CBD Oil for Cocker Spaniels – How Cannabis Hemp Tincture Can Help

Cocker Spaniels belong to the breeding group of sporting dogs, and their lifespans typically last twelve to fifteen years. Cocker Spaniels are well known for being level-headed and overly affectionate. By all means, they are a family dog, and their only quest in life is to love and be loved. They enjoy participating in any family activity. Despite being a smaller dog, they are very active and love to play and jump around with all members of the family.

However, Cocker Spaniels can also be very sensitive. They are a bit fickle and will crumble beneath the aggression of an angry owner. They can become introverted and even will resort to aggression if they are treated badly or if they feel at all threatened. The bubbly sense of joy that Cocker Spaniels are known for can easily become replaced with timidity. Due to this, the dog needs profound care and attention, beyond what is required for most breeds.

Background of the Cocker Spaniel Breed

This playful and loving dog originated in Spain as a descendant of the Spaniel family. In the 19th century, Spaniels had split into two types: home and companion-type dogs, and hunting dogs. The Cocker Spaniel was the hunting type, and took its name due to the dog’s dexterity when it came to hunting woodcock.

Throughout the 19th century, Spaniels were a very broad breed that contained multiple sub-categories. In 1892, the Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized as its own separate breed. At around this time, the dog was also introduced to the US, where they became very popular. After World War II, the American Kennel Club officially recognized two types, the English Cocker Spaniel, and the American Cocker Spaniel. The English type has more of an homage to a hunting dog, and the American type is the big-eared, small lover that is well known today in the US.

Health Conditions that Commonly Impact Cocker Spaniels

Despite their small size, Cocker Spaniels have a very long lifespan, at twelve to fifteen years. They are generally healthy dogs, and live long as they receive lots of attention and exercise from their owners. However, the breed is not exempt from many of the conditions that tend to impact dogs, including:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels have a long history of being more prone to eye conditions than most other breeds. Given this, pay close attention to your Cocker Spaniels’ eyesight and watch for any signs that they may be in pain or losing their sight. PRA occurs when the photoreceptors at the back of the eye begin to fail, and its first symptom is night blindness, which then spreads to blindness during the day. Luckily PRA can be diagnosed in its early stages, which gives time for both the dog and the owner to adjust.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a potentially severe condition that occurs when a cloudy or opaque film forms over the lens of the eyes. This is another condition your Cocker Spaniel may be particularly prone to. The effects of cataracts range from impairing eyesight to causing blindness. Luckily there are a variety of treatments available, and they are often successful.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland develops abnormally or does not operate as it should. Symptoms range from hair loss to obesity and epilepsy. If you suspect that your dog may have this condition, or their weight is suddenly fluctuating, take them to the vet so they can begin medication.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition occurs when the thigh bone and hip joint are displaced, and don’t match up correctly. It can cause severe pain, and symptoms include lameness in the legs, difficulty walking, and at worst, immobility. Your Cocker Spaniel will adjust and there are treatments available. This condition is hereditary, so check with your breeder to see if your dog may be susceptible.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)

This condition occurs when your Cocker Spaniel’s immune system becomes technically suicidal; the immune system will attack healthy blood cells, and cause harm to organs. Symptoms range from discolored gums to an enlarged liver, however, it can be successfully treated.  

How Can CBD Oil Help Cocker Spaniels?

When your playful and loving Spaniel becomes affected by any of the conditions above, it can be very troubling. Luckily, beyond medication and surgery, there are options that you can turn to, and CBD oil is one of them. There are several ways that CBD may help with some of the conditions that commonly impact Cocker Spaniels.

Cannabis oil and dogs have powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects; if your Cocker Spaniel has hip dysplasia or has any of the eye conditions that the breed is prone to, CBD oil may help soothe their pain and discomfort and help them become the active and playful dog you know and love again.

CBD also blocks serotonin in the brain, and has anti-anxiety effects. This may help your Cocker Spaniel deal with the separation anxiety and depression that they can develop when you leave for any period of time. If you give them CBD oil before you leave, you can help soothe their worries.

Things to Keep in Mind as You Treat Your Cocker Spaniel with CBD Oil

While CBD is a viable solution for many dogs, including Cocker Spaniels, dogs require a smaller dosage than humans and can be a lot more sensitive to the oil. Spaniels don’t need very much in order to experience the effects. The exact amount that you should give your dog will depend on their condition, size, and the strength of the oil. Since CBD is non-toxic and non-psychoactive, there is no danger of causing an overdose. However, you should always be careful, and take note of how your dog reacts, before you give them more.

If your Cocker Spaniel suffers from many of the conditions that tend to impact dogs, CBD is a viable solution. To be clear, it won’t get your dog “buzzed” or high; CBD is safe and not psychoactive. A lot of research has been conducted involving CBD and its benefits. Not only does it help soothe any separation anxiety that your Cocker Spaniel may experience, it can also reduce inflammation throughout the body and help with their pain. CBD has been widely accepted as a safe and well-tolerated medicine for both humans and dogs.

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