Is CBD A Good Option For A Dog In Hospice?

April 5, 2021

When your best friend is facing a terminal illness, they deserve all the love, comfort, and support you can provide. If traditional veterinary care is no longer helpful, many dog parents turn to hospice care. Instead of invasive medications and procedures, hospice offers physical and emotional comfort to end-of-life patients and their families.

What is hospice care for dogs?

Hospice care is based on the philosophy that people and pets deserve to die with dignity. When a dog is suffering from a serious illness and a cure is not possible, hospice care provides a temporary alternative to euthanasia. The goal is to make their remaining days comfortable with pain medications, dietary strategies, and human interaction.

Dr. Alice Villalobos is a world-renowned veterinary oncologist. She coined the term “pawspice,” which she describes as supportive care in evaluating and managing quality of life in the time leading up to a pet’s death.

“In-home ‘pawspice’ care is a wonderful next step,” Dr. Villalobos says. “It should be introduced as an interval between the thought and the final act of euthanasia, if the owner really feels that their pet still has a quality of life.”

Hospice care for dogs also allows families to come to terms with the impending loss of a beloved friend. In keeping a terminal pet comfortable, the human family members have time to adjust to the situation. Hospice allows them to plan special moments with their dog, take family photos, and seek emotional and spiritual support.

What does hospice care for dogs involve?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):

“A pet hospice service typically includes on-call availability of the veterinarian to provide urgent care as needed; extended appointments including counseling and support for decision-making; in-home care; medications and other therapies administered to relieve discomfort, stress and pain; euthanasia options tailored to your and your pet’s needs (which may include in-home euthanasia); and pet loss support/grief counseling.”

Depending on each patient’s individual needs, hospice care for dogs may include simple guidance or formal in-home services by trained veterinary staff. In-home caregivers may provide medications, supplements, fluid therapy, massage, and/or acupuncture to ensure your dog stays comfortable and pain-free.

If hospice staff are not available, your veterinarian may teach you how to administer treatments yourself.

How does CBD fit into hospice care?

Hospice care is all about keeping the dog or cat comfortable without invasive procedures or heavy pharmaceuticals. Since CBD is all-natural and has few mild side effects, it can be a wonderful addition to an end-of-life routine.

Not only is CBD safe and well-tolerated, it offers several benefits for dogs battling terminal illnesses or the effects of old age.

CBD Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, illness or infection. It causes physical pain to alert the brain that something is wrong in the body. Daily dosing with CBD oil naturally reduces inflammation in the joints, digestive tract, and more. Less inflammation means less pain.

CBD Eases Joint Pain

The majority of dogs over the age of seven suffer from some level of joint pain. This is often due to the breakdown of cartilage with age. CBD has proven so effective at treating chronic joint pain that scientists are considering it a new class of drug.

CBD Fights Anxiety

Dogs in hospice care often suffer from anxiety due to the increasing frailty of their bodies and minds. CBD targets the endocannabinoid system to help balance emotions and induce a feeling of calm. Daily use may ease symptoms for terminal patients battling separation anxiety and general anxiety.

CBD Minimizes Nausea & Stimulates Appetite

Hospice dogs need a steady, nutrient-rich diet to maintain their strength and protect their digestive system from medication side effects. Unfortunately, many conditions and the pharmaceuticals used to treat them can affect your dog’s appetite. CBD can keep your hospice dog eating and fight off any illness or drug-induced nausea.

CBD Improves Sleep

Canine cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia) can cause your hospice patient to feel restless and confused at night. A regular evening dose of CBD can help sooth their mind and put a stop to the pacing, panting, and frequent late-night waking. It’s pain and anxiety-relieving properties also promote better sleep. When your dog rests peacefully, you can rest peacefully!

Which CBD Oil is best for dogs in hospice care?

Cananine™ Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil is made from 100% organic Colorado hemp. It is completely free of THC, the potentially harmful cannabinoid found in marijuana. Most hemp products contain small amounts of THC, but Cannanine removes every trace to ensure your dog’s safety.

Additionally, every batch of Cannanine is tested by an impartial third-party laboratory to verify that it is THC-free and ensure there are no heavy metals, bacteria, or mold.

View the most recent Certificates of Analysis from Pro Verde Laboratories here.

You can trust that Cannanine has your dog’s comfort and safety at heart.