As humans, we use cannabis on a regular basis. If the cannabis products had hemp in them, most owners and vets would probably hesitate to give it to dogs or cats. While it might be OK for humans, it could pose a significant risk for pets.

The good news is that most of the CBD oils out on the market contain only trace amounts of hemp oil. They're primarily made up of other plant-based ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine is naturally present in meats like beef and lamb, but dogs need it more. Glucosamine provides a natural form of relief for many degenerative joint diseases. It also helps reduce inflammation.

Chondroitin is another ingredient found in products aimed at providing relief for dogs suffering from arthritis. Chondroitin has the additional benefit of being an anti-inflammatory drug. When dogs are under inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs help neutralize the chemicals and enzymes causing inflammation. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may pose a health risk because they also cause further inflammation if taken for prolonged periods of time. Many pet owners opt instead for supplements and other alternative treatments. Not only are these types of remedies safer for pets, but they can also provide a safer and more effective long-term treatment for your pets.

There have been few clinical trials testing the effectiveness of CBD for osteoarthritis in dogs. One study, which was performed on blind participants showed that CBD significantly reduced the rate at which dogs showed signs of pain related to their disease. However, this study was on human volunteers who weren't suffering from osteoarthritis. No one is quite sure whether CBD works the same way on humans.

Whether or not it's safe for dogs to take CBD is one of the biggest questions in the field of canine health care. Only one study has been done comparing CBD with other pain relievers in humans. But since CBD is derived from hemp, one would assume that it has the same healing properties as other pharmaceutical medications available for dogs with osteoarthritis. Until veterinarians and medical professionals can conclude that one substance is just as effective as another, it's best to stay well informed about alternative treatments for dogs with arthritis.