Category: blog

Reduce Sport Injury Pain with CBD Tincture

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Athletes of every level are familiar with sport-related injuries and pain, regardless of whether it’s a result of competition level intense training or a specific event. And while both sportsmen and their coaches are largely knowledgeable about how to treat pain, the search is on for natural treatment options that can get them back in the game as soon as possible.

Recent years have seen a new and powerful treatment option rise to fame in the sports world in the form of CBD oil, which is non-invasive, entirely natural, and has few side effects. In comparison to traditional pain remedies, CBD is pocket-friendly, easily accessible in every state in the US, and it doesn’t require a prescription or inpatient treatment. It has been clinically proven to be an effective treatment for chronic pain and inflammation and according to personal testimonies it also offers other bonuses like promoting better sleep quality, enhancing focus, and increasing energy levels.

Previously, professional athletes had little choice but to rely on aggressive anti-inflammatory pills or injections to treat swelling and pain occurring as a result of a sports injury. The side effects of these traditional medicines have resulted in many professional careers being destroyed. It is for this reason that more athletes are turning to CBD tincture as a way to naturally combat pain, as well as enhancing their day to day performance. Further research is underway to determine if CBD can eventually be classified as a medicine by the notoriously strict FDA. It has already been cleared for use by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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How CBD Works to Reduce Sports Injury Pain

A hemp plant contains over 400 beneficial natural chemicals that synergistically work together to improve one’s health—one of the most important being CBD, or cannabinoids. Inflammation that happens as a result of our pain receptors being triggered is effectively reduced by the antioxidant properties that cannabinoids contain, whilst simultaneously interacting with the serotonin and vanilloid receptors that alter our perception of pain. This winning combination has been so effective that athletes who once relied on highly addictive opioid-based painkillers are now opting for a daily dose of CBD tincture.

In addition to helping combat pain and inflammation initial research has revealed that CBD also works as a neuroprotectant, which is invaluable to participants of contact sports, such as boxing or football. It also relaxes muscle spasms, soothes aching muscles, and replenishes muscles post-workout, further adding to its ever-growing appeal as a recommended supplement for athletes.

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CBD Tincture or Topical Balm?

Both CBD tincture and CBD infused balms have their advantages when it comes to treating sports injuries but for maximum effect a combination of the two is best. Taking a sublingual tincture for sports medicine is the quickest and most convenient way of benefitting from CBD and many will argue that it is the fastest way of experiencing the long-term benefits. Topical ointments are perfect for treating localized injuries such as muscle spasm or sprains and strains. CBD balm can be applied liberally as many times as you like. So, for example, if you have knee pain, you can apply a topical CBD lotion or balm to reduce swelling and aid the healing process. Your knee tendon pain should begin to subside as the blood flow increases and the CBD acts to relieve pain. The same would go for your shoulder, rotator cuff, or other ligaments that can be torn or strained during physical activity.

If your pain is severe, a tincture will metabolize quicker than a topical balm and you will experience a greater sense of relief in less time, as well as being able to sleep better despite your injuries.

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Will CBD Tincture Make You Feel High?

Despite thousands of articles already existing clearly stating that CBD oil does not have any kind of psychoactive effects, some athletes are still concerned that it could negatively affect their performance. Rest assured that the opposite is true; not only can it help enhance your determination and stamina, you also won’t have to worry about failing a drug test providing the CBD tincture you are using contains the legal amount of 0.3 percent THC.

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Conclusion

CBD has already marked a turning point for athletes looking to manage pain and recover from injury with natural anti-inflammatory medications. The only issue is that until more research and studies are carried out, we are left wondering about how CBD is best and most effectively used among athletes and how it can be used as a preventive measure for injury and joint-related issues. But the same is true of many new products that emerge in the sports world; we know they are beneficial, but the specifics of how they are beneficial still remain a little vague. The sports world is ever-evolving and new workout fads are coming and going out of fashion faster than ever. One thing we do know is that with CBD tincture making headlines via anecdotal evidence of helping treat fatal illnesses like epilepsy and cancer, it will likely become a mainstream medicine in the future.

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A word of warning for professional athletes:
Always make sure that you purchase a CBD tincture from a reputable source, and you request verification of the ingredients by obtaining a lab report. The Anti-Doping Agency has approved the use of CBD oil that contains 0.3 percent THC (as per federal law). If you’re injured, ask your doctor or physical therapist about incorporating CBD for pain relief into your healing process.

Goodbye Wrinkles and Blemishes: CBD For Skincare

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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CBD sits right in the junction of modern society’s current concerns about beauty, health, and emotional wellbeing. Given the trials and tribulations that life presents us with on a continuous basis, it really is no surprise that everyone is in search of the holy grail that will provide them with the serenity that we are all seeking in one way or another. Cue CBD, which has taken the world by storm by shaking the stoner stereotype often associated with marijuana and donning a sleek, luxurious cloak.

These days, CBD can be found in everything from organic gummies and potent tinctures to iced lattes and gold-plated vape pens that casually adorn the shelves of luxury boutiques. Celebrities have latched onto the CBD trend too, with personalities such as Kim Kardashian wanting to throw a CBD-themed baby shower. And let’s not forget about that ultra-chic brand, Beboe, that has swiftly become one of the most in-demand CBD skincare brands in the US.

A recent report from a popular marijuana delivery platform revealed that the percentage of women forming the cannabis consumer market outweighed the quantity of men. It was also shown that the likelihood of women incorporating cannabis into their personal care regimes is 67 percent more than men. With all the environmental issues that our planet is experiencing, it makes perfect sense that people are now more inclined to want to use naturally derived products. And this is why we can expect to see CBD positively thriving in a billion-dollar beauty products industry.

