As dogs enter their golden years, new health challenges inevitably arise. Their bodies slow down, chronic issues flare up, and the aches and pains of arthritis kick in. As a caring pet owner, you’d do anything to ease their discomfort and help restore vitality. So, when vets recently pinpointed cannabis-derived CBD oil as a promising senior dog supplement, owners took note. Extensive medical research now supports what dog lovers anecdotally reported for years. CBD appears uniquely equipped to address several age-related concerns. Regular doses just might give old dogs an upgraded quality of life.
- CBD oil eases arthritis and joint pain
Just like humans, dogs gradually develop arthritis as the cartilage wears down over time. The inflammation presses on nerves and leads to significant stiffening and aching. Difficulty moving prevents dogs from enjoying normal activities like climbing stairs or enthusiastically running for a toy. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties help by dulling pain signals to the brain for gentle, natural relief.
- Reduces the effects of dementia
Sadly dementia and cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) are all too common in aging dogs. Disorientation, confusion, unresponsiveness, and significant personality changes devastate families. Some prescription medications are available but carry heavy side effects. Meanwhile, the best cbd oil for dogs has neuroprotective properties allowing improved memory, recognition, and engagement in senior pups.
- Calms anxiety in stressed dogs
Loud noises, unfamiliar guests, being left home alone – anxiety triggers stack up for senior pooches on top of any existing phobias. Their stress reactions intensify while usual coping methods decline. CBD comforts dogs by reducing nervousness and signaling the brain to relax. It manages anxiety similarly to SSRIs but without complications of long-term medication usage.
- CBD oil controls seizures and epilepsy
Sudden, uncontrolled seizures create panic for dogs and owners alike. They stem from various causes including congenital conditions, head trauma, poisonings, tumors, infections, and more. Unfortunately, dogs poorly tolerate many synthetic anticonvulsant drugs. Alternatively, CBD oil calms excessive electrical activity in the brain that underlies many seizures. This lessens their severity and lowers any medications’ required dosages.
- Protects against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Gastrointestinal issues plague up to one in five elderly dogs, especially breeds like German Shepherds and Boxers. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs when the gut’s immune response overreacts resulting in diarrhea episodes combined with pain, vomiting, and weight loss. Standard IBD and IBS meds carry risks while CBD oil tames inflammation naturally for both prevention and flare-up relief.
- Protects the heart and brain
Dogs naturally accumulate damaging free radicals that degrade healthy cells, especially in vital organs. Antioxidants combat this process to uphold bodily function. CBD oil overflows with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power to preserve dogs’ critical brain and heart performance. Vets call CBD cardio-protective and neuroprotective for preventing disease as pups age.
- CBD oil offers pain relief beyond just joints
Those same anti-inflammatory effects also alleviate other pains affecting senior pooches. Back pain, post-surgical discomforts, bone cancer aches, and muscle tightness all negatively impact dogs’ golden years. New evidence shows that regular CBD oil supplementation significantly improves mobility, enthusiasm, and general comfort in geriatric dogs.
