HOW TO USE CBD TO TREAT JOINT PAIN IN DOGS
Joint pain can affect dogs of any breed or age and is fairly common in our pups. Generally, joint issues are likely to develop in as they approach their senior years, causing them to slow down. While this change in movement is generally a sign of them getting older, it can also be an indicator that there may be pain in their joints causing them discomfort. Looking out for signs of joint pain early on can help your best friend greatly, allowing you to find the best treatment plan for them.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF JOINT PAIN
When it comes to understanding the symptoms of joint pain, It’s important to know what the main causes are. In this case, there are 2 main categories under which joint pain falls: degenerative and developmental.
Developmental problems happen when your pet's joints or ligaments do not develop correctly. These problems are usually caused by a genetic predisposition and can lead to more serious conditions such as elbow or hip dysplasia.
Degenerative problems are when the ligaments around your dog's joints begin to degenerate or wear away over time. The root cause can vary, and can also ultimately lead to arthritis.
Here are other causes to be aware of:
- Joint fractures
- Dietary diseases
- Metabolic or hormonal issues
- Cancer
- Inflamed joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis
Our pets are a lot braver than we give them credit for. They don’t often show us when they are in pain. They would much rather have fun and be active, which can be pose a challenge in telling if your dog is suffering. Look out for these signs that your dog may have joint issues:
- Tiredness or lethargy
- Stiffness in legs and limping
- No appetite
- Slipping while moving
- Frequent licking of the affected area
- Reluctance to exercise
- Depression or behaviour changes
- Swelling or heat around one or more joints
BENEFITS OF CBD FOR JOINT PAIN IN DOGS
A CBD treatment plan can be of great benefit to your dog affected by joint pain. It is always advised to contact your vet before choosing this option. CBD oil can be an essential part of a more comprehensive plan and not just on its own. Therapeutic exercise and maintaining your pet’s weight and health are very important. High quality, full spectrum, such as Tempo and Tails products are the way to go when deciding to use CBD oil.
Below are the benefits:
- CBD is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory that can improve mobility and ease the discomfort caused by joint pain. CBD binds to the cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the central nervous system, which are then able to stimulate the immune system, leading to reduced inflammation.
- The cannabinoid receptors mentioned above can also change how the brain responds to pain. The analgesic (pain relief) properties in CBD oil helps greatly with effective pain management. Joint pain can be very debilitating for your pal. CBD can help with this.
- CBD may can also manage your best friend's anxiety by changing the brain’s response to serotonin, which is a mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter.
HOW TO USE CBD TO TREAT JOINT PAIN IN DOGS
Choosing the correct dosage for your dog can be a bit confusing, so it is best to start with smaller doses and slowly build it up. CBD can be given every day, at the same time of the day. When you’re treating joint issues, you should 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 the general recommendation.
CBD generally comes in oil form that can be added to your pet’s food, or you can give them chew treats in different delicious flavours.
The effects of CBD should take about 30-45 minutes to kick in, but this will vary depending on whether you’re treating with oil (faster) or biscuits (longer). The CBD should stay in their system for 4-8 hours, though some dogs may metabolize it faster.