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What are the Benefits of Using CBD in Skincare

Experts in the beauty industry agree that CBD offers a multi-faceted approach to nourishing skincare. It has strong anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties and it’s also a powerful anti-oxidant. Inflammation and skin aging catalysts for each other, and CBD has been proven to reduce inflammation. It also hydrates the skin and stimulates collagen production, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles. It is rich in vitamins that contribute to healthy, balanced skin.

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How Does CBD Combat Wrinkles and Skin Conditions?

Our skin features the highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found all throughout the body and this comprises what’s known as an endocannabinoid system, which is basically responsible for regulating essential bodily functions and responses to things like stress, immunity, sebum production, and hormones. Research has revealed that CBD interacts with these receptors, which is the reason our skin responds so well to it. When dealing with issues like inflammation, bacteria, and lipid reduction (which can cause acne), CBD balances everything via the stimulation of the cannabinoid receptors in the skin.

Research still has a long way to go before skincare brands can start making firm claims with regard to CBD’s ability to soothe skin complaints and reduce the signs of aging, but what we know so far is that it definitely has strong potential to be highly effective at reducing skin irritation and redness, making wrinkles less visible and treating conditions like psoriasis and acne.

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Which Method of Using CBD is Most Effective for Healthy Skin?

Taking any form of CBD definitely increases your chances of having healthier skin, but there is a difference between eating a CBD infused gummy and applying a topical serum. For starters, you should understand that if you ingest CBD, there is a 100-percent chance of that active ingredient reaching your bloodstream. Whether that is through mouth tissue or your digestive system, you will reap the benefits. But, due to the fact that it passes through your body into the bloodstream, bioavailability will differ.

When CBD is applied directly to the skin it has less chance of reaching your bloodstream, but when the endocannabinoid receptors in your skin absorb it, it tends to works quite fast for localized surface-level treatment. So, if you want to improve issues like sore or dry skin, blemishes, or wrinkles, the topical application will be a winner thanks to the localized concentrated effect.

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What About Skin Conditions Like Acne?

Many people who suffer from acne and oily or sensitive skin have had fantastic results after using CBD skincare, reporting that their skin quickly felt and looked better. Redness and greasy skin can improve in as little as just a few applications, depending on the severity of the complaint you are experiencing. But, those who suffer from breakouts that are stress-related or linked to poor sleeping and eating habits have also found that CBD oil taken sublingually has been responsible for the drastic improvements they have experienced. At this stage, both methods appear to be successful based on word-of-mouth testimonies.

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What to Look for in CBD Skin-Care Products

With so many options available in the CBD skincare realm, it’s important to know what qualities to look for when making a choice. A premium quality product will be made using full-spectrum CBD oil, so you benefit from the goodness found in every part of the cannabis plant and not just CBD. It should be pesticide- and GMO-free, as well as being subject to third-party lab testing. Lab testing is important, as it is proof that the ingredients on the label match those found inside the product. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the brand, do your research and listen to advice provided by reputable brands.

Here’s the Tea: CBD Gummies or Tincture Infused Tea Recipes to Try

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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If you’re feeling a little adventurous, and you want to explore novel ways to consume CBD, then you are not alone. Every day sees new companies and products popping up in the CBD world, and as new ideas are developed regarding the ways in which the all-natural supplement can be consumed, new trends are emerging.

2019 has seen a range of businesses popping up left, right, and center—from spas specializing in deep tissue massage using CBD oil to cafes offering CBD smoothies and CBD-infused coffee. You will most likely find it somewhere nearby.

CBD gummies are definitely a trend across the United States, but due to their ever-increasing popularity, it can be a struggle to find dispensaries in your area that have good quality gummies in stock. In light of this, many people are now getting out their baking equipment and looking for recipes that allow them to make their own gummies from the comfort of their own home and experiment with a wide range of different flavors and textures.

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CBD Gummy Recipe to Try

You don’t have to be a master chef to make these CBD gummies. You just need to mix all the ingredients together, stir, and pour into a silicone mold for them to set. The hardest part of the whole process is measuring out how much CBD you want each gummy to contain, which isn’t exactly a deal-breaker.

Tip: If you work out that you want 10mg of tincture in each gummy, look at how many gummies the mixture makes in total and multiply by that amount.

You can also add the CBD oil into each little mold after you have poured the rest of the ingredients, though this does require a bit more skill and dexterity!

You will need:

  • Flavored gelatin
  • CBD oil
  • Silicon mold

Step by step:

  1. Follow the instructions on the gelatin packet. Remove the dissolved mixture from the heat and either add in the desired amount of CBD oil at this point and pour into a mold to set, or add it in when you have poured the mixture into each mold individually.
  2. After around 30 minutes, put the molds in the fridge and in a few hours your gummies will be ready to eat! Yes, it really is that simple.

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CBD Infused Tea Recipes

If CBD gummies aren’t your thing, or you simply cannot be bothered to make a mess in the kitchen, then rest assured you can still enjoy all the benefits of CBD in a simple tea form. Certain herbs and spices complement CBD better than others, so for the following recipe we will be focusing on particular types of tea.

The first thing to do is to have your end goal clear in your mind. Do you want to make a CBD tea that will help you to relax and drift off to sleep at the end of a long day? Or do you want something more energy-enhancing, like green tea CBD mixture, to start the day alert and focused? Once you have selected your tea of choice, either loose-leaf or in a tea bag, you have already made a good start.

What you will need:

  • Tea of choice (we will be using matcha green tea gunpowder)
  • Milk of preference (coconut milk works great!)
  • Good quality full-spectrum CBD tincture
  • Your favorite teacup!

