Arthritis is well-known in humans. The term is used to describe lots of different conditions that can cause joint pain and inflammation, and it’s very common for elderly people to suffer from arthritis, but humans aren’t the only ones who can be affected by this problem. Dogs, too, can suffer from arthritis quite regularly.
A study published in Scientific Reports clearly states, “Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease diagnosed in veterinary medicine and poses considerable challenges to canine welfare.” It’s a very common problem, and it can cause a lot of pain, discomfort, and distress for affected dogs.
It’s especially common in elderly dogs, as well as in bigger breeds of dog, but it can occur in younger and smaller dogs too. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for arthritis in dogs. Therefore, the condition needs to be managed. Without management and treatment, dogs can really suffer from these kinds of joint problems.
They may be unable to move around as freely as they used to, and even a simple walk can cause them a lot of aches and pains. Dog arthritis can also lead to stress and anxiety in dogs. Since they’re unable to move as effectively, they might also gain weight and develop other health issues too.
Thankfully, treatments do exist. Dog arthritis medicine, supplements, and pain management methods can be used to help with this issue. There are also new treatment options that are gaining a lot of popularity all over the globe, like CBD oil for dogs arthritis. This guide will cover the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment options for dog arthritis.
Causes and Symptoms of Dog Arthritis
Before we start exploring the treatment options for arthritis, like arthritis meds for dogs and CBD oil for dogs with arthritis, it’s important to understand the basics. First, let’s take a look at some of the common causes and risk factors that may increase the chances of this issue developing:
- Size and Breed – As stated above, one of the risk factors for dog arthritis is the size and breed of your dog. Bigger dogs tend to be more likely to suffer from this issue, as they have more pressure and weight on their joints. The American Kennel Club states that susceptible dogs include “Large or giant breeds, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers”.
- Age – It’s quite common for arthritis to develop as dogs get older. The same process is common in humans. Over time, the cartilage inside joints can wear down and deteriorate due to repeated stresses and pressures. This is basically what causes arthritis in the first place, and it’s natural that as dogs get older, the effects of all those years start to take their toll.
- Weight – Arthritis can develop more rapidly when excess pressure is regularly applied to the joints. This is more likely in heavier dogs, including dogs that suffer from obesity. Feeding dogs too much or not letting them get sufficient exercise can therefore contribute to the risks of arthritis.
- Injuries – Previous injuries can also contribute to the development of canine arthritis. For example, dogs that have suffered fractures or joint issues like hip dysplasia in the past may be more at risk of arthritis. Dogs that do lots of athletic activities too can struggle with arthritis later in life.
Dog arthritis symptoms can be difficult to spot early on but become more prevalent over time as the condition worsens. You may notice that your dog has trouble standing up and moving around for example. They can also gain weight and lose muscle mass.
Dogs with arthritis can spend more time lying down, they may limp or struggle to walk, and they may appear tired and lethargic in general. They might seem less interested in walks and playing games, and they might show signs of pain when touched.
Traditional Treatment Options for Arthritis in Dogs
One of the worst aspects of arthritis in dogs is that it sadly cannot be cured. The condition will inevitably progress as time goes by, getting worse with the years and leading to more severe symptoms in most cases. However, there are treatment options out there, such as arthritis medication for dogs.
Arthritis medicine for dogs can include anti-inflammatory drugs that help to reduce swelling and inflammation around the joints. This can alleviate pain and discomfort in dogs and help them move around more comfortably. Joint supplements can also be used to strengthen the joints and bones.
Vets may also recommend changes in a dog’s lifestyle to help make it more comfortable while living with arthritis. Owners might try to control its diet, for example, to avoid weight gain, as well as taking less strenuous walks so that the dog can still exercise without putting too much pressure on its joints.
CBD Oil for Arthritis in Dogs
Another option dog owners can turn to when it comes to treating arthritis is CBD for dogs arthritis. CBD oil for dogs is just like CBD oil for humans, made from hemp plants and used to trigger various beneficial effects throughout the mind and body. CBD for dog arthritis is being prescribed by veterinarians around the world, and scientific research has looked at the effects it can have.
Studies have shown that CBD for dogs with arthritis can be especially effective at soothing inflammation. This helps to ease tenderness and discomfort in the joints. This way, the dog will be in less pain and more able to get around and live a happy, comfortable life, even in old age. The best CBD for dogs with arthritis is also able to alleviate stress and anxiety that can come along with arthritis.
CBD oil for dogs can be dropped directly into a dog’s food, so it’s very easy to take. Owners can use a CBD calculator to work out the right dose, based on the size and weight of their dog. There are also a range of CBD-infused dog treats you can share with your canine pal, but the dosages can be hard to calculate compared to using pure oil.
Many dog owners have seen impressive results from giving CBD oil to their dogs with arthritis. In a lot of cases, dogs with this condition can start being able to move around more freely after taking the oil and are able to walk further, exercise more regularly, and enjoy a better quality of life on the whole.
Dogs that are given CBD oil also show fewer signs of pain and discomfort. This makes them less likely to display any aggression, irritability, or other negative behaviors associated with conditions like arthritis.
What’s more, dogs who have been treated with CBD are less likely to gain weight and develop other health issues such as high blood pressure or heart disease. This is because they’re more able to get around and burn off excess energy, rather than simply sitting around the house or sleeping all day long.
Cannabinoid Calculator for the Perfect CBD Oil Dosage
If you plan to give your dog CBD oil for arthritis, you need to make sure you’re getting the dosage right. If you accidentally give a dog too much oil, it might show signs of side effects, like increased hunger or sleepiness. Meanwhile, dogs that don’t get enough oil might not truly feel the real benefits.
Your vet may be able to give you an estimation of how much CBD oil to take, and you can also use Cannabinoid Calculator to get an expert recommendation. All you need to do is enter some simple information about your dog, like its weight, and the calculator will do all the hard work for you.
Our CBD calculator is specially designed to help dog owners work out the right dosages for their furry friends. Once you know exactly how much oil you should give your dog, it becomes much easier to simply add the correct amount to their food before mealtimes.
Conclusion
Learning that your dog has arthritis can be very difficult for any owner to deal with. However, this diagnosis doesn’t mean that your dog can’t continue to live a happy and healthy life. Their condition just needs to be managed correctly, with the right treatments and care. CBD oil dog arthritis is one of the best options owners can choose to help alleviate the symptoms of their canine companion.
FAQ
Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative condition affecting the cartilage in the joints. The cartilage gradually wears down over time, due to various causes. This leads to inflammation and pain in the joints, making it difficult for dogs to get up, walk around, and play.
There are quite a few potential causes of canine arthritis. Dogs that are big and heavy can be more prone to this condition due to the pressure on their joints. Very active dogs that participate in agility trials can also be more likely to get arthritis, as well as dogs that have suffered joint injuries in the past.
The best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis is able to soothe the symptoms of this condition. It can help to reduce swelling and inflammation of the joints, ease the pain associated with arthritis, and reduce stress and anxiety too.
CBD oil for arthritis in dogs can simply be dropped directly into the dog’s food. Use a CBD calculator to work out the right dose. Most dogs will eat it up without even noticing. Owners can also drop the oil directly into the dog’s mouth, but this can be difficult.