CBD vs THC: Which is Right for Dog Skin Allergies?
When hearing the term CBD oil, many people think of THC and cannabis. The two are closely correlated, but they have very distinct differences that separate them. THC is present in marijuana and serves as the psychoactive component responsible for creating the euphoric, pleasant high for those who ingest it.
CBD oil consists of the same chemical components that comprise THC, but the defining difference is that the atoms of CBD are aligned differently. This results in a substance very similar to THC, but without extreme euphoria and heightened levels of calmness.
CBD is like a muted version of THC if you will. CBD oil reduces existing discomforts without causing psychoactive changes and mind-altering responses.
Both CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for the regulation of hunger, moods, memory, and pain tolerance. CBD and THC stimulate the endocannabinoid system in order to promote positive effects.
The key difference between the two cannabis-related substances is that THC is a psychoactive drug, meaning it can have negative side effects for those who do not respond well to mind-altering substances.
CBD oil, and especially pure CBD oil that is derived from hemp, can provide the same benefits as THC without causing changes to a dog’s cognitive abilities.
THC is often used to help reduce pain, stimulate appetite, promote relaxation, reduce stress, lower anxiety levels, and cure problems involving sleep. With these benefits also comes the feeling of being high, which has seriously detrimental effects in terms of dogs.
These side effects include itchy eyes, nausea, a lack of energy, and intense anxiety, particularly in the case of higher doses.
Just like humans, dogs will become high if they ingest THC. Dogs are far more receptive though because they have more cannabinoid receptors than humans do.
Receptors interact with THC in order to reach the endocannabinoid system, which means that if a dog were to ingest the same amount of THC as a human, it would be far more potent to the dog.
Yikes! It makes sense though, seeing as humans are much bigger than dogs, meaning humans are more equipped to tolerate larger amounts of THC at one time.
When dogs ingest THC, they have similar side effects as humans, but to a much more severe degree. Your dog may have problems breathing, controlling urine, and moving around in general.
THC is not safe for dogs, and there is not enough research to support the claim that THC benefits dogs in any way, shape, or form.
The cannabinoid, CBD is much friendlier and safer for dogs than THC. In fact, THC is a big no-no for canines, no matter the situation. On the contrary, CBD is backed by evidence which claims it provides great benefits to dogs. But is CBD oil good for dogs, even though THC is not?
CBD oil absolutely is! It can help soothe a dog’s pain, appetite problems, anxiety, and skin allergies.
Skin allergies are actually fairly common when it comes to dogs. Just like any other kind of allergy, a skin allergy is the dogs immune system response to a foreign matter that does not mesh with the body.
This will cause your dog to excessively scratch and/or groom themselves in response to the allergen.
Knowing that your dog has skin allergies isn’t always an obvious thing. Dogs are wonderful, but they cannot speak to us and say, “I think that tasty dandelion I ate outside is irritating my skin! I’m having an allergic reaction!”
They’re probably thinking something along those lines, but they have no way to really tell us.
Fortunately for our beloved pet owners, we can identify allergic reactions by paying attention to our dog’s behavior. The most obvious sign of a skin allergy is the scratching and chewing of irritated areas.
Skin allergies are really uncomfortable for dogs, so they turn to groom and scratching as a way of attempting to ease the discomfort.
With more serious reactions, dogs can lose hair which can lead to entire patches of fur being absent, if left untreated for too long. Keep an eye out for coughing or sneezing as these symptoms could be due to respiratory issues related to skin allergies as well.
You should also pay close attention to your dog’s paws as those can be indicative of how your dog is feeling. If your dog has very red paws and persistently licks them, they probably have a skin allergy.
Dog skin allergies can be very frustrating for your dog to deal with, and allergens are everywhere, so allergies are often an inevitability for pups of all breeds. To make matters worse, dogs are not equipped to deal with skin allergies so they are left scratching and chewing their irritated skin in an effort to soothe their unfortunate discomfort.
If your dog has a skin allergy, he’s probably feeling a little miserable. You should be considering using naturally-derived CBD for dog allergies, as it has been shown to be an incredibly effective aid in the resolution of skin.