Step by step:

  1. Boil around half a cup of water and pour over your tea bag or loose-leaf tea of choice. Stir and leave to infuse for a few minutes
  2. The next step is to add your milk product of choice—remember that oil and water don’t mix, so adding a fatty component into the mix is essential for the CBD oil to absorb properly
  3. Add your desired dose of high-quality CBD tincture, stir, and leave for a couple of minutes. Enjoy

Making your own CBD tea at home really couldn’t be much simpler, and it also is quick and convenient to prepare. There is another option, which is to buy pre-made CBD infused tea bags (or loose-leaf tea).

In this instance, you will get better results if you place the teabag in the cup and first cover with warm milk of choice. After you have allowed the CBD oil to fully absorb into the warm milk for around 10 minutes, top up with hot water and enjoy!

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Top Tip

Try to use hot water as opposed to freshly boiled water, as you will avoid a burnt taste that can be especially prominent when using gunpowder teas or loose leaf. And of course, don’t forget the strainer!

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Why Coconut Milk?

The reason we chose coconut milk for this homemade CBD brew recipe is that it increases the bioavailability of the cannabinoids. This is why many CBD tinctures and balms use coconut oil as a carrier oil—it helps the cannabinoids pass into the bloodstream quicker.

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The Takeaway

CBD teas and homemade gummies can be a tastier way for you to take your CBD tincture, and many people prefer these methods over taking the oil sublingually. While you might notice a faint earthy taste, it will be nothing compared to ingesting CBD oil neat.

Do Puppies Grow Out of Separation Anxiety?

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This article by Jennifer was originally published on FOMO Bones.

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Dog separation anxiety, especially in puppies, is a common problem that affects thousands of dog owners across the world and, if left untreated, it can become quite serious. Although we have not been able to pinpoint an exact root cause of separation anxiety, we are aware that it is usually because animals are not created to be alone. Dogs, in particular, are pack animals, so when we take a pup away from the rest of its litter, this is when we start witnessing the symptoms of loneliness. Sometimes, the symptoms can be limited to just a bit of initial barking and crying when we leave, but more often than not separation anxiety will produce destructive behaviors like chewing and biting.

It is important to recognize puppy separation anxiety, and that he is not acting out on purpose to upset you. They are more prone to experiencing separation anxiety due to their need for more human interaction and attention. They also haven’t developed the skills that older dogs have, so your puppy probably doesn’t realize that you will be coming back.

Thankfully, there is a whole range of tools and techniques that you can use to get your puppy’s separation anxiety under control, and this is what will set them up for good behavior and habits for the rest of their lives.

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Only Leave Your Puppy Alone When it is Appropriate

Puppies simply can’t be left on their own for long periods of time. It is likely that you are still potty training your puppy if he is young, so you will need to make sure that you are taking him out frequently enough to get a good routine down. During puppyhood, dogs will absorb everything they notice going on around him and a lonely, bored puppy can result in an insecure and unhappy adult dog. If you work full time and you have recently added a puppy into the mix, then you may want to consider paying a dog sitter or friend to come over every few hours to check on them.

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Consider Crate Training

Crate training is recommended by dog behaviorists, as it one of the most effective ways of tacking separation anxiety in dogs. Contrary to popular belief, crate training is not just a matter of shutting your dog into a cage. If you follow the correct methods when introducing your dog to his crate, he will start seeing it as his safe place where he can go to feel comforted and secure.

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Try CBD Treats

Not only will he benefit from the soothing therapeutic benefits of these all-natural treats, but he will also learn to form a positive association with being left alone. Many people prefer using CBD treats over any other treatment, especially when their dog is demonstrating severe symptoms of anxiety. You can help alleviate some of the terror that a small dog feels by having a special treat they get only before you leave. This can help them get something great out of your leaving and helps make the process a little less stressful.

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Ease Your Puppy into a Routine

Just before leaving, pick up your keys and put your shoes on. Start by stepping out the door and then come back almost immediately (if they are being quiet) and reward them with a treat. You can gradually extend the length of time you leave your dog and always remember that you should never reward negative behavior (like barking, whining, etc.) or your dog will learn that that will get them attention. Stay away for a little longer each time you go out and before too long, your pup will get used to it and even learn to accept it.

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Will My Pup Grow Out of Separation Anxiety?

Sadly, if you don’t act to correct the symptoms of separation anxiety early on, it tends to get worse. Puppies will not just miraculously grow out of separation anxiety as they get older because it has little to do with their age. If a puppy is left on its own from day one and never learns to feel safe about being alone, then they will never be able to have a positive association with you going out.

Many rescue dogs have extreme separation anxiety, due to the abandonment they have previously experienced. As our dogs are not able to speak to us and tell us what they need and how they feel, we need to step up and be responsible dog parents and do our best to ensure that we raise a well-balanced and confident dog. Due to their tiny size, puppies can’t do that much damage even if they try… but imagine what they could do once they are fully grown and suffering from a harsher degree of anxiety. Suddenly we are dealing with a whole different ball game!

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Can I Give My Dog Anxiety Medicine?

If your dog is demonstrating severe anxiety, which could include destructive behavior, being too anxious, house soiling, or never being calm, even if you just walk out of the room for a minute, then a trip to the vet or animal behaviorist is always a good idea. Many people, however, prefer not to give their dog any kind of chemical medications and instead would rather take a natural approach. Not only is it better for your pet in the long run, but it can also be less expensive. For example, giving your dog a totally organic CBD treat will not only bring his anxiety levels right down, but the treats also offer a whole load of other benefits, like improved health, shinier coats, and pain relief. We always recommend taking a natural approach where possible, and many vets now advocate and even promote the use of CBD to help separation anxiety in dogs.

