CBD For Pain
How CBD Helps Joint Pain and Arthritis in Dogs
Our pets are our family members. None of us likes seeing them suffer in pain. They feel pain the same way we do but do not show it and cannot articulate it the way we humans do. Stiffness and limping are some of the more obvious signs that your dog is in pain. More often than not for an aging dog, it’s an arthritic pain.
There is an all-natural solution.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, the second most prevalent phytocannabinoid compound found in the cannabis plant derived from the hemp plant, and NOT medical marijuana. There are more than 80 active chemical compounds, but the two most famous ones are THC and CBD.
THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, specifically the delta 9 compound that gets the user “high.” CBD does not get the user “high.” But, for the product to be categorized as CBD, there is a maximum limit of trace amounts to zero THC.
CBD has been a popular natural remedy for many common ailments over the past few years. Some uses manage epileptic seizures, stress, anxiety, easing arthritic pain, as a sleep aid, etc.
How Does CBD Work?
An abstract published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health entitled “Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol” suggests that CBD may indirectly improve anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical studies have confirmed that CBD contains antioxidants secreted by specific immune system cells and positively impacts other cells.
Simply put, our bodies are regulated by an endocannabinoid system, made up of all the cells listed above that are responsible for our mood, appetite, and pain and bring our bodies in balance or homeostasis. But scientists aren’t entirely sure how exactly CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
They know that ECS is broadly dispersed throughout the body and is made up of its receptor sites – like little docking stations. Some experts believe that CBD works by preventing the endocannabinoids from being broken down, while others believe it binds to these docking stations keeping the body healthy.
What is known is that research suggests that CBD can help with pain, nausea, and other ailments. The research includes both humans and animals.
Before going to human clinical trials, ask yourself why big pharma tests on rats, cats, dogs, pigs before going to human clinical trials?
Because we have similar endocannabinoid systems, scientists can anticipate the side effects or how well a medication works or reacts on humans.
CBD for Dogs with Arthritis Uses
Is CBD good for inflammation?
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) is often prescribed for dogs with arthritis. Common initial side effects include vomiting, lethargy, black stool, diarrhea, bleeding stomach ulcers, eating less, yellowing of eyes. Increasing doses of ibuprofen can eventually lead to liver failure with long-term use. Generics include carpofen (Novox or Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), firocoxib (Previcox) and meloxicam (Metacam).
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) NSAID’s work, “By either blocking COX or blocking some activity of certain prostaglandins, NSAIDs reduce ongoing pain and inflammation in animals. But because these drugs also interfere with the other positive functions of prostaglandins, they can cause side effects, some of which are serious.”
Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.
According to Harvard Health Publishing for Harvard Medical School, “Cannabidiol (CBD)- What We Know and What We Don’t.” “One animal study from the European Journal of Pain suggests CBD could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis…Other research identifies how CBD may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain, which are difficult treat.”
Is CBD Good for Pain Management
We all have a cannabinoid system that regulates our bodies into balance and keeps it in a normal, healthy state. Researchers believe that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system’s brain and immune system receptors.
The response generated by taking CBD creates anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief. It essentially changes how the nervous system communicates the pain sensation to our brain.
CBD for overall pet wellness and arthritis prevention
We all age, slow down, find it harder to do things we once enjoyed, and dogs are no different. The period is much faster than we humans do, and senior years can begin at five years old for the giant breeds to 10 years in a tiny Chihuahua.
Giving them CBD daily as a form of daily wellness acts as a messenger to the pain receptors to stand down. Many pet parents use CBD for general health maintenance or mobility support for a senior dog.
By taking the preventative medicine approach, your dog will increase his life span and live a healthier and longer active life. You will also save money and pay less over time for preventative care, and you will have control of the problem. But don’t wait until you see signs of arthritis; get ahead of the curve.
The great thing about using full-spectrum oil to treat your pet’s ailments is that it gives your pet the full benefits of whole plant therapy, known as the “Entourage Effect.” Because there are trace amounts of THC in the hemp plant, there’s some evidence that the entourage effect makes taking THC and CBD together more effective than either alone.
Is CBD Safe?
CBD studies prove it to be a practical, relatively non-toxic option for managing anxiety, stress, seizures, and chronic pain in animals. You may still want to tell your vet to ensure that it won’t affect any other medications your pet is taking.
CBD can increase the level of blood thinning and other medicines in your blood by competing for the liver enzymes that break down these drugs. Grapefruit has a similar effect with certain medications.
Many non-prescription drugs such as Tylenol have this same effect. So, you should let your doctor know if your dog is regularly ingesting CBD.
Dosing your pet
Dosing your pet will largely depend on the age, condition, and weight of your pet, as well as if you are using a full spectrum, isolate, or distillate.
A full spectrum formulation uses the whole plant method, including the trace amounts of THC, which researchers believe has more beneficial properties that nature had intended. Full-spectrum CBD also contains additional compounds, terpenes, and flavonoids.
A CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD with the THC removed.
A distillate is 75% CBD with other cannabinoids.
It is best to see the manufacturer guidelines on their website for recommended dosing. If the dog is older, in poor condition, or recovering from surgery, or the CBD is used for end-of-life care, you will want to increase the dosage.
The Bottom Line
CBD is a safe all-natural, holistic, viable substitute for arthritis pain and inflammation that doesn’t have serious side effects, unlike prescription medication.
Your pet cannot overdose on the product, and therefore a great natural product to try if you are concerned about your pet’s long-term health and beneficial uses for preventative medicine.
