CBD for Your Dog's Mobility: Navigating Relief

Many signs of canine discomfort are surprisingly subtle. Your dog may gradually become less active, have less energy, or lose their appetite as their symptoms flare. When physical discomfort affects their joints, your once active pup may start limping, have difficulty navigating the stairs, or start licking or chewing at the affected areas. 

If your pet is showing signs of distress, your veterinarian will likely suggest several ways to help protect their joints and navigate relief. As you're discussing dietary changes, range of motion exercises or other solutions, consider asking their views about giving your dog hemp-derived CBD. According to a 2021 Brightfield report, of the 74% of CBD users that bring up the subject, 80% received an enthusiastically favorable response from their vets.¹⁰

What CBD Is & How It Works  

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant of more than 113 cannabinoids in hemp flower. Once the cannabinoid-rich oil is extracted and distilled, it's used as an ingredient in numerous products, including CBD pet tinctures and treats. Researchers credit CBD's impressive list of potential benefits to its ability to interact with the receptors of a previously unknown regulatory system identified in the early 1990s, the endocannabinoid system (ECS).¹

The communication between the ECS messengers and receptors helps regulate everything from stress responses and muscle movements to immune system function and the perception of pleasure and pain.³ After decades of study, most cannabis researchers believe CBD's impact on ECS function helps support the processes of homeostasis.⁸ But it's not a regulatory system exclusive to humans. Since ECS function regulates the same (or similar) processes in all mammals, fish, reptiles, and birds, people are purchasing CBD pet products for many of the same reasons they're adding the cannabinoid to their own daily routines. 

CBD & Your Dog: Understanding the Potential Risks & Possible Side Effects  

There are many potential causes of joint pain and impaired mobility. As dogs age, muscle loss and weakness can increase the amount of pressure on their joints. 

CBD does not prevent, treat, or cure canine joint issues. But your veterinarian may be open to adding the cannabinoids to your pet's daily routine for ECS support and what that could mean for their overall well-being. Researchers investigating CBD's possible benefits for multiple aspects of canine health and wellness report "no adverse effects".⁴ Unlike many other plant extracts, hemp-derived CBD oil is not toxic for companion animals.⁷ 

However, CBD can interact with over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications and is not appropriate for dogs (or people) diagnosed with certain medical conditions. Some dog owners say CBD makes their pets tired or causes digestive upset. 

If your veterinarian supports your interest in giving CBD to your canine companion, you can reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects by starting with a partial serving. If the first partial serving doesn't have the effect you're hoping for, increase your pet's serving sizes in small increments at a pace you're comfortable with. It can take time for their system to respond. Your dog will let you know which of the following administration methods they prefer. 

Direct Administration  

Many dogs enjoy the flavor of hemp. If your pup allows you to place a serving of CBD into their mouth, direct administration could be one of the easiest ways to ensure your pet is getting their full serving. If your pup resists your best efforts, try gently moving their lower lip away from their teeth and administering the oil into the "pouch." 

Mixing a Pet Tincture with Food 

CBD oil pet tinctures are remarkably versatile. If your dog resists direct administration, try mixing a serving into their wet dog food or topping their kibble. You can also use a pet tincture to add CBD to their favorite treats. If your dog seems less than enthused about the addition, try blending a serving into a small amount of peanut butter, a creamy, sticky indulgence many canines adore. 

Why Dog Lovers Choose CBDistillery® CBD Oil Pet Tinctures  

CBD products are sold just about everywhere, including pet supply stores. But many companies making CBD-infused dog food, treats, and pet tinctures use low-quality hemp extracts, artificial flavoring agents, and other questionable ingredients most dog lovers wouldn't knowingly offer their pets. Most don't provide the documentation needed to confirm their pet products are screened for heavy metals or microbial contamination. 

Of the many CBD brands claiming their products (made for human consumption) are safe for pets, most use carrier oils that can cause digestive issues for dogs and cats. CBDistillery® CBD Oil Pet Tinctures, our wag distilled pet wellness products, are made with rigorously tested, quality assured, full spectrum hemp extract and a carrier oil less likely to upset your pup's digestive system, cold-pressed hemp seed oil. The fluid form of the following products (and their bulbed droppers) makes it easy to adjust your dog's serving sizes as needed. 

150mg CBDistillery® Wag Distilled  

Each 1ml (1 dropper) serving of our 150mg CBDistillery® Wag Distilled gives your dog 5mg of CBD. Based on an average of 20 drops per ml, that breaks down to 0.25mg of CBD per drop. For dogs under 25 pounds, we suggest starting with half a dropper (or less) administered at mealtime. 

600mg CBDistillery® Wag Distilled  

A 1ml dropper of our 600mg CBDistillery® Wag Distilled contains 20mg of CBD, about 1mg per drop. For dogs over 75 pounds, two full droppers could prove ideal. Once you've identified the ideal amount of CBD for a dog of any size, purchasing 600mg bottles can reduce the cost of daily administration. 

Could Your Canine Companion Benefit from Our High-Quality CBD?  

The expert botanists at CBDistillery® formulated wag distilled specifically for dogs and cats. They're made with 100% natural ingredients, nothing artificial. If you could both benefit from the advantages of living your lives distilled, consider trying a Man's Best Friend CBD Oil Pack. 

Based on a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report positive results using our hemp-derived products for relaxation, better sleep, mild or temporary anxiety, and pain, stiffness, and inflammation after physical activity. Our wag distilled CBD products are specifically formulated to give your pet an endocannabinoid system boost. If you're intrigued by what you've learned so far but not quite sure how to proceed, consider scheduling a personal consultation. 

Resources:  

1. Battista N, Tommaso M, et al. (2012) The Endocannabinoid System: An Overview. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. PDF. 

2. Coates J. (2023) Dog Arthritis 101: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention. ManyPets. 

3. Crocq M. (2022) History of Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System. 22(3) Dialogues Clin Neurosci 223-28. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2020.22.3/mcrocq. PMID: 33162765; PMCID: PMC7605027. 

4. Gamble L, Boesch J, et al. (2018) Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. 165(5) Front Vet Sci. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165 

5. Good P. (2023) Canine Arthritis – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Beyond Pets Animal Hospital. 

6. Kohn B. (2011) Update on Canine Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis. Veterinary Information Network.   

7. Miranda-Cortes A, Mota-Rojas D, et al. (2023) The Role of Cannabinoids in Pain Modulation in Companion Animals. 9 Front Vet Sci. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.1050884 

8. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

9. Son K. (2023) Everything You Need to Know About Septic Arthritis in Dogs. Veterinarians.org. 

10. Zehner M. (2021) CBD for Pets: What You Should Know in 2021.