Dogs are sensitive to numerous factors that can affect their overall health. Just like humans are. One of the most seen health conditions in dogs is glaucoma.
Overall, glaucoma is a severe eye condition that usually results in vision loss. If this condition is left untreated it can lead to complete blindness. Luckily, new approaches in treatment are found every day and CBD oil for glaucoma is one of them.
CBD Oil For Dog Glaucoma
One of the most popular ways lately to treat glaucoma in dogs, and even prevent it, is to use CBD oil. CBD oil for dog glaucoma is a natural remedy that works as an anti-inflammatory medication to ease dogs’ pain. Moreover, CBD oil and other CBD products as well, are known for being able to reduce the pressure in the eye naturally.
One more great thing about using CBD oil for dog glaucoma is that you won’t have to worry about unwanted side effects. Using CBD oil is using a healthier approach. Also, you will be able to administer the dose orally.
So, if your dog is not fond of having drops into his eyes every day, CBD oil will be something that he will prefer, for sure. But, before we dive into the proper CBD oil dosage for dogs glaucoma and the best CBD oil let’s learn more about glaucoma and CBD’s origin.
Glaucoma In Dogs
Glaucoma stands for a specific disease of the eye. When glaucoma appears it means that IOP, or also known intraocular pressure is increased. This pressure can only be confirmed with a proper measuring instrument called tonometer. In dog owners’ circles, glaucoma is known as a condition that may lead to vision loss in dogs.
This condition is something that every dog owner hopes to avoid. If you don’t notice symptoms of this serious condition in your dog on time, it can lead to complete blindness. The pressure that appears within the eye causes the eye to stretch. Overall, this is an excruciating process. In addition, this pressure can lead to potentially damage the retina and even the optic nerve of the eye.
Types Of Glaucoma
When we talk about glaucoma in dogs we are not talking about one, universal, type of glaucoma. There are two types of glaucoma, primary and secondary. The first one (primary) is a genetic type, while the second one (secondary) is commonly a result of eye damage.
- Primary glaucoma: this is hereditary glaucoma, or glaucoma based on the genetics of the dog. In addition, it can be linked with the physiological or/and physical traits of a dog. Some dogs are simply predisposed to. In most cases, these traits are caused by primary eye elements such as narrow filtration angles.
- Secondary glaucoma: when it comes to this type of glaucoma, it’s slightly different than it is with primary glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma is usually directly related to something that blocks the drainage in the eye. In some cases, this blockage can be caused by eye trauma, eye wounds, swelling, or even inflammation. In may also be caused by tumors, cataracts, eye infection, cancer of the eye, or retinal detachment. This type of glaucoma is more common in the canine world.
Before you start treating your dog, make sure that you know exactly what type of glaucoma your dog has. Your veterinarian should tell you that better the treatment begins. If not, ask, you should be informed so you can understand the condition of your dog better.
Symptoms Of Glaucoma In Dogs
Just like any other health condition, glaucoma comes with a specific set of symptoms. The very first thing that you need to know and understand about glaucoma is that glaucoma is stressing and painful to your pet. As dogs can’t verbally communicate with us, they have to use non-verbal signs when they are stressed. Therefore, you should monitor his behaviors on a daily level so you can know when he is in pain. That being said, the following symptoms may be a sign of eye pain:
- Intense blinking
- Loss of appetite
- Change in behavior
- Weakness
- Paleness
- Redness of the blood vessels
- Loss of vision
In some severe cases, enlargement of the eyeball can be seen, together with the loss of vision. If you just suspect that something is wrong with your dog, or that he doesn’t seem to see, as usual, contact your veterinarian.
