looked for companies with good guarantees and shipping policies.

Reviewer Opinions

We spent a lot of time reading reviews from dog owners who purchased and tried each product. Overall, we selected high-quality CBD oil products that reviewers consistently found effective. We also selected CBD oils that dog owners said their dogs ate willingly. After all, nobody wants to fight with their dog to get them to take CBD oil!

How to Find the Best CBD Oil for Your Dog

There are many great brands of CBD oil for dogs, but not every brand will be suitable for your dog. We suggest making a short list of CBD oils you're most interested in. Then, read more about each of those oils to determine how well it fits your pup's needs. Here are the key features and characteristics to focus on as you shop for CBD oil for dogs.

Strength or Potency

CBD oil for dogs comes in many different potencies. Some brands only contain 2 mg CBD per mL, while others contain 5 or 10 mg CBD per mL. You generally want a stronger product for larger dogs and a weaker product for smaller dogs. You may also want a stronger CBD oil for dogs if your pup has really serious anxiety or pain symptoms. Such dogs sometimes need a larger dose of CBD, and it's easier to give a big dose when you have a more concentrated CBD oil. CBD interacts with a dog’s endocannabinoid system, the same as yours, so stronger chews might have more anti-inflammatory properties.

Flavor

Some CBD oil for dogs is unflavored, while others are flavored, with flavors like beef, chicken, or bacon among the most common. If you plan on mixing your dog's CBD oil into their food, then an unflavored product may work best. On the other hand, if you plan to give your dog CBD oil straight from a dropper, you'll probably have better luck with a flavored product. Choose a flavor you already know your dog loves. For example, if they go crazy every time you give them bacon, then a bacon-flavored CBD oil for dogs is likely a good choice.

Other Active Ingredients

Some CBD oil for dogs contains other active ingredients, in addition to CBD. If a CBD product is intended mainly for joint pain relief, as some are, here are some additional ingredients you might see:

  • MSM: MSM is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help ease arthritis symptoms. It's a common ingredient in joint supplements for dogs and is sometimes added to CBD products for pets.
  • Glucosamine: Glucosamine is an amino acid that may help keep ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue healthy. It may also help prevent arthritis in active dogs and prevent it from worsening in older dogs.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a natural fluid component that lubricates joints. It can help keep joints loose, limber, and pain-free.

If you're looking for a CBD oil with potentially calming benefits, here are some additional ingredients you might see:

  • Chamomile: Chamomile is a calming herb often used to promote sleep. If you give your dog CBD oil when you want it to rest, a formula with chamomile extract may be a good choice.
  • Passion Flower: Passion flower can help calm an anxious dog's mind. It is thought to lower the activity levels of brain cells involved in the anxious response. If you're using CBD to help calm anxious behaviors like pacing or panting, then a formula with passion flower should work well.
  • Valerian Root: Valerian root may be helpful for dogs who struggle with insomnia or anxiety. If you plan on giving your dog CBD in the evening, a formula with valerian may help them drift off peacefully.

Dietary Suitability

Look at the other inactive ingredients the CBD product contains, and make sure you pick one suitable for your dog's unique dietary needs. For instance, if your dog is allergic to chicken, choose CBD oil or CBD treats that do not contain chicken.

Most CBD oil for dogs has a relatively simple formula, so you should be able to find a good one, even for a dog with allergies or food sensitivities. However, this can be a little harder to achieve with CBD treats, which tend to contain more ingredients than CBD oils.

CBD Product Type

It's best to decide early on whether you'd prefer a CBD oil or CBD treats. This way, you can focus only on products in your chosen category.

Both CBD oils and CBD treats have their pros and cons.

CBD Oils

CBD oils make it easy to control your pup's amount of CBD. You draw the desired serving up into a dropper or syringe; you can always draw up a little less or a little more to suit your dog's needs. The ingredients for CBD oil are pretty simple, too. Most just contain CBD, a carrier oil, and some natural flavors. CBD oil is a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.

One downfall of CBD oil for dogs is that it can be messy. If you knock the bottle over, it may spill. You may squirt a little on the floor or dribble it down your dog's neck. Some dogs also don't like the taste of CBD oil, which makes it harder to administer. You can mix it into your dog's food, but they may still turn up their nose if the oil has a more potent hemp scent.

CBD Treats

CBD treats are certainly easier for pets to consume than CBD oil for dogs. There's no measuring involved. Picky dogs also tend to like them better. However, if you have an older dog with poor teeth, pay close attention to the texture of the treats you choose. Your dog may be unable to chew crunchy hard treats, so you'll want to pick soft chews.

