As CBD oil continues to take the world by storm, many of the industry’s most dedicated supporters have four legs and wagging tails. At this point, CBD oil for dogs isn’t exactly new. A quick Google search will yield pet owner testimonies detailing positive experiences and earnest recommendations. The problem is, that even with all that anecdotal evidence, science still hasn’t caught up to what people are calling a “powerful, all-natural remedy.” There is scant evidence from reliable resources to back up these hefty claims, and so far, only small-scale studies have been completed. The science can’t keep up with the demand, and that’s leaving many pet owners in the lurch wondering what to do.
There’s a good chance CBD oil could seriously benefit your dog, but it’s important to do your homework before you jump on this particular holistic health train. Before you buy your first batch of CBD oil treats, does your dog fall into any of these categories?
- Your dog often feels anxious and stressed.
Severe anxiety is potentially the most common reason why pet parents choose CBD oil for their dogs. As emotional animals, dogs suffer stress and anxiety in the same ways humans do. Some dogs are more relaxed in nature, but others find it difficult to feel comfortable in certain situations. Dogs can be triggered by loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, and for some pooches, being left alone is too much to handle.
While we don’t know a lot about the science behind the powers of CBD oil, it has been determined that the cannabinoids found in cannabis bond with specific receptors in the body to trigger certain responses. In terms of stress and anxiety, CBD causes chemical reactions to help bring the body back into a more balanced emotional state. Countless dog owners have come forward saying CBD oil has drastically helped their pups feel more comfortable and calmer. With traditional treatments mostly being prescription drugs with unknown side effects, CBD oil offers a natural and safe solution to canine anxiety.
- Your dog suffers from joint pain.
Joint pain is something that plagues 20% of all adult dogs. There are varying stages of the disease that can range from being “a little stiff” to barely being able to stand. Joint pain is most common in senior dogs and overweight dogs, but it doesn’t discriminate. It could happen to any dog.
In most cases, dogs showing signs of joint pain are prescribed medications, put on diets, and their owners are encouraged to exercise their dogs more often to help them lose weight. The drugs can sometimes be beneficial, but they also come with serious side effects including liver and kidney failure. For some dogs, CBD oil is a better option. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces pain caused by worn-out cartilage in joints. While a daily dose of CBD oil won’t cure your dog of arthritis, it will help manage their pain. And with less pain, your dog will enjoy a better quality of life.
- Your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy and prescribed medications don’t work.
Epilepsy is another condition that is surprisingly common in dogs. According to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, it’s the most common neurological disease in dogs and affects around 5 percent of the worldwide canine population. Recognizing a dog seizure can be tricky. The seizures can be subtle, like a quick twitch, or they can be more obvious, like when a dog loses consciousness or has a “fit” where they jerk, twitch, and foam at the mouth. If you think your dog might be suffering from seizures, it’s important to talk to your vet.
In the case that your dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, your vet’s first plan of action will most likely be to put your dog on a strict regimen of anti-convulsant drugs. Many dogs find great relief with medication, but for an uncomfortably high number, medications don’t work at all, or they cause serious side effects that are actually worse than the seizures themselves. For these dogs, CBD oil might be recommended. CBD oil for dogs with epilepsy is one of the very few CBD oil topics that we actually have scientific evidence to support. Colorado State University conducted a study last year that found CBD oil helped reduce seizures in epileptic dogs in 89% of cases. Their sampling of dogs was small, and more research is needed, but many pet parents have reported similarly encouraging results.
- Your dog has cancer, and you’re choosing a holistic treatment path.
Hearing the “c” word from your veterinarian is a punch to the heart. Regardless of the type of cancer your dog has, you’ll be presented with options on how to move forward. Chemotherapy is a popular choice, and depending on your dog and their type of cancer, it can be a literal lifesaver. There are cases, however, when chemotherapy isn’t an option. If the cancer is especially aggressive or has spread to multiple parts of the body, chemo might not be effective. At the same time, pet parents have to consider quality of life changes. If your dog hates going to the vet, is older, or gets sick after each chemo treatment, it might not be the right option for you.
Regardless of the reasoning, there are many loving, dedicated pet parents that choose not to do chemo and to try a more holistic approach for cancer care. The holistic path can include a diet change, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and, you guessed it, CBD oil. CBD and THC (another cannabinoid found in cannabis) are proven to have cancer-fighting properties. They’re known to strengthen the immune system and prevent cancer cells from multiplying. That alone is enough for many pet parents to give it a try, and there are also the added benefits of inducing appetite, fighting nausea, and reducing stress.
- You’ve talked to your vet about CBD oil for dogs.
The list of potential health benefits of CBD oil for dogs could keep going. There’s evidence that shows it’s good for heart health, fighting autoimmune diseases, allergies, and there could be several other benefits we don’t yet know. With all that potential, a lot of pet parents want to jump into the world of CBD oil for dogs right away. But even if your dog fits perfectly into one of the above categories, it’s still recommended to talk to a professional. If your normal vet is reluctant to give you information, don’t be afraid to try somewhere else. Look for a vet that specifically practices holistic treatments and go prepared to describe your dog’s exact symptoms.
With an all-clear from a trusted holistic veterinarian, you can start your pup on a CBD oil regimen with confidence and peace of mind. You have the option of choosing a CBD oil tincture, or you can treat your dog to CBD-oil-infused dog treats. Follow your instinct to choose what’s best for your dog.
