CBD Oil for Dogs with Arthritis and Joint Pain
Is your sweet senior pup slowing down? Do they seem stiff after walks or other exercises or reluctant to engage in their favorite physical activities? If so, you will want to visit your veterinarian to find out what’s causing the slowdown. If your vet diagnoses your pup with osteoarthritis, you will probably search for ways to help them get the pep back in their step. Osteoarthritis, often referred to as arthritis, is a common source of joint pain, especially for older dogs and certain breeds. Unfortunately, it is also a progressive disease. Developing a treatment plan to slow the process and minimize symptoms is crucial. Many veterinarians will prescribe NSAIDs for dogs with osteoarthritis. These may help your dog feel better, but as with any prescription, there can be some concerning side effects. For example, NSAIDs have been linked to renal damage in some situations. You will want to explore the pros and cons of long-term NSAID therapy with your vet.
Does CBD reduce a dog’s arthritis pain? While CBD will not eliminate arthritis, it may decrease the pain and reduce the inflammation associated with the condition, with no side effects. Although research into CBD benefits in animals is somewhat limited, initial findings show that CBD products can provide arthritis relief by reducing inflammation and pain in dogs with joint issues, resulting in increased mobility. A study from Cornell University found that 2 mg per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis. This study found no side effects of CBD treatment and no indications of any psychoactive effects from the full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains less than 0.3% THC. Despite limited quantitative data, many dog owners report seeing fast, visible improvements in their dogs’ mobility and a reduction in their joint pain symptoms from arthritis when regularly given CBD.