Arthritis is a common illness that is known and experienced by a lot of people. It can hinder our day-to-day lives and may cause pain and discomfort. It is common knowledge that arthritis affects us humans, but did you know that dogs can have arthritis, too? Recent findings show that 20-25% of the dog population are estimated to have this condition, making it a concern on canine diseases.
Pet owners would want nothing more but to treat their beloved animals, and one of the most recommended treatments for arthritis is CBD oil.
How does CBD oil help treat your dog's arthritis? Read more to find out.
What is Arthritis in Dogs?
Much like in humans, arthritis in dogs is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints of dogs. It is usually a long-term condition that happens in most dogs as they age. This disease can cause pain in your dog's joints and muscles, causing discomfort and fatigue.
Types of Dog Arthritis
There's more to arthritis than you may think. This condition branches out into different types. And although most share similarities with pain and discomfort, it is crucial to know the types of arthritis in dogs to have an idea for your pet's proper treatment. Whole Dog Journal, a dog care and training blog give us insight into the different arthritis conditions. They include the following:
#1 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the dog's immune system attacks the joints and other body parts that can cause inflammation and severe damage. RA can affect multiple joints, including:
- Elbows
- Wrists
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Feet
- Ankles
- Neck
- Jaw.
This is most commonly found in small dog breeds between two and six years of age. Symptoms that your dog may have RA include:
- Inflammation of the small joints
- Morning stiffness
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Possible loss of appetite
- Fever
Your dog may also experience stiffness that can last for the rest of the day or hours.
#2 Osteoarthritis
One of the most known forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease (DJD) that develops over months or years with symptoms that can sometimes show and disappear. The cause of osteoporosis in dogs is the loss of cartilage, a tissue that covers the bones' ends. The purpose of cartilages is to absorb the body's shock, and without it, bone-on-bone movement creates discomfort.
Your dog may have osteoarthritis if they experience symptoms such as:
- Aching and deep pain
- Morning stiffness
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Stiffness after resting
- Restricted range of motion
- Joints are warm to the touch
- Pain while walking
#3 Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a type of arthritis where the spinal canal starts to narrow and is often caused by osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Changes in bladder and bowel function
- Increased fatigue
- Poor mobility
- Pain on the hind legs, tail, or back
- Being reluctant to play or go out on walks.
#4 Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a chronic condition that commonly develops in older dogs as their spine's soft tissues tear and degenerate, causing pain. Vetinfo.com states that spondylosis occurs when " bone spurs from the spine due to progressive disk degeneration."
Most dogs with this condition have little to no symptoms. On the other hand, a severe case of spondylosis may include the following symptoms:
- Muscle atrophy
- Lameness
- Back pain
- Neurological problems (a rare occurrence)
#5 Spondylitis
Spondylitis is one of the most common conditions of the bones that is commonly seen in older dogs. According to Pethealthcare.com, this disease causes the dog's spine to start growing together, having less capacity to jump, run, play, or do any physical activity.
Most dogs who experience spondylitis are asymptomatic, meaning that these canines show no disease symptoms at all. Although this is the case, you can feel abnormal bone growth along the spine when you touch them.
The following symptoms may be observed on your dog, depending on the place of bone spurs. These include the following:
- Discomfort when touched along the spine
- Stiffness
- Limping
- Inflexibility or motion restriction
Your dog may also experience pain caused by pressure on the nerves due to these bone spurs.
#6 Infective or Septic Arthritis
Infective or septic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease caused by infections in the bloodstream that enter the joints. Causes of infective arthritis can be bacteria that enter your dog's gum. This is why checking your pet's gums and teeth regularly is vital to avoid this type of arthritis.
Septic arthritis can affect multiple limbs, but it usually involves a single joint. Vetinfo.com states that symptoms of this condition include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Fever
There also are physical signs that you should watch for. These are:
- Difficulty standing up from resting position
- Limping
- Reluctant to climb the stairs or even walk
- Whimpering or crying for no evident reason
- Difficulty in finding a resting position
Can CBD Oil Help?
There are many treatments available for dogs who have arthritis. A surgical correction is an option for very serious arthritis cases. Still, if you catch the disease early enough, or if it isn’t extremely severe, you may be able to relieve your pet's symptoms either with medication or natural remedies like CBD oil.
How does CBD oil help in your dog's arthritis? The studies on the effects of CBD are still ongoing, but research shows that CBD affects the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a system that can be found on all animals that could regulate critical bodily functions on the body.
Arthritis is a painful condition for dogs. Not only does it impair mobility, but it also causes flare-ups or episodes of significant discomfort on areas that are affected.
The first evidence supporting how CBD oil has health benefits for dogs came from a 2017 study by Cornell University on dogs who have osteoarthritis. The study concluded that CBD oil helps improve mobility and comfort in dogs' home environments with osteoarthritis. Veterinary assessments of pain also indicate relief with the help of CBD.
Inflammation is also a common effect of arthritic pain in dogs, so reducing inflammation is vital to improving your canine's quality of life. A 2011 study from Neuroscience Letters found that CBD effectively reduces acute joint inflammation by affecting receptors related to pain and its response to stimuli.
The effects of CBD oil on dogs may vary and could acquire some time to see its impact. A full-spectrum CBD oil can effectively manage arthritis symptoms, although its relief does not always happen immediately. Some dogs may experience comfort directly after intaking CBD oil under the tongue, and others may need a few days to see the difference in your dog's pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis.
Dosage on CBD Oil for Dogs
The recommendation for CBD oil on your dog would be to start on a low dosage, with a slow intake. Veterinarians suggest that a good dose you can begin to give your dog is 0.5 mg for every pound of the dog's body weight.
Conclusion
From studies conducted on CBD oil, it is an effective treatment for dogs who have arthritis. Although this condition is not curable, it can help manage inflammation, pain, and other arthritis symptoms safely, as CBD oil is a natural remedy with little to no side effects.
As a pet owner, you want to prevent health issues your dog may experience. Taking care of your dog and paying attention to them reduces your pet's risks of having health problems. If you start seeing arthritis symptoms in your dog, you can help them by seeking natural remedies such as CBD oil to reduce possible pain, inflammation and boost their health.
