CBD FOR DOG ARTHRITIS
Just like their two-legged friends, dogs are sadly also susceptible to developing arthritis as they get older. It is a degenerative joint disease that occurs in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. These joints become inflamed, causing stiffness and debilitating pain. Osteoarthritis affects 1 in 5 dogs, as reported by the Arthritis Foundation, and is a common condition for which there is, unfortunately, no cure.
There are many breeds of dogs that are more prone to this condition. But why does this happen? Old age and poor breeding are the two major factors, but injury and joint malformation are also common indicators to be aware of.
The most common breeds of dogs that experience arthritis are large breeds, such as labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherds. As they get older, the years of normal wear on the joints are likely to develop and aggravate this condition.
DOES CBD HELP WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?
The good news, however, is that arthritis can be managed effectively! CBD oil has been gaining traction as a viable treatment plan for our beloved besties.
CBD for dog joints acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, with few discernible side effects, and studies have shown a significant decrease in pain and increase in your pet’s activity. It works by binding to the cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the central nervous system, which are then able to stimulate the immune system, leading to reduced inflammation. These receptors can also change how the brain responds to pain. Although CBD cannot cure arthritis, it can be effective in treating the associated symptoms.
DOSAGE OF CBD OIL FOR DOG ARTHRITIS
There is no recommended universal dose for all dogs and, as such, choosing the correct dosage can be a bit confusing. You have to factor in the breed and size of your dog, as well as the severity of their symptoms. Typically, higher doses are recommended for more serious issues, whereas lower doses can be used for their well-being in general.
Generally speaking, you should start with smaller doses and increase them gradually using the manufacturer’s recommendations. For treating arthritis, you have to approximate how many milligrams of CBD to give your dog based on their weight. A range of 1-5mg per 10 pounds of body weight is generally recommended.
Below are some common formula strengths and how much CBD is needed in each dosage:
- 75mg formula: 2.5mg CBD/ml of oil
- 150mg formula: 5mg CBD/ml of oil
- 300mg formula: 10mg CBD/ml of oil
- 600mg formula: 20mg CBD/ml of oil
BEST CBD PRODUCT FOR YOUR DOG
Full-spectrum CBD is the least processed form of CBD and has a host of other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
For canines with arthritis, CBD generally comes in the form of an oil that can be added to your best pals’ food, or chew treats to keep them happy and healthy. When choosing the right joint supplements for your dog, it is important to do extensive research to find out what the best alternative is, or ask your vet for their recommendations.
THE FINAL VERDICT
Since recent studies are showing the effectiveness of CBD drops for old dogs with arthritis, it is widely regarded as a safe alternative for joint pain relief. Some vets may still be hesitant to recommend CBD oil as much of the research is still anecdotal, and true scientific data is limited. But, if you want to explore using CBD oil as an option for your dog, let your vet know. They have up-to-date information about CBD products and can advise you on what is best for your dog.