It is a little harder to control your dog's dose of CBD with treats than with oil. You can divide a treat in half or quarters, but this is hard to do precisely, and some treats do crumble when broken apart.

If you have a dog who is picky about treats, you may prefer to give them an unflavored CBD isolate oil instead of CBD treats. You can hide the CBD isolate oil in their wet food, and they're more likely to eat it.

Types of CBD Products for Dogs

CBD products for dogs can be divided into three different types based on the kind of CBD they contain. The three types are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Which type is best for your dog depends on the symptoms you're trying to treat, your dog's palate, and how sensitive your dog is to CBD and other cannabinoids. Here's a closer look at each CBD product type and their differences.

Full-Spectrum CBD

When CBD is extracted from hemp, several other compounds come along with it. Most of these compounds are other cannabinoids, like THC and CBN. Others are terpenes, aromatic compounds that give hemp its scent. Some common terpenes you may have heard of include pinene and limonene. This hemp extract also contains flavonoids, antioxidants, and various other beneficial compounds.

This total substance extracted from a hemp plant is called full-spectrum hemp extract. If it is added as-is to a carrier oil, you get full-spectrum CBD oil.

Full-spectrum CBD oil is the most potent type of CBD. There are two reasons for this. First, many of the other compounds in full-spectrum CBD, such as terpenes and cannabinoids, may have their own calming and pain-relieving benefits. Second, some of these compounds interact with CBD and enhance its effects.

So, if your dog has really serious anxiety or pain symptoms, a full-spectrum CBD oil is likely to offer them the most health benefits. The downside to full spectrum products is that they have a really strong hemp aroma due to their high terpene content. This can be off-putting to some dogs. They also contain traces of THC.

CBD oil for dogs has presumably been tested to ensure the amount of THC it contains is safe. However, if your dog consumes more full-spectrum oil than intended, they could end up ingesting more THC than is safe. This can lead to THC toxicity, the symptoms of which include nausea, lethargy, and seizures.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is another potent option for dogs that may need a stronger CBD option. This type of CBD also contains terpenes, other cannabinoids, and flavonoids from hemp. However, any traces of THC that were found in the hemp extract have been removed. Broad-spectrum CBD is essentially full-spectrum CBD that has had the THC removed.

Broad-spectrum CBD products still work very well for anxiety and pain in dogs. They may not make your dog quite as tired and relaxed since they don't contain any THC.

You can also expect broad-spectrum CBD products to have a strong hemp aroma. So, they may be off-putting to pickier dogs. However, they can be a good choice if you're worried about your dog breaking into their treats or eating more than recommended. You won't have to worry about them accidentally consuming too much THC.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is quite different from full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD. All CBD isolate contains is CBD. It contains no other terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, or antioxidants.

Pet CBD oil made with CBD isolate can certainly be effective in managing anxiety, pain, and other symptoms. However, since your dog will only be getting CBD and no other active compounds, you may need to use more of it to get the relief you seek.

One major benefit of CBD isolate is that it has barely any hemp scent or flavor. So, picky dogs who turn up their noses at broad-spectrum and full-spectrum pet CBD oil will often eat CBD isolate products willingly. Some of the best CBD brands offer CBD isolate products that taste like bacon, chicken, or beef. If you're buying CBD oil for a pup with a particular palate, this is usually a good place to start.

FAQs

Is CBD safe for dogs?

CBD is safe for dogs as long as the product you're giving your dog does not contain any contaminants and is low enough in THC to be safe for dogs.

CBD itself won't harm your dog and is unlikely to cause serious side effects. Sometimes, dogs become a bit drowsy after taking CBD, and they may experience some mild dry mouth that causes them to drink more than normal, but these effects wear off when the CBD wears off within a few hours.

To make sure the CBD hemp oil you buy is free from contaminants, look at the lab test results. They should show that the CBD oil is free from heavy metals, mold spores, bacteria, and pesticide residues. The best CBD brands all have their CBD dog health products lab-tested. If a product has yet to be lab-tested, don't buy it.

How do I give my dog CBD?

If you are giving your dog CBD treats, check the back of the bag to see how many treats your dog should have based on their weight. Then, give your dog the suggested number of treats. Most dogs will willingly eat CBD chews; just watch to make sure your pup does not hide the treat in the couch or drop it on the floor.

