What to Know About Your Dog's Arthritis

Arthritis and joint pain in dogs is very common. About one in five dogs develops arthritis when they get older.As dogs age the cartilage surfaces of their joints begin to thin, and cartilage cells die. When the cells die, they release enzymes that cause inflammation of the joint capsule and release of excessive joint fluid. Extra bony growths (osteophytes) can develop. With severe cartilage thinning, the normal joint space narrows and the bone beneath the cartilage deteriorates. All of these processes set in motion further changes in the normal functioning of the dog’s joint, and an ongoing spiral of pain, lameness, limb disuse/inactivity and muscle atrophy sets in. Many of these changes may be seen on X-rays.Veterinarians rely on a dog’s pain response to joint palpation and detection of crepitus (a crackling or grating sensation felt within the joint), observation of gait and the presence of muscle atrophy to diagnose osteoarthritis. Not all dogs—even those with significant DJD—vocalize when they’re in pain, but a dog whose muscles are atrophied and limbs are stiff, who requires assistance to rise, and does little more than teeter outside to go to the bathroom is without question suffering pain.DJD isn’t the only reason for a decrease in a dog’s normal activity level, weakness or reluctance to move, so other conditions that could be causing or contributing to this change need to be ruled out.If your dogs behavior has changed drastically in a short period of time or you suspect that the issue is something more than arthritis, we strongly recommend that you consult your veterinarian.

Veterinarians usually treat older dogs with steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, both of these treatments have major downsides and they often don't work. Or, they may work for a while, and then stop working and the arthritis may come on worse than ever. Steroids actually cause further breakdown of the joints even if the pain subsides temporarily. NSAIDs commonly cause bleeding in the stomach, ulcers, kidney disease, and liver problems.Unfortunately, dog owners and sometimes veterinarians rarely notice the early warning signs of arthritis in dogs because these animals can be so stoic that they ignore soreness and discomfort until the arthritic changes in the joints have progressed so significantly that their motility is affected.Some symptoms that may help you spot arthritis in your dog are subtle changes like a decrease in desire to play, shorter walks, and more time sleeping.These changes could seem like nothing, but may actually be the start of arthritis.It’s easy to misinterpret the symptoms because our dogs can’t tell us what’ wrong.

Studies show that CBD, like the CBD in Purity Petibles Hemp Pets Treats, has anti-inflammatory effects, and can help with pain, tumors, seizures, muscle spasms, skin conditions, appetite stimulation, aggression, anxiety and neurological disorders.

Arthritis is painful inflammation of the joints that increases with age, so in this case, the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD is what we will focus on.It's been widely reported that CBD oil works as well on dogs with arthritis as it does on humans with arthritis. Dogs have an endocannabinoid system similar to humans.This system has been discovered to modulate the immune system.CBD and other cannabinoids in CBD oil immediately work on the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB2 receptors found in the peripheral immune system that control the immune response of your dog's body.CBD can assist in decreasing inflammation and improving the body's ability to repair and strengthen tissues.Because inflammation is an immune response and osteoarthritis pain is made worse by inflammation the regulatory effect that CBD has on the immune system and CBD’s help with pain it can be very helpful for dogs with both rheumatoid arthritis and the more common osteoarthritis.Joint pain is generally a precursor to arthritis and using CBD for joint pain could help slow the progression into arthritis.

CBD cannot reverse structural changes in a joint such as torn cartilage, calcium deposits, and advanced scar tissue. There can also be dissolution, or contour changes to the bones at the joint surfaces from long-term abnormal forces being applied, these abnormalities will remain present and will continue to affect the animal regardless of nutritional intake. Although you cannot reverse these changes, you can still treat the arthritis to make it a little easier on the dog.

We recommend seeing your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis if you haven’t already, researching and providing good nutrition for your dog, maintaining a reasonable exercise routine and treatment with CBD.Here at PurityPetibles.com we believe strongly in the benefits of CBD and have seen many remarkable changes in many remarkable dogs.We endeavor to help ensure your pet is on the path to aging gracefully and living a long, loving, rewarding life.