Can CBD help my dog’s diabetes?
When your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, it can be terrifying. Monitoring blood sugar levels, insulin shots every 12 hours, and limiting the type or amount of food that your pet can eat can be frustrating for both you and your fur-baby – and that is without factoring in the frequent vet visits and cost of medicine.
With so much frustration surrounding diabetes management, many people are searching for a more natural solution, and some are asking: can CBD help with diabetes?
What is diabetes and what is the difference between types?
There are three types of diabetes in dogs and cats: diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes and is caused by a lack of insulin. Insulin moves glucose into the cells, which gives cells the energy they need. Diabetes mellitus can be caused by Cushing’s Disease, pancreatitis, and overuse of steroids. Dogs with this type of diabetes may be at higher risk of UTIs and cataracts.
Diabetes insipidus is caused by a reduced amount of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH regulates water metabolism and helps keep water in the body. Too little ADH and your body will dehydrate. Gestational diabetes is less common and is only present in a dog who is pregnant. This type of diabetes can often go undiagnosed and usually resolves after birth.
Typically, veterinarians recommend that a dog with any type of diabetes receive insulin and unrestricted access to water, since diabetic dogs need additional hydration.
What are the symptoms of diabetes in dogs?
If you are concerned that your pet is suffering from diabetes, there are a few telltale signs to watch for:
- Excessive drinking & urination (PUPD)
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Dehydration.
- Depression & lethargy.
- Unkempt haircoat & dandruff.
- Loss of muscles & weakness.
- Weight loss.
Can CBD help with diabetes?
At its core, diabetes is often caused by issues of inflammation, with which CBD can help. In fact, a recent study states:
“Oxidative stress and inflammation play critical roles in the development of diabetes and its complications… Studies provided compelling evidence that the newly discovered lipid signaling system (ie, the endocannabinoid system) may significantly influence reactive oxygen species production, inflammation, and subsequent tissue injury, in addition to its well-known metabolic effects and functions.”
Another recent study found that full spectrum hemp extract CBD actually lowered the instance of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. Yet another study found that full spectrum hemp extract CBD may also improve circulation and improve overall health in diabetic rats. These studies are promising that full spectrum hemp CBD can help with diabetes in animals (and humans).
It is important to note that before you change a diabetic pet’s diet or attempt to wean off of insulin, you should speak to your holistic veterinarian to prevent a sudden drop in blood sugar. You can safely use CBD in conjunction with insulin but should make sure that the full spectrum hemp CBD you use does not have added sugars.
Dosing CBD for my pet’s diabetes
Despite common misconceptions, dosing full spectrum hemp CBD has very little to do with your dog’s size or weight. Finding the right dosage depends on your specific dog, their specific ailment, and how sensitive their endocannabinoid system is. For fastest and most thorough absorption, lift the lip and apply dose directly onto the gums, as the most direct way into the bloodstream. If added to food, the medicine may not be as effective and can take significantly longer (30-45 min.) to reach the bloodstream as it works its way through the gastrointestinal system.
Based on research and my experience, I like using a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD to help with diabetes. I start with 9-12 mg daily while still monitoring my pet’s blood sugar levels. I generally see results in the first week. Remember: diet is incredibly important in diabetic pets, and a raw or freeze-dried diet may be a safer option for your pet. Discuss diet changes in your diabetic pet with your holistic veterinarian.
About Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.
Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22155112
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23845579
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16698671