Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that usually affects older dogs and it can be painful for pet owners to see their pet suffer. Most veterinary medicine focuses on reducing inflammation and pain, thereby mitigating the discomfort. But, it is a well-known fact that these have undesirable negative side effects. However, CBD pain relief products are a better alternative according to pet owners because of their lack of side effects coupled with their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This article will explain the use of CBD for arthritis treatment in senior dogs.
What Is Arthritis In Dogs?
Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects 1 in 4 dogs and the exact reason for it is still unknown. Here, the immune cells attack and degenerate the healthy cartilage in the joints that act as a cushion between bones. This causes inflammation in joints and the pain associated with it. Also, it is the most common type of arthritis in dogs and is called osteoarthritis or Joint Degenerative Disease (DJD). As the cartilage degenerates, it exposes the bones in joints and results in them rubbing against each other causing severe pain and discomfort. It also causes stiffness to joints.
How CBD For Dogs Helps With Arthritis And Joint Pain?
CBD is useful for treating inflammation and pain due to arthritis in dogs because of its powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Besides, it does not have any kind of psychotropic effect like the THC and hence it is safe. This is a point that every dog owner must keep in mind because dogs have a higher concentration of CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus region of their brain and so they are more sensitive to THC. CBD is effective in arthritis treatment because of its influence on the CB2 receptors that are associated with the immune system. It can reduce inflammation and pain due to it.
Points To Keep In Mind When Using CBD For Dogs
When using CBD for treating inflammation and pain due to arthritis in dogs, ensure that you are purchasing products formulated especially for them. This is because dogs are more sensitive to cannabinoids like THC. Because of this, they require lower doses compared to humans. So, the chances for overdose are high and hence you must administer the optimum dose to get the maximum effects. Also, you must strictly follow the detailed dosing guidelines provided by the manufacturer on the product label.
We can conclude that CBD for dogs is a better natural alternative for pharmaceutical drugs to treat arthritis pain and inflammation because of its very minimal side effects.
