It’s hard to imagine when they are young and strong and full of energy, but as your dog ages they’re going to be slowing down a bit and may start to experience some unfamiliar pain or anxiety. As a pet parent, you want your dog to be as comfortable as possible as they get older and to get the most out of their lives. The good news is, CBD for dogs may be the solution to many issues your pet faces as they enter their older years.
CBD has become a go-to remedy for many people for their own health conditions or issues. People consume hemp oil products for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, arthritis, appetite problems, to relax, to focus, and the list goes on. More recently, it has been found that CBD has many of the same effects on dogs that it does on humans.
For many people and their dogs, CBD offers a safe, reliable, non-toxic, and non-psychoactive alternative treatment for many of their health issues. Arthritis, anxiety, loss of appetite, and cancer become increasingly common as your dog gets older. These conditions can make the later years difficult for both them and their owners. CBD may be the answer to relieve many symptoms and to keep them comfortable and happy into their old age.
CBD for Dogs with Arthritis
Chronic joint pain is one of the most common health issues that older dogs face. While CBD doesn’t cure arthritis, it has been known to help ease the inflammation resulting from worn down cartilage that produces the pain.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be linked to its ability to interact with receptors (specifically, CB2 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system) in immune cells. This is thought to be the primary reason why CBD is so useful in treating a wide range of conditions. By activating these receptors, CBD is able to induce a variety of immune responses and decrease inflammation.
CBD for Dogs with Anxiety
Many older dogs tend to develop anxiety problems. Often this is the result of deteriorating eyesight and hearing, decreasing awareness, and forgetting of previous learned cues or habits. In some cases, this anxiety can also lead to restlessness and, possibly, increased aggression.
For older, anxious dogs, CBD has been found to have a calming effect. Just like with inflammation, when it comes to anxiety CBD targets the endocannabinoid system, which helps both dog and human bodies balance emotions.
The interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system initiates chemical transmissions between receptors that help a dog feel calm during stressful times. This can be beneficial when dealing with separation anxiety, phobias, and general anxiety.
CBD for Dogs with Cancer
Nearly one third of all dogs over seven years old will experience some type of cancer. In fact, in the United States, cancer is the leading cause of death of pet dogs. What makes matters worse is that the disease and its treatment are often accompanied by loss of appetite and nausea, both of which can make your dog weak and inhibit their ability to fight the cancer.
There is growing evidence that CBD may work wonders against both cancer and the effects of typical treatment. For one, it is thought to increase your dog’s hunger sensation and decrease nausea. More importantly though, there’s a growing amount of research showing that CBD may have unique anticancer effects, protecting against the growth of tumors and even reducing them in size.
CBD for Dogs, Dosage
CBD has no known negative side effects for animals or humans. This means that there can be little harm from giving it a try and seeing if it helps your pet with their health issues. The key with CBD dosage for pets is moderation—start off with a little bit and see how your dog does with it. If it seems to help their movement or anxiety, try giving them a little more to see if you can maximize the beneficial effects.
Before jumping right to expensive drugs that most likely do have many side effects and possibly long term negative implications, it might be worth it to try CBD. Your dog depends on you more and more as they age. Help them (and you) enjoy their later years and get the most out of life.