CBD Oil for Pancreatitis in Dogs – How Cannabis Hemp Tincture Can Help
CBD, a compound from the cannabis plant, has been shown to have many beneficial and medicinal properties for both animals and humans. With this compound, you don’t have to worry about your pet getting high or buzzed; CBD is not psychoactive, and it’s non-toxic, so you don’t need to worry about overdosing either.
CBD is commercially available in many products that have been manufactured specifically for animal consumption. One of these products that is easily administered is CBD oil, and if your dog has pancreatitis, there are many ways that administering this oil to your pet may help alleviate the symptoms of this serious condition. Treating pancreatitis involves resting the pancreas, and reducing the inflammation and pain your dog is experiencing; luckily, CBD is well known for its ability to alleviate pain and soothe inflammation. If your dog has pancreatitis, CBD oil is a natural and great medicine that you can give them to help, and in time, your dog may even fully recover.
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What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Pancreatitis is a very serious health condition for dogs that unfortunately can become life-threatening. It is caused by inflammation of the pancreas; the pancreas is a vital organ in both humans and animals that is situated on the right side of the abdomen. It produces hormones, such as adrenaline, and enzymes that the body uses to digest food.
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it causes digestive enzymes to escape into the abdominal cavity, which leads to damage not only to the pancreas itself but also to the intestines and the liver and any surrounding tissue. In acute cases, pancreatitis may develop suddenly with no warning at all, and many of the warning signs are not entirely obvious in the beginning stages. In chronic cases, it can be a condition that will need continuous care and management.
Due to its serious nature, it’s very important to take heed of any symptoms of pancreatitis your dog may be experiencing, and take them to the vet right away if you suspect the condition is developing. At first, it may seem as if your pet is just acting strange, but there could be something seriously wrong that should be confirmed as soon as possible so you can begin treatment.
Canine pancreatitis can occur in dogs of any breed, age, or sex. However, the majority of dogs who suffer from the disease tend to be older and overweight. There are also certain breeds who are especially at risk, such as Collies, Boxers, Schnauzers, miniature poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. If you have these dogs, it doesn’t mean they’ll automatically get pancreatitis; you’ll just have to take extra caution and care.
The Symptoms of Pancreatitis for Dogs
Pancreatitis is very painful, uncomfortable, and is potentially fatal. Common physical symptoms include spurts of vomiting and/or diarrhea accompanied by weight loss and loss of appetite. Pay close attention to changes in behavior, eating habits, and how your dog is acting; if they change behaviors or patterns as they begin vomiting and losing interest in eating, they may have pancreatitis. Your pet may also suddenly become a pickier eater or paw at their food, and they’ll become lethargic and lose interest in activities since the condition is causing them pain. Record any changes so you can speak to your vet about it.
Pancreatitis can occur in either a mild form or a severe form. It can be acute, which means that it occurs suddenly, or it can be chronic, which means that it occurs regularly. No matter whether your dog has mild, severe, acute, or chronic pancreatitis, the most common signs of the condition are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite (learn more)
- Arching of the back/a hunched back
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
- Swollen abdomen
- Abdominal pain (learn more)
- Gagging
- Extreme weakness
- Bloating or a distended abdomen
Not all symptoms of pancreatitis make the condition obvious; many pet owners notice that their dog is acting differently, but do not associate it with an inflamed pancreas. Take note if your dog is more tired than usual, slower moving, or not as hungry. There are also all kinds of things that can cause things such as weakness and vomiting in dogs, but if symptoms linger for more than a few days or seem severe, this is especially cause to take your dog to the vet. If your dog appears bloated or has a distended abdomen, this is a sure sign of a medical condition.
Even if you’re remotely worried that your pet may be suffering, or you’re unsure if they’re truly sick at all, taking them to the vet is always a good idea. It can help bring a peace of mind for you, and your vet will be able to properly diagnose your pet and discuss treatments with you. Pancreatitis may also develop slowly as a chronic condition, which means that symptoms will slowly set in, so it’s best to take your dog in for regular checkups anyway.
What Causes Canine Pancreatitis?
There is a range of things that cause your dog to develop pancreatitis. Some of these are nutritional factors, and some are environmental. Unfortunately, scientists are not entirely sure what causes pancreatitis in dogs, and why some dogs are more prone to the disease. Some of the most common known causes are:
- Human food
- Fatty food
- Obesity
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Genetic disposition
- Toxins
- Medications
- Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases
- Dietary indiscretion—dogs eating whatever they find
Diet is known to be a huge contributor to pancreatitis. High-fat foods are especially not good for dogs, so be careful if you’re feeding them leftovers or table scraps. Dogs who consume a lot may also experience bloating, and pets who eat anything and everything they can are also at risk for pancreatitis. Take care to ensure your dog is only eating what they should, and are eating slowly.
