Canine chronic arthritis and hip dysplasia can be painful and debilitating. While some dogs respond to traditional treatments, others need more advanced options to manage their pain and improve their quality of life.
If you google ‘natural anti inflammatory for dogs,’ CBD products will be among the top suggestions from Google. It is because CBD products are completely organic and are perfect for dealing with anxiety, pains, and inflammation in dogs.
Researchers have found that CBD is incredibly effective in treating joint and body pains in all kinds of animals, especially dogs.
But what exactly is CBD? What makes it so effective at treating inflammation? Here’s everything you need to know about CBD so you can decide if it’s right for your pet or not.
What is Dog Inflammation?
Inflammation refers to redness, swelling, and pain caused by tissue damage. While it’s an essential part of the immune system, if it goes unchecked or becomes chronic, inflammation can cause serious problems.
Depending on your pet’s breed, age, and sex, one or more of these symptoms can appear due to inflammation.
- Excessive licking
- Pain while walking
- Difficulty getting up from a lying position
- Lethargy/lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever or chills
What is CBD?
CBD, also called cannabidiol, is a chemical compound in the cannabis plant that supports a host of health benefits. It’s a popular product due to its potential for natural healing.
CBD oil can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve mood and support healthy sleep. It’s an alternative medicine that does not cause intoxication like marijuana. However, you should test the oil before regular use to ensure it contains only CBD and no other ingredients.
How Can CBD Help Your Dog?
CBD is an effective and natural anti-inflammatory drug for dogs. According to studies, CBD is helpful when it comes to treating your dog’s arthritis. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the brain and body of mammals, and acts as a natural pain-reliever. It also helps regulate mood, control anxiety and promote healthy immune function.
The endocannabinoid system constitutes CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are in the brain and spinal cord. CB2 receptors are found in the immune system.
When CBD is consumed, the cannabinoids bind to the receptors in your pet’s endocannabinoid system. It causes effects including euphoria and a reduction in pain sensations.
Why is CBD Better Treatment For Your Dog’s Pain?
Unlike its better-known counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, so your dog can benefit from its effects without getting high.
CBD is also safe, with little risk of side effects or dependence. You can even give it to your dog on an ongoing basis without having to worry about building up a tolerance.
That’s because, unlike most other medications, it works via the receptors in your pet’s body rather than within their brain. Hence, CBD only needs to be taken every couple of days instead of multiple times per day.
How To Use CBD For Your Dog?
There are different ways to use CBD for your dog, but they all depend on the symptoms they are experiencing. Some symptoms may require oral CBD oil or capsules, while others may be treated by topical administration such as sprays and topical creams.
Prescription medications come with risks as they can cause digestive problems, liver damage, and other side effects in your pet, but CBD oils and other products may offer relief without any of these side effects.
Confirming If Your Dog Is Healthy Enough To Take CBD
Even though CBD is an excellent option, it’s always better to confirm if your dog’s healthy enough to be treated with it or he needs immediate medical intervention. Your vet can confirm whether CBD is safe to use based on your dog’s size and breed.
Now that you know how and why CBD can help your dog, go ahead and look up ‘natural anti-inflammatory for dogs’ in your search engine. You will get a list of websites and stores that sell anti-inflammatory products containing CBD.
Be sure to check customer reviews, certifications, and other relevant information about the product before buying CBD products for your dog.