Ticks are a bother. They bite our canine furry companions, exposing them to seizures, fever, and neuropathic pain. These issues make life difficult for dogs and pet parents. And we look for the best solutions so we can alleviate their pain and live happily with them. CBD helps with this condition. Read on for more.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a condition spread by ticks, although it is brought on by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which ticks are known to harbor. Tick bites are the only known natural method for this bacterium to get into the bloodstream of both people and animals.
A nymph is the stage of the tick that typically bites. Nymphs are approximately the size of a pencil’s tip and are essentially invisible. Due to their small size, you may overlook the bite and subsequent bacterial transfer until it’s too late.
Lyme Nephropathy
Lyme disease, also known as Lyme nephropathy, damages the kidneys in dogs and usually results in their deaths. Since not enough studies have been done to replicate the effects, you cannot know whether the kidney illness symptom is closely related to Lyme.
The scientific community is unaware of the precise mechanism and process by which Lyme disease destroys the kidneys and results in kidney failure. Some people contend that the dog’s poor immune system may also be to blame for the kidney damage rather than the disease itself.
Some people also think Lyme disease is to blame for canine cardiac issues. The dog’s muscles, lymph nodes, kidneys, eyes, heart, and brain will also suffer harm from Lyme disease. As a result, renal failure may also result in Lyme disease.
Fortunately, dogs seldom contract these illnesses.
Read more on CBD For Kidney Disease: All You Need to Know
What Is a Tick?
Below are some facts about ticks to enlighten you:
- Ticks are parasites that range in size from 3 to 5 mm. Because they are so few, it may be difficult to see them immediately.
- Ticks are the most frequent cause of problems for pets, particularly those who venture outside more frequently.
- They consume blood from living things. They frequently go undiscovered due to their tiny size and non-painful bites.
- Ticks come in a variety of varieties. In the US, deer ticks are a typical species.
Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease imitates other diseases. Its symptoms are, therefore, similar to those of most health issues in dogs. Below are common signs to watch out for:
- Neuropathic pain.
- Joint problems and arthritis.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Rash at the infected area.
- Seizures.
Any of the above symptoms call for a visit to the vet.
Conventional Treatment for Lyme Disease in Dogs
Most conventional vets use antibiotics to treat Lyme disease in dogs. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, and antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections. The most commonly used antibiotic is doxycycline.
Antibiotics are effective during the initial stages of Lyme disease. It is, therefore, crucial to visit the vet for an early diagnosis before the problem becomes chronic. The condition, however, can take time to manifest, making bacteria hard to discover and treat.
CBD for Lyme Disease in Dogs
CBD is not a cure for Lyme disease but it helps manage it. Here are the benefits of CBD for dogs with Lyme disease:
CBD is an antibiotic: Lyme disease is an infection, and CBD is rich in cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have strong antibiotic properties to counter the infection.
CBD reduces inflammation: Joint inflammation is common in dogs with Lyme disease, and this is where the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD come in.
CBD reduces fever: Fever is common in dogs with Lyme disease and can damage their organs. Increased immune system communication and suppression of the fever response are two ways CBD can aid dogs with the fever that comes with Lyme illness.
CBD suppresses pain: Pain is another problem for dogs with Lyme disease. The pain-relieving properties of CBD help suppress the pain.
CBD and nausea: Nausea can cause vomiting and general body weakness. Consuming CBD reduces gastric reflux while increasing blood flow to the stomach. This lowers the chances of nausea.
CBD and seizures: Though rare, seizures affect dogs with Lyme disease. Seizures are life-threatening. Studies show that CBD is effective against seizures.
CBD and Fatigue: Extreme fatigue is another symptom of canine Lyme disease. They move slowly, are sluggish, and lack the vitality to move around. CBD is an excellent approach to aiding relaxation, sleep onset, and sleep maintenance in pets.
Pros and cons of CBD oil for Lyme disease
CBD for Lyme disease has both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- It is easy to administer.
- It can be administered topically or orally.
- It reduces joint pain.
- It calms dogs and gives them good sleep.
Cons
- Insurance does not cover it.
- It does not cure the disease.
