Table of Contents
Four out of every five dogs develop arthritis, so many pet parents understand the anguish it can cause. Limping and pain can make everyday activities hard. Of course, we want to help them live their lives as comfortably as possible.
Research and accounts from thousands of pet parents say CBD has the potential to help. But which CBD oil is best for dogs with arthritis?
To answer that, we first have to look at what arthritis is.
THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION IN DOG ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is a name for many inflammatory conditions related to the joints. Inflammation is often the cause of our dog's pain.
There's no cure for arthritis, so treatments usually focus on managing the symptoms.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS
Multiple conventional treatments can effectively provide relief for arthritic dogs. These include medications and, in some cases, surgery.
While only your vet can diagnose and advise on the treatment for your dog, you might want to include CBD in the discussion.
IS CBD GOOD FOR DOGS WITH ARTHRITIS?
The following research suggests that CBD can be good for dogs with arthritis.
A 2020 study showed that dogs diagnosed with arthritis significantly improved their quality of life with CBD treatments.
According to a 2018 clinical trial, giving dogs with osteoarthritis 2 mg/kg of CBD twice a day can improve their comfort and activity .
We found further scientific evidence of CBD's therapeutic effects in a study of blood samples from 6 healthy German Shepherds. The researchers added chemicals to get an inflammatory response in the blood. The CBD was able to reduce inflammation .
Because CBD functions similarly in dogs and people, we can look at human scientific studies to gain more understanding.
A 2015 study on inflammation found that topical application of CBD has therapeutic potential to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation with zero evidence of side effects .
While this is all very promising, you should know that these results have only been demonstrated in specific situations with weight-based doses of CBD.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CBD OIL FOR DOGS WITH ARTHRITIS
Finding the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis can seem daunting, as many options are available. Here are some things to look for to give your dog a better chance of attaining relief.
Dosage
In all of the studies of CBD oil for dogs with arthritis, the dogs receive an amount of CBD for every pound of their weight. Look for a CBD oil that makes it easy to do this, preferably with a dosage calculator where you can input your dog's weight.
Ingredients
Quality ingredients are the starting point of a good CBD product for dogs. One easy way to verify high-quality ingredients is to look for the USDA logo on the bottle. That will tell you that the product is free of any solvents and was grown without unnatural fertilizers and pesticides.
Lab Testing
Third-party lab testing is when a company sends its products off to have them independently verified for potency by an accredited lab. The results show how much CBD is in the product and help you ensure there isn't anything that shouldn't be.
HOW DO YOU GIVE CBD TO A DOG?
There are several ways to give CBD to a dog with arthritis; CBD oil and treats are the most common. The best option will depend on your dog and how cooperative they may or may not be.
CBD oil, placed either in your dog's cheeks or under their tongue, has been shown in research to have the best absorption rate, bypassing digestion. However, this isn't always possible, as some dogs are anxious or apprehensive.
CBD treats with a higher dose to compensate for CBD loss through digestion are an excellent option for these dogs.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
While CBD is incredibly safe and has never caused serious harm to dogs or people, it can have some side effects. Dizziness, dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and an upset stomach are the most common. Recent studies indicate that an increase in certain enzymes and proteins in the liver is possible after long-term CBD use.These side effects are relatively harmless to your dog and usually disappear with use over time. They are also reversible by lowering the dose or discontinuing the product's use. If you ever have doubts, consult with your veterinarian.
WHERE TO BUY CBD OIL FOR DOGS WITH ARTHRITIS
When deciding where to buy CBD oil for dogs with arthritis, you generally have two choices: online or in-store. They both have benefits and disadvantages.
With an online purchase, you benefit from being able to research the company and its products. However, you will have to wait a few days for shipping, which can be difficult if your dog is suffering.
In-store is more convenient and immediate, but you risk making a less informed purchase. If you can't check the lab results, you might not know how much CBD is in the product.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
One way to naturally help a dog with arthritis is to reduce the strain on their joints. Low-impact exercises like walking or swimming may help strengthen the surrounding muscles, reducing joint pressure.
You can add supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid to your dog's diet to promote lubrication of the joints. We offer Mobility CBD chews, which contain these ingredients and can be taken in addition to our oils or treats.
