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Seeing your dog in pain is not a pleasant experience, and of course, you want to help them in any way you can.
Could CBD for dog pain be a natural alternative to traditional drugs like Buprenorphine, Carprofen, Prednisone, or even opioids like Tramadol and Trazodone?
We explore CBD for pain and inflammation, CBD's function in suffering dogs, the best CBD for dog joint pain, and the safety of CBD in conjunction with traditional pain medications.
DOES CBD WORK FOR DOGS WITH PAIN AND INFLAMMATION?
If you have spent time reading our blogs, you are aware of clinical trials and studies about managing canine pain with CBD.
CBD shows properties associated with pain reduction in the mammal ECS (endocannabinoid system), but further studies are needed to understand it fully.
Here are some highlights from available trials, studies, and quotes showing CBD's potential as a pain reliever.
A Cornell study found that researchers could increase dogs' comfort levels from arthritic pain using 2 mg/kg of CBD oil twice a day. The results showed a noteworthy decrease in pain and increased activity at weeks two and four of treatment compared to week zero and the placebo group.
Another study by Baylor University found that dogs with osteoarthritis had significantly reduced pain when treated with CBD.
Mark Verdino, MD, stated CBD seems to reduce the reactions of low-level pain stimuli such as mild arthritis.
Fortunately, the sparse trials and studies on CBD do not limit our ability to make good decisions when giving our dogs CBD. The human and canine ECSs function the same way. The similarities open a window into what may be happening in the canine ECS through human studies.
Dr. Gary Richter said there are some differences in how cannabis affects humans and pets, but CBD's benefits are similar in both species.
Human trials have shown CBD treatment significantly reduced pain. Chris Meletis, ND (naturopathic doctor), discussed a study in which seven kidney transplant patients suffering from pain were given an initial dose of up to 100 mg/day of CBD. Two subjects experienced complete resolution of pain, four had a partial improvement in the first 15 days, and one person did not improve.
HOW CBD WORKS TO REGULATE PAIN AND INFLAMMATION IN DOGS
The science behind the function of CBD in the body is extensive. Still, we'll attempt to break it down to its easiest-to-understand terminology.
The ECS involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. The three components interact, signaling the body to regulate cardiovascular, nervous, and immune system activity.
ACUTE PAIN
Acute pain is recent pain associated with illness, injury, or surgery that tells the brain to protect a body part for healing. Arthritis, broken bones, cancer, infection, and inflammation may cause acute pain in dogs. CBD for acute pain in dogs may offer comfort as your dog's pain runs its course. But, as is often the case, if the pain points to another problem, it is best to get it examined before it worsens. Zero studies (animal or human) state that CBD cures illness or injury.
A pilot study from the University of Syracuse states there is a link between CBD engaging the central nervous system and the processes that inhibit pain.
CHRONIC PAIN
Chronic pain is persistent discomfort affecting overall health and lifestyle.
Currently, opioids are often prescribed for chronic pain. The CDC says that millions of Americans are currently addicted to opioids.
A 2020 evaluation found that over half of the chronic pain patients (53%) reduced or eliminated their opioids within eight weeks after adding CBD-rich hemp extract to their routines. Close to all the patients (94%) reported quality of life improvements. Reducing opioid use is crucial to all pets as human consumption of pet opioids rises. The dogs with owners suffering from addiction may be neglected and left alone to suffer from chronic pain. CBD may offer a non-addictive path to pain relief for dogs.
A 2020 study of chronic pain in the United States concluded that CBD presents an opportunity to treat uncontrollable chronic pain for which primary treatments do not work. The study notes that CBD alleviates chronic pain in rats with sciatic nerve constriction.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint pain issue dogs are often burdened with for life. One double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study found that CBD oil increased comfort and activity in the home environment for dogs with OA.
BEST CBD FOR DOG JOINT PAIN
The situation determines the best CBD for dog joint pain. Some dogs won't allow you to place CBD oil under their tongue, making it difficult to administer effectively. In this case, the best way to get CBD in a dog's system is through chews or treats.
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Best CBD oil for dog joint pain - The best CBD oil for dog pain comes down to several factors, including dosage, quality, and delivery method.
The dosage depends on the amount of pain and the dog's size. Relievet offers a variety of lab-tested, 100% natural CBD oils for dogs in multiple strengths. If taken under the tongue, our recommended CBD oil dosage for dog joint pain is 1-2mg/kg. But don't worry, we put an easy-to-use dosage table on every bottle, so you don't have to calculate anything.
Buying a quality CBD oil for dog joint pain is harder than you might think. At Relievet, we manufacture all of our products in an ISO6 Cleanroom in San Diego. We comply with all manufacturing processes set out by federal, state, and local governments. We also test every batch in a third-party lab to ensure all products are accurately labeled and free of contaminants.
Only a very small amount of CBD reaches your dog's system if eaten or swallowed (about 5-10%). For this reason, we suggest placing CBD oil under your dog's tongue so it can be absorbed sublingually. - CBD dog chews for joint pain - If your dog wont let you place a dropper in their mouth, look for treats that have enough CBD to make up for the different rate of absorption. For instance, our CBD dog treats come in 240 mg, 1200 mg, 6000 mg, 9600 mg. They also come in 120 count, meaning that they last at least a month for any size of dog.
We also make CBD Mobility chews for dogs packed with ingredients that promote joint health while featuring naturally retained minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but no THC.
These chews can be taken in conbination with either our oils or treats to provide well rounded support for dogs.
CAN DOGS TAKE CBD WITH OTHER PAIN MEDICATIONS?
A big concern when supplementing CBD for pain is safety. Can dogs take CBD with other pain medications over the counter or prescribed?
CBD does appear to be safe when given with anti-inflammatory drugs such as Galliprant, Meloxicam, and Rimadyl.
According to a Harvard Health article, CBD taken with other medications that cause drowsiness may lead to fatigue, lightheadedness, nausea, diarrhea, and damage to the liver in rare cases.
CBD may also compete with enzymes in the liver, which break down medications taken for pain relief. Harvard Health also writes CBD may cause altered concentration of drugs because of enzyme interference.
The best practice is to consult with a veterinarian if your dog takes other medications and you want to explore the benefits of CBD.