Tips for choosing a high-quality CBD oil
Many CBD products are on the market, making it difficult to distinguish between real and fake ones. Here are some tips for choosing high-quality CBD oil:
- Go for organic CBD: Organic CBD has no fungicides, solvents, or pesticides, making them the best for your sick dog.
- Look for a certificate of analysis: This shows the amount of CBD in a product. Some products include less CBD and would, therefore, not be effective. The certificate also certifies that the product has no THC.
- Go for liquid CBD: Although treats are good for your dog, CBD tinctures and oil are the best. They come in liquid form and are easy to measure and administer using a dropper.
- Do not rely solely on price: higher grades and purity are typically more expensive. A less expensive solution can include poisonous ingredients like herbicides, pesticides, or heavy metals. Make sure there are no additions to your CBD oil.
Read more: Good vs. Bad CBD: How to Make Sure Your Pet CBD is Legit
CBD oil versus other treatments for Lyme disease
The best method of getting rid of Lyme disease is with early treatment with antibiotics.
To treat children, adults, or that lactating, choose doxycycline, cefuroxime, or amoxicillin.
An urgent dosage of antibiotics taken orally for a maximum of two weeks is usually the first step in treatment.
In the majority of cases, this will get rid of the disease. However, post-Lyme syndrome can appear in some cases.
The oil is not a substitute for antibiotic therapy. Even so, it might assist with a few after-treatment Lyme symptoms, such as joint discomfort, sleep issues, and inflammation.
Is CBD oil safe for Lyme disease?
Medication that has a grapefruit warning should not be taken with CBD. Additionally, taking CBD with antibiotics for Lyme disease is unsafe. A study reveals that CBD is safe and has no dire side effects on people.
Common but mild side effects include tiredness, changes in weight and appetite, and diarrhea. Always consult your vet or doctor before using CBD.
Preventing Lyme Disease in Dogs
Preventative care is the best method for treating Lyme disease in dogs. As we’ve already mentioned, detection can be difficult due to the vast range of symptoms and the ticks’ small size, making it difficult to spot when they bite. Preventing the illness from occurring is preferable to treating it once it has already occurred.
- Be looking for ticks: Ticks are frequently found on animals or in long grass, bushy, and densely wooded places. Ensure you fully inspect your dogs for ticks after every walk.
- Use natural tick repellants: There are many excellent natural tick repellents that you can use. Look into several natural remedies and essential oils to keep ticks off your dogs and out of your house.
- Be Careful When Removing Ticks: Be cautious when removing these annoying little creatures. They cling tenaciously; chances are good that your pet will remain infected even if you manage to take them out but keep the head.
Best CBD Oils for Lyme Disease
Spruce CBD Oil
This high-quality CBD oil is 100% organic and lab-tested to guarantee your dog’s safety. You will not find any artificial additives or colors. Its graduated dropper ensures precise measurements.
Features
- It has no artificial additives and is 100% organic, making it safe for your dog.
- It has low THC levels, so your dog won’t get high.
- It has a graduated dropper for precise dosage.
Pro
- There are no pesticides.
- It is lab-tested.
- It is 100% organic.
Cons
- No variety of flavors to choose from.
Nuleaf CBD Oil
Full spectrum CBD oil for pets is a specialty of Nuleaf Naturals. The company can use the entire hemp plant due to exclusive genetics.
Features
- It uses the whole hemp plant for maximum benefits.
- It is affordable, so you won’t strain financially.
Pro
- Affordable.
- No solvents.
- It uses organic hemp.
Cons
- Picky dogs may not like it.
10 Ways to Protect Your Dog From Ticks
As mentioned earlier, prevention is better than treatment. Below are 10 ways to protect your dog from ticks:
Use tick and flea prevention measures
Your dog can be protected by taking one of the various types of available flea and tick preventatives. While oral medicines are taken into your dog’s bloodstream, topical preventatives prevent ticks from biting your dog.
Keep your dog on the trail.
Consider carefully where you take your dog for a walk because densely wooded and grassy areas are where you’ll most frequently locate ticks. Leash your dog and keep it from wandering off the path if you’re going into the woods.
Check the tick daily.
Thoroughly check your dog for ticks daily. Check its neck, collar, ears, and head.
Remove embedded ticks properly.