Whichever approach you decide to take, if your dog has separation anxiety, always remember that consistency is key, and you won’t see a sudden improvement overnight. Stick with whichever training method you decide on and give your pet the chance to be the best dog they can possibly be.

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Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She’s pretty sure she was a Great Dane in her past life, but her team at FOMO pegs her as more of a Labrador. Regardless of her breed, she’s a dog enthusiast with 15 years’ experience training dogs and owner.

3 Benefits of Practicing Meditation with CBD

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Meditation has long been practiced within the Buddhist religion as a means for heightened awareness. In society today, you may think of people who practice meditation as being hippies or activists of some kind. The truth is meditation has amazing qualities for anyone who can set aside time for the practice. This includes those needing relief from everyday stressors or those who seek mental clarity.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has been introduced within the past few years as another route to achieving calmness. It has been gaining in popularity within the yoga and meditation communities. There are many people who practice meditation who also incorporate CBD into their routine for heightened benefits. Unlike the THC also found in the cannabis sativa plant, CBD will not get you high.

Below are three of the top 3 benefits for practicing meditation with CBD. If you seek to find mental clarity, self-awareness, and/or relief from symptoms of anxiety or stress, then this could be an interesting endeavor for you to try.

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Stress Relief and Reduced Anxiety

As humans in the 21st century, we are constantly busy. Our world today paints the picture of perfect living as one that has us working in high-paying jobs, living in huge houses, and driving high-end cars. Plus, we’re inundated with media on all our different screens, from our phones and laptops to TVs. This sort of materialistic driven living can produce a lot of stressors. We all want to be successful and have nice things, but at what cost to our own happiness?

Monday morning rolls around and we find ourselves dreading work. We make memes about it and post them to our social media accounts, just so everyone knows we dislike our job. But, we still do it. What choice do we have? If we want to live a good life attaining success and acquiring material items, sometimes the job becomes a necessary evil and a source of anxiousness. However, with products like Sunday Scaries CBD Gummies, you can overcome that dreadful anxiety.

Stress and anxiety can develop into physical symptoms throughout our body. For this reason, many people have turned to those Buddhist rooted traditions like meditation. According to some physicians, CBD can promote physical and mental relaxation and reduce levels of anxiety.

CBD for anxiety, along with guided meditation, can increase the level of relaxation for both your mind and body. It has been shown to provide mental clarity, help develop different moods, and prevent the brain from reacting to certain chemicals that cause the body to feel pain. This can be extremely helpful if you are seeking to reduce stress and anxiety, and effectively gain more mindfulness within your daily life.

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Improved Mental Clarity

Some people experience brain fog or a cloudy feeling in their mind at times. This can be due to high levels of anxiety and stress interrupting proper mental functions. This is when it can be useful to meditate or practice yoga. To get the most out of these practices and truly reduce stress levels, you can incorporate CBD to your routine. Researchers have proven that products that contain CBD with very low levels of THC can and do help with mental clarity and relaxation.

Meditation has already shown to produce many health benefits. It can promote overall happiness that can lead to a reduction of stress and anxiety. This is why many yoga studios across the country are taking the opportunity to use CBD in coordination with their practice. If one of these is already known to give us more mental clarity and heightened happiness, then both combined should amplify the results. However, some yoga class attendees aren’t so sure. The main reason being that most CBD products do take time to metabolize. This would mean that to have an optimal experience in using both, it would be better to take some form of CBD daily and within certain time frames. Taking right before a yoga class may not get you the results you are looking for.

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Advancement in Mental Health Practices

Scientists have been researching the various effects that CBD has on mental health and have begun using CBD when applicable. This emergence of practical everyday use of CBD has led many people with mental health disorders to try various forms of the product. Along with therapy and guided meditations for those dealing with social anxiety and mood disorders, relief has been found without continued use of prescription medications in some patients.

The government has been pressured for years when it comes to legalizing CBD. Sixteen states have legalized or decriminalized possession of CBD with little to no THC largely thanks to medical professionals who are studying the benefits of CBD and its growing number of applications.

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Growing Benefits

As society moves forward on the road to enlightenment, the use of multiple practices to help relieve symptoms like stress and anxiety is growing rapidly. Meditation has long been used as a foundation for bringing a person back to a tranquil state of mind. The continued research and use of CBD products coupled with this practice will be the advancement needed for many people to reach their overall health goals.

How to Make CBD Gummies at Home

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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One of the best ways to relieve anxiety and pain is to take CBD. One of the ways to consume a dose of CBD is by eating CBD gummies. You can buy CBD gummies online or in some stores, but it’s much easier to make them yourself.

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Why Should You Make Your Own CBD Gummies?

There are many great reasons for making your own CBD gummies rather than buying them—it’s a heck of a lot cheaper to make them yourself, for example. If you take CBD gummies every day, it saves you a lot of time to make them at home, and it doesn’t even take very long. The overall process is only about 25 minutes. You should only have to make a batch once a month.

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Steps to Make the Best CBD Gummies

Step 1: Check Legality in Your State

Making and selling CBD gummies isn’t legal in every state. Don’t assume that these laws are just for CBD gummies that contain marijuana; it applies to ones made from hemp too. You should check online what the laws are in your state before starting, just in case. It’s always best to check if you aren’t 100% certain.

Try looking at these articles we found that might help you obtain information on your state’s laws on CBD:

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Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Ingredients

This recipe for CBD gummies is sort of a general set of instructions for any type of flavored gummies you want to make. Feel free to change or multiply the ingredient amounts to your preference or increase/decrease the amount of CBD tincture added to alter the resulting potency of each gummy.

