Arthritis is a commonly diagnosed condition in humans. However, it can affect dogs as well, especially overweight ones. CBD can benefit people with arthritis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. But does CBD work for dogs with arthritis too?
This guide will discuss the potential benefits of using CBD products, like CBD treats, for your dog with arthritis. You will also learn the best way to give CBD to your dogs, possible risk factors, and the science behind the use of CBD.
CBD for Dogs With Arthritis: Does it Work?
About one in five dogs in the U.S has arthritis, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Also, The Bark reveals osteoarthritis affects as many as 25 percent of canines in their lifetime. Developing a treatment plan for your furry friend is one of the best ways to help.
There are lots of questions surrounding the use of CBD for pets. Whether it provides the same potential benefits, and most importantly, is it safe?
Multiple studies have looked at the effects of CBD on arthritic pain, and all turned out with positive results. Although there is currently no cure for arthritis, CBD proves to be effective in helping manage the symptoms of this disease. CBD might help in pain reduction, inflammation relief, and problems with mobility.
A 2018 study by Cornell University found CBD improved pain relief and quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis. In this study, the researchers gave each dog 4.4mg of CBD per pound, twice daily for a month. After a few days, there were significant differences as the dogs began to live actively and jump around.
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What Is CBD Anyway?
CBD, the abbreviation of cannabidiol, is a chemical compound in cannabis sativa plants. There are over a hundred of these compounds, also called cannabinoids. CBD and THC are most researched and predominant when compared to other cannabinoids.
Perhaps you’re thinking: Isn’t THC toxic to dogs? Well, you’re right to be worried. However, CBD products like CBD treats come from a strain of cannabis called hemp. Hemp plants contain high amounts of CBD and only 0.3% and less THC. This level of THC is safe and cannot harm your pets. You can use hemp for dogs with no worries.
Also, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and will not get your dog high. Instead, studies suggest it has calming and relaxing properties. There are several benefits attached to the use of CBD. We will explore some of the relevant ones for your dog next in this article.
Does CBD Have Any Potential Benefits for Dogs?
Top-quality CBD treats you feed your canine friend may play an important role in improving wellness. Although research on the effect of CBD on dogs is scarce, over twenty thousand published studies are covering CBD’s effects on humans and animals.
These published papers show promising results in several conditions, such as arthritis, chronic panic, anxiety, seizures, and even cancer. There are hundreds of CBD products available in today’s market. Incorporating them into your dog’s routine might be beneficial and help provide relief for dogs.
Here are some of the potential benefits of using CBD treats, oil, and other CBD pet products:
Inflammation Treatment: One of the symptoms of arthritis is inflammation. CBD proves to be a great natural treatment agent for inflammation. Over the years, studies have shown that cannabis-derived products avert damages that are a result of inflammation.
Pain Reduction: Arthritis in dogs causes pain. Although your dog may not cry out for help, you will notice changes such as slower movement. CBD has pain-relieving properties that can be beneficial to dogs with arthritis and other pain-related conditions. American Kennel Club has success stories shared by dog owners of how the use of CBD leads to encouraging results for pain.
Hip Dysplasia: This condition is characterized by joint pain and inflammation. Other symptoms include loss of muscle mass, poor mobility, and lameness. Because CBD is well-known for helping relieve pain and inflammation, more vets and pet owners are adopting it as a treatment option for dogs with dysplasia. The use of CBD here is to help a dog improve its quality of life. It also helps with mobility.
Anxiety: One of the major reasons dog owners use CBD is for behavioral changes. According to several anecdotal evidence, CBD is effective in handling aggressive behavior in dogs. it can help them feel more calm and relaxed, whether the anxiety is from loud noises, travel, or general nervousness.
Seizures: The use of CBD oil for epileptic seizures is quite popular. A 2019 research in dogs showed a reduction in seizure attacks after the administration of CBD oil.
Reducing Itchiness: An Australian-based pharmaceutical company, CannPal, conducted a study using CBD. They found out that CBD reduced itchiness, lesions on the skin, and inflammation, in up to 51 percent of the participants after eight weeks of usage.
Cancer Treatment: Reports show that cannabinoids can induce death in cancer cells and prevent its spread. Also, in a study by Cornell University, researchers found out that the use of CBD with a standard chemotherapy drug can reduce the proliferation of cancer cells.
Does CBD Really Work?
There’s quite a number of stories on the use of CBD for dog health. But does CBD really work? And, what’s the science behind its effectiveness?
First, although scientific documentation on CBD started in recent years, the use of hemp plants for medicinal purposes goes back centuries. Currently, numerous research studies on the effects of CBD show encouraging results in animals and humans.
To better understand how this cannabinoid works, you need to start with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Every animal possesses what’s called the ECS, a complex system that works to maintain balance and regulate body functions.
This system consists of two primary receptors; CB1 and CB2. These receptors interact with the cannabinoids the body produces, called the endocannabinoids. The results of this interaction are changes in body function such as metabolism, anxiety, digestion, and more.
It turns out that these ECS receptors can also interact with plant cannabinoids such as CBD. Because CBD has such an effect on the endocannabinoid system, it can work to produce so many health benefits.
How Do you Give CBD to Your Dog?
CBD can come in varied forms, such as calm and cool treats for your dog. Your dog won’t have a problem taking it as far as he is eating a favorite snack.
Another option is to give your dog CBD oil drops. You administer sublingually or as to his meal. When it comes to giving CBD to your dog, always remember to follow the dosing recommendations.
Most CBD products from reputable brands come with dosing instructions on the label. This is to help you learn how much CBD your dog should take, generally determined by its body weight.
For the use of CBD in relieving osteoarthritis symptoms, studies show effectiveness at doses between 2mg/kg and 8mg/kg. You can start by giving your dog the lowest dose then slowly increase it until you see results.
Possible Risk Factors You Must Know
There is limited research on the side effects accompanying the use of cannabis for dogs. Because of that, we will make judgments based on its side effects on humans. Also, both men and dogs have an endocannabinoid system, so relating their risk factors isn’t a reach.
The use of CBD is generally safe and has minor risk factors in dogs and cats. The commonly reported side effects are dry mouth, diarrhea, and drowsiness.
Additionally, some research papers found CBD may cause an elevation in Alkaline Phosphate (ALP), an essential liver enzyme. CBD can also interact with certain prescription drugs and make them less effective.
Final Opinion
CBD is a natural treatment option that can be beneficial to your dog. You don’t have to watch your furry friend suffer from a condition such as arthritis or other illnesses that cause pain, inflammation, and poor mobility.
Ensuring you buy the best quality CBD dog treats or oil is one of the ways to get an effective result. Always follow the instructions on the label, and consult a veterinarian when starting a new treatment plan for your dog. This is especially important if your dog is on any medication.