Giving your dog CBD oil is harder than giving them CBD chews. First, you need to decide how much CBD oil to give your dog. Check the bottle for recommendations. Most CBD oil is formulated so that about 1mL of oil is a single serving. However, if you have a really small dog or a really large dog, you may need to give them a larger or smaller volume to reach the desired dose.

Once you've drawn up the desired amount of CBD oil into your syringe or dropper, there are two ways you can give it to your dog. The easiest option is usually to mix it into some wet food. Or, if your dog only eats dry food, you can dribble it carefully over their kibble. Just make sure the oil absorbs into the kibble nuggets and doesn't end up on the bottom of the bowl. The other way to give your dog CBD oil is to squirt it into their mouth. Use one hand to gently open their mouth and the other hand to deposit the CBD oil into their tongue. It helps to have someone else hold your dog while you do this.

What happens if I give my dog too much CBD?

What happens when you give your dog too much CBD depends on the type of CBD product they consume. If it is a CBD isolate product or a broad-spectrum CBD product, you don't have to worry. Due to the high dose of CBD, they will probably be really tired or drowsy for a while, but it will wear off within a few hours, and they should return to their normal behavior then.

If your dog consumed too much of a full-spectrum CBD product, then there may be cause for concern. Full-spectrum CBD products contain traces of THC. If your dog consumes more of these products than the suggested dose, they'll likely consume more THC than is safe. Dogs are really sensitive to THC, and when they consume too much of it, they can develop a number of symptoms such as:

  • Extreme fatigue and lethargy
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Drooling
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Dilated pupils

Most dogs recover from THC toxicity, but it is best for them to receive veterinary care to help manage the symptoms and prevent further consequences down the road. So, if you suspect your dog has consumed too much full-spectrum CBD or has otherwise consumed too much THC from any other source, contact your vet ASAP.

Can dogs have human CBD oil?

No, it is not a good idea to give your dog CBD oil or any other CBD product designed for humans. Many of these products are full-spectrum CBD products that contain more THC than is safe for dogs to consume. Dogs are far more sensitive to THC than humans. CBD products made for humans may also contain flavors, colors, or other additives that are unsafe for dogs or cause allergy symptoms in some dogs. Stick to CBD pet products only for your furry companion.

Is hemp seed oil the same thing as CBD oil for dogs?

No, hemp seed oil and CBD oil are two different products. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers and sometimes hemp leaves. It is a therapeutic substance or remedy usually given to dogs to ease pain or anxiety.

Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. It does have some health benefits because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats. For instance, it may help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease. Some hemp seed oil products for dogs promise these benefits, but they are not the same as CBD oil products for dogs.

Can you give a large dog CBD oil for small dogs?

Some brands offer different CBD oil formulas for dogs of different sizes. If you have a large dog and a small dog, you may not want to buy two separate formulas. Luckily, you don't have to.

Typically, the only difference between large dog and small dog products is the amount of CBD they contain. For example, CBD oil for large dogs may contain 10 mg of CBD per mL, whereas one for small dogs may contain 2 mg per mL. So, you can give your large dog a CBD product made for small dogs; you'll just have to give them a larger dose.

You can usually give a small dog a CBD product made for larger dogs, too. However, it can be harder to measure the dose precisely. If a large dog's dose of a certain oil is 1 mL, a small dog may only need 0.25 mL, which is a pretty small amount to measure. Ensure you have an accurate, well-marked syringe if you decide to go this route.

Find The Best CBD for Dogs Today!

CBD is a safe, effective remedy for dogs who struggle with anxiety, anxiety behaviors, pain, and even some neurological problems. There are many good brands available, but the five brands recommended in this article are true stand-outs in the industry. Read a little more about each one, and order the one you think will bring your dog the most relief. They're sure to thank you with a tail wag and maybe with an appreciative bark, too.

Justice

Walking Alongside Martu: A journey with one of the world’s oldest living cultures

Pura’s inaugural impact collection honors both sacred traditions and sustainable futures.

James Roh
True

In a world driven by speed, efficiency, and immediate results, it’s easy to forget that lasting change is built on trust. Real impact doesn’t come from rushing toward an end goal or measuring success through lofty metrics. It comes from falling in love with the problem, building a community around it, and sharing a vision for lasting transformation.

