It is almost universally true that all dog owners love their pets. A number of them can claim to have a close, permanent bond with their dogs and feel that their dogs also have genuine feelings for them. At a very basic level, dogs offer their owners a sense of companionship, loyalty, and affection.
News about any discomfort in dogs leads to a fair amount of distress for their owners. The fact is that dogs unfortunately suffer a number of the same illnesses that affect humans. Osteoarthritis is one such example. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative illness that worsens over time.
A number of CBD products are available as oils or edible dog treats that can be given to pets to relieve suffering and pain.
Osteoarthritis in Dogs Explained
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease or arthritis affecting 1 out of 5 dogs in the United States. Osteoarthritis is the onset of permanent and progressive degradation of the cartilage that surrounds the joints. Osteoarthritis in dogs leads to inflammation of the joints, pain, and usually a loss of motion.
Given that Osteoarthritis in dogs is usually associated with aging, the problem is most often found in older dogs. However, some dog breeds are especially prone to problems related to joint, bone, and hip problems.
Here are some common symptoms of Osteoarthritis in our furry friends –
- Limping and stiffness
- Sore to the touch
- Weight gain
- Restlessness & anxiety
- Reduced movement
- Unnaturally aggressive or withdrawn mood
Effectiveness of CBD in Treating Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Cannabidiol or CBD is given to dogs largely for its anti-inflammatory properties, stimulation of appetite, promotion of heart-health, and an effective means to treat anxiety.
A study published in the European Journal of Pain in 2016 showed that the application of a CBD cream can potentially lessen inflammation and related problems occurring from arthritis-pain in dogs without any noticeable side-effects.
Given that Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, it cannot be completely cured. However, with the help of supplements and alternative medication like CBD and CBD-based products for dogs, the symptoms of osteoarthritis in our pets can be vastly improved.
A related study published 2 years ago analyzed the impact and safety of administering CBD oil to dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. As part of the study, dogs were given either a 2mg/kg of CBD oil or a placebo twice every 24 hours. The treatment was conducted over a period of 4 weeks and this was followed by a washout period of 2-weeks. The study found that dogs given CBD oil showed a notable decrease in pain and demonstrated an increased level of activity. Additionally, dog owners did not report any side-effects on their pets.
CBD oils for pets influence the receptors present within the endocannabinoid system of the animal. These receptors indicate to the brain to relieve pain by kickstarting other receptors that can fight inflammation and pain in the body.
Disclaimer
CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under the laws of certain states.
It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.