Why Might an Older Dog Need CBD More Often Than a Younger Dog?

When it comes to our beloved dogs, we would do just about anything to keep them happy and healthy for as long as possible. A lot of us go above and beyond to provide our pooches with the best-quality food, lots of affection and proper exercise to keep them in a good physical and mental state. But, once our dogs become seniors, they are more prone to health problems despite our best efforts to prevent common ailments like arthritis, digestive issues, and other issues that affect older canines.

Now, it’s becoming more common for veterinarians to recommend CBD to their canine patients. We know enough about cannabidiol to understand how this cannabinoid works in dog’s bodies, and why it is generally fine to give it to them daily.

Before we discuss the connection between cannabidiol and your dog’s wellbeing, as it pertains to their age, let’s briefly go over CBD.

CBD: The Basics

CBD is the dominant compound found in hemp, the legal member of the cannabis genus. Cannabidiol is non-intoxicating as it does not have the psychoactive properties that THC, another cannabinoid prevalent in marijuana, does. Being a cannabinoid, it’s a unique type of compound that binds to cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body to regulate specific bodily functions, such as pain, mood, inflammation, digestive function and more, as cannabinoid receptors are present in every bodily system and tissue.

These cannabinoid receptors make up the endocannabinoid system, which is present in all mammals, and serves to maintain homeostasis throughout the body. The endocannabinoid system was discovered in the early 1990s by medical researchers looking to understand why cannabis seems to offer so many unique effects. We now know that because this system is found in every mammal, that all mammals seem to respond to CBD in the same manner, as it offers the same effects to all mammal species.

CBD for Dogs

The CBD dog market is booming, and this is because of a wave of studies showing that it may be able to offer specific desirable effects to canines. This means that more and more companies are formulating hemp-based products specifically for dogs, which are made with dog-friendly ingredients and milligram strengths that are appropriate for their sizes. As an influx of pet owners are giving their dogs cannabidiol on a daily basis, we are hearing more about how useful it may be for specific issues.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs of All Ages?

Generally, CBD is considered safe for dogs. This is because as we said earlier, dogs have endocannabinoid systems as we do. Cannabidiol is considered nontoxic to mammals, because the endocannabinoid system intelligently stores excess levels of cannabinoids for later use, which prevents toxic levels building up in the body.

Dogs of all ages seem to respond well to CBD, as long as it is given to them in doses that are appropriate for their weight. Senior dogs are more likely to take cannabidiol due to the issues common with this age group that cannabidiol may be capable of addressing, such as arthritic pain, fatigue and low appetite.

Does CBD Work for Dogs, or is It a Gimmick?

Well, based on what we do know about the endocannabinoid system, there is reason to believe that it can potentially help with all kinds of issues. We also have access to studies showing specific effects that cannabidiol has on canines, such as relief from pain caused by osteoarthritis, a condition that is common among senior dogs. As of now, many veterinarians are comfortable suggesting it to their patients because they have seen positive results.

But remember that all dogs are different, and so the effects can vary from one particular dog to another. No one can say that cannabidiol works for every mammal, and scientists are still trying to discover why it may be more effective for some than others. The bottom line is that research tells us that giving a canine CBD, under the guidance of a vet, cannot hurt, and may offer noticeable benefits.

Why Seniors Dogs May Need More Frequent CBD Than Younger Dogs

One thing to note about senior dogs is that they may need more cannabidiol than younger canines. This is because of their aging bodies, which typically need more support. The amount of cannabinoids appropriate for a dog isn’t just dependent on their body weight, but their age as well, and this may be due to the fact that as we age, we produce less cannabinoids on our own. Researchers have found that mammals produce cannabinoids, but some produce less than others, and age may be one factor.

Therefore, giving senior dogs more frequent doses may be one way to adjust for their age to ensure they are getting the proper amount for maximum effectiveness.

As dogs age, their bodily systems begin to decrease in functionality. This can lead to a wide variety of symptoms and ailments that require more care due to increased severity. Giving them CBD more frequently ensures that their body maintains sustained levels of cannabidiol at all times for maximum endocannabinoid system support. The exact frequency of doses depends on your veterinarian’s advice, as every dog has different needs.

Giving CBD to an Older Dog: What to Know

If you wish to start your senior dog on a CBD routine, it’s important that you have a thorough conversation with your veterinarian which covers everything from the right delivery method to how often administration should take place. Discuss dosage, milligram strength, and delivery method to best target their specific ailment. They can tell you how many doses to give your dog per day, and whether or not you should start with one dose and work your way up. More severe conditions may require more frequent doses than ones that are generally mild.

Note: A big factor that determines the dosage is the milligram strength of the product. Products with higher milligram strengths are more potent, and therefore each dose is going to be stronger than average.

Aging Dogs Require Special Levels of Support and Care as Their Bodies Begin to Wear Down

One way you may be able to support your canine’s wellbeing is by administering CBD to them regularly, as once again, advised by your veterinarian. Dogs who are older may benefit from more frequent doses to maintain adequate cannabinoid levels in their bodies, as they may no longer be capable of producing cannabinoids all on their own. By giving them CBD regularly, you can support their endocannabinoid system which is capable of improving the functions of every bodily system.