Pain persists in dogs because of their age, injury or any other diseases that make them lose joint mobility affects their lives. CBD or cannabidiol is a term that has become quite popular as a natural way to tackle pain. In this article you will learn more about pain to help manage the situation in dogs, how CBD works for it, what doses to use, how to administer, and possible risks that may be encountered.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Pain in Dogs
- How CBD Works for Pain Relief
- Benefits of Using CBD for Pain Management
- Administering CBD to Dogs
- Dosage Recommendations
- Safety and Side Effects
- Conclusion
Understanding Pain in Dogs
Pain in dogs can stem from various sources, including:
Arthritis: This condition causes inflammation of the joints thus leading to pain and stiffness.
Injuries: These include sprains, fractures, or wounds that are often as a result of an accident such as falling over or being attacked by an animal.
Surgery: Post-operative pain.
Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as cancer or arthritis or from a single major event, accident or just a sudden illness.
Signs that your dog might be in pain include:
Limping or lameness
Some of the symptoms include bradycardia reduced physical activity or even minimization of movement.
Make or produce more sounds than normal or complain more than normal
Days when one feels sleepy or has eaten more than usual
Temper when being touched
How CBD works for pain relief.
CBD stands for cannabidiol and it is one of the chemical compounds found in the hemp plant and unlike THC cannabinoids it does not have any psychoactive effects. It connects with the ECS in both humans and animals Endocannabinoid system in Both human and animals. ECS is a cell-signaling system and also it has the importance in many physiological processes such as pain, inflammation, mood, etc.
The Endocannabinoid System
The ECS consists of:
Endocannabinoids: Substances that occur in nature and interact with the cannabinoid receptors.
Receptors: Main CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are expressed mostly in the central nervous system and the CB2 receptors are expressed in peripheral nervous system as well as Immune system.
Enzymes: Involved in the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. Guido Mechoulam of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has shown that endocannabinoids are synthesized from N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine through the action of endocannabinoids.
AUTHOR HERE ADDS: Their understanding of Therapeutic Cannabinoids and components in cannabis has aided their efforts in developing drugs that relate to endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are also involved in CBD’s Mechanism of Action
CBD influences the ECS by:
Modulating Receptors: CBD does not interact with the CB1 or CB2 receptors as an agonist but modulates their operation which enhances the ECS’s effectiveness in the regulation of pain and inflammation.
Inhibiting Enzymes: CBD slows down the metabolism or breakdown of endocannabinoids, meaning that these compounds circulate in the body longer and afford pain relief for a longer period of time.
Benefits of Using CBD for Pain Management
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest several benefits of using CBD to manage pain in dogs:
Pain Relief
CBD has been found to act as an analgesic and it is thus able to alleviate different forms of pains. Through ECS, CBD regulates signalization of pain and thus, it aids in the treatment of arthritis and post-surgical pain.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
CBD can reduce inflammation levels in the joints and the tissue, which in effect decreases pain and improves flexibility. This is especially good for dogs that have bone problems such as arthritis or any form of injury. These properties help reduce inflammation in joints and tissues, alleviating pain and improving mobility. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with arthritis or injuries.
Improved Mobility
Some of the ways through which CBD can improve the functionality of dogs include reversal of inflammation, and discomfort that may hinder the flexibility of a dog. This can result in higher levels of physical activity, enhanced mood and improved health of an individual.
Enhanced Comfort
CBD can relax an anxious dog, something very desirable in a pet suffering from pain and stress.
Administering CBD to Dogs
CBD can be administered to dogs in various forms, each with its own benefits:CBD can be administered to dogs in various forms, each with its own benefits:
CBD Oils/Tinctures
Administration: Available to be mixed with the meals or can be administered under the tongue since it is quickly absorbed.
Benefits: Permits accurate measurement of the dose administration and rapid onset of action of the medication.
CBD Treats
Administration: Which include; Applicable for application in as treats and very easy to administer.
Benefits: Especially recommended for those dogs that simply do not want to eat anything else or have an intolerance.
CBD Capsules
Administration: May be concealed in foods or even some specially prepared tasty and sugary meals.
Benefits: It is well defined in that patients get a standard dose and the administering of the drug is fairly uncomplicated.
CBD Topicals
Administration: A topical treatment which requires the application on the affected area of the skin for relief of the symptoms.
Benefits: Good when appointing the sore spots, for instance when treating inflammation.
Dosage Recommendations
Deciding on the right amount of CBD to use on your dog depends on different factors; the size, weight and the level of pain that your dog has. Here are the general guidelines:
Start Low, Go Slow: rate with a minimal dose of 0. 2 mg/kg of body weight and then gradually increase the dose in order to obtain the desired response.
Monitor Effects: You can try a lower dose first and monitor your dog’s reaction then increase it gradually depending on how your dog will respond.
Typical Dosage Range: The dosage used in the management of pain is usually humane and varies between 0. I would like to suggest 5 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg of body weight, if taken once or twice daily.
Table 1: CBD Dosage Recommendations for Dogs with Pain
| Dog Weight | Low Dose (mg) | Moderate Dose (mg) | High Dose (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 lbs | 1-2 | 3-5 | 5-10 |
| 10-20 lbs | 2-4 | 5-10 | 10-20 |
| 20-50 lbs | 4-10 | 10-20 | 20-40 |
| Over 50 lbs | 10-20 | 20-40 | 40-60 |
Safety and Side Effects
CBD is generally well-tolerated by dogs, but some may experience side effects, including:
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Lowered blood pressure
Changes in appetite
To ensure safety:
Consult a Veterinarian: If your dog is suffering from any known health condition or is under any medication before you begin using CBD for your beloved animal.
Choose Quality Products: Carry out your CBD consumption using high-quality CBD products from well-established manufacturers, which have third-party testing to guarantee quality.
Monitor for Side Effects: First, one has to use a small amount of the substance to determine whether their dog will have an allergic reaction to it or not.
CBD is a natural remedy that can be used to alleviate pains experienced by dogs. CBD can influence the endocannabinoid system to decrease pain and inflammation as well as improve motion and well being. As you seek to use CBD for your dog’s pain, it is advised to administer a low dose first and then gradually adjust depending on the response of your dog and it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian. If applied correctly, CBD will prove to be very helpful for your dog and his ability to stay active without discomfort.