Pura, the smart home fragrance company that marries premium fragrance with innovative technology, recently launched its inaugural impact collection with K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation (KFDF) and Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils (DSO). The Pura x Dutjahn partnership began with a clear purpose: to source a sacred ingredient directly from its origin while honoring the land and the people who’ve cared for it. Our goal wasn’t simply to find sandalwood — it was to find a community and an ingredient that embody exceptional land stewardship, ethical harvesting, and transformative, community-led impact. After careful research and over three years of development, we saw an opportunity to secure a premium, luxurious ingredient while supporting a regenerative supply chain that invests in Indigenous-led education, economic opportunity, and land stewardship.

James Roh

Over the past several years, we’ve walked alongside Martu, an Indigenous tribe from the vast Western Australian desert. Martu are one of the oldest living cultures in the world, with a history spanning 60,000 years. As nomadic hunter-gatherers, they have unparalleled ecological knowledge, passed down through generations, making them the traditional custodians of the land. Their approach to sandalwood harvesting isn’t driven by market demand but by a deep respect for seasonal rhythms, land health, and cultural law. Their work adapts to the environment—whether it’s “sorry time,” when mourning pauses activities, or the harsh desert conditions that make travel and communication difficult. Martu operate on Martu time, a deliberate rhythm shaped by millennia of experience, far removed from the rapid-swipe, hyper-productive pace of Western systems.

Martu’s ecological knowledge isn’t documented in baseline reports. It’s lived, carried in stories, and practiced with rigor and respect for the changing needs of the ecosystems. True partnership means unlearning the typical approach. It means standing beside—not in front—and recognizing that the wisdom and leadership we need already exist within these communities. Our role isn’t to define the work, but to support it, protect it, and learn from it.

James Roh

Tonight, as I spoke with Chairman Clinton Farmer and the KFDF team about our focus for this piece, I learned that Clinton’s truck had broken down (again), leaving him to “limp” back to town from the desert at low speeds for hours and hours. He had been awake since 3:00 a.m. This is a common and costly setback, one that disrupts the harvest, demands days of driving, and brings real financial and emotional strain. These barriers are relentless and persistent, part of the harsh reality Clinton and his community face daily. It's easy for outsiders, detached from the reality on the ground, to impose rules, regulations, and demands from afar. Rather than continuing to impose, we need to truly partner with communities — equipping them with the resources to operate sustainably, avoid burnout, and protect the very land they love and care for. All while they endeavor to share these incredible, sacred ingredients with the world and build an economic engine for their people.

There is much to learn, but we are here to listen, adapt, and stay the course. The future we need will not be built in quarterly cycles. It will be built in trust, over time, together.

To learn more about the partnership and fragrances, visit Pura x Dutjahn.

A map of the United States post land-ice melt.

Land ice: We got a lot of it. Considering the two largest ice sheets on earth — the one on Antarctica and the one on Greenland — extend more than 6 million square miles combined ... yeah, we're talkin' a lot of ice. But what if it was all just ... gone? Not like gone gone, but melted?

If all of earth's land ice melted, it would be nothing short of disastrous. And that's putting it lightly. This video by Business Insider Science (seen below) depicts exactly what our coastlines would look like if all the land ice melted. And spoiler alert: It isn't great. Lots of European cities like, Brussels and Venice, would be basically underwater.

I bring up the topic not just for funsies, of course, but because the maps are real possibilities.

How? Climate change.

As we continue to burn fossil fuels for energy and emit carbon into our atmosphere, the planet gets warmer and warmer. And that, ladies and gentlemen, means melted ice.

A study published this past September by researchers in the U.S., U.K., and Germany found that if we don't change our ways, there's definitely enough fossil fuel resources available for us to completely melt the Antarctic ice sheet.

Basically, the self-inflicted disaster you see above is certainly within the realm of possibility.


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In Africa and the Middle East? Dakar, Accra, Jeddah — gone.



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Millions of people in Asia, in cities like Mumbai, Beijing, and Tokyo, would be uprooted and have to move inland.



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South America would say goodbye to cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.


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And in the U.S., we'd watch places like Houston, San Francisco, and New York City — not to mention the entire state of Florida — slowly disappear into the sea.


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All GIFs via Business Insider Science/YouTube.

Business Insider based these visuals off National Geographic's estimation that sea levels will rise 216 feet (!) if all of earth's land ice melted into our oceans.

There's even a tool where you can take a detailed look at how your community could be affected by rising seas, for better or worse.

Although ... looking at these maps, it's hard to imagine "for better" is a likely outcome for many of us.

Much of America's most populated regions would be severely affected by rising sea levels, as you'll notice exploring the map, created by Alex Tingle using data provided by NASA.