If you follow these instructions, you should come out with about 50 gummies that have around 5mg of CBD in each gummy. Of course, there’s no way to get precisely 5mg in each since the CBD is added before the mixture gets poured into the mold, but it should be close to 5, as long as you mix it well.

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Materials and Ingredients Needed:
  • Silicone molds in the shape of your choosing. The yield of 50 gummies applies for gummy bear shaped molds
  • Condiment bottle (any squeeze bottle will do)
  • 1 pot (the kind of pot that goes on the stove, not the kind that you smoke)
  • Small funnel, to fit inside the opening on the squeeze bottle
  • 1 oz CBD tincture of your choice
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • ½ c coconut water
  • 1 c flavored juice. You can also combine tea with a fruit juice for a more exciting flavor.
  • 2 tbsp gelatin
  • ⅛ tsp Himalayan pink salt (for added health benefits)

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Step 3: Make the Gummy Mixture

Making the gummies is pretty simple as long as you follow the steps. If you decide to make a little extra than what this recipe calls for, make sure you stir it longer to ensure consistency.

  1. Add your coconut water to the pot, turn on your stove to medium-high heat and bring it to a boil
  2. Now add the salt, fruit juice (or another flavoring), and honey
  3. Give it a quick stir and then reduce the heat and let simmer until the honey dissolves completely and all ingredients in the pot are combined well. You might want to occasionally stir it so that the honey doesn’t burn at the bottom
  4. Add the gelatin
  5. Stir vigorously for 5 minutes
  6. Add your CBD tincture, mix well, and then follow the next steps for pouring the mixture into the gummy bear mold.

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Step 4: Pour Gummies into the Mold

No matter what shape of gummy you choose, use a silicone mold. Otherwise, the gummies will come apart when you’re trying to pry them free from whatever type of mold you chose to buy instead of silicone. You can still eat them that way; they just won’t be as impressive looking.

The first thing you need to do is turn the stove off, so you don’t catch your house on fire. Next, get out the funnel and squeeze bottle. Put them together, in the way that you assume. The next action is to pour the mixture from the pot, through the funnel, and into the squeeze bottle, being careful not to spill any. Any loss of the gummy mixture will cause some gummies to be less potent. Squeeze it into the molds and make them as full as you can.

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Step 5: Refrigerate then Enjoy

Place the filled mold in the fridge and wait at least 20-30 minutes.

While you’re waiting, you can use the rest of your CBD tincture to make some other cool products, like a calming shampoo, pain-relief cream, lip balm, lotion, or hard candies. There’s a lot of great ideas on Pinterest and CBD websites. You can get creative with it and try new ideas as well. Anything that contains CBD is going to sell quickly due to the current fad surrounding CBD products.

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Try Before Sharing

Once your gummies are finished solidifying, you can eat one right away. If we were you, we would eat one first and see how it makes us feel before eating another and definitely before giving them to other people. This is where state law is a big deal.

If CBD gummies are illegal in your state, you can get in a lot of trouble if you get caught giving homemade gummies out to other people. But, if it’s legal, then enjoy yourself and try taking 1 or 2 every morning to keep you calm all day and to reduce stress.

You can always buy CBD candy or take a CBD shot for the lazy days!

5 Common Sudden Strange Dog Behavior Symptoms (and What to Do)

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This article by Jennifer was originally published on FOMO Bones.

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When we think of dogs, we tend to imagine a happy, goofy companion that loves to play and, most of all, loves to sit right by our side. A running joke in the dog-parent community is the fact that our pooches absolutely lack personal space and it is usually impossible to even go to the bathroom in peace. What most people don’t realize is that our canine companions can experience emotional issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. What’s more, because the powers that be failed to give dogs the ability to talk, the only way they can get our attention to alert us that something is wrong is by acting out in some very strange ways.

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Why Do Dogs Start Behaving Strangely Overnight?

More often than not, if your dog’s behavior is normal and he is otherwise in good health, a sudden change in behavior could indicate that your pup is experiencing stress and/or anxiety. And here’s the thing about anxiety—we can’t control it most of the time and we have no idea where it comes from. The same is true for our dogs when they start feeling anxious as a result of being left on their own for extended periods of time or due to a lack of exercise or a change in environment. So, it’s not that they have suddenly become anxious or unwell; it’s more that their symptoms have become severe enough for them to seek help by getting our attention, or they could also be self-soothing by using bizarre behavior as a coping mechanism.

If you notice any of the following strange behaviors in your dog, then they are sending you a signal that something is awry, and you should take action right away to stop the problem worsening.

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1. Your Dog Seems to Be Unable to Focus

If your seemingly intelligent dog starts randomly distracting himself and is unable to focus on one task (like a game of fetch) he could be trying to release pent-up stress. A common displacement behavior is pacing and obsessively sniffing the ground, or compulsively licking paws. If you notice that your dog is suddenly acting out in this way, then it is likely he is suffering from a bout of anxiety. At this stage, you should make a mental note of any poignant changes that have taken place regarding your dog’s routine or living environment and try to restore normality as best as possible.

2. Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

Sometimes a pet will obsessively scratch himself or pace around as he is struggling to deal with anxiety. This is often the result of an impending event, such as fireworks or you leaving for a trip (trust me, they just know). The problem is this kind of behavior can end up being quite harmful to your dog, especially if they are scratching themselves raw.

