Can CBD Topicals Help Dogs with Skin Issues?

Like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of allergy related illnesses. In fact, about one in every ten dogs experiences overreactions to allergens. This high percentage of allergy sufferers puts allergies at the top of the list of common health issues that affect dogs. When humans experience allergies, causes can be both genetic and environmental; the same applies to dogs. While any breed of dog can suffer from allergy related ailments, there are a few breeds more prone to allergy issues:

Which breeds are most prone to skin allergies?
  • American Pitbull Terrier
  • Bichon Frise
  • Boxer
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bull Terrier
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • German Shepard
  • Golden Retriever
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Maltese
  • Beagle
  • Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
  1. What causes allergies in dogs?

    Allergies in dogs are much like allergies in humans. They have both genetic and environmental causes. While you can't change the genetics of your dog, environmental factors are commonly: pollen, dander, plants, insects, foods and food additives such as corn, rice and wheat. Allergies can cause symptoms such as excessive itching, scratching, and grooming; rashes; sneezing; watery eyes; paw chewing; and skin inflammation. In some cases, dogs have conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, that is associated with and may be caused by allergies.

  2. What is atopic dermatitis in dogs?

    Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, chronic skin disease associated with allergies. In fact, this is the second most common allergic skin disease in dogs. These allergic reactions can be brought on by normally harmless substances like grass, mold, house dust mites, and other environmental allergens.
     
    Dogs normally show signs of the disease between 3 months and 6 years of age, though atopic dermatitis can be so mild the first year that it does not become clinically apparent before the third year. (from PetMD)

Dogs Have an Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS) Too

It might be surprising to know that both dogs and humans have the same endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) within the body. Cannabidiol does its work by targeting these receptors located in the central nervous system, organs, brain and the immune cells that can stimulate relaxing effects. The endocannabinoid system is important for skin homeostasis (balance) and recent studies have created a positive link between inflammatory diseases like atopic dermatitis and CBD.

Topical activates the ESC System to Promote Healing

Topicals can activate the receptor in the ECS system known as CB2 which reduces pruritus (itchy skin) and inflammation. During a recent study on IT and atopic dermatitis, researches tested it on a study group of Beagles in accordance with generally acceptable ethical study, meaning the animals were not harmed. In fact, no negative side effects were reported and the study showed that topicals applied to the belly of pups significantly reduced the symptoms and severity of atopic dermatitis in the pups.

In a similar study investigating CB1 and CB2 receptors in dogs, researchers concluded: The endocannabinoid system and cannabimimetic compounds protect against effects of allergic inflammatory disorders in dogs. Results of the present study contributed to knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and indicated this system may be a target for treatment of immune-mediated and inflammatory disorders such as allergic skin diseases in dogs.

Which products are best for topical application in pets?


CBD Topical Salve

CBD Topicals can help alleviate symptoms from a variety of skin conditions in both pets and humans such as:

  • Psoriasis
  • Arthritic joint pain
  • Dermatitis
  • Wounds and scars
  • Itching
  • Fungal infections
  • Skin inflammation
  • Muscle pain

MCBD Pain Relief salve has just 5 all natural ingredients that help sooth skin irritations that are regarded as safe for dogs. Essential oils are NOT safe for cats and CBD pain salve is not recommended for your feline friends because it contains both lavender and eucalyptus oils.


CBD Oil Tinctures

MCBD Tinctures can also be used in a topical application for the same ailments listed above with the added benefit of being a topical and a sublingual (you eat it) solution that can help with the following:

  • Joint Pain or Irritation (especially beneficial in older or heavier dogs)
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nervousness and Excessive Barking
  • Nausea and Car sickness
  • Seizures
  • Fear of loud noises and irritation
  • Dog Aggression
  • Nerve Pain

MCBD tinctures in natural flavor are the same formulation as our standard CBD tinctures. We believe that CBD for pets should be the same quality and standard used for humans and do not create inferior pet products. Unlike our topical salve, MCBD tinctures are okay to use on cats. In fact, MCT oil is considered to be a beneficial supplement (1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily) for cats. CBD tinctures can be used in topical or dietary supplementation in cats.

What are some ways that CBD can be incorporated into skincare for pet allergies?


CBD tinctures can be mixed into wet food, baked into treats or given directly to pets.

CBD tinctures can be added to pet shampoos meant to sooth skin irritation and inflammation.

In the studies of atopic dermatitis and pets, CBD was rubbed onto the belly which has the most nerve endings.

CBD can also be rubbed into the skin of the ears which can also be irritated by inflammation and allergies.

Note: This is not medical advice nor should you ever take medical advice from a blog, website or retailer. Your health and your pet’s health is our first priority and if you have questions or concerns about taking CBD with medication or any condition we ALWAYS recommend speaking with your doctor or your pet’s veterinarian. Our aim at MCBD is to share research and information to aid you in your own research and conclusions so that you can make an educated and informed decision when caring for yourself and your pets.

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