Take, for instance, the West Coast. (Goodbye, San Fran!)



assets.rebelmouse.io


Or the East Coast. (See ya, Philly!)


assets.rebelmouse.io


And the Gulf Coast. (RIP, Bourbon Street!)

"This would not happen overnight, but the mind-boggling point is that our actions today are changing the face of planet Earth as we know it and will continue to do so for tens of thousands of years to come," said lead author of the study Ricarda Winkelmann, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

If we want to stop this from happening," she says, "we need to keep coal, gas, and oil in the ground."

The good news? Most of our coastlines are still intact! And they can stay that way, too — if we act now.

World leaders are finallystarting to treat climate change like the global crisis that it is — and you can help get the point across to them, too.

Check out Business Insider's video below:


- YouTubewww.youtube.com


This article originally appeared eleven years ago.

The Statue of Liberty has broken shackles at her feet, which people can't really see.

If Americans were asked to describe the Statue of Liberty without looking at it, most of us could probably describe her long robe, the crown on her head, a lighted torch in her right hand and a tablet cradled in her left. Some might remember it's inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.

But there's a significant detail most of us would miss. It's a feature that points to why Lady Liberty was created and gifted to us in the first place. At her feet, where her robe drapes the ground, lay a broken shackle and chains—a symbol of the abolishment of slavery.

statue of liberty, chains, broken shackles, anti-slavery, abolitionThe Statue of Liberty bears broken shackles at her feet.Photo credit: Canva (left), Atsme (right)

Most people see the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of our welcoming immigrants and mistakenly assume that's what she was meant to represent. Indeed, the opening words of Emma Lazarus's poem engraved on a plaque at the Statue of Liberty—"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"—have long evoked images of immigrants arriving on our shores, seeking a better life in The American Dream.

But that plaque wasn't added to the statue until 1903, nearly two decades after the statue was unveiled. The original inspiration for the monument was emancipation, not immigration.

According to a Washington Post interview with historian Edward Berenson, the concept of Lady Liberty originated when French anti-slavery activist—and huge fan of the United States' Constitution—Édouard de Laboulaye organized a meeting of other French abolitionists in Versailles in June 1865, just a few months after the American Civil War ended. "They talked about the idea of creating some kind of commemorative gift that would recognize the importance of the liberation of the slaves," Berenson said.

Laboulaye enlisted a sculptor, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, to come up with ideas. One of the first models, circa 1870, had Lady Liberty holding the broken shackles and chains in her left hand. In the final iteration, her left hand wrapped around a tablet instead and the anti-slavery symbolism of the shackle and chain was moved to her feet.

Dr. Joy DeGruy, author of "Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing," often shares the story of how the chains were moved and how the shackles have been a neglected piece of Lady Liberty's history, even for those who visited the landmark. As she points out, both the shackles at her feet and the history of why they are there have been "hidden in plain sight."

Writer Robin Wright pondered in The New Yorker what Laboulaye would think of our country today. The America that found itself embroiled in yet another civil rights movement in 2020 because we still can't seem to get the whole "liberty and justice for all" thing down pat. The America that spent the century after slavery enacting laws and policies specifically designed to keep Black Americans down, followed by decades of continued social, economic and political oppression. The America that sometimes does the right thing, but only after tireless activism manages to break through a ton of resistance to changing the racism-infused status quo.

The U.S. has juggled dichotomies and hypocrisies in our national identity from the very beginning. The same founding father who declared "that all men are created equal" enslaved more than 600 human beings in his lifetime. The same people who celebrated religious freedom forced their Christian faith on Native peoples. Our most celebrated history of "liberty" and "freedom" is inseparable from our country's violent subjugation of entire races and ethnicities, and yet we compartmentalize rather than acknowledge that two things can be equally true at the same time.

declaration of independence, founding fathers, u.s. history, american revolutionThe signing of the Declaration of IndependenceJohn Trumbull

Every nation on earth has problematic history, but what makes the U.S. different is that our problematic history is also our proudest history. Our nation was founded during the heyday of the transatlantic slave trade on land that was already occupied. The profound and world-changing document on which our government was built is the same document that was used to legally protect and excuse the enslavement of Black people. The house in which the President of the United States sits today was built partially by enslaved people. The deadliest war we've ever fought was over the "right" to enslave Black people.

