CBD to relieve osteoarthritis in dogs

Well known in humans, osteoarthritis is also a common condition in dogs. Just like with us, she can cause joint pain, inflammation and stiffness that make it difficult for the animal to move around. If treatments exist, they can nevertheless cause undesirable side effects in the long term.

This is where cannabidiol (CBD) comes in: a molecule with relaxing and pain-relieving effects, without notorious side effects. In addition to or in alternation with a conventional treatment, CBD may relieve osteoarthritis in dogs, in particular by reducing pain and improving the mobility of the animal. This guide gives you useful information to understand whether and how to use cbd in an arthritic dog.

Understanding osteoarthritis in dogs

As in humans, osteoarthritis can lead to pain in dogs

THEOsteoarthritis affects 80% of dogs over 8 years old and up to 35% of dogs of all ages. It is therefore very common and manifests itself in the form of a degenerative joint disease causing pain and stiffness in the joints.

Symptoms of Canine Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the joint affected.

Some common signs can alert you:

• joint stiffness
• Limping
• Difficulty getting up or lying down
• Reluctance to exercise or go for walks
• Decrease in activity level
• tremors
• Tendency to lick the painful joint
• Behavioral changes (aggressive dog when touching the painful area, stress)

Treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs

Depending on the severity of osteoarthritis in dogs, different types of treatment can be considered:

• pharmaceuticals: often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids.
• Physical therapy: walks and/or functional rehabilitation to strengthen muscle mass in order to relieve the joints.
• Lifestyle adaptation: in particular through a diet and physical exercises that promote weight loss.

Physical exercises and a healthy lifestyle are essential elements for the good health of the dog, whether or not it suffers from osteoarthritis. In case of severe pain, taking medication can however cause undesirable side effects. Taken too long or in too large quantities, NSAIDs can cause ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, the increased heart rate and Water retention. In the longer term, the kidneys and liver can be affected. Corticosteroids can cause increased thirst and hunger as well as gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting and diarrhoea).

CBD as an alternative to conventional treatments

Most of the time, the side effects of osteoarthritis medications can be avoided by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. This is where CBD comes in which, although it is not considered a treatment for osteoarthritis, nevertheless has well-known anti-inflammatory and soothing properties (for example in the hyperactive dog). Another major advantage, it does not have no major side effects and does not cause no risk of overdose or addiction.

Cannabidiol can thus help to reduce the amount of painkillers the dog has (see our article oncombination of CBD and paracetamol).

Long-term treatments for osteoarthritis can lead to side effects

Benefits of CBD on osteoarthritis in dogs: what we know

Le CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis (hemp) plants. Perfectly legal, it is increasingly used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. A 2018 veterinary study [link in English] has shown in particular the ability of CBD to reduce pain in osteoarthritic dogs. Additionally, no side effects were reported by the owners throughout the study.

However, the benefits of CBD for osteoarthritis seem to go beyond pain management since it could also reduce inflammation, Help regain mobility (less stiff and less painful joints) and, more generally, improve the dog's quality of life (better sleep, better appetite, less stress).

CBD is therefore an option to consider for relieving a dog's osteoarthritis. However, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for controlling pain and improving your dog's quality of life. If you notice signs of osteoarthritis in your animal, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for a clinical examination and appropriate treatment. He can also advise you on dose of CBD to use in the specific case of your animal and will allow you to ensure that you avoid possible Drugs interactions if your dog is under treatment (for osteoarthritis or any other pathology).

Which CBD derivative to give to a dog?

CBD oil and treats are the most practical derivatives to relieve an arthritic dog

With so many CBD products available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your pet. Certain factors should therefore be taken into account when choosing the right CBD derivative for your dog, such as the dosage, type of product and quality of ingredients. In general, favor derivatives from responsible agriculture, guaranteed without pesticides or THC.

For reasons of efficiency and practicality, theCBD oil is undoubtedly the derivative most suitable for dogs. It is available in different concentrations to respond as closely as possible to the needs of the animal and its dosing bottle makes it easy to place directly in the dog's mouth (if the pipette is not glass) or in their food. There are also flavored treats that make it easier to take.

To make it easier for you, we provide you with a complete guide dedicated to CBD for dogs. It helps you understand its effects, calculate the right CBD oil dosage for your dog, and choose the right product easily.

Where to buy CBD for a dog?

Weedy.fr offers you a CBD quality, selected by legal cannabis experts. We are one of the pioneers of CBD in France and sell our natural products at the best price throughout Europe. For relieve osteoarthritis in dogs, we offer you a CBD oil for dogs at 3% or 5%, depending on the size of the dog and the intensity of the pain. Thanks to its beef flavour, it is very easy to administer.