Dogs With Genetic Health Issues Benefit From Early CBD Use

Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to genetic diseases as a result of their breed. Or inherited from their parents. All types of dogs (from purebreds like the Blue Heeler, English Bulldog, German Shepherd, Chihuahua, to mixed-breed dogs like a Labradoodle, Yorkipoo, and Cockapoo) are at risk. Early detection can greatly halt genetic diseases. And in some cases cure them. That begs us to ask the question, can dogs with genetic health issues benefit from early CBD use?

What Are The Most Common Genetic Disorders?

Some of the most known genetic disorders in dogs include:

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s is a genetic disorder caused by low production of hormones in the adrenal glands. As well as deficiencies of the cortisol and aldosterone hormones. Symptoms of Addison’s Disease in dogs include weakness, vomiting, depression, weight loss, loss of appetite, extreme thirst, etc. Dog breeds most commonly affected by Addison’s Disease include Old English Sheepdogs, Standard Poodles, Bearded Collies, and Weimaraners.

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing Disease is an excess secretion of corticosteroids from the adrenal gland. This infers that there is an overproduction of certain hormones in the adrenal glands. It also occurs as a result of excessive administration of steroids (oral or injectable) over a long period or due to the presence of tumor in either the pituitary gland or adrenal gland. Some indicators of Cushing’s includes increased thirst, urinating at night or having accidents, increased hunger as well as panting, pot-bellied abdomen, obesity, loss of hair, etc. Dogs who have this type genetic disease include German Shepherd, Poodle, Dachshund, Terriers (Yorkies and Dandie Dinmont), Boxer, Boston Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Maltese, Australian Shepherd, and Cocker Spaniel.

Chronic Progressive Hepatitis (CPH)

As the name implies, the disease occurs over a long period of time. There is an inflammation of the liver, as well as progressive formation of excess fibrous tissue in the liver. Most dogs won’t show sign of the disease until their liver is nearly destroyed. Once this has happened, the disease really kicks in and a dog starts to show symptoms like bloody vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, frequent urination, and nose bleeds amongst others. CPH is most common in middle-aged and older dogs. Examples of dogs predisposed to this genetic disease include Doberman Pinschers, Dalmatians, Shetland Sheepdogs, Labrador, and Golden Terriers, Cocker Spaniel, and Standard Poodle.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a progressive disorder in dogs where there is degeneration of the spinal cord, and eventually, the rear limbs of a dog become weak and uncoordinated. Once a dog has this disorder, it interferes with communication between the dog’s brain and limbs. This disease does not occur immediately but has a slow progression over months and years. It can lead to paralysis of the hind leg(s) if not detected early. Dog breeds common to the disease include German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Poodle, Terrier, etc.

Can Dogs With Genetic Health Issues Benefit from Early CBD?

Addison’s Disease

CBD helps minimize the effects (e.g. inflammation, pain, etc.), and in some cases the actual genetic disease itself when administered timely to dogs. Take Addison’s Disease that severely hinders stress and hormone regulation. CBD extends and supports important aspects of the body that help neutralize anxiety. With Addison’s Disease, it’s important to administer CBD early to help reinforce and boost stress regulation. CBD works with a dog’s endocannabinoid system, which coordinates with a dog’s endocrine system (source) and thus hormones. This makes it an excellent choice for helping to manage a dog’s Addison Disease symptoms.

Cushing’s Disease

Cortisol is released at an increased rate in dog’s diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease. Cortisol is created by the adrenal glands. Which helps to manage stress, metabolism, blood glucose, and blood pressure. While Cushing’s is treatable once identified by a vet, CBD offers a great deal of assistance for stress and pain, as well as reducing blood pressure (source). This makes CBD worth its weight in gold for dogs predisposed or diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease.

DPH Disease

For CPH disease, the focus is on the liver. A dog’s endocannabinoid system has cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). When CB1 is introduced it stimulates fibrogenesis (would repair), and CB2 counteracts the progression of fibrosis (source).  Starting early and getting the right veterinarian to help coordinate and monitor the condition of your dog during treatment are key. Additionally, the benefits of CBD for CPH is vast for helping to manage the pain and inflammation associated with the disease.

Degenerative Myelopathy

For degenerative myelopathy, CBD protects the brain from the death of cells and other disease-causing toxins and radicals (source). CBD has shown a great deal of promise for degenerative myelopathy, as well as other spine and nerve issues. Cell protection is important when dealing with disease. Particularly ones that are degenerative in nature (such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease). This is because CBD has the ability to help protect the brain cells from toxicity.

We’re Just Beginning to Understand All of the Benefits of CBD

Not too long ago, we didn’t treat dogs with certain conditions. Now with western and eastern medicine interventions, and supplementing with all-natural, organic, ingredients like CBD, dogs are living longer, better quality lives. One of my dogs was diagnosed with IVDD and Degenerative Myelopathy… Not a day went by without my thankfulness for CBD. My little guy had genetic health issues that truly benefited from early CBD intervention. He lived a pretty healthy life for much, much longer than predicted. For this, I am truly thankful.