CBD Oil for Dogs with Kidney Disease: What Are the Benefits?
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The kidneys are vital to a healthy, happy dog. In fact, they’re essential for life. But just like humans, dogs’ kidneys can get stressed, which can lead to an increased risk of kidney disease. As a result, kidney disease can be fairly prevalent in dogs. While CBD oil for dog’s kidney disease can’t offer a cure, it may provide some benefits to help your pet.
What Are the Kidneys?
Just like with humans, dogs have two kidneys that are located in the abdomen, just behind the lowest rib. The kidneys are part of the upper urinary tract and work to remove waste products from the body via urine. They also regulate essential minerals, including potassium and sodium, maintain hydration levels, and manage red blood cell production.
Kidney disease is the most common condition for dogs that are over eight years old. In many cases, though, there are ways to help manage the condition with a strict diet, support from your veterinarian, and perhaps the help of CBD oil for dog’s kidney disease.
Types of Kidney Disease
There are two main types of kidney problems: acute (sudden onset) kidney disease (AKD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is also called renal failure. In both cases, the kidneys are no longer able to perform their vital functions. This can lead to severe dehydration and prevent the removal of waste products, so they build up and become toxic. It can also lead to an imbalance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
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Signs of Kidney Damage in Your Dog
Knowing the signs to watch for can help you get your dog to the vet to help diagnose and treat kidney issues quickly. With acute kidney failure caused by antifreeze toxicity or if your dog got into another type of poison, there’s only a small window to reverse the damage. Signs to watch for include:
- Poor or no appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Decreased coordination or walking unsteadily
- Disorientation
- Increased or decreased drinking
- Increased or decreased urination
- Bloody diarrhea (or black feces)
- Bad breath
As the kidneys continue to lose function, more serious symptoms will appear. These include:
- Tenderness in the abdomen due to pain and inflammation
- Anemia
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Muscle weakness
- Ulcerations (irritations) in the mouth and GI tract
- Vomiting of a grainy-looking substance, which indicates digested blood
- Blood pressure malfunctions
- Sudden-onset Blindness
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Protecting Your Dog’s Kidneys
One of the best things you can do for your dog is to always provide access to clean drinking water. Hydration—along with a healthy diet—is vital for your dog’s kidneys. While dry kibble is popular due to its convenience, it’s also a good idea to add some wet food to your pet’s diet.
It’s also important to keep toxic plants, cleaning supplies (including natural ones), essential oils, human pharmaceuticals, marijuana, and foods that are toxic to your dog (like garlic and onions, grapes and raisins, chocolate, and yeast dough) away from pets. If you do find your pet got into something they shouldn’t have, it’s important to get them to the vet immediately.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney disease, aka renal disease, can result over time from a low-moisture diet and dehydration. Certain breeds, like cocker spaniels and bull terriers, are also more susceptible to kidney issues. Other health issues, such as high blood pressure and bad teeth, can also increase the risk of your dog developing kidney disease.
CBD Oil for Dog’s Kidney Disease: Can It Help?
CBD oil can neither treat nor prevent kidney disease in dogs. It may, however, help by supporting healthy levels of inflammation, decreasing pain, and helping your dog remain calm as you and your vet work together to address and manage their symptoms.
For instance, CBD oil can be directly applied to irritated gums and mucus membranes resulting from kidney disease to help ease the irritation. It may also help reduce nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite to encourage your dog to drink and eat. CBD oil may also help decrease elevated blood pressure due to increased stress. With the help of your vet, this can help you better manage your dog’s kidney disease.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs with Kidney Disease?
Since we know marijuana can negatively affect the health of your dog’s kidneys as they need to clear it from their systems, it’s only natural to wonder if CBD is safe. Fortunately, CBD made from full-spectrum, organic hemp doesn’t have the same effects or risks. Several studies—including three clinical trials sponsored by ABSC Organics—have found CBD to be well-tolerated by dogs.
CBD has also been found to positively affect the endocannabinoid system in dogs to potentially help:
- Increase mobility and energy
- Decrease pain and discomfort
- Lessen stress levels for a calmer dog
- Promote wound healing
- Support healthy levels of inflammation
- Stimulate appetite
- Manage anxiety or agitation
- And more.
CBD Oil for Dogs with Kidney Disease: Is It Right for Your Dog?
Keeping an eye on your dog and ensuring they’re well-hydrated and nourished and that they have no access to potential toxins can help prevent kidney disease. But if you do notice symptoms, it’s vital to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible to address the issue. With acute toxicity, immediate care is required.
There is no cure for kidney disease, but in many cases, it is possible to manage it and perhaps slow the progression with a strict diet, by addressing the underlying causes or conditions, and potentially supporting your dog’s health with CBD oil.
Ready to explore more CBD distillate uses for pets and how the best CBD for pets—ABSC Organics—can help your pet live a more vibrant, healthy life? Get started here.
