How CBD improves atopic dermatitis symptoms in dogs

CBD benefits are not limited to humans. Dogs also benefit a lot from CBD. Research has shown that CBD benefits dogs in many ways. If you did not know that CBD oil can help your dog, then continue reading.

 Just like the way people suffer from allergies, dogs are also prone to allergies. You may have seen your dog itching, developing swellings on the skin or general discomfort. Those allergies make dogs go through a difficult time as they try to scratch and make themselves comfortable.

What causes allergies in dogs?

Just like how humans are affected by certain triggers, the same applies to dogs. Typically, there are two types of allergies. There are allergies that are caused by food and those caused by the environment. The most visible signs of allergies are itchy skin, body rashes, swelling, and excessive sneezing, among others.

Should you give CBD to a dog?

Every living thing which has a spinal cord also possesses an Endocannabinoid system. Research done by scientists at Indiana University discovered that people and animals which have spinal cord have cannabinoid receptors all over the body. The spectrum used in producing CBD products is similar to the cannabinoid receptors in the bodies of humans and dogs. Therefore, CBD can help in treating ailments in dogs.

How CBD oil helps in improving atopic dermatitis in dogs

Atopic dermatitis is a condition that affects dogs. It occurs when dogs inhale airborne substances such as pollen or dust around the house. It can also happen when a dog ingests sensitive substances. The allergic reaction makes the dog react by scratching itself with paws or rubbing its skin against objects. The dog can also respond to the allergic reaction by biting or licking the affected areas.

The areas which are most affected by atopic dermatitis include the front legs, armpits, ears, and face. In extreme cases, the whole body can be affected.

Controlling atopic dermatitis symptoms in dogs using CBD oil

Atopic dermatitis as a result of reacting to food is entirely treatable. However, if it is caused by airborne substances, it cannot be treated, but it can be controlled.

A study done in Australia proved that CBD products could control atopic dermatitis symptoms in dogs. The research was done at the end of 2019. In total, 30 dogs were expected to participate in the study. However, only 13 dogs took part in the actual research due to COVID-19 restrictions.

To make the research effective, the study was double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled. There were to formulations that were used to dose the dogs. The CBD products were extracted from hemp plants, but the sources of the cannabinoids were different.

For 56 days, the dogs were given two doses every day. The owners of the dogs, together with veterinarians, checked the symptoms on the first day, 28^th day, and the last day of the study.

Dermatologists used CADESI-4 model to assess how the doses affected the atopic dermatitis symptoms. The results showed that those dogs which were given the placebo had worse symptoms at the end of the study. On the other hand, the dogs which were given CBD products had reduced symptoms by the end of the study.

The dogs also showed high tolerance for CBD which proved that not only can CBD be used to improve atopic dermatitis in dogs, but there are very low chances of the dog being affected negatively by CBD products.

Ways of administering CBD to dogs

CBD products for dogs come in many forms. Here are some different ways of administering CBD to dogs.

Oil tinctures

Using oil tinctures to administer CBD to a dog is a convenient way because you will be able to measure the exact dosage you want to administer. You can administer CBD by squirting the CBD directly on the dog’s tongue. It is advisable to squirt the CBD under the tongue so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

If the dog is giving you problems when you are squirting the CBD, you can do it and give the pet some food so that you will be sure that the dog has ingested the CBD. Also, make sure that the food is soft so that the food will absorb all the dosage.

Capsules

Capsules usually contain terpenes, flavonoids, and full-spectrum CBD mixed with hemp. One advantage of using capsules is the fact that manufacturing companies have already calculated the dosage in each capsule, so you do have to measure the dosage each time you want to give it to your pet.

Using capsules are also more convenient to give to your dog compared to tinctures. You will only need to mix the capsule with dog food, and your dog will ingest the capsule without even knowing it was there. Experts also say that CBD capsules are excellent for older dogs who suffer from arthritis, inflammation, or pain.

Infused treats

While take CBD infused treats all the time, there are also CBD infused treat for dogs. They come in many flavors and forms. Common treats include chews, bacon biscuits, and peanut butter bites.

Final thoughts

Research on how CBD products affect dogs continues. The studies which have been done so far show that CBD can help treat a whole range of dog ailments. Therefore, if your dog is suffering from atopic dermatitis, you can get some CBD products and give the dog.

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