Like people, dogs also suffer from arthritis, especially when they get older. It is a very painful condition and very distressing for dogs and their owners.
Traditionally, dogs were treated with aspirin, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. However, NSAIDs come with unwanted side effects, causing joints to deteriorate and damaging canine livers and kidneys.
Since scientists discovered CBD’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties, dog owners have started to use CBD oil to relieve their dogs’ arthritis pain. The major upside to using CBD to help dogs with arthritis is that CBD doesn’t have the unwanted side effects of NSAIDS and other medications.
More About Arthritis
The most common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease for which there is no known cure.
Arthritis causes painful swelling of the joints due to damage to cartilage. This can be caused by age, conditions like hip dysplasia, injury, and repetitive stress of the joints as a result of agility and work activities that continue over a long time. The condition can affect any joint in the body, but most often it affects the joints in the legs and lower spine. The condition is more common in large dog breeds.
You will know that your dog is suffering from arthritis when it struggles to walk properly, is reluctant to walk, or stops in front of stairs. After a nap, your dog might show signs of stiffness or lameness and might limp.
CBD Oil To The Rescue!
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant. This can be done through various methods, like using CO2 as a solvent to extract the oil. The extraction is then diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
CBD oil works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in a dog’s endocannabinoids system called CB1. These receptors can interact with the immune system to reduce inflammation, which relieves pain.
Other endocannabinoid system receptors called CB2 are present in the nervous and immune systems, and CBD interacts with these as well. Scientists think these interactions may stimulate the body to produce its own endocannabinoids, which may strengthen the working of CBD in the body.
Choosing CBD Oil For Your Dog
All CBD oils are not created equal. If you want to buy quality CBD oil for your dog, you need to take several factors into account. The CBD should be sourced from organically grown hemp and it should contain no harmful additives, like preservatives, or synthetic colors or flavors when bottled with a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include MCT oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil and other oils.
Apply the same standards to your dog as you would to yourself. If you prefer to take products that contain no harmful ingredients, make sure the CBD oil you buy for your dog meets the same standard.
Here is a list of important factors to take into consideration when buying CBD oil for your dog.
- What extraction method was used?
There are many ways to extract oil from the hemp plant to make CBD oil, including hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction. Both methods are popular, but CO2 extraction has become more popular and is generally used by reputable manufacturers.
Hydrocarbon extraction uses solvents to separate the oil from the hemp plants, potentially leaving traces of these chemicals, usually alcohol, in the oil. Usually, most of the solvent evaporates, but a 3rd party lab test should reveal whether any traces of solvents remain.
The CO2 extraction method uses compressed liquid carbon dioxide to extract the oil. In the process, the CO2 evaporates, leaving no residue behind, only pure CBD oil.
Look for brands that provide 3rd party lab tests that show the products are safe and unadulterated by any contaminants.
- Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate?
You will notice that you can choose between three types of CBD extracts: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. While all three have benefits, their benefits differ. People choose a certain type of extract because of the specific benefits it offers.
1. Full Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Keep in mind that according to federal regulations, CBD products can contain 0.3% THC at the most.
The benefit of a full-spectrum product is that the different cannabinoids strengthen each other’s workings and create the so-called “entourage effect.” This means that CBD works best in combination with other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant
2. Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD oil also contains a wide range of cannabinoids, but has been processed to remove all THC. Broad spectrum doesn’t contain any THC.
3. Isolate
Isolate is the purest form of CBD since the product has been further refined to contain only CBD and no other cannabinoids. CBD isolate doesn’t offer benefits of the “entourage effect,” as there are no other cannabinoids present, only CBD.
The Importance of Third-Party Lab Tests
These are often called COAs (Certificate of Analysis). When shopping for products, look for manufacturers that have used an independent lab to test their CBD products. Labs perform chemical analyses to confirm that the products don’t exceed the legal limit of 0.3% THC and are free of contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals or residual solvents.
Will CBD Oil Help Dogs With Arthritis?
In addition to the anecdotal evidence provided by countless dog owners who have reported that their dogs experience relief from pain and regain mobility with CBD oil treatment, scientific research has also found that CBD oil can provide considerable relief from pain.
One study found that 2 mg of CBD per kilogram of a dog’s weight administered twice a day can help dogs with arthritis feel more comfortable and be more mobile.
Scientists think that CBD oil works for pain because it uses the same oaths of action as anti-inflammatory drugs.
How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog?
The amount of CBD used depends on the size of the dog – the bigger the dog, the more CBD it needs.
Manufacturers usually recommend 0.25mg to 0.5mg for every one pound of a dog’s weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian first. Alternatively, you can look out for products that take dog sizes into account.
Are There Any Reasons I Shouldn’t Try CBD For My Dog’s Arthritis?
CBD oil is safe as a treatment for dogs that struggle with arthritis. It is a natural product with no known harmful side effects. The worst you can expect when you give your dog CBD oil is a bit of drowsiness.
If you buy a quality product and take the time to find the “sweet spot” for your dog’s CBD oil dosage, your dog will experience welcome relief from the pain caused by arthritis.