Many families keep pets for companionship or assistance, and a vast majority of these animals are dogs. Sadly, man’s ultimate best friend can be prone to many chronic conditions. One of these is arthritis.
Like in humans, this joint-related illness can be debilitating. To help the pooch live a better life, dog owners need to educate themselves further about the disease and treatments, especially CBD products.
What Is Arthritis in Dogs?
By definition, arthritis in dogs is no different from that of humans. It still refers to the inflammation or swelling of the joints. It usually occurs when the cartilage the cushions it starts to break down because of wear and tear. Bones and joints can rub against each other, making the illness more painful. However, dogs also develop the condition in other ways:
- Trauma or injury to the joints or bones
- Congenital deformity
- Inflammation because of an infection
Some risk factors include age, breed, and weight. Although 20% of the dogs will develop arthritis, the risks increase to 65% once they are older. Usually, the age is around seven years old, according to South Boston Animal Hospital.
Meanwhile, studies also revealed a correlation between gigantic dogs and the disease. Arthritis often strikes the likes of golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Labradors.
Weight can also be an issue since the excess fat can add more pressure to the joints. In 2001, the University of Pennsylvania discovered a likely risk factor known as the laxity of the hip. Dogs that exhibit it might develop hip arthritis later.
Symptoms of Dog Arthritis
The disease is progressive, but for many dogs, it can be gradual, and the symptoms can be subtle. Pet owners need to pay more attention to the changes in behavior and movement. Often, dogs with arthritis experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty in walking or limping
- Lameness and limited mobility
- Withdrawal and aggression
- Lethargy or lack of energy for usual activities, such as walking
- Apprehension or difficulty in climbing the stairs
- Stiffness in the gait
Can CBD Help?
Dog arthritis is incurable, but many treatments are already available. They can also take anti-inflammatories, while owners can explore non-medicinal interventions. These include low-impact exercises, such as swimming.
An area of focus now is cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD has been a subject of controversy for some time because of its source: cannabis. CBD, though, differs from marijuana since it contains less than 0.03% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the substance in cannabis that promotes a psychoactive effect or the feeling of being high.
A 2020 study by the Baylor College of Medicine revealed that CBD oil could help improve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs. They found out that this hemp product could help regulate the immune response. It could decrease the chances or severity of inflammation.
The effects of the oil can also last for as long as two weeks after the treatment, the study suggested. Both their owners and the vets reported better quality of life for the canines. These include improved gait and decreased pain.
Dogs can still live fulfilling lives despite the disease as long as pet owners are proactive. They can work with their vets to find out the best treatments, including CBD.
Meta Title: Dog Arthritis: Should Pet Owners Use CBD?
Meta Description: Arthritis in dogs is a painful inflammatory disease of the joints that reduces a canine’s quality of life. Can CBD help? Find out in this article.
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