What Does Science Really Say About Using CBD for Dogs with Arthritis?

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Arthritis is a problem for dogs, especially as they get older. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can make it hard for dogs to move around as easily as they once did to enjoy life. As pet owners look for ways to help their ailing furry friends, CBD (cannabidiol) has dramatically increased in popularity because many dog owners believe that it can help relieve arthritis symptoms. But what does science actually say? We’re here with the answers you need! Can CBD relieve your dog’s arthritis symptoms? Let’s break it down!

What is CBD?

CBD, which is short for cannabidiol and found in the cannabis plant, does not cause any psychoactive effects as its THC, a different part of cannabis that gets you high. Essentially it doesn’t alter your mind, this is why it has become such a popular option to use safely for both yourself and your pet. It helps with pain, anxiety, inflammation and so much more.

How Does Arthritis Affect Dogs?

Arthritis in dogs, as with humans, is the inflammation of joints. The most common being osteoarthritis, which occurs when a dog’s cartilage between its joints breaks down from wear. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones; without it, bones would rub together causing pain and stiffness. Dogs that have arthritis may find it difficult to move around, stand up or lay down and will be less active overall. This problem can take an emotional toll on not only the dogs but also their owners who feel powerless watching their companions suffer.

How CBD Might Help Dogs with Arthritis?

CBD has gained popularity because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Inflammation is the primary cause of pain in arthritis, so reducing inflammation can help dogs feel better and move around more easily.

CBD works by interacting with a system in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating many important functions of the body including mood, appetite and even pain. It contains receptors that CBD can bind to and this in turn can help to reduce inflammation and therefore make your dog experience less pain. With this knowledge it’s easy to see why many pet owners have started using CBD as a natural way of reducing their dogs arthritis symptoms, but does it really work? You can find more about CBD for pets here https://cbdfx.com/collections/cbd-for-pets/.

What Does Science Say?

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Despite the hype surrounding CBD for dogs, the available research is still in its early stages. Most studies have investigated the use of CBD in humans or lab animals, but a growing number have been conducted in dogs as well . And most of those that have been published so far are promising.

One of the most well-known studies was published in 2018 by researchers at Cornell University. In the study, 16 dogs with osteoarthritis were given CBD oil or a placebo for 4 weeks. The dogs that received CBD had their pain scores significantly reduced and their activity levels appear to increase compared to dogs that received a placebo. The researchers noted that they found no negative side effects associated with the use of CBD, so they concluded it appeared to be both safe and effective.

Another study in 2020, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, also found similar results. This study involved 20 dogs with osteoarthritis who were treated with either CBD or a placebo. The dogs who received CBD showed improvement in their pain levels and quality of life.

However, it is important to note that while these studies are encouraging, they are still small. More research is needed to fully understand how effective CBD is for treating arthritis in dogs and what the best doses are.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

According to the studies we mentioned earlier, CBD seems to be safe for dogs when used in the appropriate doses. No serious side effects were reported with either study. Mild side effects did occur in some animals in the form of mild diarrhoea, dry-mouth, lowered blood pressure and drowsiness.

However, before making any purchases or applying anything to your dog’s diet or health regimen you should know that not all CBD products are created equal. There is virtually no regulation of these products in place so they can be composed of any number of ingredients and levels of purity or potency. And while many users will claim that their favourite product will do anything but turn your pup into a zombie it’s hard to put much trust in those claims without spiritual backup.

What Are the Experts Saying?

Veterinarians are split on whether or not CBD can help dogs with arthritis. Some believe strongly in the benefits of CBD and think it’s a natural, holistic option to pharmaceutical pain medication. They also read the studies and anecdotal evidence indicating how so many dogs appear to get better with CBD.

Other vets take a more conservative approach. Most say that because we don’t have large-scale studies on dog-specific CBD products, they’re not comfortable advising them for their patients. Many will cite this reason and tell owners to stick with scientifically-backed medications until they see further product labelling, dosing, or scientific information.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Has Arthritis?

If your dog has arthritis and you’re considering CBD as a treatment option, the best thing to do is to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you decide whether CBD might be a good fit for your dog and guide you on how to use it safely.

Keep in mind that CBD isn’t a cure for arthritis. It can help manage the symptoms, but it won’t stop the disease from progressing. Other treatments, like weight management, physical therapy, and pain medications, may also be needed to help your dog feel better.

Conclusion

CBD may be a promising treatment for canine arthritis, but the evidence is thin. A couple of studies have shown that CBD can reduce pain and increase mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis. But more rigorous research is needed to confirm these early results before we can make CBD oil our go-to treatment for dogs with arthritis. If you’re considering trying it, be sure to talk to your vet first. Under the right conditions, CBD could help moderate your pup’s arthritis pain.

In the end, while CBD may not be a miracle cure, it could be a helpful tool in making life a little easier for dogs suffering from arthritis.

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