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The science on CBD and dogs’ arthritis: What does the research really say?

Have you been unsure about using CBD for dogs with arthritis?

There’s a lot of excitement about using CBD as a medication for dogs arthritis. However, it’s critical to distinguish real science and personal owner experiences from false news.

Let’s look at some of the most frequent CBD for canine arthritis allegations, and whether there’s any evidence to support them.

First and foremost, what exactly is CBD?

The non-psychoactive extract of the cannabis plant is known as CBD. After extraction, CBD may be infused into oils, balms, or snacks to assist distribute the extract throughout the body.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical component in cannabis known as a cannabinoid. The cannabinoids found in cannabis are known to have relaxing and therapeutic properties. In fact, a majority of CBD products actually contain several cannabinoids, with CBD being the primary ingredient. Other popular cannabinoids include CBC, CBG, and CBN.

CBD may cause dogs with arthritis to become intoxicated. Answer: No

CBD for dogs with arthritis can help with inflammatory symptoms. CBD is derived from hemp plants, not marijuana, in the pet sector. This helps guarantee that CBD dog supplements do not cause intoxication. To be lawfully industrial, the hemp plants must have less than 0.3 percent THC content, which is the cannabinoid responsible for producing a psychoactive effect when inhaled or consumed.

CBD for dogs with arthritis is not legal. Answer: No

Hemp with less than 0.3 percent THC (otherwise known as Industrial Hemp) may now be grown, sold, and possessed in accordance with changes to the Federal Farm Bill in 2018. Because hemp-derived CBD is non-psychoactive, it has no negative side effects. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties that humans and canines may utilize without any risks.

There are a few distinct modifications to CBD regulations on the state level. In other words, the legal limit in each state is determined by THC content rather than percent. In Idaho, for example, CBD products must have zero THC and not 0.3 percent. Check with your veterinarian to see if there are any particular legislation in your state that they are aware of.

CBD oil may help to cure canine joint pain. Answer: No

Arthritis, like any other disease, has no cure; instead, there are various treatment choices to help manage pain and inflammation while keeping dogs active.

The growing popularity of pet CBD has resulted in a deluge of rave reviews and social media posts from dog owners who have used CBD. Among the most frequent reports are that taking CBD has improved their dog’s mobility and alleviated joint discomfort.

However, while these studies are heartening, it’s worth noting that they focus on CBD’s effects on diseases rather than the condition itself. CBD has shown to have a variety of effects, both positive and negative. Some studies have indicated that CBD therapy is beneficial for a limited period of time, while others have suggested the use of CBD for pets may stop working over time.

If you are thinking about giving CBD to your dogs with arthritis, please inform your veterinarian and keep track of how much and when your dog takes it, as well as all other medicines or supplements that your dog takes.

CBD is anti-inflammatory, according to a few studies. There is some cause to believe that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD appears to have an anti-inflammatory effect on a lot of dogs, according to the evidence. It may do so by interacting with endocannabinoid system receptors (known as CB1 and CB2 receptors) in dogs’ bodies known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS can be found in almost all species of mammal, including humans. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is thought to be responsible for maintaining bodily balance, releasing hormones, and triggering responses that regulate how organs react to external stimuli. The ECS is known to influence pain sensation and the induction of inflammation.

CBD modulates how the ECS activates pain and inflammatory reactions, making it easier for dogs to feel less pain and discomfort, but it does not get rid of the underlying problem. Chronic problems like arthritis are far more complex than simply removing discomfort, especially when the dog is still in pain.

CBD might help relieve some of the most common symptoms of canine arthritis in dogs. CBD can assist with everything from reducing inflammation to pain management and improving mobility. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that CBD can cure canine arthritis or arthritis-related joint pain.

Because arthritis is generally an inflammatory disease, CBD may help relieve pain, edema, and mobility problems in many dogs.

CBD’s ability to cure arthritis symptoms in animals is still relatively limited, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is calling for more well-controlled clinical trials and the FDA to give approval to manufacturers to assure safety and quality. There are some encouraging indications, nevertheless.

CBD oil has been shown in studies to help dogs with arthritis. For example, a study at Cornell University in 2018 found that CBD significantly boosted levels of comfort and mobility in comparison to a placebo when given to dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.

In 2020, a similar study found that CBD was associated with reduced joint pain and quality of life in dogs, while a veterinary study published in the journal Pain also found CBD decreases canine pain while increasing mobility.

The conclusion

The demand for treatments is increasing as the number of dogs with mobility problems, joint discomfort, and arthritic diseases increases. Managing canine arthritis requires a multi-pronged approach that incorporates:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including pain relief
  • Walking or using an underwater treadmill is a good, low-impact form of exercise.
  • Strength-building therapeutic exercises
  • Keeping your pets weight and body condition in tip-top shape
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  • CBD can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy, but it is not meant to be the only or even primary method for treating arthritis. Anti-inflammatory therapies such as CBD can be incorporated into a complete treatment plan, but they are not intended to be the sole or even major approach to treating arthritis.

Although CBD’s effects on animals have yet to be widely explored, there is emerging evidence that CBD products can help dogs with joint concerns by reducing pain and inflammation, allowing them to move more freely.

When dealing with CBD for their dogs arthritis, or CBD for cats with pain, pet owners should search for products that are specifically made from Industrial Hemp. In any new treatment, supplement, or medication you give your dog, always talk to your veterinarian team first.