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CBD Oil for Arthritis in Dogs

A man petting his black and white dog outside in the yard.
Claudia bensimoun author of Claudia Bensimoun author of CBD Oil For Arthritis in Dogs

You want to do what’s best for your dog! Your dog is in pain from arthritis, and you’re probably wondering which CBD pet products to use? Today, we all understand the importance of holistic and integrative treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs for reducing pain, improving mobility, and allowing for a better quality of life. With that in mind, let’s examine why CBD pet products are effective for arthritis in dogs.


Degenerative Arthritis in Dogs

Degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis (OA) can affect your furry best friends at any stage in their lives. Working dogs can also be affected by degenerative arthritis. Arthritis in dogs results in chronic pain and lameness and lessens the quality of life in pets. No more long runs on the beach or fun hikes in the woods!

Today, one in five dogs will be affected with arthritis during some stage of their lives, with as many as one in two dogs having osteoarthritis by the time they reach ten years of age. Living with a senior dog or a dog that does plenty of agility or dog sports not only means ensuring that your dog gets the very best in veterinary care, but preventative care via supplementation like CBD is important as well.


 Arthritis Can Develop Stem from The Following: 

  •  Developmental or hereditary abnormalities
  • Injury or stress factors
  • Infection
  • The immune system

If your dog is suffering from any lameness or stiffness, you’ll need to do the following:

  • Consult with your veterinarian for a full diagnosis and intervention
  • Get a veterinary-approved treatment plan
  • Reduce your dog’s pain and suffering by reducing inflammation and pain via CBD supplementation and traditional meds.

Degeneration of Cartilage 

A doctor talking to the brown dog's owner about the dog's x-rays.
  • Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and cushions the ends of bones in a joint. This “cushion” is the shock absorber that prevents bones from rubbing against each other during exercise like running and jumping.
  • When a dog's age, there is more water content in the cartilage, and the protein in the cartilage breaks down.
  • The use of the joints over the years can sometimes irritate and inflame the cartilage, resulting in mild to severe pain and uncomfortable swelling in the joints. For these dogs that are affected with osteoarthritis, their cartilage begins to degenerate, flaking and forming tiny crevices.
  • In most advanced cases of osteoarthritis, there is a complete loss of articular cartilage, which leaves the ends of the bones stripped bare of their protective covering. When this happens, there is friction when the bones start rubbing against each other. This results in further damage to the joints when bone spurs start forming.
  • Osteoarthritis can also be the result of hip or elbow dysplasia. These are the most commonly affected. After consulting with your veterinarian, keep a copy of your dog’s x-rays, and follow-up with all veterinary consults.

Look for an unusual gait, lethargic or sleepy temperament, loss of playfulness, with the occasional bout of stiffness or lameness may be indicative of the early signs of joint disease. If you notice that your dog is out of sorts, visit your veterinarian. 


Lyme Disease Can Also Affect Joints by Resulting in Inflammation 

Lyme disease can also cause joint inflammation that may lead to OA. There are also various immune disorders that result in your dog’s immune system attacking itself. This will result in joint damage and arthritis. Immune disorders cause inflammation of the joints and destruction of the joint surface and cartilage.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, even at a young age, it’s necessary to get immediate veterinary care. Ask for an evaluation done with a screening and keep all records. Discuss the use of natural nutraceuticals like CBD for pets to help with inflammation. 


Traumatic Injuries and Arthritis 

Our dogs enjoy sports like agility, flyball, long hikes, and more. But what if he or she suddenly starts displaying symptoms of joint pain?

Traumatic injuries can also result in joint pain and injury in your dogs. Joint instability can happen at any time and may result from repetitive sports. 

Treating sports injuries in dogs as soon as they occur will often halt the development of osteoarthritis, as well as the progression of this painful disease. Keep in mind that most dogs with osteoarthritis will suffer from inflexibility. This is because the muscles have shortened and there is now a joint restriction. Following your veterinarian’s recommended advice will help in restricting the progression of arthritis. CBD pet products help to reduce pain, anxiety, and inflammation. 


Weight Loss Plan Combined with Cannabidiol 

Weight management programs are effective for dogs suffering from OA and that are also obese. Your veterinarian will help you with a weight loss plan and a specially formulated diet for your dog.

If your dog is overweight, the extra weight will increase the pressure on his joints. By limiting all unhealthy foods and treats., you’ll be helping your furry best friend.

Ask your veterinarian for the correct diet for your dog. This diet should include the number of high-quality foods for your particular dog’s breed, age, and health, and will prevent your dog from gaining additional weight. A healthy and high-quality dog food formula is important to maintain optimal health in pets.


Limited Exercise 

Your veterinarian will recommend specific exercises on grass or soft surfaces that would help reduce any stiffness, as well as maintain joint mobility. These specific exercise requirements will change according to the severity of arthritis. Some dogs will be able to do more exercise than others. Swimming is effective in maintaining muscle mass and as an exercise option for dogs that suffer from OA. Keep in mind that jogging on hard surfaces with your dogs may increase the chances of joint issues later on in life. 

Canine arthritis gets worse with colder, chilly temperatures or in damp conditions. Always keep your dog warm and dry, and use the correct type of orthopedic foam beds that are now available. Water-bedding also helps with arthritis. 

A combination of an orthopedic dog bed, CBD supplements and correct diet and exercise regime will help to keep your pet comfortable, and free of pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Work together with your veterinarian to choose the correct CBD pet supplements that may be used together with traditional meds for your pets.


Swimming for Dogs That Suffer from Arthritis 

A chocolate lab swimming

Swimming is great because it’s a low impact activity, and always improves your dog’s muscle mass and joint range motion. Veterinarians also recommend stress-free short walks daily. This has to be done regularly for your dog to improve. All high impact exercise such as jumping, running, agility, and so forth, need to be avoided so that your dog can improve. 


Warm Compresses and CBD for Arthritis in Dogs 

The use of warm compresses on your dog’s joint areas to help soothe the pain and swelling is also recommended. Acupuncture helps with arthritis and pain relief. Surgery may be a last resort, yet in some cases of hip dysplasia, arthritic dogs do well with surgery and have every chance of leading a normal and happy life. 

Talk to your veterinarian about the best CBD pet products to use., and whether CBD treats, tinctures, lotions, sprays, and transdermal patches are best for your dog’s particular condition. Provide your dog with healthy CBD treats to avoid weight gain. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to keep your dog stress-free, relaxed and calm. 


Cannabidiol CBD Hemp Oil Nutraceuticals for Arthritis in Pets 

Research demonstrates that cannabidiol is effective in reducing inflammation, and in reducing pain. One in two dogs over the age of ten is affected with osteoarthritis which comes about due to inflammation, and the breakdown and the gradual loss of a layer of protein called the articular cartilage. 

Supplements and nutraceuticals likeCBD offer therapeutic and medicinal benefits to dogs and cats. Cannabidiol oil for pets is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid that does not cause a “high”. This is because most CBD pet products are usually derived from the hemp plant, and do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It may seem difficult choosing a CBD nutraceutical, but it’s actually very easy if you’re purchasing from a reputable pet brand that’s passionate about pets. 

Here’s the take: 

Opt for a full-spectrum CBD oil. These may be combined with CBG, CBN, and CBDA to work simultaneously to help with pain and anxiety, to reduce tumor growth, to help with skin conditions like hot spots and to also reduce bacteria.

  • CBD oil needs to be made from non-GMO hemp.
  • CBD oil should not contain solvents like butane or other contaminants.
  • It should always be pesticide and herbicide-free.
  • The product should indicate full-spectrum lab testing with a certificate by a third party to ensure purity and quality.
  • CBD liquids work much faster. 

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What is Hemp? 

Hemp refers to the cannabis varieties that are grown as an agricultural crop, and also contain low amounts of THC(tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is federally illegal in the US if it contains a higher amount than the O.3% allowed for use, though it’s been approved for both recreational and medical use in Canada, and numerous US states. 


How Does CBD Help Dogs with Arthritis? 

A few product lines contain Phyto-cannabinoids, terpenes and fatty acids which support a huge range of ailments like phobias, joint pain, inflammation, digestive issues, mobility, seizures, and anxiety. Since we’re talking aboutCBD for pain, let’s look at the numerous benefits of CBD oil for dogs dealing with pain.Here’s the deal on CBD Oil for pets 


CBD as a Supplement for Pain in Dogs 

Today, we understand that cannabidiol also helps to provide appetite stimulation in pets when they’re having difficulty eating due to pain, or from side effects of medications. Maintaining your dog’s ideal body mass when he’s ill is important for longevity. A while back we all believed that THC improved appetite, yet today we understand that full-spectrum hemp oil extract that’s rich in CBD manages pain, increases appetite, and does plenty more like the following: 

  • May help with canine depression resulting from pain
  • May provide relief from cancer side effects like chemotherapy and radiation
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat by preventing sebaceous gland cells from secreting too much sebum
  • May provide benefits to dogs with neurological disorders
  • Helps decrease inflammation in dogs
  • May help prevent cognitive decline
  • May be beneficial for cardiac health
  • CBD may be beneficial in preventing tumor growth
  • CBD helps with diabetes prevention by reducing diabetes up to 56% and reducing associated inflammation in diabetic dogs.
  • Digestive issues
  • Blood disorders
  • Fights off free radicals, and may prevent the development of cancer
  • Improves immune system 

Before using CBD pet products on your pet, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian, so that you both can work together to find high-quality hemp-derived CBD pet supplement or nutraceutical for your pet. 

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How to Choose a Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil Product for Your Pet?

 Plenty of studies show us the multiple benefits of CBD to reduce pain, side effects, help reduce tumor growth, ease anxiety and more in people and pets. That said, knowing how to choose the right pet cannabidiol product for your pet’s condition is important. 

An important question to ask yourself when choosing a CBD oil for your dog is whether the CBD product uses an isolate or a full-spectrum oil. That said, there are plenty of premium full plant hemp extract products that don’t carry the CBD letters on the packaging. These products are labeledpremium hemp oil extract products

Bottom-line, it’s every pet parent’s responsibility to make sure that the CBD supplement that you opt for is safe, effective, and free of THC. That may seem difficult because of the many product lines out there. Some may not be as transparent as others. 

  • Hemp CBD should be 100% food grade
  • Should be made using CO2 extraction
  • No solvents like butane
  • Full-spectrum lab testing by a third party for purity and potency
  • Lab certificates need to be available for all pet parents
  •  Pesticide and herbicide free
  • Made with non-GMO hemp
  • Grain-free natural chews if purchasing CBD  dogtreats
  • Numerous flavors in treats like pumpkin, turkey, sweet potato, blueberry with antioxidant properties.
  • Look for educational websites and 24/7 customer service. 

Look for CBD products geared towards arthritis, and that may contain the following: 

