Can CBD improve your Dog's Mobility?

Have you noticed a little loss in your pet’s stride? Does your dog have trouble running and doing the things that once seemed effortless? We have all walked down the street or gone to our local dog park and seen an older dog struggling to keep up or walking a little funny. From afar it can look like they are just aging and it is a normal process of life, just like for humans, but did you know that there was a natural way to reduce their pain?

A few months ago, I went to an American Kennel Association event to speak with Veterinarians and experts on pet health and lifestyle to learn more about the issues our pets are facing. One of the major concerns that kept coming up was joint and muscle pain resulting in Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), better known as Osteoarthritis.

One of the biggest concerns that kept coming up was weight and joint concerns–the two go hand in hand if you think about it. According to the American Veterinary Association, Obesity and weight are major factors contributing to the rise in Osteoarthritis in dogs. 

Let’s investigate the causes of OA, how to reduce it naturally with CBD and other small lifestyle changes. 

 

Why do Dogs Develop Osteoarthritis?

Degenerative Joint Disease, also known as Osteoarthritis, is a progressively painful  condition with no current cure. It is the long-term deterioration of the cartilage in our dog’s  joints. This deterioration diminishes the cushion normally provided by the cartilage and can create intense inflammation and pain that result in stiffness, immobility, pain, and hampers their quality of life. 

Are Certain Dogs More Prone? 

There are several risk factors as to why dogs develop DJD or Osteoarthritis, but the main contributing factors for your dog are:  size, breed, weight, age, diet, prior injuries, and genetics. 

• Big Breeds such as Golden and Labrador Retrievers, German Shepards, any dog over the 80lb mark
• Overweight and Obese (Fluffy)
• Middle Aged to Senior 
• Prior Injuries and Hip/Bone Dysplasia
• Nutrition and Improper Diet 
• Genetics and Stress Factors

What does Joint Pain Look like in Dogs?

There are multiple signs of OA and many present more obviously then others. Be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms as they are indicators:

1. Stiffness or Limping

Exclusively or together, if you notice your dog is walking funny or having trouble going after their favorite toy then it may be a sign they are experiencing DJD. Losing their range in mobility is another sign, like looking to you for help climbing the stair or needing to be picked up or carried after a long walk. 

2. Falling, Slipping, & Hopping

As humans and pets, we all miss the target sometimes. Sliding into a door or completely wiping out are parts of fun physical activity, but a consistent need to hop and ready themselves to attempt tasks that have normally not been a problem is red flag

3. Lethargy & Irritability 

While joint pain can cause irritability and sometimes aggression, your dog being tired or sleeping a lot is nothing new. We suggest you keep an eye out and take notice of any excessive tiredness in combination with other symptoms

4. Licking, Scratching or Biting

The most noticeable indicator is a change in behavior. Of course, this is a common occurrence in some dogs without an issue or indicate another concern all together...pay especially close attention to where they lick themselves as it often is a tell of what is causing their discomfort. 

A topical for calming arthritic pain at the source. Our 

How does CBD reduce joint pain in Dogs?

Multiple studies have highlighted the impact of CBD on pet’s with anxiety and the results are clear. In a study by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, scientists concluded an increase in mobility and comfort over a 4 month period of daily CBD use in dogs. They also found that Tinctures were the best delivery method for absorption and NSAIDs can have a negative effect on dogs with digestive issues since they are known for damaging the lining of the stomach.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural and easy solution to reduce inflammation, a symptom that can cause the most pain for your pets. Proven to have analgesics (pain relief properties), CBD can make Canines more comfortable by reducing inflammation, which sets off alarm bells for pain and can cause a deep level of stress for our furry family members. Natural alternatives for reducing joint pain not only improve your dog’s mobility, but they can help them live stronger, longer lives. 

 

The Calm + Joint soft-chews from Happy Hounds are made with Full-Spectrum CBD, MCT Oil, and Glucosamine to improve your pet's mobility and agility.  

Is CBD Safe and Effective?

Many pet owners are skeptical of CBD because they do not understand dosage and can cause an aversion to trying something new. To better understand if CBD is right for your dog’s joint pain we need to look at what it hemp actually does.

Full-Spectrum Hemp is one of the most effective methods of pain relief for pets because they have the most sensitive endocannabinoid receptors in the animal kingdom. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS), in both dogs and humans, controls mood, behavior, appetite, anxiety and pain. When your pet’s ECS is out of control due to pain they can become aggressive and stressed, which can put an extra burden on you and your bond. 

Unlike prescriptions, you cannot overdose on CBD with side effects ranging from mild diarrhea to elevated levels of activity in the liver. Increased activity in the liver has not proven to be harmful, but as with all medications and products for your pets,  consult your Veterinarian. It is also important to ask them how CBD will interact with any other medications or supplements they may be taking.

This means CBD can have an extremely positive impact on their health without all the known and unknown side effects from prescription medications.

For Osteoarthritis, we recommend using CBD twice per day via drops in their wet food, peanut butter, or other meal preparations. Treats are highly effective and easy to use as they are small and can fit into a travel bag.  Calm + Joint Tinctures with Glucosamine to ensure your pet’s positive outcomes from all sides. 

There are lifestyle changes you can institute to reduce the severity of chronic pain your fur baby including changes to their diet,  introducing Glucosamine and Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and speaking with your Veterinarian about the best course of action. Many pet parents try multiple methods to help relieve their senior dogs' joint pain with no avail. 

Taken together they can have an impact, but the real impact comes from a plant we are all familiar with, the Hemp Plant. Specifically, Full-Spectrum CBD which is found in all of our products at Happy Hounds. We want to put pet parents in the driver's seat when it comes to their pet’s health and mobility. 

 Learn more about the Calm + Joint  and Extra-strength Calm Drops for senior pets with to ensure your pet’s