The truth is that blatant, violent racism was institutionalized from the very beginning of this country. For most of us, that truth has always been treated as a footnote rather than a feature in our history educations. Until we really reckon with the full truth of our history—which it seems like we are finally starting to do—we won't ever get to see the full measure of what our country could be.

statue of liberty, american history, abolition, u.s. symbolismThe Statue of Liberty symbolizes American freedom and liberty that we're still grappling with.Photo credit: Canva

In some ways, the evolution of the design of the Statue of Liberty—the moving of the broken shackle and chain from her hands to being half hidden beneath her robe, as well as the movement of our perception of her symbolism from abolition to immigration—is representative of how we've chosen to portray ourselves as a nation. We want people to think: Hey, look at our Declaration of Independence! See how we welcome immigrants! We're so great! (Oh, by the way, hereditary, race-based chattel slavery was a thing for longer than emancipation has been on our soil. And then there was the 100 years of Jim Crow. Not to mention how we've broken every promise made to Native Americans. And honestly, we haven't even been that nice to immigrants either). But look, independence and a nod to immigration! We're so great!

The thing is that we can be so great. The foundation of true liberty and justice for all, even with all its cracks, is still there. The vision in our founding documents was truly revolutionary. We just have to decide to actually build the country we claim to have built—one that truly lives up to the values and ideals it professes for all people.

This article first appeared five years ago and has been updated.

Health

Science confirms ‘Move in Silence’ trend might be the smartest way to achieve your goals

“I promise you things always work out better when you keep them to yourself.”

Science confirms ‘Move in Silence’ trend might be the smartest way to achieve your goals.

TikTok's latest viral wisdom is backed by hard data—and it's making people rethink their communication habits. We live in a world of chronic oversharing. We post everything, from the routes we run (including screenshots as proof of all that hard work), to the pale-green iced matcha latte sitting at our desks or a present from a boyfriend (who will be tagged prominently, not secretly off screen). Who knows when, but our brains became wired for sharing: to record, to curate, and to post every second of our lives, then consume that of others to a disturbing degree. So, here's a radical idea: when it comes to goals and plans, try keeping them to yourself. It could be the key to making them a reality.

That's the message behind TikTok's massively popular "Move in Silence" trend, where creators like @noemoneyyy have cracked the contradictory code to success: Instead of broadcasting every big idea or project that runs through your head, if you actually want it to come to fruition, keep your plans to yourself until they're executed. And it's not just a trend; surprisingly, science also supports this muted approach.


"As a former oversharer who used to tell every single friend, every single family member, or a partner everything I was doing, I promise you things always work out better when you keep them to yourself," explains creator @noemoneyyy in a video that's garnered millions of views.

On a different video by @mandanazarfhami, she says, “I don’t care what you’ve got going on in your life: that dream job, that city that you want to move to, that dream person, that dream life, that dream anything. Literally keep it to yourself until it’s done.”

Commentors were quick to agree, with one person writing: “From a young age, I never told anyone my next steps. I also taught my husband and son to keep our private matters to themselves and just do things 💯Not many people like it, but who cares🌝🙌🏼🫶🏼”

Another chimed in, “This concept has changed my life for the better.” Others replied, “100 agree 💕” and “100%🙌🏼people can’t ruin what is silent, show results.”


@mandanazarghami monitoring spirits are a real thing - move in silence and watch how much your life changes #fypシ ♬ Jacob and the Stone - Emile Mosseri


What's going on here

In a study done by New York University, researchers found that people who kept their goals private worked on tasks for an average of 45 minutes, compared to the 33 minutes of work completed by those who announced their plans in advance. The twist? The people who shared their goals expressed feeling closer to finishing, despite doing approximately 25% less work.

NYU psychologist Peter Gollwitzer, who led the research, concluded that "once you've told other people your intentions, it gives you a 'premature sense of completeness.'" He also found that the brain is made up of "identity symbols," which create one's self-image. Interestingly, both action and talking about action create symbols in your brain, so simply speaking about a future plan or something you want to do satisfies that part of your brain. When we make our goals public, especially ones that matter to us and deal with our identity, our ability to achieve said goal is significantly reduced. As the old adage goes, "actions speak louder than words."

Stranger still, in his paper "Does Social Reality Widen the Intention-Behavior Gap," Gollwitzer notes that in order for this phenomenon to happen, one must truly care about their goals. "Ironically, this effect was only found for participants who are very committed to their goal!" PsychologyToday notes. "The lesson learned is that the more passionate you are about your goals, the more secretive you should be about them."

