Exploring Pain Relief Options for Dogs: Aspirin VS CBD

Dogs often experience pain from inflammation at some point in their lives. It's not unusual for pet parents to turn to over-the-counter remedies like Aspirin for dogs or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. But this raises an important question: Is it safe to give dogs aspirin for pain relief?

These medications are popular because they provide fast relief from pain and inflammation. However, they don't really address the underlying issue. Instead, they simply mask the symptoms without tackling the root cause of the problem. Additionally, NSAIDs like aspirin are notoriously known for their unpleasant side effects.

How Does Aspirin Work?

When inflammation kicks in, the body ramps up the production of prostaglandins - crucial lipids formed at the sites of tissue damage or infection. These little guys play a big role in managing injury and illness by regulating processes like inflammation, blood flow, and clot formation.

Now, let's talk about Aspirin. It falls under the category of NSAIDs. These NSAIDs work by putting the brakes on enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2, which are responsible for making prostaglandins. So, when you take Aspirin, it's like hitting the pause button on pain and inflammation. Sounds good, right?

Well, here's the catch. NSAIDs aren't very picky about which enzymes they block. This lack of selectivity can lead to some pretty intense side effects, especially in our canine companions.

Adverse Effects of Aspirin in Dogs

Giving your dog NSAIDs like Aspirin might seem like a quick fix, but it can lead to some serious issues. These medications mess with crucial enzymes in your pup's stomach and intestines, often causing vomiting and, and even worse, gastrointestinal ulcers. When these ulcers occur, it's like the body's natural defenses are down, leaving the stomach vulnerable to harm. NSAIDs can also cause bleeding in the GI tract, abdominal pain, upset stomach, heartburn, liver and kidney problems, high blood pressure, and even more severe issues like heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure, sometimes resulting in death. It's a scary picture, and definitely something to be cautious about when considering medication for your furry friend.

CBD As A Natural Alternative To Aspirin For Dogs

If your pet is in pain, it's worth exploring safer alternatives like CBD and other cannabinoids derived from full spectrum hemp extracts. These compounds offer a wide array of health benefits, especially when it comes to easing pain caused by different sources such as inflammation, injury, chemotherapy, aging, arthritis, and hip dysplasia in dogs.

Historically, cannabis has been recognized for its effectiveness as a pain reliever for thousands of years. Its mechanism involves altering the communication pathways of pain signals from damaged tissues to the brain via the central nervous system. For example, when a dog injures its paw, inflammatory and immune cells get activated to repair the damage, triggering pain signals. CBD products can effectively reduce these pain signals, providing long-lasting relief.

Not only does CBD address pain on a neurological level but it also targets the underlying physical conditions contributing to it.

Inflammation is a well known symptom of most infectious diseases. However, research suggests that chronic inflammation isn't just a symptom; it can actively worsens many common diseases. Allergies, anxiety, chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes are all conditions associated with inflammation in the body. By reducing this inflammation, we're not only addressing the underlying cause but also alleviating the associated pain.

Research on CBD For Pain and Inflammation

A study published in 2006 in Current Neuropharmacology highlighted CBD's therapeutic benefits for both humans and pets dealing with acute and chronic pain. The study emphasized the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis compounds, particularly CBD, which emerged as a potent agent in reducing inflammation. Other cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG, and THCV have also shown promising anti-inflammatory effects, underscoring the importance of utilizing Full Spectrum Hemp Extracts.

A separate study featured in Pharmacology & Pharmacy, CBD showcased superior anti-inflammatory properties compared to Aspirin in mice. Notably, when CBD isolate was compared to Full Spectrum CBD, the latter performed approximately five times better, indicating the synergistic effects of multiple cannabinoids.

Another study conducted by Baylor College of Medicine demonstrated CBD's ability to reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α while boosting anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels. In this study, CBD exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in pain and improvement in mobility among animals diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Beyond its anti-inflammatory properties, Full Spectrum CBD offers a myriad of benefits. Research published in Nutraceuticals in Veterinary Medicine suggests that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in dogs, aiding in cancer management, enhancing sleep quality, alleviating anxiety and stress, and mitigating inflammatory conditions like arthritis and pancreatitis. Additionally, CBD has been found to improve pulmonary and cardiac health while acting as a neuroprotectant.

Determining the Appropriate CBD Dosage for Pain Relief in Dogs

There are lots of CBD brands on the market, but I really like CBD Dog. What sets them apart for me is their unwavering commitment to quality and transparency. I really value that they exclusively use organic hemp sourced in the USA. Plus, they go the extra mile by providing detailed third-party lab reports, so you can have complete peace of mind knowing exactly what you're giving your furry friend. They also offer a range of products specifically designed to help pets dealing with pain. Depending on how intense the pain is, their Ease or Heal tinctures for dogs and cats are fantastic options for managing discomfort and promoting overall well-being.

The EASE: CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats contains a 550mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, supplemented with frankincense and turmeric, aimed at addressing inflammation and joint pain. Typically, most dogs and cats experience relief with a dose ranging between 9-18mg of CBD. The Ease tincture is formulated so that each 1mL contains a standard dose of 9 mg of CBD, suitable for pets struggling with arthritis, joint pain, collapsed trachea, or in need of acute or temporary pain relief.

Conversely, the HEAL: CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats features an 1100mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, making it a potent CBD oil for pets. This option is recommended for senior pets, those experiencing heightened pain levels, or pets with lower sensitivity to CBD. The Heal tincture is particularly beneficial for pets grappling with conditions such as cancer, tumors, autoimmune diseases, Cushing’s disease, and severe chronic pain, with a recommended starting dosage of 37 mg of CBD per mL.

For pets in need of localized pain relief, the Remedy salve for dogs or the Soothe salve for cats are great topical solutions, providing natural relief precisely where needed.

Final Thoughts

Managing pain in dogs can be challenging for pet parents, especially with the potential risks of traditional medications like Aspirin and NSAIDs. While these drugs offer quick relief, they can also pose serious risks. CBD emerges as a promising natural alternative, derived from full spectrum hemp extracts, to alleviate pain and inflammation in pets. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties surpass those of Aspirin, with additional cannabinoids enhancing its efficacy. Beyond pain management, CBD has shown potential in addressing various health issues in dogs, from anxiety to cancer. Options like EASE: CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats and HEAL: CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats, as well as topical solutions like Remedy and Soothe salves, provide tailored approaches for effective pain relief. CBD offers a safer, natural solution for managing pain in pets, improving their overall health and quality of life without the risks associated with traditional medications.

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Natural Pain Relief for Cats

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