CBD for dogs with arthritis
Is your sweet senior pup slowing down? Do they seem stiff after walks or other exercises or reluctant to engage in their favorite physical activities?
If so, you will want to visit your veterinarian to find out what’s causing the slowdown. If your vet diagnoses your pup with osteoarthritis, you will probably search for ways to help them get the pep back in their step.
Osteoarthritis, often referred to as arthritis, is a common source of joint pain, especially for older dogs and certain breeds. Unfortunately, it is also a progressive disease. Developing a treatment plan to slow the process and minimize symptoms is crucial.
Many veterinarians will prescribe NSAIDs for dogs with osteoarthritis. These may help your dog feel better, but as with any prescription, there can be some concerning side effects. For example, NSAIDs have been linked to renal damage in some situations. You will want to explore the pros and cons of long-term NSAID therapy with your vet.
Managing your dog’s joint pain from arthritis is best accomplished by a combined approach that includes:
- Pain management, which may include NSAIDs prescribed by a veterinarian
- Gentle, low-impact exercises such as swimming and sniff walks
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Anti-inflammatory supplements, including Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil and a glucosamine/chondroitin compound
- Pet CBD for supplemental pain relief from your dog’s arthritis
Does CBD reduce a dog’s arthritis pain?
While CBD will not eliminate arthritis, it may decrease the pain and reduce the inflammation associated with the condition, with no side effects.
While research into CBD benefits in animals is somewhat limited, initial findings show that CBD products can provide arthritis relief by reducing inflammation and pain in dogs with joint issues, resulting in increased mobility.
A study from Cornell University found that 2 mg per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
This study found no side effects of CBD treatment and no indications of any psychoactive effects from the full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains less than 0.3% THC.
Despite limited quantitative data, many dog owners report seeing fast, visible improvements in their dogs’ mobility and a reduction in their joint pain symptoms from arthritis when regularly given CBD.
How does CBD help dogs with arthritis?
Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the active constituents of the cannabis plant, can exert profound healing and balancing effects on all mammals. CBD can help the body rebalance to homeostasis by stimulating the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors located throughout the body, and it’s named after the plant that led to its discovery. Natural endocannabinoid substances are synthesized by the body to maintain a stable internal environment, which is known as homeostasis. If a condition such as arthritis causes the body’s endocannabinoid production to fall behind in producing what it needs, CBD supplements can help. CBD supplements can also stimulate the body to build more receptors, which makes the body’s natural cannabinoids work more effectively.
Will CBD make your dog high?
THC, the compound in marijuana that makes people high, is toxic to pets, so it is crucial to purchase CBD from a reputable source that specializes in CBD for cats and dogs and that has been lab-tested for purity and potency. These products contain less than 0.3% THC, making them safe for pets and legal in all states. While some animals experience mild relaxation, if you give your dog CBD formulated for pets, they will not experience any intoxicating effect.
What is the best kind of CBD for dogs with arthritis?
CBD for dogs comes in many convenient forms. The most common types are tinctures, also known as CBD oil, which can be given from a dropper bottle directly into the mouth, added to food or a treat, rubbed into bare skin inside the ears, or dropped on an animal’s paw to be licked off. You may also want to give your dog CBD treats or pleasant-tasting solid Coconut Oil with CBD. Read How to Give Your Dog CBD to learn more.
How do I give CBD to my dog with arthritis?
If your pup’s joint pain is chronic, you should give them CBD consistently. Determining their ideal dose may take a bit of testing. If the pain is severe, you will want to offer a dose on the higher end of the range every 8-12 hours. For long-term dosing of a larger dog, high-potency products will provide the best value.
Ask your vet about giving your dog CBD for arthritis or joint pain
Although pet CBD does not require a prescription, if you have a dog experiencing arthritis pain, you may want to ask your veterinarian about adding CBD oil for dogs to their treatment plan to reduce the pain and inflammation. While many veterinarians, especially those with an integrative background, will be aware of the benefits of adding CBD to your dog’s arthritis regimen, you must bring up the topic. At this point, only veterinarians in California are permitted to initiate a discussion on CBD.
With proper pain management, even with arthritis, your dog can enjoy their senior years fully.
