Watching your pet struggle with arthritis is stressful. And while there are drugs to help them cope with pain and inflammation, they usually induce a range of side effects. Luckily, there is now a huge body of evidence showing that the best cbd oil for dogs with arthritis can treat the symptoms.
Arthritis in dog and what Causes it
Dog’s arthritis is very common. According to some estimates, 1 in 4 dogs suffers from arthritis. In America where there are more than 89 million dogs, this equals about 22 million dogs living with arthritis.
And, in spite of it being so prevalent, joint pain and arthritis still aren’t clearly understood. All types of arthritis cause inflammation of the joints, in turn causing stiffness and pain in the affected areas.
The most widely known form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis, which is mostly caused by the weakening or degeneration of cartilage in the joint. The joints get weaker and start to rub against each other, giving birth to painful movements.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:
- Slowness when getting up or laying down
- Stiffness
- Limping
- Reluctance or inability to jump
- Reluctance to go on walks
- Excessive panting
- reduce d mobility
- Sleeping more than usual
Can CBD help dogs with arthritis and joint pain?
Research has shown that CBD has strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, making it a very useful compound for treating arthritis. And just to be clear: CBD won’t get your dog “high.”
The compound that is known to have psychoactive effects is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Apparently, CBD is a totally different compound that is reliable, safe, and most notably, nonpsychoactive. In fact, studies suggest that CBD can be far tolerated than other typical medications.
When you give your dog CBD, it reacts with the endocannabinoid system. All pets, just like humans, have this system in their bodies. Predominantly, the system is made up of two types of receptors (referred to as CB1 & C2). By reacting with these receptors, the potent effects of CBD are produced.
In short, by boosting endocannabinoid system activity in the body, CBD oil can help treat inflammation in organs, such as the lungs, brain, pancreas, and most significantly, the joints.
Also, like we mentioned earlier, CBD is also a natural pain reliever; thus, it helps in alleviating pain by inhibiting the relay of pain signals to the brain. Meaning, joint pains and other arthritis-related pain troubling your dog, can be naturally controlled by using CBD oil.
Dosage for CBD oil for dogs
Getting the correct dosage is critical with any type of medication, and CBD is no exception. Fortunately, the fact that CBD is nonpsychoactive, nontoxic, and not likely to cause an overdose, you shouldn’t be worried much over anything. However, it is advisable to use structured doses, so that you can be in a good position to assess how your furry friend is responding to treatment.
The exact dose your canine needs will depend on their size, their breed, the severity of the condition, and strength of the CBD oil you are using. For instance, a general dose of 2-4 drops of CBD oil given 2-4 times on a daily basis would be ideal for an adult dog.
Best CBD Oil for Dogs with Arthritis
First and foremost, it is important to know that CBD oil is safe for dogs. Many studies have proven that already. However, to be sure you are giving your dog the best CBD oil for its condition; it’s good to consult a vet physician or alternatively, somebody who is well-trained on that industry.
If for whatever reason you do not have access to a vet, it’s good to make an effort of educating yourself about basic CBD issues. For instance, know the strength or potency of any CBD oil you are about to give your dog. The best CBD oil for your dog should be derived from hemp and contain no THC. Also, look for one that is certified as organic.
Also, always purchase CBD oil for dogs from a trusted supplier or company. More so, ask friends or colleagues who have lately tried CBD oil and how well it worked for the dogs and where they got theirs.
Bottom line
Unlike other pet pharmaceuticals, CBD oil does not present any serious side effects to your dog. It doesn’t damage the kidney, gastrointestinal tract, or the liver. Your dog will not get high or intoxicated. In other words, using CBD oil will naturally ease your dog’s arthritis and joint pain problems, naturally.
There’s a big difference between evidence that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties in general and claiming that it’s possible to say what CBD oil is best for a dog with arthritis. I’m not saying CBD oil can’t be helpful with canine arthritis. I’m just saying I think in this case the best approach is trial and error.