Hemp Oil for Pain Management in Dogs
CBD for Pain Management in Dogs
In the last couple of years the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) has exploded in popularity for dog owners seeking to manage pain, anxiety, inflammation, panic and many other mental and physical health concerns for their pets. CBD is often deemed by some as a miracle supplement, capable of curing nearly any ailment. The truth, however, is much more refined and while the industry is tormented by unrealistic promises for using CBD, actual research backed science is coming out and proving great promise for this hemp based compound.
How CBD Works In Your Dog’s Body to Modulate Pain
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an interconnected chain of receptors found in your dog’s brain, their nervous system, glands, and organs. All mammals depend on the ECS system to regulate immune response. Hemp oil interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your pet’s body and acts as a natural neuroprotective agent with a list of health benefits. The cannabinoids in the oil open up two-way communication between endocannabinoid receptors to allow the body to either increase or decrease the immune response as needed. CBD oil is the natural way of regulating the system to maintain the perfect balance between the two. The reason hemp oil seems to help modulate pain is that many dog’s bodies are deficient in cannabinoids. Supplementing with hemp oil (CBD) increases cannabinoids in the body there restoring balance to the ECS system.
Is It Safe To Use Hemp Oil in Pets?
In 2016, Colorado State University completed a pharmacokinetic and safety study of CBD on healthy dogs. This was the first clinical trial to demonstrate that the cannabidiol compound was absorbed by the dogs and measurable in the blood. The study suggests that CBD usage in dogs is safe enough to warrant more studies. Source For the study, 30 healthy dogs were given two different dosages CBD in three different methods of delivery: capsules, oil tincture, and cream applied on the skin. The results showed that CBD given orally as a tincture was best absorbed and bioavailable to the body.
Studies Performed for Pain Management
1. Cornell University: Osteoarthritis Pain Reduction in Dogs: Cornell University researchers found CBD increased comfort and the activity of dogs suffering from arthritis, according to a study published in July of 2018. This clinical study suggests that 2 mg/kg of CBD given twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
2. Liberty Leaf: CBD Research Study on Canine Pain Management: In August of 2018, results from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that dogs with diagnosed osteoarthritis receiving a daily dose of only 0.3 mg per kg of a CBD-infused oil formulation for 4 weeks showed reduced pain and improved functional performance.
3. Colorado State University: Reduction in Seizures for Dogs with Epilepsy:For 24 weeks, dogs that experience at least two seizures a month received either CBD oil treatment or a placebo. Preliminary results released in July of 2018 showed that a 89% of the dogs studied showed a drop in regular seizures.
Survey Question: How effective do you feel the product was for your dog’s condition?
What are some other benefits of CBD Oil?
Dog owners who inquire about CBD oil have all different types of reasons for doing so. Most of these paw parents are searching for a holistic approach to help and heal their pet.