3. They Suddenly Forget Where to Go Potty

A common sign of stress or anxiety in dogs is peeing in the house in a particular spot even though they are completely housebroken. This is a major warning sign that something isn’t right and if you notice that your dog pees in the same place every time you leave them alone, it is a clear indication of separation anxiety. Please note: this is not the same as incontinence. If your dog isn’t capable of controlling their bladder at all, then you need to visit your vet ASAP as it could be the start of a serious disease.

4. Clingy Behavior

Some dogs need their own space while others love to cuddle close to you at all times. This is one of their lovable traits, as we rely on our dogs for reassurance and affection as much as they do us. But, if your dog has suddenly become super clingy and whiney when he can’t hop onto your lap, then this indicates a problem that needs to be addressed. Pandering to a dog’s negative behavior is only going to reinforce and worsen the issue, not improve it.

5. Aggression

If your otherwise docile pet suddenly becomes aggressive this could be an indication that he is in pain. Your first step should be to take him to the vet to rule out any serious injuries. If the behavior continues, but your dog isn’t sick, it is likely that the aggression is fear-based and could stem from anxiety.

There are many other strange behaviors that can indicate stress or anxiety, but the above are not as common as others and therefore are easily missed.

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How to Overcome These Issues

Now that you understand where your dog’s bizarre behaviors are potentially coming from, it’s time to decide what steps you are going to take to correct the problem. It is worth noting that a combination of tactics to alleviate stress and anxiety work better than using a single method.

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CBD Oil

CBD oil is an excellent natural remedy that has powerful healing properties when it comes to treating issues like pain or anxiety. There is already a substantial amount of evidence that shows it can alleviate a range of negative symptoms. Thanks to medical research and CBD oil’s increasing popularity as an alternative medicine, we can only expect more positive news regarding its therapeutic potential in the coming years.

Many dog owners are now choosing to treat anxiety in dogs with CBD oil as it is entirely plant-based and offers a wealth of benefits including anti-inflammatory properties. Many mainstream veterinarians are now advocating the use of CBD to treat a range of canine ailments, primarily anxiety.

Crate Training

If your dog has suddenly started chewing or destroying things around the house, then you could consider crate training. When done properly, it offers your dog a safe haven where they can go to seek respite from their stress. It will also stop them from engaging in destructive behavior that could harm them.

Behavioral Training

If you feel that your dog’s anxiety or strange behavior is getting out of control, it might be time to consult a behavioral therapist. Dogs are pack animals and they need to see you as their pack leader in order to listen and obey you when you tell them to stop baring their teeth or chewing up your favorite pair of shoes.

As always, before you take matters into your own hands, always try to seek professional advice on what you can do to eliminate your dog’s negative behavior.

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Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She’s pretty sure she was a Great Dane in her past life, but her team at FOMO pegs her as more of a Labrador. Regardless of her breed, she’s a dog enthusiast with 15 years’ experience training dogs and owner.

A Step-by-step Guide on How to Make CBD Tincture

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Research has shown that CBD oils have been used in more recent years to help people and animals with a plethora of mental and physical illnesses. Hemp oil differs from CBD oil in that it contains no cannabinoids. Hemp oil and CBD oil are derived from the hemp plant, but they come from different parts of the plant.

If you’ve ever bought a bottle of CBD oil tincture, you know how expensive it can be. To lower costs, we wanted to share with you a couple of ways you could make your own. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make CBD tincture!

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Is it Legal?

Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to make their own CBD tincture. You do need to live in a state where cannabis is legal, as these methods require you to use the cannabis plant in the recipe. President Trump passed a farm bill in December of 2018 that you can take a look at to help you understand how CBD is legal and the future of cannabis in the United States.

CBD is legal in most states, and doctors may even suggest it to their patients as a natural medicine route for alleviating things like pain or anxiety. Check to see if your state has legalized CBD and cannabis use before getting started with the recipes.

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What Strains to Use

There are plenty of different strains available, and they’re good for different things. Consider what you’ll be using the tincture for before choosing a strain. Pay attention to the THC to CBD ratio when looking for a strain to use for a CBD tincture. If you don’t want to feel any euphoric effects, opt for one with little to no THC.

  • If you struggle with headaches, anxiety, or inflammation, you’d do best to use a strain of ACDC.
  • Targeting stress and anxiety is what a Harlequin strain will do. It’s known for calming people down, but it’s good to keep in mind that even though it has a high CBD content, it also has a high THC content.
  • If you want something that won’t give you the effects of feeling high, consider a strain of Charlotte’s Web. It’s one of the most popular strains in the world and is great if you struggle with eating disorders.
  • Harle-Tsu is the best fit for people looking for pain relief. It’s known for having a high CBD amount while having less than one percent of THC. In addition to helping with pain, this strain also helps with inflammation. Due to its low THC content, this strain is also good for those that don’t want the effects of feeling inebriated.

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Two Methods of Making CBD Tincture

The two methods we’ll be covering today are the oil method and the ethanol method. Please follow these directions as closely as possible to get the best homemade CBD tincture.

Ethanol Method

Some people will call this the alcohol method because it uses ethanol. Just about anyone can use this method, and it’s great if you’ve never made CBD oil before. You don’t need any special equipment or set of skills to make CBD oil this way.

The two main reasons you want to use alcohol is because it won’t leave a gross smell or taste in the final product. Follow the directions below to make CBD oil this way!

