Arthritis in dogs is a well-known condition in the veterinary community, and it appears to be on the rise. The same can be said for CBD (or medical marijuana) treatment of pain conditions in senior-aged canines.
The question is: Can CBD (cannabidiol) help dogs with arthritis? The research and anecdotal evidence suggest it can. But what do we know about the benefits of CBD for companion animals?
What Is Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis, inflammation of the joints, manifests itself in many ways in canines. Hip dysplasia is a common ailment that results from abnormal formation of the hip socket. It is typically diagnosed in dogs between five and seven years of age – before they become geriatric – and it’s more prevalent in larger breeds, particularly those measuring 45 pounds or more at maturity.
Arthritis can also be caused by other conditions, such as degenerative myelopathy, a disease that causes gradual paralysis in the rear limbs, or by injuries that suddenly cause inflammation and pain in a given joint or limb.
Regardless of the underlying cause of canine arthritis, certain symptoms will manifest themselves. Dogs with the condition typically show signs of stiffness after waking from a period of rest, such as sleep or a long period of inactivity.
They may also have difficulty rising from a prone position, be reluctant to go for walks or engage in other forms of exercise, or show signs of lameness when walking. When the dog attempts to get up, you may notice that he grasps his affected leg with his teeth while lifting it off the ground.
How CBD oil helps ease the pain of arthritis in dogs
CBD (or cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis) has anti-inflammatory properties. This is why it helps with the treatment of arthritis in both human and canine patients. It also reduces chronic pain that often goes hand in hand with inflammation, making it a good alternative treatment for arthritis in dogs that can’t go on NSAIDs or painkillers.
CBD oil is even more effective when combined with other supportive therapies, such as physical therapy, changes in diet and weight management, and controlled exercise.
Possible side effects of CBD oil
Despite the benefits CBD has to offer, specialists from http://www.sanjuanjournal.com still believe CBD oil can come with few side effects. The most common ones are digestive upset and loss of appetite – which typically ease up after a week or so on the treatment regimen if your pet tolerates it well.
One other factor to consider is that CBD oil comes from the flowers, stems, seeds, and stalks of hemp plants, which are in the Cannabis sativa family. Thus, it’s important to find a pure source of CBD oil with no traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Conclusion
If your dog is taking other medications or supplements, talk to your veterinarian about using CBD oil before mixing it with any prescriptions. Although most folks have positive outcomes with the use of CBD oil for dogs, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.