Having a dog in your family is one of the greatest experiences in the world. For the dog lover, it is difficult to think of almost any significant downsides to owning a dog; but if we had to choose one, it would be watching them age rather quickly. It’s not easy to see your dog struggling with age-related problems like pain and skin problems especially when we often feel there is little we can do to help them. Fortunately, there is now growing evidence supporting CBD for dogs as an effective alternative to treat many of the health conditions associated with old age.
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of two major compounds known as cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. However, unlike the other major cannabinoid in hemp known as THC, CBD produces no psychoactive effects. CBD’s properties are purely medicinal which is why the use of CBD has skyrocketed among pet owners nationwide.
Because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has the potential to treat various symptoms associated with a wide range of health conditions in both humans and pets. In recent years, even medical professionals have begun to recommend CBD as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.
In dogs as in humans, CBD promotes health and wellness by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. In fact, all mammals have an endocannabinoid system CBD is making beneficial not only for dogs but other house pets like cats and rabbits as well. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex biological system responsible for keeping the body in balance by playing a significant role in regulating vital functions like sleep, pain, and mood.
Since dogs don’t get a senior discount and calculating your dog’s age using “dog years” is not particularly accurate determining if your dog is a “senior” can be quite challenging.
Generally, veterinary professionals consider dogs enter their senior years when they are somewhere between 5 to 7 years old. Small and medium breeds hit the senior mark at around 7 according to most vets while larger and giant breeds are believed to reach their senior years at approximately 5.
If your dog is showing signs of aging, CBD can help improve your dog’s quality of life by providing them with relief from a wide range of conditions that are common in their later stages of life. Here are some of the most common ailments in older dogs and how CBD can help treat them:
Chronic pain is often one of the earliest signs that your dog is entering their golden years. As dogs age, conditions like arthritis affect their weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and elbows severely limiting overall physical activity. There’s not much that can be done to prevent this as it is just a natural consequence of old age, but anti-inflammatory treatments like CBD may improve overall pain sensation.
CBD can offer relief from chronic pain and aches related to old age by interacting with pain receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system. A daily dose of CBD oil for dogs can help your furry friend enjoy physical activities like playing fetch or going on long walks.
Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is also quite common in older dogs. Untreated, gum disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and infections that may pose severe health risks to the rest of the body. Symptoms of gum disease include problems picking up food, bad breath, bleeding or red gums, and bumps in the mouth.
If your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms, snacks infused with hemp oil can prove to be an effective solution due to their anti-inflammatory benefits significantly reducing the development of gum disease.
Older dogs find comfort in daily routines. That is why unexpected changes can cause their anxiety levels to shoot through the roof especially when it comes to being separated from their owners during a long period of time. As your dog ages, he/she becomes more dependant on you so not having you around can lead to severe separation anxiety.
Studies have shown that CBD’s therapeutic properties have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind which help to balance anxiety levels in stressful situations. A moderate dose of CBD for anxiety can go a long way in improving your dog’s overall health, as high levels of anxiety and stress can often lead to depression and other mood disorders.
When dogs reach their senior years, their skin becomes more delicate, thus becoming more prone to dryness and damage. A dry snout or paws can inflict pain and in more severe cases, skin fissures and cracks that can lead to life-threatening infections.
The key to keeping your dog’s skin smooth and healthy well into their senior years is using a naturally-derived moisturizing balm like King Kalm. Making the most of CBD’s pain-relieving properties along with the soothing benefits of natural ingredients like beeswax, honey, and coconut oil,
King Kalm CBD Balm provides instant relief and helps protect skin from future damage by keeping it moisturized throughout the day.
As mentioned before, different dogs age differently, so you should always ask a vet for more information on how CBD can benefit yours. For more info on how to keep your dogs healthy and happy with natural CBD products, visit KingKanine.com. If you want to learn more about King Kanine CBD oils and other CBD products, click here.
