Like humans, dogs can develop osteoarthritis as they age. The joint pain caused by this condition can be debilitating for your pet. Fortunately, there are natural solutions, such as CBD, that can effectively relieve their pain and improve their well-being.
What causes osteoarthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints and can be very painful. In dogs, it often develops over the years and can quickly become very debilitating in everyday life. But let’s start from the beginning: the ends of two matching bones form a joint that is covered with protective cartilage. To ensure smooth movement, this cartilage is filled with a fluid called synovial fluid.
With age, or as a result of a poorly treated fracture, for example, the synovial fluid can cause swelling or become inflamed, leading to inflammation that gradually destroys the cartilage. This, in turn, causes pain in the joint, particularly when walking or during physical activity. In fact, the first sign of osteoarthritis in dogs is limping and difficulty moving, especially in the morning when their joints are still “cold.”
What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an active compound found in the hemp plant. It is one of a group of compounds known as cannabinoids: these are compounds capable of interacting with the endocannabinoid system found in all mammals.
CBD will thus affect the signals transmitted through this channel and alter their content.
The best-known effect of CBDis stress relief: CBD reduces feelings of stress by binding to endocannabinoid receptors, thereby preventing the transmission of stress-related signals.
We have these receptors throughout our entire body, which explains why CBD works on several levels: stress, digestion, pain, inflammation, skin problems…
Benefits of CBD for Osteoarthritis
CBD is particularly effective for osteoarthritis because it works on two levels: it reduces inflammation around the cartilage and relieves the pain that can result from it.
To do this, cannabidiol interacts with CB1 receptors, which are responsible for the nervous system, and with CB2 receptors, which influence the immune system.
This dual action has proven to be very effective in relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
Scientific studies have also confirmed these benefits:
The study “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Dogs with Osteoarthritis,” conducted in 2018 by Dr. Gamble, demonstrated the positive effects of CBD on canine osteoarthritis.
In fact, dogs were randomly assigned to receive CBD at different doses (2 and 8 mg/kg) or a placebo. The study found that CBD oil at a dose of 2 mg/kg twice daily was sufficient to help improve the well-being and mobility of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, without any notable side effects.
The study “ Involvement of the Endocannabinoid System in Osteoarthritis Pain,” published in 2014, highlights the role of the endocannabinoid system in managing rheumatic pain.
Other studies confirm the effectiveness of CBD in treating joint-related pain in dogs, such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, and osteoporosis…
How do I give my dog CBD oil?
Sublingual CBD oil is the most effective way to help your dog enjoy all the benefits of CBD. Simply add a few drops to their food—or better yet, directly into their mouth—to speed up absorption.
For dosing, we recommend starting with 4 drops and seeing how your pet reacts. You can then gradually increase the dose until you reach the optimal dosage for your dog. Once ingested, the oil takes effect quickly and lasts for several hours.
CBD has no side effects and poses no risk of overdose. However, we recommend that you always increase the number of drops gradually.
CBD is therefore an ideal natural solution that will relieve your dog’s pain and help him regain his sense of well-being.