What you’ll need:
  • Hemp
  • Ceramic bowl
  • Alcohol
  • Stove
  • Wooden spoon
  • Straining bag/sieve
  • Double boiler
  • Container for the CBD tincture
Instructions:
  1. Get your preferred strain of hemp and place it in a ceramic bowl
  2. Pour in the alcohol until the hemp is covered
  3. Stir continuously for around six minutes
  4. Take your spoon to remove the resin
  5. Use your sieve or straining bag as a filter, squeezing as much out as you can
  6. Repeat step five until you think all of the oil is out
  7. Take the oil extract and pour it into your double boiler
  8. Put the double boiler on the stove until you begin to see bubbles
  9. Keep doing this until all of the alcohol has evaporated
  10. With a low flame, allow it to simmer for around half an hour
  11. Mix the substance in your double boiler
  12. Once it’s cooled, transfer into an appropriate container with a proper seal

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Oil Method

Before you start with the oil method, you’ll need to choose a carrier oil that you prefer. There are benefits from different oils like sunflower oil, coconut oil, and more. The oil method is much more time consuming, but many people prefer it over the alcohol method. Choose which oil you like best and follow the directions below for your own homemade CBD oil!

What you’ll need:
  • Carrier oil
  • Hemp
  • Oven
  • Jar
  • A pan
  • Stove
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Thermometer
  • Cheesecloth
  • Container for CBD oil
Instructions:
  1. Using your choice of cannabis, place the buds in the oven at 220 degrees for an hour and a half
  2. Once cooled, use a grinder to grind up the buds and separate the stems
  3. Take your jar and mix in the ground up hemp with the carrier oil you chose
  4. Make sure the oil covers the hemp completely
  5. The amount of oil you use depends on how potent you’d like the final product to be—more oil will make it less potent and vice versa
  6. Put water in a pan and place on the stove
  7. Place the jar with the mixture inside the pan until the water begins to boil
  8. Make sure the jar has a lid to keep the contents secure
  9. Take the jar off the heat and place it on a towel
  10. Take the temperature of the oil, making sure it’s reached at least 200 degrees
  11. Place it back in the pan and continue letting it “cook” for a few hours on a low heat
  12. Check occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated
  13. After three hours, turn the stove off and allow the mixture to sit for an additional three hours while the CBD continues to extract from the cannabis
  14. Repeat steps 11-13 again and then leave the oil overnight
  15. The next day, take a cheesecloth to strain the extract into a proper container and store with a tight lid

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Final Words

If after reading this you’re feeling a bit intimidated, that’s normal. If it all seems too much, you can always buy a bottle of CBD oil online. Your finished oil can now be ingested in several ways. The most popular ways are orally, topically, or with a vape pen. Following either set of directions above exactly will get you a much more cost-efficient bottle of CBD oil to help you with pain, anxiety, stress, or whatever ailments you choose to use it for! Good luck!

What Are the Rules about CBD and Alcohol?

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This article by Madeleine Taylor was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Most medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, come with warnings about mixing with alcohol. This is because both alcohol and medicines alter a person’s brain chemistry and if drugs are mixed with alcohol, it can have an unpredictable effect on the brain and body. The wrong mix of medication and alcohol can be fatal.

The awareness of the dangers of mixing medication and alcohol has led many people to ask if it’s safe to mix CBD and alcohol. The truth is, mixing hemp or CBD oil and alcohol can actually prove helpful for some people in an indirect manner. What’s more, using CBD oil can help a person curb their craving for alcohol, making it an effective treatment for alcoholism for some people.

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CBD and Alcohol

Though more research is needed, like with cannabis, there is some evidence that using CBD and then drinking can result in a lower blood alcohol content. This means you can drink the same amount of alcohol as usual but suffer less of a toxic effect on the body. Some believe CBD reduces the risk for alcohol poisoning—though nobody would suggest you take CBD and then binge drink just for the sake of testing the theory.

One study showed that transdermal CBD patches applied to rodents significantly reduced the brain damage associated with drinking too much alcohol. It could be that CBD protects the brain from the dangers of alcohol, which means it could be safer to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without concern for the long-term effects.

Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you won’t get drunk, nor does it make it safe to drink and then operate a vehicle, or to drink in large quantities. However, there is evidence that CBD, which comes from the cannabis plant, enhances function after drinking and slows a person’s response time to alcohol. CBD also balances out the reaction to alcohol from a reward standpoint. This means it could prevent someone from developing an addiction to alcohol because they do not experience that exciting rush from drinking.

There is also some evidence that the positive effects of mixing, say, a tincture that contains high CBD and alcohol could extend beyond the brain into other parts of the body. One study showed that CBD protected the livers of mice from exposure to alcohol.

The positive effects—or reduction of negative effects—when mixing alcohol and CBD has led to some savvy bartenders creating CBD-infused cocktails. Though this is illegal in many areas and has yet to catch on so far in any widespread manner, it’s likely that, as more people discover the benefits of CBD oil and other CBD products, more and more businesses will use it to enhance and market their products.

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Using CBD to Treat Alcoholism

Perhaps the most notable link between CBD and alcohol is the potential for the compound to help those with an addiction to alcohol. This is the case whether a person has developed full-blown alcoholism, or they just tend to overdrink but haven’t yet made it to the point of having an addiction. Essentially, CBD can help a person have a healthier relationship with alcohol.

One of the biggest challenges alcoholics face is their withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. They not only give up the rush alcohol produces in their body, but their body will respond in negative ways. For instance, many people who are heavy drinkers and stop find they develop a tremor. Alcoholics going through withdrawal also tend to experience a general sense of nervousness, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, and irritability.

CBD has been shown to ease these symptoms in a variety of situations and could be an effective tool for helping a person kick their addiction to alcohol long-term. Not to mention the cost considerations for treating alcoholism. Many people would benefit from spending time in a long-term care facility to help them deal with their addiction, but these places are often cost-prohibitive. CBD is an affordable option for people who want to break their addiction to alcohol but don’t have the money to invest in an inpatient program.

