For Dogs
We would argue that having a dog is one of the best things in the world— but it can be incredibly hard to watch him or her age. Because the aging process occurs much faster than it does in humans, changes in your dog’s physical and mental well-being can sometimes seem to come out of nowhere. Before you know it, your once active fur buddy is slowing down, almost reluctant to do much of anything.
And then reality finally sets in: you have a senior dog on your hands. This can certainly be a hard transition, but the good news is that there are ways you can help your sweet pooch cope with the changes that come along with getting older— one of which is CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabinoids, is one of many compounds that are found in the cannabis or hemp plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can also be found in cannabis. Many times, when people think of cannabis, they think of marijuana and the “high” that can come from ingesting it.
While this can certainly happen, it’s important to understand that it is the THC compound, not the CBD compound, that is responsible for creating that sensation. Unlike THC, CBD is not a psychoactive stimulus. Instead, it can provide your dog with a calming feeling while also providing pain-relieving sensations without harming them with potential intoxicating effects.
Senior Dog Health Problems That Can Be Treated With CBD
There comes a time when all dogs are eventually affected by age-related issues. CBD oil may play an important role in managing your senior dog’s symptoms.
Anxiety
Senior dogs often have a harder time handling stress, which can often be attributed to dulled senses and increased pain. CBD can help maintain balance in your dog’s body through its interaction with endocannabinoid receptors, which are located in the central and peripheral nervous systems. For your dog this means more calm, less stress. 
Inflammation
Arthritis and joint pain are common problems for aging dogs— both of which are accompanied by inflammation. While it’s not a cure, CBD can help with managing pain from these conditions due to its naturally-occurring anti-inflammatory properties. Relief from inflammation can aid in better mobility and overall quality of life for your senior dog.
Appetite Loss and/or Nausea
Many health conditions can lead to a reduced appetite and nausea in senior dogs. Because of this, making sure they are getting all the essential nutrients they need to be as healthy as possible is crucial. Adding CBD to your senior dog’s daily routine can aid in appetite and reduce feelings of nausea.
Cancer
While we don’t yet know for certain whether using CBD for cancer is effective, early studies (like these two published in 2012 and 2014) appear promising. What we do know is that CBD oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a great natural alternative for senior dogs suffering from side effects related to cancer.
Pain Management
While it’s not a complete cure, CBD can help with managing pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can be a wonderful option if you wish to reduce the use of opioids and NSAIDs, which can have bad side effects for dogs.
What to Look for When Shopping for CBD
CBD products come in a variety of forms, including edibles, oil, tinctures, topicals, and capsules. Oils are best when they are organic and high-quality. It is also important to ensure the oil you use is a non-THC CBD oil, as THC can cause that “high” often associated with the cannabis or hemp plant.
Ready to help your senior dog better manage his or her golden years? Come visit Central Pet to learn more about CBD and purchase CBD items for your pet. Our staff is always happy to help!
