Incessant scratching, licking, and chewing. Hot spots, hives, and hair loss. Skin issues plague many pet parents. But before you lather your pooch in steroids, try natural relief with CBD first.
Studies indicate CBD can effectively ease a wide range of inflammatory skin conditions in dogs thanks to its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Read on to learn how CBD can help stop the scratching for good.
Table of Contents
Common Skin Problems in Dogs
Some skin issues CBD may alleviate include:
- Allergies
- Atopic dermatitis
- Hot spots
- Bug bites
- Rashes
- Dry, itchy skin
- Inflammatory skin diseases
While symptoms present differently, inflammation underlies many skin woes. The good news is CBD is a proven anti-inflammatory.
How CBD Eases Inflamed Skin
Research shows CBD:
- Stabilizes overactive immune cells
- Reduces inflammatory proteins
- Raises endocannabinoid levels
- Acts as an antipruritic to reduce itching
- Has antibacterial and antifungal properties
Through these mechanisms, CBD can calm inflammatory skin reactions and provide widespread relief.
Choosing the Most Effective CBD Products
For skin conditions, CBD oils and topicals tend to work best.
CBD oils allow precise dosing for overall anti-inflammatory effects. They calm itchiness from the inside out.
CBD topicals provide direct relief when applied to affected areas. Look for lotion, balm, or spray formulas.
Always choose high-quality, organic CBD tested by a third-party lab for purity and potency. Follow your vet’s dosage guidelines.
Lifestyle Tips for Soothing Irritated Skin
While CBD can calm inflammation and itching, lifestyle adjustments further soothe the skin:
- Bathe regularly with gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo
- Use moisturizing, soothing conditioner
- Switch to a limited-ingredient, grain-free diet
- Try probiotics to balance gut flora
- Use relaxing essential oils like lavender
- Trim fur around hot spots for air flow
- Keep your home clean to reduce allergens
- Protect skin with dog clothes in cold weather
A combination approach works best to manage inflammatory skin conditions over the long haul.
Give Your Dog Sweet Skin Relief With CBD
Seeing your dog constantly gnawing, licking, or scratching their irritated skin can be distressing. Over-the-counter remedies only provide temporary relief, while prescription steroids have concerning side effects. But CBD offers a safe, natural way to ease inflammation and discomfort topically and internally.
If your pup is plagued by reoccurring skin woes, talk to your vet about adding CBD to their regimen. Several studies confirm CBD’s effectiveness for canine skin conditions. With regular use, CBD can help stop the itch and keep your dog’s coat looking its best.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0929664620304340
[5] https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat