Studies are indicating that CBD helps with arthritis and its pain in humans. It has been endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation in the US as one treatment method to help manage the aches arthritis causes in the joints. Does this translate into CBD for arthritis in dogs being useful? Comments from veterinarians and owners alike suggest it does. CBD has both pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Because of these properties, it's seen as an alternative to NSAIDs in supporting dogs with their symptoms. Its also known that the endocannabinoid system present in dogs plays a major role in slowing the progression of arthritis. Cannabinoid receptors are found in both the degenerated and healthy joint tissues in dogs with osteoarthritis. These receptors are responsible for helping to lower inflammation in the joint and pain it causes. CBD modulates a dog’s immunological response by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. CBD induces a mild immune response by using the endocannabinoid system. In circumstances where arthritis is caused by an injury, this can help to soothe its inflammatory reaction.
CBD has a wide range of health applications in dogs, including pain and anxiety alleviation, seizure reduction, and maybe helping to treat or at least minimise the negative effects of cancer and cancer therapies. Here are just a handful of the numerous potential CBD advantages. CBD oil may be utilised in a variety of formulas, but the form you select will be determined by what is available locally. In Australia, the most frequent form of CBD for dogs is swallowed as oil. CBD must be recommended by a veterinarian before being obtained from a pharmacy. You can also take it using capsules or gels as a delivery method. CBD taken orally takes somewhat longer to take effect in dogs, but the results are extremely predictable. It’s well tolerated in dogs and safe to use daily.
Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis in dogs can be difficult to manage. Even in moderate cases, simple physical activity such as their midday stroll might be excruciatingly uncomfortable. While arthritis may affect any region of a dog's skeleton, it most commonly affects the joint tissues of the shoulders and hips. Arthritis is most common in older dogs, although it can also be caused by infection or tissue degradation caused by an inflammatory reaction from immunological problems. Chronic inflammation in the tissue around our pets' joints can result in irreparable cartilage and protective tissue loss. Dogs are primarily impacted in weight-bearing joints, therefore hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, and spine are the areas most prone to developing arthritis as they age. These changes in the joint can result in inflammation, discomfort, stiffness, loss of flexibility, and decreased range of motion.
Studies have shown that cannabidiol plays a vital role in preventing the progression of pain that is associated with arthritis. Recently researchers from the University of Kentucky in the USA have found that Transdermal CBD topicals also have surprising effects in treating arthritis. Results indicated that cannabinoids in the oil including CBN, CBG and terpenes all help in reducing pain and swelling in the joints. Different studies have shown that CBD acts a step further by helping in managing pain at any stage. The best part about it is that it doesn’t have any addictive qualities or toxicity even at higher doses.
NSAIDs relieve arthritic symptoms by blocking the synthesis of enzymes that produce the inflammatory response. The problem, as with many single-target pharmaceutical drugs, is that by completely suppressing the synthesis of one of the body's major functioning enzymes, you simultaneously inhibit all of the processes that the enzyme regulates. In dogs, NSAIDs can have bad effects on the kidneys and liver. Using them for a long time is not feasible. CBD is a good alternative in providing similar anti-inflammatory effects without these substantial risks.
How to give CBD to your Dog
CBD oil is rich in healthy polyunsaturated and long-chain fatty acids. Because of this most animals love to consume it for the healthy calories and fats it provides. You can drop the liquid directly into your dog’s mouth for easy ingestion, or add it to their food. Alternatives to oil are pellets, powders or sublingual but we recommend using a tincture due to its high bioavailability. It will be better absorbed and provide the maximum benefit to your puppy. You can even find CBD creams today that can be applied to your dog to help target pain relief in particular areas for your pet.
Most people think of CBD oil when they think about CBD for dogs with arthritis. Bottled CBD oils with droppers are a fantastic alternative since they make measuring the exact amount simple. CBD oil can be administered directly into the mouth or mixed into food or as a reward. The intensity and quantity of terpenes in oils will vary. Full-spectrum CBD oil may be preferable since it includes the largest concentration of natural plant ingredients that can improve efficacy. Because some CBD products have an earthy taste, if your dog is picky, consider MCT Oil with CBD. Most dogs enjoy it, and it may be given alone or mixed into food or treats. It can also be administered to the exposed skin inside a dog's ears for transdermal absorption.
Cannabis has been used for ages in dogs as a painkiller. One way it achieves this is by altering the way the central nervous system sends pain sensations to the brain. Other chemicals in a broad-spectrum hemp extract have been shown to alleviate inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is the primary cause of many problems. In most situations, the discomfort that our arthritic dogs experience is a direct result of joint inflammation. We treat the cause of the problem while also avoiding the pain when we calm the inflammation.
Talking to Your Vet
If your dog’s suffering from arthritis, it’s the right time to consult your veterinarian about getting full spectrum CBD oil prescribed. It can help your pet get more active, maintain a proper weight, and improve quality of life. Cannabinoids like CBG and CBN are best used as a part of a holistic approach to pet health, not simply a therapy by themselves. It’s up to us to supply them with a balanced diet and supplements for their well-being. CBD oil for dogs’ arthritis can be a tremendous natural solution in reducing symptoms and managing pain. The oil is made by CO2 extraction from hemp plants. You can get it online from stores in Australia without any prescriptions but you should first consult the vet before using it. Always ensure what you purchase is free from THC which can be harmful to your dog. In Australia, your vet can help guide you through the process of securing it for your puppy. This may involve forming a plan to cut down the usage of harmful NSAIDs. Be aware that CBD may interfere with other drugs and medications your dog takes like dewormers.
There is no present cure for arthritis in dogs. The disease will continue to evolve, but we can help with pain and inflammation control. A comprehensive strategy involving particular activities, weight maintenance, and various medications and supplements should be the best option. Increasing antioxidant levels can help to minimise cartilage loss, and relieve existing symptoms of joint pain and inflammation.
Dosage
The most important thing to know before taking any medication is what the right dosage to take is. Fortunately, CBD is non-psychoactive and non-toxic for dogs. It isn’t addictive and can’t cause an overdose. However, it is wise to keep structured records of dosage for your dog. The correct dose depends on the severity of their symptoms and what your veterinarian recommends for your dog. Generally, 2 to 4 drops of CBD oil are used as a treatment 2 to 4 times a day. Again, you need to consult a vet before increasing the dose if the inflammation or pain does not reduce. Always monitor for side effects or significant changes in behaviour – if this occurs stop providing the oil to your dog.