If your dog has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease such as degenerative myelopathy, there are many ways to help alleviate their pain so they feel much better again. While there are treatment options available along with dog medications, you can also choose CBD oil to help your dog with this disease.
It’s heartbreaking to see our dogs suffer from such a dreaded disease and not being able to live a normal functioning life.
What is canine degenerative myelopathy?
According to an educational dog blog DogLeash Pro, this is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord and nervous system and can lead to hind end weakness or complete immobility. These symptoms are due to the degeneration of the white matter in the dog’s spinal cord.
Vets commonly compare this disease with Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS in humans.
Currently, there is no known cure for degenerative myelopathy and the condition always ends in death. Many of the signs of DM bear a resemblance to hip dysplasia or arthritis.
What are signs of canine degenerative myelopathy?
This disease affects mostly older dogs between 8 and 14 years old. Almost all dogs with DM have a genetic mutation SOD-1. Common dog breeds most commonly affected by this disease includes Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
There are several early signs of this disease. If you think your pup has spine or nerve issues, call your vet right away.
- Knuckling of the back legs while your dog is walking
- When standing still, your dog’s rear end will sway side to side
- If you accidentally push your dog from the side, they will fall over easily
- While walking, your dog may drag his back feet. Continuous dragging can cause hair loss or sores on the top of their feet
- If your dog is lying down, it’s difficult for them to get up
When the spinal cord continues to deteriorate, the symptoms become worse. Once the damage is done to the spinal cord, it is irreversible.
How can CBD Oil Help Treat Dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It comes from the hemp plant and works more effectively than marijuana. CBD oil does not contain THC, which is the chemical found in marijuana that gives humans an intense state of happiness and self-confidence for just a short period of time.
CBD oil for dogs on the other hand lasts longer, is more subtle, and helps your dog’s body do what it already does in a more efficient manner. It’s best to find CBD oil that has CO2 extraction. This provides the best oil quality and results.
If your dog has degenerative myelopathy, CBD oil can be very beneficial. Dogs with DM experience symptoms such as depression and inflammation, which CBD oil can help treat. CBD oil can also help reduce pain.
Since DM affects the spinal cord and nervous system, CBD oil is said to protect the nervous system and help with neurodegenerative diseases like degenerative myelopathy. It also has antioxidants that act as neuroprotective agents. This means it will protect your dog’s brain and central nervous system from neurotoxicity.
Giving your dog a daily dose of CBD oil can help to protect their brain and preserve their mental acuity from free radicals and toxins.
Here are additional benefits of CBD oil for dogs with degenerative myelopathy:
- Less stress and anxiety
- Have more energy
- Gain extra nutrition
- Metabolize food better
- Restore appetite
- Heal quicker
- Sooth pressure points and sores
- Prevent infections
Full-spectrum CBD oil vs. CBD isolate
For dogs with degenerative myelopathy, it’s best to go with full-spectrum CBD oil. It contains added nutrients, other cannabinoids, and terpenes that come from the whole hemp plant which means dogs with DM will benefit from the supplemental nutrients.
CBD isolate means that it is just CBD oil. If your dog does not like full-spectrum CBD oil, you can certainly try CBD isolate.
What are the different types of CBD oil products that can help your dog with DM?
1. CBD lotions
CBD lotions help soothe pressure sores caused by knuckling and dragging of the back leg and feet. Rubbing CBD lotion over the affected sore area can help prevent infection and heal the wound.
2. CBD treats
All dogs love treats! Using CBD treats is also an easier way to control the amount of CBD oil you’re giving your dog. Depending on the size of your dog, you’ll want to give him the appropriate amount.
Some CBD treats are chewy and others are crunchy. Depending on your dog’s tastes and preference, there’s a CBD treat for them.
3. CBD Hemp Capsules
CBD hemp capsules work best for dogs that do not like the taste of hemp or prefer to take pills over other methods of medication intake.
4. CBD Extract Concentrates
If your dog does not mind the strong hemp taste, you could choose CBD extract concentrate. It contains CBD and hemp oil and taste like hemp. If you’re going the CBD extract concentrate route but your dog doesn’t like the hemp taste, you’ll have to cover up the taste by putting it into food or water.
5. CBD oil tinctures
CBD oil tinctures are also easy to administer to your dog. It comes with a sprayer or a dropper so you can spray or drop the specific amount into your dog’s food or directly into your dog’s mouth.
Word of wisdom
If you’ve never given your dog CBD oil before, make sure to start with a smaller amount or dose and increase to the appropriate dose amount in a week’s time. Alternatively, you could increase in a few weeks.
Before giving your dog CBD oil, consult with your licensed vet for CBD dosing advice and instructions. Ask your vet to see what the exact dose should be for your dog.
Conclusion
CBD oil is effective and safe to give your dogs. It is safe for all dog breeds and dogs of all sizes. Although it’s best to start with a small amount and gradually progress to the right dose, you’ll have peace of mind that there is no risk of toxicity at any dosage level of CBD oil.