  •  EPA and DHA are two components that are found in Omega-3 fatty acids. They both reduce inflammation in your dog’s joints and the pain that goes along with OA. EPA limits the enzymes associated with cartilage destruction.
  • Chondroitin sulfate works by resisting cartilage compression. It is an important structural component of cartilage. Today, chondroitin sulfate is widely used by many dog owners to reduce inflammation of the joints, and for the treatment of canine arthritis.
  •  Glucosamine is a primary component of joint cartilage. It has the potential to affect cartilage structure and restore synovial fluid. It is the precursor for glycosaminoglycan’s (GAGs).
  • Vitamin C is also an antioxidant which dogs utilize by synthesizing enough Vitamin C to meet minimal requirements. Adding Vitamin C may improve antioxidant performance, yet supplementation of this vitamin can contribute to calcium oxalate crystal formation in dogs that would be susceptible. Vitamin C improves the immune system and neutralizes free radicals.
  • ASUs (avocadoes/soybeans unsaponifiables) may be beneficial in protecting your dog’s cartilage from breaking down. There have been studies demonstrating a synergy when glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and AUS are mixed together. This will result in preventing the breakdown of cartilage.
  • MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is beneficial for its anti-inflammatory effects. Studies demonstrate that the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin are increased when MSM is combined with both.
  • SAM-e (S-Adenosyl methionine has been known to reduce the discomfort that is associated with canine arthritis. There have been studies demonstrating its effectiveness for pain relief. SAM-e has been found to be as effective for relieving pain as NSAIDs.
  • Vitamin E inhibits oxidation is caused by free radicals. The use of higher levels of vitamin E must be used to inhibit oxidation. Oxidative destruction caused by free radicals may contribute to degenerative joint disease.
  • DLPA (DL-phenylalanine ) is beneficial for treating chronic pain in dogs suffering from OA. It is a natural amino acid that inhibits the enzymes that are responsible for the destruction of endorphins- pain-killing hormones. These can be used instead of NSAIDs.
  • Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been proven to restrict the progression of OS and helps with diminishing joint inflammation. It also increases joint fluid viscosity and is beneficial in encouraging cartilage (GAG) formation. A also destroys degrading enzymes and cytokines. As many as 70% of all dogs have been known to respond well and have shown signs of improvement 6 months after being given HA. It’s the best to use would be for mild canine arthritis and synovitis.
  • There are effective herbs that work in combating OA. These have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as analgesic properties for pain. These herbs would include yucca root, turmeric, nettle leaf, hawthorn, boswellia, licorice, meadowsweet, and willow bark. As always, consult with your veterinarian for safe dosage instructions before use.
  • GLM (green-lipped mussel) is also an effective remedy because it has many anti-inflammatory components that are known to benefit canine joints. GLM comes in a powder form and helps to reduce OA symptoms.

CBD Research 2020

There’s nothing better than research to back up any CBD pet product. Here’s the latest from Cornell.

a picture of someones hands holding a small glas bottle in one hand and then the tincture in the other hand.

A recent 2018 study on CBD and canine arthritis at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine by Dr. Joe Wakshlag tested to see whether pain from osteoarthritis and multi-joint pain could be eliminated with CBD oil. The CBD oil was made from industrial hemp or placebo hemp and dogs received every 12 hours for 4 weeks. Cornell worked together with ElleVet Sciences that created soft CBD ElleVet Mobility chews, which are hemp-based. The chews also contained chondroitin and glucosamine which are two natural compounds that help with movement in arthritic dogs. The results of this study demonstrated that over 80% of the participating dogs that used the chews had significant improvement in mobility. The product was referred to by veterinarians in the study as “a game-changer that will change the face of veterinary medicine,” via Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Alongside ElleVet's scientific backing, anecdotal evidence from pet owners and animal clinics across the country have shown ElleVet to greatly improve pain levels and quality of life for dogs with osteoarthritis and joint pain. ElleVet Mobility soft chews can only be purchased through their website or through your local veterinarian.” That said, CBD tinctures, chews,treats, and lotions with the right dosage of cannabidiol are effective in treating inflammation and pain in dogs suffering from OA.

Key Takeaways

 Providing your dog with a stress- free, yet mentally stimulating environment, and good supportive care will help to increase his quality of life. Consult with your veterinarian for a complete diagnosis. It’s always best to include all family members in your dog’s care so that everyone is on the same page.

CBD is beneficial as a natural supplement for dogs witharthritis, without the long term side effects similar to those of pain meds. Hemp infused virgin coconut oil CBD products for pets, that are grown in the US or Canada without animal testing, and that have no fillers, and no harmful synthetic ingredients, work best to promote relief from joint pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

Discussing the right CBD potency with a holistic, CBD savvy veterinarian, to get optimal efficacy for a particular health condition is necessary so that you know which dosage and which CBD pet products to use on your pet. In short, opt for natural and healthy ingredients that are of the highest quality, and made by reputable pet brands that offer transparency and COA’s.


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Meet The Author 

Claudia Bensimoun author of CBD Oil For Arthritis in Dogs

Claudia Bensimoun

Claudia Bensimoun is a freelance journalist and author, and specializes in veterinary content, and eBooks. She's a long-time feature writer for Animal Wellness magazine, Fido Friendly magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association. In addition, Bensimoun has written for numerous pet websites, magazines, newspapers and online publications. Her interests include wildlife conservation, animal welfare, disaster/ humanitarian relief, veterinary research, and veganism.




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