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.
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