To understand the health of your dog and prevent conditions from developing, it’s best to follow a good diet and exercise plan. There isn’t one direct cause of canine pancreatitis, and it’s more of a culmination of risk factors. If you follow a diet and exercise plan and take note when your dog behaves differently, you can help them receive treatment sooner rather than later. In extreme cases, pancreatitis may become life-threatening, as the digestive enzymes that are released may begin to digest internal organs. When this occurs, the damage is irreversible, so it’s very important to diagnose pancreatitis early and get treatment started as early as possible.
Natural Treatments for Pancreatitis
Since pancreatitis can become fatal and develop acutely, it’s important that you take your dog to the vet right away if you suspect the condition is developing in them. The good news is, chronic pancreatitis that develops over the longer term and mild pancreatitis can be treated naturally, and the prognosis for these cases are typically very good.
There are certain things you can do for your dog if they develop pancreatitis, including enforcing a fasting period of 24-48 hours after diagnosis. This will allow time for inflammation of the pancreas to reduce, and for the organ to spend some time recovering. You can also make sure that nothing your dog ingests will further upset them or cause them pain. During this time, you should only give your dog small amounts of water. It may be difficult if they seem hungry, but the benefits outweigh.
Once the pancreas has had time to rest and your dog is showing signs of improvement, you can begin to feed your pet small amounts of bland food. You can make your own low-fat food, such as bone broth, and there are prescription foods available that are designed for this purpose.
Beyond giving your dog a fasting period and ensuring they intake only water and bland food, there is also a range of natural herbal remedies and supplements that you can use to treat pancreatitis, and to help maintain the health of the pancreas overall, whether it’s before or after the condition develops. Natural remedies include:
- Dandelion and burdock, which reduce stress on the pancreas by increasing the production of enzymes and bile in the liver
- Milk thistle, which regenerates and restores function in the liver; liver is an organ that may be damaged by pancreatitis
- Echinacea or astragalus, herbs which are known to boost the immune system and that can help fight any infection caused by pancreatitis
- Yarrow, which reduces inflammation and strengthens the pancreas
- Vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants, and can be used to help speed up the recovery from pancreatitis, and also reduce the frequency of chronic pancreatitis episodes
- Digestive enzymes, which help to give the pancreas some rest; this is a treatment that vets often recommend
- Probiotics, which help keep the good bacteria within the digestive system balanced, and can be particularly beneficial when put together with antibiotics
- Fish Oil, which can help lower the blood lipid levels and support a low-fat diet
- CBD Oil, which can be used to reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain overall
Often, a low-fat diet is recommended for the management of pancreatitis. The long-term treatment for the condition is a natural, balanced diet; fatty foods should be eliminated, and kibble should be avoided, as it’s harder to digest than fresh food. The administration of supplements can also help to keep your dog’s digestive system in good health, and overall prevent flare-ups of pancreatitis.
How CBD Oil Can Help Pancreatitis in Dogs
Luckily, CBD is a completely safe and natural option for pet owners who want to treat their dog’s pancreatitis naturally. CBD is a natural compound that is found in the cannabis plant and is a cannabinoid. Unlike THC, which is a psychoactive compound, CBD is non-toxic and will not cause a high in your pet. When CBD enters your dog’s bloodstream, it will interact with the endocannabinoid system in their body; we share this same system with all mammals, and it regulates the natural balance of the body.
When CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, whether in humans or in animals, it produces many therapeutic effects. Two of the most important of those effects are anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. There is pet CBD oil that is commercially available for purchase. You can put a few drops on your fingers, on a treat (weed dog treats), or in your dog’s food for consumption. They won’t notice the taste, and will only feel the benefits. CBD has been found to significantly reduce inflammation, and offers many benefits for treating canine pancreatitis.
CBD Oil for Pancreatitis in Dogs Conclusion
Pets can be a lot to maintain, especially if they fall ill. When your dog is vomiting and lethargic or acting differently, it could be caused by many different factors. However, if these symptoms persist, take note, because these could be signs your dog has canine pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can develop into a very serious condition for dogs. If you suspect that your dog has developed this disease, you should take your pet to the vet right away; early detection and treatment is imperative.
If you’re searching for natural ways to help your dog manage their pancreatitis, CBD oil is one of the best alternatives out there to prescription drugs. It can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in your dog, naturally. You can learn about the value of natural products that your pet can benefit from, and there are ways to not only treat pancreatitis, but to also prevent flare-ups from occurring again in the future.
Treat your pet right by implementing a good nutrition and exercise plan. Regular checkups with your vet can detect any potential problems before they become more serious, and your vet will help you determine what your pet needs for optimal wellness. Although we can’t prepare for everything our pets may experience, we can take care of them as well as we can. CBD oil is a viable alternative to many medications out there, and can be used to treat a wide variety of health conditions that may impact our beloved pets. If your dog has pancreatitis, take them to the vet, and then you can start them on a CBD oil regimen that will put them back on the path to wellness.