By just grabbing the tick’s body with tweezers, you run the risk of leaving the tick’s mouthpieces entrenched and causing them to disgorge into your dog.
Understand the symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
Such symptoms include fever, lameness, lack of appetite, and lethargy. If you notice them, rush to the vet.
Use CBD
The oil has varied benefits, and it lowers the severity of pain, inflammation, seizures, and nausea that come with Lyme disease.
Treat your garden to ticks.
Look around your backyard for any potential tick-hiding areas. Tick hotspots can be found in overgrown bushes and areas of tall grass, so clean them up by weeding, mowing, or pruning.
Give your dog a vaccine.
The Lyme vaccine is readily accessible. Most veterinarians who focus on infectious diseases still advise against immunizing dogs who reside in areas with an elevated risk of Lyme disease.
Look for an outdoor dog bed.
Your dog can spend time outside safely and comfortably by lying on the ground.
For multi-pet homes, treat all pets at the same time
Cross-infestation will be lessened as a result. Keeping your dog apart from other dogs during flea season might help reduce the probability that they will get fleas.
Does CBD help dogs with Lyme disease?
Yes. CBD oil reduces the severity of nausea, pain, inflammation, and seizures. These are common symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs. It, however, does not cure the disease.
What is the best medicine for a dog with Lyme disease?
The antibiotic preferred for treating Lyme disease is doxycycline. Amoxicillin and erythromycin are two additional antibiotic choices. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like carprofen may also be administered if your dog is extremely uncomfortable.
Can turmeric help Lyme disease in dogs?
Yes. Supplements containing turmeric could be a fantastic choice because the spice has antioxidant properties that promote joint wellness in dogs and may encourage a normal inflammatory response.
Does CBD oil help with ticks?
Yes. CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and soothing properties that help with ticks. Ticks cause inflammation, pain, and irritation, which is where CBD’s calming properties come in.
What is the best oil to remove ticks?
Essential oils that help remove ticks include cedarwood, lavender, garlic, peppermint, and pennyroyal. The combination of thyme and citronella also helps.
Can coconut oil remove ticks?
Yes. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the tick. Allow the parasite to suffocate for a few minutes before using tweezers to remove it carefully.
Can lemons remove ticks?
Yes. Lemon’s citrus content aids in tick removal on a natural basis. You can make a disinfecting solution for cleaning your pet with lemon juice.
How do you permanently get rid of ticks?
Permethrin is among the most effective pesticides for killing ticks. Select a permethrin insecticide solution that is safe to use on the plants and surfaces you wish to treat for the greatest results.
What is the best treatment for ticks?
Permethrin is the best. Use treatments containing permethrin to treat clothing and equipment. Boots, clothing, and camping equipment can be treated with permethrin, which works after multiple washings.
What supplement keeps ticks away?
Eucalyptus oil is known to repel and kill ticks effectively. Simply add twenty drops of eucalyptus oil to a small spray container with 4 ounces of filtered or distilled water.
Can late-stage Lyme disease be cured?
When Lyme disease is not promptly or appropriately treated, it progresses to a late stage. Clinicians typically use intravenous (IV) antibiotics to treat late-stage Lyme disease.
Can CBD cure Lyme disease?
No. CBD cannot cure the Lyme problem. However, this supplement is key to managing the symptoms that come with Lyme disease.
What causes Lyme disease?
The Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium is the main cause of Lyme disease. It spreads through bites from deer ticks. Common symptoms to watch out for include nausea, seizures, fever, and pain.
Can CBD interact with antibiotics?
Yes. Before using CBD for Lyme disease or another illness, you should speak with your doctor, especially if you also use supplements or prescription drugs. It is possible to interact.
Take Away
Dogs who have Lyme disease experience a great deal of pain and suffering. Thankfully, advances in holistic and modern care are improving the quality of life for our dogs.
Such treatments include CBD oil, which, though it does not cure Lyme disease, makes the problem bearable. This supplement reduces the severity of symptoms that come with Lyme disease. Such symptoms include pain, fever, seizures, nausea, and fatigue.
Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and soothing properties make CBD effective against these symptoms, ensuring your dog lives a happy life regardless of its health condition. Always consult an experienced vet before introducing CBD oil.