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

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the use of CBD as an arthritis medication for dogs. However, it’s crucial to distinguish fact from fiction and personal owner experiences when evaluating the rumors.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular CBD for canine arthritis claims and whether there’s any evidence to support them.

First, what exactly is CBD?

The non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant is CBD. After being extracted, CBD is commonly infused into oils, balms, or edibles to help deliver the extract to the body. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant that has soothing and therapeutic properties. Cannabinoids have been shown to have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, many CBD medications include various cannabinoids as well as CBD. CBG, CBN, and CBC are other common cannabinoids.

CLAIM: CBD can make dogs high – No

CBD is only produced from hemp plants in the pet industry, not from marijuana. This helps to guarantee that CBD dog goodies do not produce a euphoric effect. Hemp plants must contain less than 0.3 percent THC in order to be legally compliant, which is the cannabinoid responsible for creating a psychoactive effect when inhaled or consumed.

CLAIM: CBD for dogs is illegal – No

Hemp that contains less than 0.3 percent THC (otherwise known as Industrial Hemp) may now be legally cultivated, sold, and possessed under amendments to the Federal Farm Bill in 2018. This allows both people and dogs to safely benefit from hemp-derived CBD items.

At a national level, there are a few key changes to CBD laws. In Idaho, for example, CBD products must contain no THC and not 0.3 percent THC. Inquire about any additional restrictions that your veterinarian may be aware of in your state.

CLAIM: CBD can oil cure canine arthritis – NO

First, it’s crucial to remember that there is no treatment for arthritis; instead, there are several treatment choices to help manage pain and inflammation while keeping dogs active.

The increased popularity of pet CBD has resulted in a slew of rave reviews and social media posts from dog owners who have used it. Among them, the most frequent remark is that taking CBD has helped their dog improve their mobility and alleviate joint discomfort. While these findings are encouraging, it’s worth noting that they usually focus on CBD’s capabilities in reducing symptoms rather than arthritis per se. Some research have revealed positive outcomes that lasted for a brief time after CBD therapy was ceased (see below).

Please inform your veterinarian if you are considering using CBD for your dog, and always let them know about the quantity and frequency of usage as well as any other drugs or supplements that your dog takes.

CLAIM: CBD is anti-inflammatory – There is some evidence to suggest there are anti-inflammatory benefits.

CBD has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect in many dogs. It does so by engaging with EC receptors (particularly CB1 and CB2) in the canine endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS may be found in almost all animals, including humans. The ECS is believed to be responsible for maintaining body balance, secreting hormones, and stimulating reactions that control how organs react to external stimuli. Pain signals are modified by the ECS, as well as inflammation activation. CBD inhibits the activation of the ECS via CB receptors, allowing dogs to feel less pain and edema. CBD helps dogs to have reduced pain and edema by altering how the ECS activates pain and inflammatory responses.

CLAIM: CBD can help alleviate common symptoms of canine arthritis – Yes, for some pets

CBD may help reduce pain, swelling, and mobility issues in many dogs that suffer from inflammatory arthritis.

There are, however, some encouraging indications. CBD’s capability to cure arthritis symptoms in animals is extremely limited – the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is pushing for further well-controlled clinical trials and manufacturers to seek FDA approval to assure safety and quality – but there are a few promising findings. CBD was shown to significantly improve levels of comfort and mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis, according to a study published in 2018 by Cornell University.

In 2020, a similar research revealed that CBD was linked to decreased joint suffering and quality of life in dogs, while a veterinary study published in the journal Pain found that CBD reduces dog pain while improving mobility.

The bottom line

• As the number of Canine Joint Care goods on the market increases, demand for canine arthritis cures is growing.Because many dogs have mobility difficulties, joint pain, and arthritic diseases throughout their lives, the necessity for anti-arthritic medications is especially great. Taking a multi-pronged approach that includes:NSAID pain medication and other methods.
• Walking or using an underwater treadmill are examples of low-impact exercises.
• To strengthen your muscles, try these therapeutic workouts.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and physique condition.
• Tocopherols and other omega-3 fatty acids.
• Anti-inflammatory substances such as CBD can be a component of a comprehensive treatment program, but they are not intended to be the only or even primary approach to managing arthritis.

Despite this, CBD’s effects in animals are understudied. There is evidence that CBD medications can help dogs with joint issues by reducing irritation and discomfort, allowing them to move more freely. If you’re considering giving your dog CBD, be sure it’s from industrial hemp. Before beginning any new therapy, supplement, or medication for your dog, always consult with your veterinarian.