CBD helps people who are struggling with alcohol and makes it easier to overcome their addiction by supplementing what the body can no longer do properly because of the damage from long-term over-drinking. It also substitutes the feelings produced by drinking. CBD acts as a natural “replenishment” of the body’s depleted supply of endocannabinoids, which are erased over the course of alcohol abuse. It can also reduce cravings for alcohol as a person goes through detox.

CBD can be helpful for getting a person through withdraw and then for helping them avoid the temptation to drink once they’ve kicked their drinking habit.

Unfortunately, the stigma that still surrounds CBD has kept it out of the hands of many people suffering from alcoholism. Too many people assume that using CBD to treat alcoholism is just trading “one drug for another.” Others falsely believe that CBD is even more dangerous than alcohol or that it will produce psychoactive effects and not allow a person to recover from alcoholism in their normal functioning state.

The truth is CBD is not psychoactive. There are a number of misunderstandings and myths out there about CBD and too many people link it to marijuana and THC because it is derived from a similar source. CBD does not get you high or stoned. It does not interfere negatively with your body’s natural ability to perform and, as a matter of fact, many people find it has a positive effect on their performance. People who are not struggling with alcoholism use CBD to help them focus, feel more relaxed, and to meet the demands of everyday life in their optimal condition.

If you are struggling to overcome alcoholism or you’re wondering if CBD can help you approach alcohol consumption in a healthier manner, it might be time to give it a try.

Eight Signs of a Stressed-out Dog

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This article by Jennifer is originally published at FOMO Bones.

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After a hard day’s work, you may sometimes look at your pooch and wish you had it as easy as they did. After all, they get three (free) square meals a day, a comfy bed, ZERO bills and plenty of belly scratches. Ahhh, that’s the life, right?

And yet our dogs can suffer severely with stress and anxiety—so much so that if left untreated, it can lead to serious behavioral issues and persistent psychological problems.

At FOMO, we’re all for happy wagging tails. So here we present the top eight signs of a dog in distress (with some pointers along the way as to what you could and should do about it.

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1. Barely poops or, alternatively, gets all blocked op

Diarrhea and constipation can go hand-in-hand with anxiety. Like their owners, dogs have millions of receptors within their gastrointestinal tract. When a dog is stressed, these receptors react to the physiological response to fear by either speeding up or slowing down their digestive tract.

Im-paw-tant pointer: With this indicator, it’s worth understanding that diarrhea or constipation is usually more likely to be linked with illness or food intolerance—so any persistent stomach upsets should warrant an urgent trip to the vet (when we say persistent, we’re talking for more than 48 hours or so). This is especially true if you spot blood in their vomit or stools.

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2. “Favorite dog treat? No thank you” —Your dog’s appetite dramatically decreases

This one can be a big red flag. After all, what dog would willingly turn their CBD dog treats or food down? In the most basic sense, a loss in appetite in dogs can be compared to how a human loses weight during stressful times of their life. If this has happened with your dog, think about whether there have been any new stressors recently—such as moving home, a new baby, or a change in routine. You should also think about giving your vet a call—just to ensure there’s no underlying illness that could explain their dip in appetite.

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3. “Just leave me alone!” —Your dog isolates himself

It’s pretty natural for any dog to want to spend time alone occasionally. However, when this becomes more regular with your pup removing himself from human or canine company for hours on end, it could be an indicator that they are anxious or sick. To rule out illness, it may be worthwhile to check in with your veterinarian.

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4. Your dog destroys… EVERYTHING

In more boisterous breeds, dogs routinely attempt to calm their nerves themselves by chowing down on furniture, shoes, toys, and even by biting or licking their own body! If you spot these signs, consider the immediate circumstances leading up to this behavior: Had they been left alone for a long time? Has an unfamiliar guest popped round?

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5. Yawning—Yup, it’s not just a sign of tiredness

It might seem odd, but yawning can be a symptom of stress. When a dog feels anxious, their body enters flight or fight mode.

Their heart rate increases, they breathe more quickly, and their muscles tighten. To assist these processes, your pup’s body needs more oxygen, which is gained by taking deep, protracted breathes in the form of yawning.

A stressed yawn is typically observed alongside other behaviors, such as isolation and…

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6. Pinned ears and panting

Some dogs seem to look worried—a key indicator of which can be pinned ears, where their ears pull back and sit flusher to their head. They may also pant in reaction to fear, anxiety, or stress.

A warning sign to look out for in a stressed, panting dog is when they suddenly close their mouth; this could be a signal that they’re reaching peak stress, and preparing to bite.

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7. “Pass me the brush!” —Your pup sheds his hair

Ever noticed how much fur your dog leaves behind at the vet? You may have thought that you didn’t notice just how much they shred until you were under the bright vet lights. But actually, shedding hair is a reaction to anxiety. This can be as immediate as being in the vet’s waiting room, or it could be more gradual in response to a big life event, such as moving, adopting another pet, or a family member moving out.

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8. Licking (and licking and licking!) their nose and lips.

Dogs are forever attempting to communicate using body language, it’s just that most humans aren’t clued up as to what action holds what meaning.

In the case of a dog who excessively licks their nose and lips, they are showing you that they’re feeling a bit uneasy.

So, those are the signs of a stressed-out pup. You could probably do with something to ease his frayed nerves. Which, luckily enough, is right about where FOMO Bones’s rather special bones step in. All-natural FOMO Bones are packed with anxiety-eradicating CBD, which eases canine anxiety and relaxes your furry friend.

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Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She’s pretty sure she was a Great Dane in her past life, but her team at FOMO pegs her as more of a Labrador. Regardless of her breed, she’s a dog enthusiast with 15 years’ experience training dogs and owner.