SaltyPawsCBD.com

Salty Paws CBD: Charleston’s trusted guide to dog wellness, offering expert tips on natural supplements and toys for anxiety and fun!

  • From hemp science to happy tails — how my lifelong passion for dogs inspired a trusted guide for pet parents.


    Some businesses begin with a market trend. Salty Paws CBD began with a heartbeat — three of them actually: Mystic, Pax, and Taz. They’re my little wolfpack, my daily reminder of what pure loyalty and joy look like. Everything I’ve built with Salty Paws CBD comes from wanting to keep them, and dogs like them everywhere, safe, comfortable, and calm in a sometimes much too stressful world.

    I’ve spent more than 30 years training, caring for, and learning from dogs. From anxious rescues like Mystic when she was first adopted years ago to energetic puppies, I’ve seen how stress and discomfort can steal the simple joys of a walk, a car ride, or a day at the beach. Over those decades, I’ve developed an instinct for reading canine behavior — knowing when a wag is genuine joy and when it’s covering nerves or pain.

    My Bachelor of Science from the College of Charleston in psychology and biology taught me to read data, analyze lab reports, and separate marketing hype from measurable results. That foundation led me into the hemp industry, where I’ve spent 15 years working alongside and advising some of the country’s largest hemp and cannabis manufacturers and developing lines of hemp products with Charleston, SC based companies. I know how to ask the hard questions, dig into certificates of analysis, and recognize which products are genuinely safe, consistent, and effective — and which ones your pup rightfully should turn his/her nose up at.

    I saw a bigger problem though: while there are plenty of CBD products for people, there are huge gaps in quality and guidance for pets/ pet owners. The worst part to me? Most people have no idea that CBD can benefit their pets beyond their wildest imagination! From my hemp industry experience and personal use, I know that CBD can help with things like;

    • Anxiety
    • Pain (Joint and Overall)
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Skin Conditions
    • Epilepsy
    • Appetite
    • Arthritis
    • And so much more…

     All these potential benefits, yet pet parents were often left guessing for doasge, many not even aware such a great genre of CBD products exists for their furry friends to take advantage of.

    I knew it didn’t have to be that way. I had the network, the knowledge, and a very personal reason to help be the solution for pet parents everywhere. Mystic, Pax, and Taz are the first to test (and love) every product I recommend. If a CBD product or toy is on SaltyPawsCBD.com, then I have personally tested and thoroughly investigated it before letting Mystic, Pax, and Taz give it the final paws up/ tail wags!  

    Salty Paws CBD is built on a promise: to help dog owners everywhere make confident, informed choices about calming, supportive products for their pups. It’s not just about CBD or destructive chewers — it’s about trust, care, and those quiet, happy moments that make life with a dog so special: the calm sigh after a beach day, the peaceful ride home from the vet, the relaxed nap during a thunderstorm.

    I started Salty Paws CBD because I love my dogs and they deserve only the best life has to offer — and because I believe every dog deserves to feel safe, comfortable, stress free, pain free, and deeply loved.


  • Understanding Dog Anxiety in Charleston: Why It Matters Locally

    Life in Charleston is beautiful — but for many dogs, it can be stressful. Apartment or urban living downtown can increase separation anxiety, especially for pets left alone while owners work or enjoy the city. Seasonal thunderstorms, the occasional hurricane, fireworks from harbor festivals and Riverdogs games, and even bustling weekend beach traffic can all trigger nervous behavior from your furry friend.

    Travel-related stress is another common factor. Trips to Folly Beach, boat rides to nearby islands, or crowded boardwalks can overwhelm even typically calm pets. But it’s okay! We’re here to recommend the best available CBD dog treats on the market, from well known and trusted brands, that will help naturally curb anxiety and/or pain so you and your pup can get back to living your best life!

    Joint health often overlaps with anxiety. Dogs dealing with stiffness or arthritis pain may pace, whine, or act restless. Popular Charleston breeds like retrievers, shepherds, and doodles are highly active and may require both joint support and calming strategies to thrive. Especially in later years, joint health for all breeds is important to remember and prepare for. CBD supplements can also significantly reduce pain overall, particularly in the joints for senior dogs, and reduce swelling, giving your dog much needed relief.

