Canine laryngeal paralysis is a serious medical condition that should be assessed and treated by a veterinarian. If you’ve already met with your vet, you may be wondering if there are alternatives to surgery, which is why you’re asking: can CBD oil help dogs with laryngeal paralysis? Keep reading to find out.
Can CBD Oil Help Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis?
No, CBD oil cannot help dogs with laryngeal paralysis directly. It can relieve some of the symptoms and treatment side effects, though.
Learn more about laryngeal paralysis in dogs to see how CBD oil can help dogs cope with the condition and the recovery process after treatment.
About Canine Laryngeal Paralysis
Canine laryngeal paralysis is when a dog’s windpipe fails to open correctly while inhaling. The windpipe should open on every inhale, but the condition causes the sides of the windpipe to collapse into the opening. Since the windpipe collapses inward vs. outward, breathing problems occur.
Untreated laryngeal paralysis in dogs can lead to suffocation, so it is a good idea to work with a veterinarian on solving the health issue.
Causes of Dog Laryngeal Paralysis
Unfortunately, most dogs with this health issue are diagnosed with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis. Idiopathic laryngeal paralysis means the cause of the condition is unknown, even though many experts suspect it’s a symptom of neuromuscular disease.
In cases in which it is certain that neuromuscular disease is the cause, the condition is diagnosed as geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (GOLPP).
Other known causes of this health issue are:
- Tumors
- Lesions in the neck or chest
- Throat trauma
- Hormonal disorders (hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease)
- Congenital issues
Most dogs that suffer from this medical condition are in middle age or older. Larger dogs are more likely to suffer from laryngeal paralysis than small dogs.
Symptoms of Laryngeal Paralysis
The symptoms start mild, which is a problem since many dog owners don’t suspect a problem until it has become serious. Many dog owners first suspect the symptoms are due to old age or age-related health issues. This is why it is always a good idea to check in with the vet whenever there is a change in your dog’s health.
The most common symptoms of this health issue are:
- Coughing after exercising
- Not being able to exercise
- Changes in barking sound
- Coughing when consuming food or water
If you notice a blue tinge to the mouth, take your dog to the emergency vet hospital. It is a sign of respiratory distress or tracheal collapse.
If laryngeal paralysis is suspected, your dog should not wear a collar. A body harness is a good alternative. Your dog should also not go for a walk or exercise in hot weather since that causes excessive panting, which can cause breathing issues due to the obstructed windpipe.
Treatment Options for Laryngeal Paralysis
Surgery is the most effective way to treat severe laryngeal paralysis. Tie-back surgery is best for arytenoid lateralization. The procedure ties the collapsed cartilage on one side of the dog’s throat to keep it from obstructing the windpipe.
When caught early, the condition can be treated with the following veterinary medicine:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Sedatives
- Antibiotics
- Doxepin
The above treatment options help your dog breathe easier but don’t solve the root of the problem. It is possible for dogs to live the rest of their lives treating the symptoms of laryngeal paralysis vs. correcting it. Since the risks of surgery outweigh the risks of the condition when controlled, many veterinarians prefer to prescribe the above veterinary medicine.
The above alternative treatments are why dog owners ask: can CBD oil help dogs with laryngeal paralysis?
CBD Oil to Help Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis
CBD is used by many pet owners because it has many health benefits. While it does contain anti-inflammatory properties in it, which mimics the results of the anti-inflammatory drugs a vet would prescribe, it’s not ideal.
Due to the life-threatening implications of untreated laryngeal paralysis, it’s safer to work with a vet on a treatment plan for the condition. That treatment plan can include CBD oil, but it shouldn’t be the only course of action.
How CBD Oil Helps Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis
CBD products for dogs can help improve their health greatly. It has been shown to help alleviate health issues, such as:
- Joint Pain (Learn More: CBD Joint Supplements for Dogs)
- Chronic Pain
- Appetite Loss
- Inflammation
- Anxiety (including separation anxiety)
- Skin Problems
- Seizures
- …and so much more.
In addition to relieving major stressors of the body, it can prevent health issues such as:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Disease
- …and more.
So, while you shouldn’t only rely on CBD oil to help your dog with laryngeal paralysis, it can be a great boost to your dog’s health overall.
High-Quality CBD Products for Dogs
Pet parents should always research the CBD they purchase for their dogs. Quality matters when it comes to keeping a dog healthy and safe when using CBD for dogs.
The following CBD brands are recommended by Dog Ownership Guide.
HolistaPet
HolistaPet’s CBD dog treats and oil are exactly what dog owners want in terms of high-quality cannabinoids. Their organic dog treats are delicious and healthy, made with all-natural ingredients and superfoods.
King Kanine
When searching for the best CBD oil for your dogs, be sure to choose a high-quality formula like King Kanine. Their CBD oil is made from natural ingredients sourced from the United States, and their proprietary blend of krill oil, hemp oil, and copaiba oil makes it even more effective.
Diamond CBD
The primary mission of Diamond CBD is to investigate and develop new CBD hemp extracts so that they are available to people all over the world. By providing a broad range of CBD dog products, more people and their furry companions can easily reap the benefits that CBD has to offer and live happy, healthy lives.
LolaHemp
Lolahemp’s CBD brand was inspired by a cute pup named Lola who suffered from anxiety until her owner tried CBD instead of prescription medication. The effects were amazing, but the CBD options were frightening. Lolahemp’s mission is to provide top-quality hemp oil products containing naturally occurring CBD to as many furbabies as possible.
Please note: The above content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat. ALWAYS speak to your veterinarian about any concerns you have about your dog.
