Skin allergies are quite common in outdoorsy dogs who love the yard, garden, dog park, or pool. They often contract mites, fleas, and ticks from other dogs, as well as fungal infections in their paws, from playing in wet areas. Parasites and infections can cause itching in dogs.
Dogs will often scratch themselves and nibble at their skin wherever they can reach. Simple grooming and bathing aren’t enough to soothe their skin when the cause is much deeper.
Almost 30% of all dogs have Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD). It is a chronic condition characterized by excessive scratching, swelling, and hair loss with no known cause. Up to 24% of all dogs with skin problems are allergic to food, and 15% of them have flea allergy dermatitis FAD.
Now, it is impractical to put a dog on allergy medication for the rest of its life. CAD or FAD flare-ups often call for the use of steroids, immunosuppressants, and antihistamines. However, often, one course of medicine is not enough. Each one of these medicines has long-term adverse effects on dogs.
Why Do Our Dogs Deserve Better Than Traditional Treatment?
These chronic skin conditions demand long-term therapy and maintenance. But at what cost? Prolonged use of steroids and antihistamines causes liver and kidney issues in dogs. Immunosuppressants can leave them vulnerable to other infections. So, why not try a natural alternative? Cannabidiol or CBD.
CBD is non-psychoactive and has medicinal properties, and it doesn’t stress out the liver or the kidneys. CBD can be given to dogs in the form of oil, tincture, or salve to reduce inflammation systemically or locally. Visit Earthbuddypet.com to find the CBD product that best suits your dog’s needs.
CBD is a Promising New Therapy for Canine Skin Problems
CBD, or cannabidiol, binds to naturally occurring receptors throughout the dog’s body when administered orally. Upon topical application, CBD binds to the receptors closer to the site of application. These receptors release natural compounds within the body that quickly and efficiently stop inflammatory and allergic reactions.
This property of CBD is being leveraged by researchers and veterinarians worldwide to manage skin conditions in dogs. CBD offers holistic therapy and management even when the root cause of a skin condition is unknown, just like in CAD.
10 Ways CBD Helps Heal Your Dog’s Skin
Let’s look at the 10 ways CBD can help heal your dog’s skin: –
- Restoration of the Skin Barrier Function
The outer layer of your dog’s skin protects them from microbes and allergens. When the outer layer is compromised through flea or tick bites or mite infestation, the inner layers are exposed to bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to support and maintain healthy skin. Studies published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science show that dogs with CAD treated with CBD experience rapid and significant improvement.
- Improving Sleep and Reducing the Itching Window
Scratching due to chronic skin problems can reduce sleep and rest in dogs. It can lead to a cycle of behavioral issues, discomfort, and appetite loss in all dogs. CBD can reduce anxiety and improve the quality of sleep by binding to the neurotransmitters involved in the process.
A study by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute found that dogs given CBD showed reduced cortisol levels and signs of stress. Cannabidiol can improve sleep quality while also reducing itchiness.
- Improved Gut Health & Skin Nutrient Absorption
In dogs with immune system issues, allergic reactions can continue, and gastrointestinal effects can lead to the poor absorption of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs such as omega-3 and omega-6, and Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E play vital roles in skin health.
There are only a few studies evaluating the direct effect of CBD on EFA absorption. Nonetheless, CBD has been shown to aid in restoring gut health and enhancing the absorption of nutrients essential for skin integrity.
- Modulating The Immune Response
Some dogs have chronic skin issues due to autoimmune disorders or an overactive immune response. Autoimmune diseases can lead to skin lesions, excess itching, and injuries.
Research indicates that CBD can modulate immune cell activity and mitigate the reactions that contribute to chronic skin inflammation in certain autoimmune and allergic conditions in dogs. CBD can be used to manage atopic dermatitis for months.
- Reducing Inflammation in Autoimmune Conditions
Some autoimmune skin conditions involve chronic inflammation of the skin. It can cause scratching, injury, and secondary infections. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can block these inflammatory signals.
One case study shows CBD can be used to treat autoimmune disorders that affect the skin, such as discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). In this case, the dog didn’t respond to conventional DLE treatment but showed improvement after being given CBD orally. Cannabidiol is a potential adjunct therapy for chronic inflammation due to autoimmune disorders.
- Targeted Relief Through Topical Application
When CBD is applied in the form of a salve or ointment, it can soothe inflamed skin. It has been demonstrated through a study in the Current Neuropharmacology.
Purified CBD is now available as both oral and topical products. You can choose CBD ointments that are suitable for your dog’s needs. Best part? Since these are completely natural, they are also lick-friendly! It has benefits that tremendously outweigh the side effects of steroids, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants.
- Antioxidant Properties that Support Skin Health
CBD reduces oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It can repair the skin and reduce the existing damage. These results can be achieved with both oral and topical CBD products for dogs. These products will gradually restore skin tautness and moisture, reducing itching.
These are signs regularly observed by veterinarians in dogs that love spending time outdoors or in the pool. The antioxidant effect makes CBD a potential partner in treating skin issues caused by multiple factors, including aging, in dogs.
- Potential Antimicrobial Effects
In addition to being anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, CBD is also antimicrobial. It is of tremendous importance to dogs suffering from chronic skin inflammation and infections.
CBD oil can help prevent and reduce secondary infections that are common in chronic skin conditions.
- Supporting Skin Hydration and Preventing Dryness
CBD products for oral or topical application contain essential fatty acids and other natural oils that help maintain skin hydration and a healthy coat.
Prevention of skin dryness is one of the first steps towards reducing inflammation and itching. The hydrating action can contribute to overall canine dermatological wellness.
- Safer Alternative to Traditional Treatments
The long-term use of steroids and antihistamines has serious adverse effects on dogs. CBD is a complete, organic, and natural alternative with an impressive safety profile.
CBD in oral form can address systemic inflammation and reactions that lead to chronic itching. Topical application can reduce the redness, crusting, and dryness. Together, they form a dynamic duo that is paving the way for alternative medicine in veterinary care for chronic skin conditions.
Last Words About Using CBD in Chronic Skin Conditions of Dogs
Always consult your veterinarian for the correct dose, frequency, and application method, taking into account your dog’s age, weight, and breed. New-age nutraceuticals are most effective when treatment is tailored to the patient’s unique healthcare needs.
