CBD oil for dogs is used to treat cancer, seizures, pain, inflammation, anxiety and phobia, allergies, Cushing’s disease and bacterial infections. CBD stands for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound that is present in hemp and cannabis – meaning that CBD does not cause the relaxation and contentment felt when high on marijuana.
Just as people do, dogs experience a deterioration in health as they age. Some dogs get cancer. Others develop arthritis, a condition that causes painful inflammation and pain in their joints. These are the top conditions that are relieved using CBD oil for dogs.
But some conditions such as Cushing’s disease affect younger dogs as well. As a result, CBD oil for dogs is great for dogs of all ages. CBD oil for dogs is extracted mostly from hemp, as well as cannabis plants.
While hemp contains more CBD than marijuana, what matters is the concentration of the final product. This is the reason why there are varying concentrations of CBD oil for dogs that treat varying degrees of pain. One can buy CBD in the form of tinctures, creams and lotions, and dog treats.
CBD Oil for Dogs with Cancer, Seizures, Arthritis, Infections, Cushing’s and Pain
While CBD oil for dogs products are of great help to dog owners, the CBD industry is just taking off. Consequently, your vet may not recommend giving your dog CBD oil.
Pugs are one of the dog breeds most susceptible to seizures
But more and more people are switching to such natural remedies especially for terminally ill pets. CBD oil for dogs is recommended for the following dog ailments and conditions.
1. Dogs with Cancer
According to The Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS), about half of all dogs aged above 10 get cancer. Cancer is also the leading cause of death in old dogs. Additionally, the most common cancers according to vets are:
- Lymphoma – This is cancer of the lymphatic system including the lymph glands, bone marrow, spleen and thymus gland. The cancer is seen in about 24% of all dog cancer cases.
- Osteosarcoma – This is a form of cancer that starts in the bones and presents itself as skeletal tumors. This is an aggressive type of dog cancer.
- Mast cell tumors – This is the most common forms of skin cancer in dogs, accounting for about 20% of all skin tumors.
- Oral melanomas – These are common oral caners in dogs aged above 11 years
- Hemangiosarcoma – this form of dog cancer affects blood vessels and causes uncontrolled growth of cells in the lining of affected blood vessels.
- Transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma) – This mostly affects the urinary system including the bladder, ureter and urethra.
Luckily, dogs that suffer from these most common cancers find great relief from CBD oil products. CBD oil products for dogs are different from those developed for humans. But both are effective in treating similar conditions. For example, many cancer patients have found Marijuana to be beneficial in pain relief, reducing nausea and preventing vomiting. Cannabis also helps increase the appetite of human cancer patients.
Likewise, dogs with cancer have improved appetite, better sleep and less nausea when they are given CBD oil for dogs. This is in addition to the main benefit of CBD and other cannabinoids: slowing down the growth of tumors.
2. Dogs with Arthritis and Pain
Osteoarthritis is a common condition for aging dogs. Vets usually prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, to treat this condition. However, these treatments have negative side effects that include kidney damage and gastrointestinal problems.
CBD oil for dogs effectively treats osteoarthritis cases without these side-effects. Dogs who are treated using CBD oil show a remarkable decrease in pain and inflammation, and a corresponding increase in physical activity.
Dogs that have pain from injuries, especially acute pain, also benefit from CBD oil.
3. CBD Oil is good for Seizures (Idiopathic Epilepsy)
According to this study, the dog breeds that are most susceptible to seizures are Pugs, Boxers, Basset Hound, Border Collie and Border Terriers. Other factors that increase the risk of canine epilepsy are aging, being overweight, gender (male dogs are more susceptible) and being a purebred.
Canine epilepsy is a common neurological condition that affects up to 6% of all dogs. There are drugs that control dog seizures and reduce the frequency of occurrence. Some of the main causes of seizures are genetics, kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances, ingesting toxins, brain tumors and trauma and liver disease.
In this study, 89% of dogs who had seizures experienced a reduction in frequency after being treated with CBD oil.
4. CBD Oil and Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushing’s disease (Cushing’s syndrome) is a result of too much cortisol in the body. Normally, this “stress hormone” helps dogs deal with stress, control weight and blood sugar levels, and fight off common infections.
But too much cortisol causes a wide range of unpleasant symptoms that include skin infections, more fatigue and decreased physical activity, increased thirst and appetite, increased urination, hair loss and excessive panting. On average, dogs who have Cushing’s syndrome live for 2 more years.
Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands, and the presence of tumors on a dog’s adrenal glands is a leading cause of overproduction of this hormone. However, CBD oil for dogs is becoming an effective remedy for this syndrome. The compounds in CBD help ease these symptoms by moderating the production of cortisol and, where tumors are present, limiting the growth of cancer cells.
5. Dog Allergies
Dog allergies are common. Some dog allergies are caused by food. The common symptoms of allergies include increased itchiness, diarrhea and vomiting, redness of skin, sneezing and swelling in the ears, face, and eyelids.
Antihistamines and steroids are usually prescribed for most of the dog allergy symptoms. These drugs lower inflammation and reduce the production of histamine, a chemical that is a product of the immune system.
However, antihistamine poisoning can occur if a dog ingests too much of these drugs. CBD oil for dogs is a safe, herbal remedy that also lowers inflammation and helps balance the dog’s immune system.
CBD Oil Products are Herbal and Safe
Being a herbal remedy, CBD oil for dogs is totally safe. Your dog should start enjoying the benefits of CBD oil for dogs 30 – 45 minutes after you administer it. There’s little danger of over-dosing. However, giving a dog an overdose of CBD can cause lower blood pressure, a dry mouth, lethargy and drowsiness, nausea and stumbling around for a short while. The dog will then return to its normal state.