Quiet, silence, peace, shhh, no speaking, secret The more passionate you are about your goals, the more secretive you should be. Photo credit: Canva

Another reason to keep quiet: If you're a beginner trying something new, sharing your plans could potentially open you up to criticism and negative feedback, which could deter you from even starting. At the University of Chicago, professor Ayelet Fishbach conducted studies to determine how positive and negative feedback affects the pursuit of one's goal. According to Atlassian, she and her team found:

  • When positive feedback signals commitment to a goal, it increases motivation.
  • When positive feedback signals progress, it actually decreases motivation.
"One example the researchers give is a math student who gets a good grade on a test. If she perceives it to mean she likes math, she will study harder. If, however, she sees the high score as a sign she is making progress in the class, she may ease up and study less." - Atlassian


@_alliechen I used to be such an open book but now im a lot more reserved on my goals and plans so ppl dont judge #moveinsilence #relateablecontent #girlies #viral #success ♬ suara asli - astrooo🪐

We've all been there: excitedly telling everyone about your grand plans to backpack through Europe, the year you'll finally learn Spanish, or joining the group lesson at the tennis courts you always pass by… only to mysteriously lose all motivation a week later. Turns out, those lovely dopamine bursts that accompany every enthusiastic "That sounds great!" or "You should totally do it!" response might be precisely what's holding you back.

The good news? You don't need to become closed-off and secretive, a hermit on the top of a mountain who's afraid to share any part of themselves with the world. Research suggests that sharing your goals with one or two selected friends who can be trusted to provide meaningful support is still a good idea. Just hold off on the Instagram Live announcement until you've actually accomplished something substantial.

So, the next time you sit down to write your goals, whether they be a new year's resolution, the day's to-do list, or a five-year plan, think twice about sharing it with others. Give it time and you might have something better to share soon: the results.

Students at a protest.

Each year that I teach the book "1984," I turn my classroom into a totalitarian regime under the guise of the "common good." I run a simulation in which I become a dictator. I tell my students that in order to battle "Senioritis," the teachers and admin have adapted an evidence-based strategy, a strategy that has "been implemented in many schools throughout the country and has had immense success." I hang posters with motivational quotes and falsified statistics, and provide a false narrative for the problem that is "Senioritis."

"1984" is a book by George Orwell, written in 1949, about a fictional future where a totalitarian regime watches over everyone, rewrites history, and controls what people think. The film's protagonist, Winston Smith, quietly rebels against the regime in an attempt to regain hope, freedom, and truth. It has become essential reading for students worldwide as a blueprint for recognizing the tactics used by authoritarians.

I tell the students that in order to help them succeed, I must implement strict classroom rules. They must raise their hand before doing anything at all, even when asking another student for a pencil. They lose points each time they don't behave as expected. They gain points by reporting other students. If someone breaks the rule and I don't see it, it's the responsibility of the other students to let me know. Those students earn bonus points. I tell students that in order for this plan to work they must "trust the process and not question their teachers." This becomes a school-wide effort. The other teachers and admin join in.

senioritis, fascism, authoritarianism, danger sign, experaments, Senioritis is dangerous for everyone.Photo by Diana Leygerman used with permission

I've done this experiment numerous times, and each year I have similar results. This year, however, was different.

This year, a handful of students did fall in line as always. The majority of students, however, rebelled.

By day two of the simulation, the students were contacting members of administration, writing letters, and creating protest posters. They were organizing against me and against the admin. They were stomping the hallways, refusing to do as they were told.

The president of the Student Government Association, whom I don't even teach, wrote an email demanding an end to this "program." He wrote that this program is "simply fascism at its worst. Statements such as these are the base of a dictatorship rule, this school, as well as this country cannot and will not fall prey to these totalitarian behaviors."

I did everything in my power to fight their rebellion.

fascism, authoritarianism, danger sign, experaments, see something, say something, 1984If you see something, say something.Photo by Diana Leygerman used with permission

I "bribed" the president of the SGA. I "forced" him to publicly "resign." And, yet, the students did not back down. They fought even harder. They were more vigilant. They became more organized. They found a new leader. They were more than ready to fight. They knew they would win in numbers.

I ended the experiment two days earlier than I had planned because their rebellion was so strong and overwhelming. For the first time since I've done this experiment, the students "won."

What I learned is this: Teenagers will be the ones to save us.

1984, george orwell, 1984 mural, ice cream, barcelona, spain, literatureYoung folks enjoying some ice cream outside of a George Orwell mural. via Adam Jones/Wikimedia Commons

Just like Emma Gonzalez, the teen activist from Marjory Stoneman Douglas, my students did not back down nor conform. They fought for their rights. They won.