    For dog owners searching for dog anxiety Charleston solutions, combining the best calming dog toys with natural CBD supplements for dog anxiety can help your pup stay comfortable and happy — no matter where the day takes you.


    Coastal Considerations: Calming Dogs by the Water

    Charleston’s coastal lifestyle offers plenty of adventures — and unique challenges. Saltwater exposure, high humidity, and busy dog-friendly beaches like Sullivan’s Island or James Island County Park can add physical discomfort and emotional stress, especially during tourist season or peak park hours.

    To keep your dog safe and calm on the coast, always provide plenty of hydration, shaded rest areas, and cool-down breaks. Waterproof or easy-to-clean toys work best in sandy, salty conditions. (We’ll be adding links to recommended products very soon!) Supplements are safe for active outdoor use, even after a long swim or beach run. In fact, giving your dog a CBD soft treat 1-2 hours before hitting the park or beach should help lower their social anxiety so they can get out and mingle stress free!

    Practical tips include timing walks and play sessions to avoid peak heat hours, in the summer primarily from 11 am to 3 pm, and using calming toys during post-beach downtime. With the right planning, Charleston’s coastal charm can be as relaxing for your dog as it is for you.


    Top 5 Calming Toys & Supplements for Charleston Dogs

    1. KONG Classic (Stuffable Chew Toy)
      Why it works: Provides mental stimulation and satisfies self-soothing chewing instincts.
      Charleston benefit: Freeze it with peanut butter or healthy treats for a cooling effect after a hot beach day or humid afternoon at the dog park.
      Keyword focus: best calming dog toys.
    2. Snuffle Mats (Interactive Feeding Mats)
      Why it works: Mimics natural foraging, engages the brain, and relieves boredom.
      Charleston benefit: Perfect for stormy afternoons or hurricane-season prep when outdoor play isn’t safe.
    3. Lick Mats (Textured Soothing Mats)
      Why it works: The repetitive licking action naturally calms the nervous system.
      Charleston benefit: Excellent for easing anxiety during car rides to the vet, grooming, or long coastal trips.
    4. Natural CBD Soft Chews for Dog Anxiety
      Why it works: Hemp-derived compounds can promote relaxation without sedation.
      Charleston benefit: Useful before fireworks, boat rides, or boarding when owners travel.
      Keyword focus: natural supplements for dog anxiety.
    5. Joint & Calming Combo Supplements (e.g., Glucosamine + Chamomile blends)
      Why it works: Targets both anxiety and mobility challenges — ideal for seniors or large-breed dogs.
      Charleston benefit: Keeps older pups comfortable for long walks on the Battery or casual beach adventures.

    Check back again soon, as I will be adding links to all my favorite toys to use with my three pups in the next week or so. My little wolfpack has two aggressive chewers, who destroy all toys, so I’m excited to write the next toy article and provide links to toys that actually are dang near indestructible!


    When to Seek Professional Help

    Toys and supplements can help, but some anxiety signs require immediate veterinary attention. If your dog shows persistent nervousness, aggression, self-harm, or destructive behavior — or if sudden joint pain appears after activity — consult a professional. Anxiety sometimes signals underlying medical conditions that need proper diagnosis and treatment.


    Conclusion

    Charleston dogs deserve to enjoy the Lowcountry lifestyle stress-free. With the right mix of toys, natural CBD supplements, and attentive, loving care, your dog can stay calm, safe, and happy — whether relaxing at home, cruising the harbor, running on the beach, or exploring the city. Always consult your veterinarian for tailored advice, and explore safe, natural calming options that suit your dog’s unique needs


    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new toys, supplements, or treatments for your dog.

  • Your source for hemp-derived CBD products and toys for dogs in Charleston, SC.

    Salty Paws CBD: Charleston’s guide to dog wellness, offering expert tips on natural supplements and toys for anxiety and fun!