It’s an all-too-common occurrence in the life of dogs: sore joints, pain and swelling, and a decrease in activity at the onset of arthritis.
Chronic pain and inflammation can happen to any dog – young or old, hale or sick. Because it is so common and synonymous with old age, many dog owners feel handcuffed in attempts to help their canine companions.
Although it is rampant in dogs today, arthritis can be managed and its debilitating effects can be altogether curtailed, without relying on costly therapy or medications that may be hard on your dog’s system.
Arthritis can affect many – if not all – joints in your dog, but the most common forms of this disease are: Osteoarthritis, hip, elbow and knee dysplasias.
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What is Osteoarthritis?
This chronic, and long-term disease affects multiple joints and can cause significant pain to your dog throughout their daily life.
Also known as Degenerative Joints Disease, Osteoarthritis is associated with gradual but consistent deterioration of the cartilage in the joints.
Osteoarthritis is most common in senior dogs, but many breeds suffer this disease as early as 5-7 years of age (i.e. German Shepherds, Retrievers and Labradors are known to suffer from hip dysplasia and joint-related pain & inflammation at many stages in their lives).
What is Hip Dysplasia?
This genetic disorder is inherited or associated with certain breeds, such as Labradors, Retrievers and Rottweilers.
As previously mentioned, many large-breed dogs suffer from chronic hip pain and deterioration of the hip-joints (such as German Shepherds). Severe joint pain and inflammation can occur in the hips of dogs with degenerative, malformed or misaligned hip balls/joints. This malformation causes pain, swelling and lack of mobility.
What is knee Dysplasia?
This genetic disorder is inherited or associated with certain breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Terriers.
Similar to elbow dysplasia, arthritis in the knees can cause significant loss of mobility, chronic pain and discomfort to dogs. Unlike elbow disorders, knee dysplasia is more common in small breeds, such as toy poodles or chihuahuas. This form of arthritis is caused by deformed knee joints, rotating or moving knee caps that can frequently pop out of place – both of which are regularly inherited/genetic.
symptoms of arthritis in Dogs:
It is important to keep your dog active and fit in order to avoid injury. Understanding your dog’s breed associated ailments, such as hip dysplasia, can assist you in making smart life choices for your canine’s longevity.
Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis:
- Lameness (one or more limbs)
- Swollen joints
- Popping/cracking when mobile
- Licking/biting around the joint area
- Difficulty rising from rest/sleep
- Loss of appetite (accompanied by weight gain)
- Unwillingness to be active/mobile
- Whining, panting, or whimpering
- Depression
- Unexpected aggression towards humans or other dogs
- Lethargy
- Wincing or irritation when touched
- Increased sleep
Why CBD can be an effective treatment & preventative for pain & inflammation in dogs
CBD – or Cannabidiol – can be very beneficial for balancing your dog’s pain & inflammation.
CBD – or Cannabidiol – can be very beneficial for balancing your dog’s pain & inflammation. CBD oils and treats can assist in the prevention of infections and reduction of tumors, lessen the effects of lethargy, gastrointestinal issues and skin & coat deterioration.
CBD is generally effective and it has been widely used for treatment of inflammation and arthritis in dogs. Think of CBD as a supplement that can reduce the severity and frequency of most – if not all – of arthritic symptoms.
CBD has the capacity to block pain receptors from being triggered, effectively stopping chronic pain from taking its toll on your canine. Cannabidiol does not just block the pain however, it can also reduce swelling and inflammation in the joints.
Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid that has been shown to have a prominent effect on numerous ailments – including epilepsy and seizures. Remedies containing CBD achieve this by interacting with your dog’s endocannabinoid system. Almost all animals, like people, have an endocannabinoid system; this network of neurotransmitters is integral to physiological processes like memory, mood, pain, stress and appetite.
This complex biosystem is very prevalent in dogs in comparison to other species. Canines have a high concentration of CB1 & CB2 receptors in their brainstem. CB1 receptors affect the brain, lungs, vascular system and muscles, gastrointestinal function; whereas, CB2 receptors are linked to bones, skin spleen and glial cells. In combination, CB1-CB2 collaborate in influencing the overall immune system, liver, kidneys, bone marrow, pancreas and brainstem.
CBD can help your dog by producing anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, antispasmodic and analgesic effects indirectly – that is, CBD interacts with your dog’s ECS (Endocannabinoid System) opposite to THC which directly binds to the Cannabinoid Receptors of the body. This does two things: makes the positive remedial properties more bioavailable to your dog; and lessens or negates the psychoactive effects, such as those associated with THC ingestion.
As you can see by the wide scope of ailments that CBD effects, it is clear how introducing CBD into your dog’s routine can help to maintain a healthy joints, free from inflammation and chronic pain.
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