Some Breeds Are More Likely To Get Glaucoma
Certain breeds are simply more prone to get glaucoma during their lifetime. Therefore, it’s crucial to have regular check-ups at the vets and to provide high-quality nutrition. Overall, good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can postpone any bad health condition in the long run. The following breeds are often associated with glaucoma:
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Beagle
- Basset Hound
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Norwegian Elkhound
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Poddle
- Great Dane
Treatments For Glaucoma
In most cases, veterinarians will prescribe several eye drops in order to treat glaucoma. One eye drop may be used to start and ease the pain, but a veterinarian can easily add other drops. However, drops won’t always help, or in the best case, they won’t help immediately.
In some cases, surgery must occur. So, the other and less invasive way to help your dog with glaucoma is to use CBD oil for dog glaucoma.
You must realize that there is no simple cure when it comes to glaucoma in dogs. Sadly, around 30% of dogs and more who are diagnosed with this disease end up blind within 1 year of being diagnosed. Since there is no one cure for this condition, each treatment is focused on three main goals:
- Lowering the pain
- Reducing the production of aqueous humour
- Draining of excess fluid from the eye that’s affected
Can CBD Help Dogs With Glaucoma?
As you probably know, cannabidiol or CBD is a molecule found in hemp pats and cannabis. In the last few years, CBD made quite a boom when it comes to helping to boost dogs’ health. Although CBD is a hot topic in the last few years, the first studies go as far as a few decades ago. Moreover, some of the first studies that were investigating the effects of CBD were conducted in the 1970s.
Actually, the study from 1971, found that the ingestion of cannabis could help reduce intraocular pressure in dogs up to 30%. In addition, other studies have also shown that CBD can help protect cells in the eye and therefore fight glaucoma.
The great thing about CBD is safe for dogs and won’t ever produce a ‘high’ feeling that people often associate with marijuana and any marijuana-related product. Also, you can use CBD for direct treatment as well as for additional health support. However, you should know the dosage.
How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog With Glaucoma?
CBD Oil or cannabidiol comes from hemp extract that is beneficial for dogs and contains no side effects or leads to ‘high’ feeling. CBD is not psychoactive and it makes it 100% healthy for dogs. CBD won’t get you dog ‘high’ because you can’t find any trace of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol that can actually make a person or an animal ‘high’.
That being said, CBD oil can lower intraocular pressure in many animals, including dogs. It comes as no surprise that CBD oil is so popular. Besides, CBD oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and works as a natural analgesic. It’s recommended to always opt for non-GMO manufacturers such as HonestPaws.
When it comes to the right dosage you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can’t give too much CBD to your dog since this is an all-natural remedy, but still, you should stick to the recommended dosage. If you, for some reason, believe that you are giving your dog too little or too much of CBD oil for glaucoma, contact your veterinarian.
For example, if your dog has a severe condition of glaucoma, your veterinarian might want to keep him on the strict dosage to provide maximum results. And in case of glaucoma, your veterinarian might want to prescribe a specific dosage based on your dog’s health condition.
Overall, recommended starting dose is 0.05 mg/lb. twice a day. This may also vary depending on your dog’s size and weight. Once again, the best way to be sure about proper CBD oil dosage is to follow manufacturers’ instructions.
Is Follow-Up Treatment Mandatory?
Any extra step after the prescribed treatment will depend on your dog’s condition. Once the glaucoma is diagnosed and proper treatment is started, follow-up monitoring will probably be mandatory. After all, you want to make sure that your dog is doing better. And if he is not feeling better, you would love to know what to do further on. Again, this is something that you should check with your veterinarian.
CBD Oil For Dog Glaucoma – Conclusion
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can seriously interfere with the dog’s normal vision and usual behavior. Moreover, this condition can lead to strong pain and uncomfortable feeling. A significantly increased IOP can make your canine irritable and weak. In general, it leads to discomfort and pain. And if glaucoma is not treated well it can lead to permanent blindness. Luckily, great help comes in the form of CBD oil.
CBD oil for dog glaucoma is a safe and natural way to help your dog manage his eye disorder. However, always track the recommended dosage and always consult with your veterinarian.