Hemp Dog Treats for Joint Pain

A dog is man’s most loyal and trusting friend. Whether they’re a new addition to your family or you’ve been a pet parent for years, we know how much room our canine friends occupy in every pet owner’s heart.

Preliminary research suggests that CBD hemp dog treats could support your dog’s overall well-being.

If you have a senior dog or a pet struggling with mobility issues, you may be wondering whether this is just a passing fad. All you want is to support your dog as much as you can.

It turns out that hemp oil, also known as CBD oil, may offer a holistic option. In this article, we’ll discuss what CBD oil is, how it works, and the potential support it may offer your dog.

Hemp & CBD Treats for Dogs

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive extract of the hemp plant. After its extraction, it’s infused into treats, oils, and balms to help deliver the extract to your pet’s body.

Hemp is THC-free, containing only less than 0.3% of THC. THC is a psychoactive compound that may be toxic to dogs in high doses. Unlike CBD, THC’s psychoactive effects can cause a feeling of being “high.” THC also comes in many forms while CBD is almost always in oil form.

CBD interacts with receptors in the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain), bones, muscles, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and intestines. For instance, CB1 and CB2 receptors are involved in pain and inflammation processes. While anecdotal evidence shows that CBD may have various effects, it is not a cure, and there’s no conclusive evidence to show its safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits.

Understanding Hip Pain in Dogs

Hip pain is a major condition that affects dogs. Hip pain may result from hip dysplasia, an inherited condition where your pup’s hip joint is improperly formed. Hip dysplasia allows the hip joint to sit loosely inside the socket. Such looseness may cause painful wear and tear as the dog’s leg bone shifts around the ball and socket joint.

Signs that your dog may be experiencing hip issues include:

• Soreness and stiffness in the hips

• Pain and discomfort

• Inability to climb stairs

• Hesitancy to exercise

• Favoring one leg over the other

• Difficulty standing for longer periods

• “Bunny hopping” or limping

What is the Relationship Between Arthritis and Joint Health?

Arthritis is a disease that encompasses a range of different joint disorders. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The most common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, swelling, joint stiffness, potential joint deformities, and restricted movement.

Each case of arthritis is unique. The most common causes of arthritis include autoimmune disease, joint injuries, or being overweight (which stresses your dog’s joints), and more.

Dog arthritis is a progressive inflammatory condition of the joints. Healthy joints comprise two bone surfaces, which are separated by cushion-like cartilage that absorbs shock. When the cartilage is damaged, arthritis develops. Arthritis enables the two bone surfaces to rub against each other, which may lead to inflammation, pain, and damage.

The most significant risk factors for arthritis are congenital orthopedic issues, obesity, aging, and repeated trauma. Prolonged wear and tear of the joints can lead to osteoarthritis.

How Common are Joint Issues in Dogs?

Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that causes chronic inflammation of your dog’s internal and external joint structures. Osteoarthritis is common in dogs as it affects up to 25% of all dogs over the course of their lives. Joint deformity, pain, and swelling are usually observed among most OA dog patients.

While arthritis has no cure, CBD oil is often explored as a natural option for managing symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Research is ongoing, and while some studies suggest that CBD may have effects on physical discomfort and inflammation, the evidence available is not sufficient to conclude its clinical efficacy. You are advised to seek your veterinarian’s advice before administering CBD.

What You Need to Know About the Endocannabinoid System

The use of cannabinoids for their potential properties dates back centuries. However, the scientific exploration of their effects is much more recent. While no concrete results are yet to be proven, the last few decades have seen an increase in studies on humans, animals, and tissues.

One of the recent breakthroughs is the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System in the early 90s. As it turns out, this system interacts with receptors, specialized enzymes, and transmitters to help regulate various bodily functions. These functions include digestion, metabolism, skin health, immunity, allergic reactions, and anxiety.

As it supports the regulation of these bodily functions, the endocannabinoid system might have a stabilizing effect on the body. All mammals, including your pup, have their own endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system responds to cannabinoids, including those extracted from hemp oil.

