Introduction
Many dogs suffer from joint pains which are caused by many reasons. There are those who are naturally predisposed to this because of their breed. Some experience this because they are overweight. Finally, it can be a symptom of an underlying disease such as a neurodegenerative disorder.
Joint pain is not limited to any dog size as both small and large breeds suffer from this. No matter how active they are, they can get this.
What is Dog arthritis?
One of the most common reasons for this is canine arthritis. According to statistics, 20% of dogs worldwide suffer from this because of older age. Once this happens, all their movements become painful. After all, their joints have less lubrication which causes pain at every step.
However, this does not need to be the end of their happy days. Aside from medicine directly advised by veterinarians, one of the best ways to reduce joint pain and the symptom of arthritis is using CBD.
CBD for dogs
Cannabis has long been known to have medicinal effects. Aside from its more popular effect of making its users calm, it can also be used to reduce any chronic pain that they are feeling. Because of this, it is also used for dogs in a milder form.
For dogs, manufacturers harvest hemp plants from where they get the compound named CBD. This stands for cannabidiol. It is then mixed with an oil such as coconut oil to be easily given to dogs.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system of a dog, a part of the body that is also found in cats and humans. This then releases receptors which interact with their nervous system. Once this happens, their receptivity to pain is lessened which makes them more comfortable. This makes them experience less pain in general.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
As mentioned, CBD for dogs is milder compared to those for humans. To ensure this, the other compound found in hemp named THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is controlled to be less than 0.3% in the composition. Through this, the psychoactive effect of cannabis is not received by the dog. Therefore, they do not become “high” whenever ingesting CBD oil.
As with anything, CBD can have side effects when given over the recommended dose. First, CBD can cause dehydration for them which is why you might notice your dog drinking more than usual. Next, it can also cause them to be sleepy.
Because of this, CBD should be given in very small amounts first which you will increase later. Only stop increasing it when you finally observe the symptoms of arthritis reduced.
To be sure, it is best to ask for advice from your veterinarian. This is also to ensure that it will not have any conflicts with any of the medications that they are currently taking. Because CBD is natural, this is not likely to happen.
How to choose the best CBD oil for dogs
The exact dose of CBD depends on the weight of dogs. Given that arthritis can cause immense pain regularly, a higher dose may be given compared to dogs who are given CBD to treat anxiety.
Companies put labels on their products for the specific dog weights that the CBD blend is for. There are also some who specifically make it to treat arthritis.
When choosing CBD, it is best to purchase those categorized as “full” or “broad-spectrum”. This formulation includes all the contents of the hemp plant, especially its terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds which can reduce inflammations, promote healing, and are considered as antioxidants. By mixing this, you can promote the “entourage effect” which makes the benefits of cannabis more effective when all its parts are included in the blend.
Aside from CBD oil which is given using a dropper, you can also give it to dogs through treats. These treats are mixed with CBD oil and a natural flavoring such as beef or chicken to make it more delicious for them.
Other benefits of CBD
The best part about using CBD is that it provides an all-around health boost. It does not only lessen the pain that they are experiencing, but also provide the following:
Decreases anxiety
Dogs can experience anxiety because of separation from owners, from being rescued from an abusive home, or being introduced to an unfamiliar environment. With CBD, they can become more relaxed and capable of controlling their emotions.
Seizures and epilepsies
CBD can be used to prevent the overstimulation of the brain because of abnormal electrical activity. Because of this, the intensity and episodes of seizures will be reduced.
With all of this, their day-to-day experience will be improved and will result in an improved mood, better appetite, and improved sleep cycle.
Conclusion
CBD is a good supplement to be used alongside medicines for treating dog’s arthritis and joint pain. It is a naturally occurring compound that is effective in relieving pain and lessening body inflammations. It can be given in both oil and dog treat form.