CBD Has Gone to the Dogs

CBD for Dogs and Cats is becoming more commonplace than ever. Humans and Pets alike have endocannabinoid receptors in the body and these react to improve health outcomes.

Researchers have finally executed a strong study on the efficacy of CBD (cannabidiol) on Canines. Previously, the studies and the vast amount of anecdotal evidence supporting cannabinoid (derived from the industrial hemp plant) health in pets was limited. The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, detailed canine testing with Osteoarthritis. Essentially, like humans, there is Arthritis in Dogs but is there a way to improve their health with CBD? In the recent study, the dogs were tested to see whether CBD would aid in the lessening of discomfort and inflammation of canines.

Dogs and Humans get osteoarthritis. If you’ve heard of it before, but aren’t quite sure what it is, the good people at the Mayo Clinic describe “Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.” With dogs, it’s very similar. Keep in mind that it is a degenerative joint disease. It results in chronic joint inflammation, and in many cases, pain and discomfort, that can potentially be crippling to a dog.

Arthritis in Dogs: Your Trusted Pet

If your favorite canine friend has been recently diagnosed with arthritis, then you may have better hope thanks to the light shed on the new canine arthritis ECS (endocannabinoid system study). Even if you’re hoping to prevent or significantly daily your pet’s possible fight with the inflammation and discomfort from arthritis, knowing more about natural health opportunities.

As pet owners, we often look to the expertise of veterinarians to keep our canine family members safe and healthy. Many veterinarians are not current with new and existing research on Cannabinoids and canine health. Those animal health practitioners who stay abreast of both natural and pharmacological support for better health are more likely to provide more detailed advice on pet health as associated with cannabinoids. With many veterinarians, they’ll continue the thread of “there’s just not enough research out there to warrant giving your pet cannabinoids or CBD” simply because it removes them from the liability of recommending CBD for any treatment. This is why it’s very beneficial to do your own homework with regard to the health and care for your pets PLUS speak to your trusted vet. This way you can compare what you’ve learned to what you’re hearing and you’re able to ask far more educated questions.

The study in question, “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs”, offers showed a significant decrease in pain and increase in activity with CBD oil. This study followed on a well-cited earlier pilot study, “Characterization of endocannabinoids and related acylethanolamides in the synovial fluid of dogs with osteoarthritis”. In both studies, it was shown that the introduction of relatively small doses of CBD to a dog results in both significant improvement of health disposition. One key point made in both studies: Compelling evidence suggests an active role of the Endocannabinoid System in the treatment of Osteoarthritis in dogs.

We read through the recent study and compared their recommendations to earlier studies. It’s notable that a larger selection of ECS and Canine Health have become available in recent years as the overall interest in hemp has increased as more anecdotal evidence has been presented. Earlier recommendation on dosing pets CBD have been varied but the average seems to be about a dose of 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis. If you’re worried about your 15 lb pet Fox Terrier, then you’d dose your pup 13.6mg two times a day. This dosing was shown to boost the overall health significantly.

These recommended levels have been offered by many veterinarians who have adapted the phytocanabinoid supplementation for dogs. Many veterinarians recommend either a brand sold by the practice or one which they have a linkage to – for example, a brand carried by a nearby pharmacy. In most cases, this is a solid recommendation and the product presented by the veterinarian not only would be helpful for the canine in questions, but it’s likely the easiest product to locate for the consumer. When a product recommendation is received, well-established and trusted Hemp resources like the Carolina Hemp Hut can provide high impact and often less expensive alternatives or perhaps even the exact products (at less expense) that are recommended by veterinarians. We’re on your side when it’s time to fight the discomfort associated with Arthritis in Dogswith your family pet.

The recent study was sponsored by a grant from a cannabinoid manufacturer, ElleVet Sciences, of Portland, Maine. The study referenced the collection of supporting anecdotal evidence that there is definitely a linkage with Hemp/CBD to better joint health.