June 16, 2022 5 min read

Seeing your pet in constant pain is the worst nightmare for a pet parent. Acute and chronic pain is very common in older pets. Treating the real cause of the pain may take a lot of time. So until then, we can try to help them stay happy by reducing the discomfort they feel. Recent studies have shown that you can use CBD oil for pain management in pets. 

In this post, we shall dig a little deeper into this magical edible oil that has helped many pets ease their pain and live a long and happy life. 

What is CBD oil?

CBD Oil

 

CBD oil is made with extracts from the Cannabis plant. It works amazingly well in animals and can be consumed or applied externally. The oil is made by diluting CBD or Cannabidiol in any compatible oil like Krill oil or Coconut oil.

What is CBD or Cannabidiol?

What helps in pain relief is the chemical compound called CBD found in the cannabis plant or, as we usually call it- Marijuana. 

There are many chemical compounds called cannabinoids that can be extracted from the cannabis plant, one of them being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This is the one that makes you high and causes a euphoria effect. These usually affect your nervous system and are called psychoactive drugs. 

CBD or Cannabidiol, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive element extracted from a variant of the Cannabis Sativa plant called Hemp. Hemp is said to have a lot of medicinal properties, and it is safe to consume or apply topically on the skin. 

In simple terms, your pets won’t become high after consuming CBD oil but will be relieved of the pain, even if temporarily. 

Is CBD legal? 

The first question that popped into your mind was probably is it legal to use? Yes, it is very much legal as long as it maintains the proper amount of THC in it. The permitted amount of THC in CBD oil for pets is 0.3%. This reduced percentage of THC is almost negligible and does not harm your doggo in any way. 

Pain management using CBD oil 

dog at the vet

 

The reason for a pet's pain can vary from a minor injury to even a complex issue like Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other causes could be inflammation, tissue injury, stomach upset, and muscle strain. Until the main issue is resolved vet usually recommends pain relief medications. Managing pain can provide your pet with a little ease.

Although more research is being done regarding CBD for pain, these are all the potential benefits of CBD for pain relief in pets. CBD oil can get rid of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, severe chronic pain, and other medical conditions.

Neuropathic Pain Relief

Humans or animals can feel pain because the nerves that make up the central and peripheral nervous system can sometimes get damaged in certain areas. We experience something called burning sensation or shooting pain. The nerve damage is the cause of this pain. This is what we call Neuropathic pain. Some common causes of such pain can be excess nerve pressure, damage due to surgery, and multiple sclerosis.

Cannabis-derived CBD is very effective against such discomfort as it acts on the nervous system. It also has fewer side effects compared to other neuropathic pain management drugs.

Non- addictive Painkiller

Any veterinarian will recommend pain-relieving drugs like Opioid treatment for your pet. Opioids are excellent painkillers, but long-term Opioid usage has a number of negative side effects, one of which is the ongoing activation of the immune system, which can worsen pain and discomfort. 

Moreover, opioids can quickly lead to addiction. These medications can also be lethal if used in excess. 

Cannabidiol is a very good alternative to Opioid therapy because it is a natural supplement and nonaddictive in nature.

Regulating Endocannabinoid System

EC system is an important communication system of your pet's body. Endocannabinoid System regulates metabolism, immunity, digestion, skin health, allergic reactions, anxiety, and other processes. 

The EC system is also present in our bodies. Marijuana cannabinoids operate by reacting with cannabinoid receptors on the cell surface. When the THC binds with its receptors, the communication between our brain and body fails, which causes the euphoria effect. Cannabinoids (THC rich) hinder the normal functioning of the EC system. 

As we mentioned earlier, CBD oil contains very little THC, it will not get your dog intoxicated. Moreover, Cannabidiol shows no interest in binding with the receptors of the EC system like the Cannabinoids. In fact, it will optimize the functioning of the EC system. It will facilitate the regular functioning of the EC system, which results in pain reduction. 

The endocannabinoid (EC) system is currently recognized as one of the most important systems for pain regulation. CBD oil is non-addictive, and it helps the EC system of our body to work properly on its own.

Anti-inflammatory 

It is sad to see old or injured pets suffering due to inflammation. There are many drugs that a vet may recommend, but frequent use of these drugs leaves a negative effect on your pet’s body. CBD oil possesses medical hemp qualities, making it a natural source of anti-inflammatories. This means that Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory pain naturally with fewer chances of causing side effects.

The best part is that transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation. If your pet doesn't seem to be enjoying CBD oil in his food, you can apply it externally and still get the same results. Reducing frequent pain will also improve the mobility of your pet. Older dogs tend to avoid free movements due to pain. You can help them stay as lively as they were before by using CBD oil. 

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis or arthritis is very common in older animals. Your pet may not feel like going for a walk or playing with a toy anymore. It is because they are under regular joint pain. CBD oil can manage pain caused due to severe issues like arthritis. Arthritis pain is a cause of malfunctioning of the EC system and inflammation. Since CBD oil works on the EC system and inflammation, it can have pain-relieving effects on pets suffering from such conditions.

What to consider before buying CBD products? 

Although CBD oil is now available in stores, we recommend consulting a veterinarian before you decide to buy one. But there are some standard conditions that all CBD oils should follow. For example, all CBD pet products should have a 0.3% or less concentration of THC. Any more than this can be dangerous to the pet. Make sure to check the THC concentration of your oil.

If you think you and your pet can use the same CBD oil, you are wrong. When buying a pet, make sure it is made using a formula that is compatible with pets only. The human body is different from an animal's body. The oil should be made specifically for animals considering their body structure and functioning.

Ensure that you are obtaining a high potency product that has also been evaluated for safety and content. Your CBD oil should be tested by a third-party lab to assure its purity.

Conclusion 

Dogs experience pain just like we do, but they are incapable of expressing it through words. Visible signs, behavioral changes, or mobility problems might all indicate that your dog is in discomfort. Be on the lookout for such pain-related behaviors, and don't be reluctant to inform your veterinary doctor if you see even the slightest change that indicates your dog is in discomfort. 

A rise in CBD oils for acute and chronic pain treatment has been observed. Other medications that treat pain can also lead to complications due to overdose and addiction. In such conditions, CBD proved to be a better product since it's non-addictive in nature. With the buzz around CBD products increasing day by day, researchers are conducting a lot of studies to bring the best out of this medical oil.