Adults can learn a lot from the teens of this generation. Adults are complacent, jaded, and disparaged. Teenagers are ignited, spirited, and take no prisoners. Do not squander their fight. They really are our future. Do not call them entitled. That entitlement is their drive and their passion. Do not get in their way. They will crush you.

Foster their rebellion. They are our best allies.

This story originally appeared on Medium and is reprinted here with permission. It was originally published seven years ago.

Internet

Nail-biting video shows a woman as she realizes a creepy man is following her

She was only halfway through her run when the man's behavior forced her to stop.

@lacie_kraatz/TikTok
Lacie films as the mysterious man visibly gets closer.

It’s no secret that even the most seemingly safe of public places can instantly turn dangerous for a woman. Is it fair? No. But is it common? Absolutely, to the point where more and more women are documenting moments of being stalked or harassed as a grim reminder to be aware of one’s surroundings.

One of the most common and frightening experiences many women can relate to is being followed by a strange man. It's scary because it's difficult to tell the difference between a random passerby who just happens to be walking in your direction and someone who has malicious intentions. At least, at first. But sadly, most women have learned how to pick up on the clues.

Lacie (@lacie_kraatz) is one of those women. On April 11th, she was out on a run when she noticed a man in front of her displaying suspicious behavior.


stalking, harassment, women, girls, men, danger, safetySadly, creeps don't need the cover of darkness to be creeps. Photo by ølı on Unsplash

Things got especially dicey when the man somehow got behind her. That’s when she pulled out her phone and started filming—partially to prove that it wasn’t just her imagination, and also out of fear for her safety.

“Hello. I’m just making this video so that women are a little more aware of them,” she begins in the video. “See this gentleman behind me? Yeah, this is what this video’s about.”

According to Lacie, the two were initially running in opposite directions. But at some point after seeing her, the man stopped in the middle of the trail and waited for her to pass so that he could follow her path from behind.

“Now, I know what you’re thinking—‘Why are you suspecting that he’s following you?'” Lacie continues. “Well, let me tell you. I was just walking like this, and I look up, and he’s in front of me, and he just keeps doing a ‘peek’ like this behind him, over and over again.”

Lacie added that at one point, she even made an illegal crossing when “do not walk” sign was still up in an attempt to put some distance between herself and the man. After looking over her shoulder, she noticed that the man was visibly “speeding” to keep up.

In case there is still any doubt, Lacie then begins to run to see if the man will follow suit. Sure enough, he does.

Luckily the man eventually seems to give up, though he still seems to be watching her from a distance. Lacie ends up safe back home, but she didn't even accomplish what she set out to do that afternoon.

“I couldn’t even finish my run,” she concludes. “I only ran like a mile and a half. I wanted to do 3 miles, but no—creepy men just had to be creepy f****** men today.”

Watch the harrowing encounter here:

@lacie_kraatz

#foryou #ladies #awareness

Countless women empathized with Lacie in the comments section. Clearly, this was not a unique circumstance.

“What I do when I’m being followed is act feral,” yet another person shared. “Like I’ll bark and growl really loud and flail my arms around. If you look crazy, you're doin' it right.”

Another added, “Man, nothing pisses me off more than men who make me feel uncomfortable doing things that I NEED to do for my health and well-being.”

Others tried to give their own tips for handling the situation, from finding nearby police or fire stations to using a variety of running trails to simply notifying the first visible passerby of what’s happening and asking to stand with them.

And of course, the resounding advice was to use the public space, and modern-day technology, to one’s advantage.

As one person wrote, “Girls we have got to normalize turning around and yelling at people following us. Let them know you know, take pictures of them, scream, make a scene."

Experts say the most important thing is to stay in a populated area as long as you're being followed. If you can pop into a store, do it. And always let a trusted friend or loved one know where you are. Giving a family member access to Find My Phone or a similar tracking app could be a lifesaver.

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

It’d be nice if these kinds of unsettling interactions didn’t exist. But here we are.

Some estimates say around 75% of women have been followed by a stranger at some point in their lives; a shocking, tragic statistic. They're also around four times as likely to be continuously stalked compared to men. It's not fair that women and girls have to deal with this, and that they're forced to develop a keep instinct for when danger is present.

At the very least, it’s good that women are speaking up more so that these situations are easier to spot early on and women can know how to navigate them in the safest way possible.

And as for Lacie, she went on to join the US Coast Guard and regularly posts updates about her life in the military. Safe to say she has no problem taking care of herself these days.

This article originally appeared two years ago. It has been updated.