CBD oil helps to improve digestion and reduce gastrointestinal diseases:
A lot of ageing dogs experience indigestion and gastrointestinal problems. These may arise due to any serious illness or mental shock, impairing the body’s natural digestive ability.
Source: Photo by R+R Medicinals on Unsplash
CBD can help to regulate metabolic health and improve digestion. It also treats inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Apart from this, many studies have found CBD oil helpful for reducing stomach swelling, bloating, leaky gut, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Good digestive health keeps your pet cheerful and full of energy.
CBD helps to reduce pain in senior dogs
For ageing dogs, effective pain management is the key to maintaining the quality of life. This pain may be caused due to an injury, surgery, arthritis, or any chronic progressive disease.
The cannabinoid in CBD has shown to work well for pain. It regulates the production of a chemical known as anandamide. An increase of this chemical in the body is associated with reduced sensations of pain in the pet’s brain.
Furthermore, CBD oil for ageing dogs also helps to reduce inflammation in different parts of the body. Inflammation is a significant contributor to pain for many older or handicapped dogs. Typically, pain and inflammation are treated with NSAIDs. Although these medications are very effective, they come with potential side effects such as chemical dependence and liver damage.
The cannabinoid receptors in CBD target areas in the body that are experiencing pain due to injury, inflammation, or damaged nerves. Thus, it also helps to improve your ageing dog’s mobility.
CBD helps elderly dogs with anxiety
A lot of dogs, especially older ones, suffer from stress and anxiety. They go through all the emotions and phobias that a human feels. Common triggers of anxiety among dogs are separation from their owner, death of their cubs, displacement, and extremely loud noise. When stressed, they may show symptoms like aggression, too much barking, expelling in strange places, etc.
According to a study, CBD helps to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs and improve their mood. The cannabinoids in CBD attach to the receptors of the ECS, which helps to soothe the mind. The amazing oil also helps older dogs to feel restful and calm, even in intense situations.
Before Giving CBD to Your Pets: Know This
The active ingredients in hemp and marijuana are called cannabinoids. The most widely recognized cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These compounds affect the body by binding to receptors in the brain and immune systems. Hemp-based products are the primary source of CBD supplements used by pet-owners, and these supplements lack the higher levels of THC that cause the “high” sensation seen with marijuana use.
CBD is thought to have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects. The use of these compounds to treat various conditions in dogs is still in the very early stages of study. Currently, there is no definitive evidence that such supplements are effective, but very few harmful side effects have been reported with the use of CBD, or hemp-based, products.
There are a lot of testimonials about the positive effects people have observed in their pets after using CBD supplements. Owners of older animals with chronic pain, who do not tolerate traditional oral pain medications, appear to be the biggest advocates of these supplements. They see an improvement in their pet’s comfort and mobility using CBD products in combination with, or in place of, their other medications. Many owners have reported that the supplements have improved the appetites of pets with chronic, end-stage diseases such as cancer, heart failure or kidney failure. People also reported improvement in conditions such as cognitive dysfunction, anxiety and inflammatory bowel disease.
Dogs and humans both have cannabinoid receptors, but dogs and humans react to these compounds very differently. Dogs have a greater number of receptors, making them much more sensitive to the effects of THC. The number of pets seen for marijuana toxicity has continued to rise as pets accidentally ingest or are administered medical marijuana. This can cause signs such as stumbling, depression, and severe lethargy, but unlike humans, the symptoms can last from 18 to 36 hours.
There are several companies who sell products containing CBD. Sold as treats, capsules, or oils, they are classified by the FDA as supplements rather than drugs. Products that the FDA considers to be “drugs” undergo strict testing and oversight to ensure that there are no contaminants and that the advertised “strength”, or amount of ingredient, is in the final product. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA like drugs so there is very little oversight of the quality of the products sold to pet owners.
When selecting a product containing cannabinoids, such as CBD, take the time to research the company and their product(s). Some companies, such as Canna Companion and Treatibles, will submit their products to third party testing to validate their ingredients and the levels of CBD. Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Pharmacology Lab offers cannabinoid therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This information can help veterinarians determine if your pet’s supplement is providing appropriate, therapeutic doses of CBD. Information about this testing is available on their website.
I recommend that you talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplement. Veterinarians in all states are prohibited from prescribing medical marijuana, but hemp-based CBD supplements are legally available over the counter. Veterinarians know that a multi-modal approach to chronic disease has additional benefits than medications alone. Although CBD has been shown to be a safe compound for people and canines alike, your veterinarian can help guide you to the best combination of therapies to address your dog’s individual needs.
The information presented by The Grey Muzzle Organization is for informational purposes only. Readers are urged to consult with a licensed veterinarian for issues relating to their pets health or well-being or prior to implementing any treatment.
The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide.
Dr. Buchanan lives in North Carolina with her husband, 2 dogs, 3 cats and bearded dragon. In her free time she enjoys hiking, traveling, homeowner DIY projects and reading on beaches.