Even in spite of the absolute best efforts, our furry
friends are prone to becoming ill. But
you might be surprised to learn that our precious canines can develop
autoimmune conditions, just like us. They
have their own immune systems which fulfill the same roles as ours and are
equally prone to developing chronic conditions.
If your dog is dealing with an autoimmune disease,
it’s extremely important that you get them help. Most autoimmune diseases, despite being
lifelong, are not deadly, but it is still essential that you give them adequate
medical care so that they can experience a generally high quality of life.
As you’ll now see, CBD may be a complementary option if you’re treating your
dog for this type of condition.
What is an Autoimmune Condition?
Autoimmune conditions can affect all mammals. The immune system is tasked with fighting off
cells related to illnesses, such as viruses and bacteria. To do this, it sends cytokines throughout the
body as needed.
An autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system
attacks healthy cells in the body for no valid reason. This leads to a wide range of symptoms and
ailments, as the immune system can attack any location of the body. [Source]
Why Do Dogs Get Autoimmune Conditions?
So now you know what an autoimmune condition is, but
why does it happen to dogs specifically?
Well, the problem is that a lot relating to autoimmune conditions is
unknown. However, there are some factors
that can at the very least greatly contribute.
- One factor that can contribute to the
development of an autoimmune condition is one’s past medical history. - In some cases, a particularly severe
infection can weaken the immune system to the point that it attacks its own
host. - There are genetic factors that can play a
role as well. - Certain poor lifestyle habits can
contribute, such as poor diet and chronic stress.
How Can I Tell if My Dog Has an Autoimmune Condition?
An autoimmune condition will present itself as at
least one chronic symptom. It can be
hard to determine whether the condition is autoimmune or not. For instance, some dogs may develop
inflammation of the skin, which may at first appear to be a symptom of exposure
to an allergen. Therefore, if your dog
has at least one chronic symptom, it’s important to seek medical attention to
rule out other causes. Symptoms will
vary from dog to dog and can affect any system in their body.
What Can I Do for a Dog with an Autoimmune Condition?
If your dog has an autoimmune condition, it’s
important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian. Equally important, maintain healthy habits
for your dog. These include:
- Nutritious, canine-appropriate diet.
- Limited exposure to stress, affection, and
adequate play time.
Would Cannabidiol Actually Help?
CBD is a cannabinoid in the hemp plant. Cannabinoids bind with cannabinoid receptors
throughout the body to force regulatory actions to occur throughout the body’s
many systems. Essentially, when we give
a canine CBD, we’re suppling their body’s endocannabinoid system what it needs
to regulate the performance of every bodily system.
Cannabidiol has actually been studied
for its effects on autoimmune conditions, as it seems to have the
potential to regulate overall immune function.
How Can I Give My Dog CBD for an Autoimmune Condition?
Dogs can take CBD, as their bodies react to it the
same way that ours do. However, you
still need to discuss this with your vet, as only they have the knowledge of
your dog’s medical history and current medications. It’s also essential that you give your dog a
pet-friendly CBD product, as many companies make goods specifically for
dogs.
For one thing, the formula must be free of ingredients
that may be harmful to canines.
Secondly, the milligram strength is dependent on your dog’s body weight,
and so giving them a CBD product for humans would give them more cannabidiol
than may be necessary.
When choosing how much CBD to give them, consider the
severity of their symptoms. CBD is
nontoxic to all mammals, so if your vet agrees that a higher milligram strength
is needed, you can feel comfortable administering that.
CBD comes in a few different delivery methods for
dogs. We recommend giving them a
tincture or a treat to make sure that CBD is distributed throughout their
body. But, if your dog also has skin
symptoms, you can add a topical solution such as a cream, balm, lotion, or even
spray to their regimen.
You Have Options for This Condition
If your dog is struggling with an autoimmune
condition, speak to your veterinarian about starting them on a CBD-based
regimen. We have enough data regarding
cannabidiol’s various properties that show that it may be an extremely useful
course of action.
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