CBD and dog playlists? Dogs can help with well-being too!

CBD

Is it time for dogs to "chill" with CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol), a compound found in hemp, is said to have pain-relieving and anxiety-relieving effects, and in recent years, an increasing number of people, especially young people in the United States, are taking it not only to relieve pain and vague symptoms of illness, but also to relax and "chill." The range of CBD products available has diversified, from oils and gummies to body creams, and now products for dogs (oils, capsules, etc.) are also available.

It is likely to be used as an adjunct therapy for epilepsy and cancer in dogs, and more dogs will likely enjoy "chilling" with their owners. However, there is still little scientific evidence, so it is important to gather more information and make a judgment.

Genetic testing

Know your ancestors and take proactive preventative medicine

Genetic testing is said to be able to analyze a dog's constitution, including its susceptibility to illnesses such as cancer and lifestyle-related diseases, and is increasingly being used as a means of preventive medicine.Now, a kit specifically for dogs has been released.

For example, if you use the Wisdom Panel to collect a swab of your dog's saliva and send it to a designated research center, you will receive a detailed report that shows the percentage of each dog's bloodline based on a database of over 250 dog breeds.If you find out that your dog has a strong Yorkshire Terrier bloodline, which is genetically prone to weak intestines, you may be able to change the way you treat your dog, such as by paying attention to its diet to prevent diarrhea.

Israel

Dog Paradise in Israel

While researching the relationship between dogs and health, I came across Israel. Rumor has it that Israel has the highest dog population in the world relative to the population, and all the dogs live long, carefree lives. According to Ribat Esser-Marinsky, a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Japan and a dog lover herself, Tel Aviv is particularly impressive.

"The city's demographic is dominated by single men and women aged 25 to 34. Couples of this younger generation tend to start keeping dogs before getting married and having children. As a result, the number of facilities where dogs can play freely, such as dog parks and dog-friendly beaches, is increasing, and an environment where dogs can live stress-free is being developed. With 318 sunny days a year, the city's blessed climate is also helping it become a dog-loving nation.

The government is also proactive in creating a society where people and dogs can coexist, and there is a national dog registration system, and rabies prevention is being implemented thoroughly through the efforts of the ministry equivalent to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan."

Spotify

Can I create a playlist that's perfect for my child?

According to a study by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the University of Glasgow, many dogs find reggae and soft rock most relaxing. Yes, dogs want to listen to their favorite music, too. Spotify's "Pet Playlists" service generates personalized playlists for your dog based on questions about their personality, such as whether they're sociable or shy. Is the era of subscriptions finally upon us for dogs?

Blockchain

"Electronic medical records" enable safe treatment at any hospital

A new platform for dogs has also emerged that uses blockchain, a technology that has become a hot topic due to its use in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, creating a database that cannot be altered by anyone.

There are a variety of types, from "electronic medical records" that record a dog's medical history and pedigree and share it between hospitals and owners, to systems that issue a unique currency (!) that can be used to purchase dog goods within the platform, to systems that compile a database of a dog's facial photos to predict changes in its health. If such systems become widespread, accurate information can be shared between hospitals, which should improve the quality and speed of medical care.

Intercommunication

Combining human happiness with dog happiness

Exercising with your dog, such as "dog yoga" or "dog dancing," is not just "exercise," but can be considered "intercommunication" in which humans and dogs influence each other. According to a paper published in Scientific Reports in 2019, owners' stress and anxiety are often transmitted to their dogs.

When thinking about the happiness of your dog, it's good to do what you can for your dog and act devotedly, but your own physical and mental health should come first. If the owner is stressed, the dog will also be in an unstable state. In other words, a dog's well-being is directly linked to the well-being of the person, and it can be said that the two interact with each other. The quickest way to a dog's happiness is for the owner to feel happy. So, even though at first glance it may seem like the owner is just forcing their dog to stay with them (!), dog yoga is likely to be very useful.

IoT（Internet of Things）

Optimize your health with big data!

More and more people are using familiar IoT devices to analyze and manage their health data, such as Apple Watch and Fitbit, which record heart rate and exercise volume, but in recent years, there has also been a rapid increase in collar-mounted devices for dogs.

The device also has a variety of unique features for dogs, such as mapping the places your dog frequently visits and sharing health data with your veterinarian. By measuring your dog's health every day, you will become more aware of changes in its condition, which will help you adjust the amount of food your dog eats and decide when to take them to the vet. However, if you worry too much about the daily data, your anxiety will be transmitted to your dog, which can have a negative impact (!), so be careful.