Does CBD help with Autoimmune Disease in Dogs?

Does CBD help with autoimmune disease in dogs?

When you learn that your pet has an autoimmune disease, the diagnosis can seem vast and confusing. Autoimmune disease is a term for a broad range of illnesses, but they all have one thing in common: the immune system of the body is attacking itself. With autoimmune disease in dogs and pets, the immune system thinks that healthy tissue is attacking or made of invaders, which can cause organ and tissue damage throughout the body. Although autoimmune disease in dogs and pets can be life-threatening, there are natural ways to keep these conditions under control.

What Causes Autoimmune Disease in Dogs?

Autoimmune disease is a term for a wide range of illnesses including lupus, Bullous Pemphigoid, Pemphigus complex, and several others. These diseases can be caused by a wide range of things, including genetics, exposure to certain types of UV light, or even ticks. Autoimmune diseases can even be caused by some medications, like sulfa drugs, that are used to treat infections like urinary tract infections, respiratory and bowel infections. Some veterinarians also theorize that autoimmune disease can be caused by over-vaccination.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease in Dogs & Pets

Symptoms of autoimmune disease can show at any time, but typically start around age six or higher. Depending on the type of autoimmune disease, symptoms may be local to the area affected or may be evident in the whole body. The symptoms also vary depending on the disease, however there are a few common signs to look for that your dog may need to be tested for an autoimmune disease.

Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease in Pets include:

  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Alopecia
  • Ulcers on face or feet
  • Fever
  • Anemia
  • Thyroid issues
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss or anorexia
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Discoloration of the nose, skin, or eyes

Because the body is attacking itself, an autoimmune disease can cause multiple issues. For example, it can cause rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of the joints. Lupus can cause issues in the skin, brain, and digestive system. The symptoms will vary, but they are all worsened by inflammation. Your holistic veterinarian may need to run a variety of tests including blood tests and biopsies to determine which autoimmune disease your pet has, and to determine the cause.

Managing Autoimmune Disease in Dogs & Pets Naturally

Conventional treatments for autoimmune disease include steroids and other medications which suppress the immune system. However, 80 percent of the immune system is housed in the gut, which means that the gut health is the MOST important when it comes to getting immune system health in check. That means you have to cut the kibble. The best kibble is still not as good for your pet as raw or freeze-dried food. If you are interested in preparing your pet’s food at home, check out the Yin & Yang cookbook.

Once you have switched your pet to a raw or freeze-dried diet, you will notice their inflammation decreasing, which helps with symptoms of autoimmune disease. You can also incorporate digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and minerals to get gut health in check. In addition, CBD can help with the symptoms of autoimmune disease.

Although some types of autoimmune disease are not reversible, you can manage symptoms, further damage, and pain by managing inflammation.

 

CBD for Autoimmune Disease in Dogs & Pets

If you have ever known anyone with an autoimmune condition, you may understand how difficult it is to manage. And, the same goes for our pets. Autoimmune diseases are difficult to manage, but fortunately, we have found something to help. CBD can help with various autoimmune conditions in dogs including canine lupus, irritable bowel syndrome, and immune-related arthritis. 

CBD for autoimmune disease in dogs pets cats

CBD for Reducing Inflammation

One of the main ways that full spectrum hemp extract (CBD) helps with autoimmune disease is by managing inflammation that causes permanent damage. 

Compounds found in cannabis that reduce inflammation are abundant and diverse. The most abundant phytocannabinoids in cannabis, THC and CBD, both have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Cannabinoids act as anti-inflammatory agents by inducing apoptosis (AKA cell death), inhibiting cell growth, suppressing cytokine production (the cells responsible for communication with non-immune and immune cells), and inducing T regulatory cells. Cannabinoids have also been demonstrated to promote the production of anti-inflammatory cells (interleukins such as IL-10) while inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory compounds (Klein et al. 2000).

A Baylor College of Medicine study, using In vitro and in mouse models, found that CBD significantly attenuated the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α while elevating levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In the veterinary study, CBD significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in a dose-dependent fashion among animals with an affirmative diagnosis of OA.

Another study published in 2006 in Current Neuropharmacology also states that cannabinoid receptors have shown therapeutic value against inflammatory and neuropathic pains and also concluded that CBD has therapeutic benefits for both people and pets suffering from chronic pain and acute chronic pain episodes.

CBD & Immune Boosting Properties

CBD also has immune-boosting properties because it acts as a regulator to bring the body back to homeostasis. In fact, CB2 receptors regulate many complex pathways of the immune system, and preclinical studies show that triggering CB2 receptors can suppress the immune response, which can be beneficial for those suffering from autoimmune disease, according to this study

The same study also states there has been  some investigating on the role of cannabinoids in autoimmune disease models. CBD has been found to regulate the immune system rather than hold it down. CBD does this by slowing down T-cell production and suppressing the memory of the immune system lowering the risk of future autoimmune attacks. In addition to decreasing the likelihood of future AI attacks, CBD increases the expression of genes that handle oxidative stress therefore reducing cell damage.

Related: CBD & Mushrooms for the Immune System

Dosing CBD for Autoimmune Disease in Dogs & Pets

For autoimmune diseases, we recommend our HEAL CBD oil for dogs with autoimmune disease.

Based on resea CBD Oil For Dogs with cushing's disease, cancer tumors autoimmune diseases pain seizures cbg for dogs rch and my experience, I recommend starting with 35-50 mg (1-2 ml) of HEAL daily and increase if needed. Because every dog reacts differently, you may find that your dog responds better to a higher or lower dosage. You should note that dogs cannot overdose on CBD.

During the first few weeks, we recommend a trial and error method as you monitor your animal’s response and determine optimal dose. The old saying “start low and go slow” is extremely applicable when considering full-spectrum hemp extract for your animal.

Split the total daily dose into 2 or more smaller portions (micro-doses) to maintain consistent blood concentration levels. 

According to preliminary research, blood concentration after oral administration typically reaches peak levels after 2 hours and is mostly eliminated from the body within 6-8 hours.

If your pet is suffering from skin damage, lesions, sores, or tumors due to autoimmune disease, apply REMEDY full spectrum hemp CBD salve one to two times daily.

Remember, if your pet is taking medications that suppress the immune system, they may not see the full results or benefits. Discuss weaning from any steroids or medication with your holistic veterinarian.

Related: CBD Dosage for Dogs, Cats & Pets