Researchers suggest that CBD oil might play a role in maintaining bodily balance by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. If your dog has arthritis or persistent hip issues, CBD oil might be an option worth discussing with your veterinarian. CBD might influence the body’s natural systems, but more research is needed to understand its potential effects fully.

How Can CBD Help Dogs Stay Comfortable?

It was not until recently that extensive studies began on how CBD affects dogs. CBD oil is often researched for its potential support in joint health, particularly through its potential to support the inflammatory response which can encourage more comfortability in dogs. Since arthritis results in both pain and inflammation, it has been a major focus of research. Initial results may be promising, but more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s role.

It also turns out that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in the progression of arthritis. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the healthy joint tissue and in joint cells (degenerated chondrocytes). Researchers believe that these cells could respond to treatment using cannabinoids. These studies also suggest that CBD oil may be worth exploring as part of a management plan for pain and joint health.

Hemp Dog Treats for Joint Pain

CBD dog treats come in multiple convenient forms. The most delicious and convenient form is treats, also known as chews.

Some people explore CBD hip chews to support physical comfort associated with hip pain. The blend of ingredients to look for in the dog chews includes glucosamine HCL (hydrochloride), chondroitin sulfate, hemp oil, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and omega 3 fatty acids. These ingredients may support a healthy hip and joint.

Glucosamine HCL is known for its role in maintaining cartilage, while chondroitin helps with joint comfort and mobility. Hemp seeds contain various fatty acids with potential anti-inflammatory effects. MSM is another ingredient used for its potential benefits related to joint health. Omega 3 fatty acids, often found in fish oil supplements, are also known for their general support of joint health.

CBD Soft Chews for Dogs with Joint Discomfort

CBD chews from a full spectrum hemp extract are sometimes considered for dogs with joint pain. The ingredients from the hemp extract may include chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine HCL, and omega 3 fatty acids. Some studies suggest that hemp-derived CBD may offer support for joint health and mobility in dogs. It is important to note that while CBD may be explored for joint health, more research is needed to fully understand its potential effects.

Inflammation is a significant factor in joint discomfort and other joint conditions. While some believe that hemp extract CBD may play a role in supporting joint health by potentially affecting the inflammatory response, more studies are needed. Observations from pet owners suggest that CBD chews might offer some level of support for mobility and comfort, but results can vary.

Benefits of Using CBD Soft Chews for Dogs

CBD chews can be a valuable holistic addition to a vet-approved plan for supporting your pet’s health. Joint chews may be especially useful for dogs dealing with persistent discomfort, inflammation, and mobility issues.

Let’s take a close look at some of the potential benefits of using CBD hip and joint chews:

• Relief from Occasional Joint Discomfort: Some studies suggest that CBD may have an impact on discomfort management by interacting with certain receptors in the body. This could potentially help with managing chronic discomfort.

• Mobility Support: CBD chews may offer support for maintaining mobility in dogs experiencing joint issues.

• Natural Supplement: CBD is a natural option that may be integrated into your dog’s wellness routine without some of the more severe side effects that prescribed options can have.

How to Choose the Best CBD Soft Chews for Dogs

When choosing CBD chews for your dog, look for these key features:

1. Third-Party Testing: Ensure the product is tested by an independent lab for purity and potency. This helps confirm the product’s quality and consistency.

2. Hemp Source: Look for CBD chews made from organically grown hemp. Organic hemp is free from pesticides, herbicides, and harmful chemicals.

3. Ingredients: Check for natural ingredients and avoid products with artificial additives or preservatives.

4. Dosage Instructions: Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or as directed by your veterinarian.

5. Consult Your Veterinarian: Before starting any new supplement, including CBD, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it’s a good option for your pet’s specific health needs.

Final Thoughts

Hemp dog treats for joint pain may offer a potential addition to a pet’s wellness routine, especially for those with joint discomfort or mobility issues.

With proper research and veterinary guidance, you can explore whether CBD could be a suitable option for your furry friend. As with any supplement, it’s essential to approach it with informed decisions and consider your pet’s unique health requirements.