One of the most commonly found skin allergies in dogs is atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a genetically acquired trait, so if a parent dog has atopic dermatitis, it is likely their offspring will develop it as well. Atopic Dermatitis refers to a condition when a dog will develop red, itchy, inflamed skin as an allergic response to allergens. It is a long-lasting inflammation condition that requires management to ensure your dog is comfortable.
Dermatitis is also sometimes known as eczema. It is basically just patches of red, dry, painful, itchy skin. It really is not comfortable for your dog and so their only response is to try and remove the skin.
They may bite and excessively scratch, both of which are not useful or effective in actually treating the skin.
Performing a thorough examination may not always be necessary to identify skin allergies, but it is an effective measure, no doubt. Feel for patchy, dry areas of skin that your dog may be sensitive to and investigate from there. It is important to be aware of the symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis so that your dog doesn’t further injure themselves. Your dog should dream about their next stroll through the neighborhood, not about an itch that won’t stop itching.
Unfortunately, skin allergic reactions can be very difficult to treat, but the probability of curing dog allergies is highly dependent on the case. But the management of symptoms is not terribly difficult, and preventative measures are key when it comes to avoiding situations that may invoke allergies. The most effective treatment for dog allergies is to keep them from happening altogether.
Proper care and regular maintenance are essential to ensuring your dog stays healthy. Wiping your dog’s paws and giving your buddy regular baths are a good start, but you should also be careful about taking your dog to new areas that may introduce dangerous bugs, chemicals, and other allergens to your dog.
If your dog does end up getting allergies, there are a few traditional treatment routes you can take. You can use special shampoos and medicated scrubs by applying them directly to affected areas of skin, thereby helping to provide some immediate itch relief.
You should also clean the areas your dog frequents and inspect these environments for bugs, mold, or anything else that could irritate your pal.
There are also formulated sprays that you can apply to certain environments as a way of preventing the possibility of skin allergies. Keeping things hygienic is generally a safe rule to follow when looking to prevent any and all types of dog allergies.
If you are very concerned about your dog, go ahead and take your furry friend to the vet. However, the veterinarian may suggest you give your dog a prescription medication in order to reduce side effects and the itchiness of the particular skin allergy.
Typically, the vet will administer antihistamines or corticosteroids. Vaccination shots are always available, too, and they work to reduce the side effects of the allergy over time, as your dog becomes acclimated to the allergen.
Some pet owners are not thrilled with the prospect of pumping man-made medication into their beloved pets. Corticosteroids and antihistamines can have adverse side effects, making the medication not even worth it in the first place, so some pet owners may feel driven to utilize a more natural method. CBD oil fills this role well, as it is completely natural and totally effective.
There have been studies that indicate the endocannabinoid system, which is positively stimulated by CBD, can help to regulate the health of the skin. This means that skin health can be improved through the use of CBD oil, even for skin allergies! As a matter of fact, CBD and dog allergies are a great match for each other.
Full Spectrum CBD oil has been shown to have other medical benefits aside from helping with dog allergies. Its anti inflammatory properties are used to reduce pain, stimulate appetite, reduce anxiety, and help fight against cancer.
It offers similar relief to THC without any of the psychoactive side effects. It has been tested and is safe for your dog!
CBD can come in different, convenient forms for easier ingestion. There is traditional oil, which can be put directly into your dog’s mouth. There are also creams mixed with CBD that you can rub directly onto the skin as well as CBD dog treats.
This is particularly helpful for skin allergies as it can provide direct, targeted relief on the inflamed areas. Treats infused with CBD are available for a more passive, indirect effect.
Finding the right mode of delivery and the proper dosage is a science in itself. It all depends on how your dog reacts to the CBD. Try starting slow and working up in dosage as needed to treat your dog’s anxiety, skin allergies, and appetite issues.
Since there are two main different types of CBD, make sure you give your dog only pure CBD oil from hemp plants. This ensures you get all the good stuff and none of the stoner-Esque side effects THC may bring. We have found that Full Spectrum CBD oil in a hemp oil carrier has been the most effective anti inflammatory for a dogs immune system.
Getting natural, hemp-based CBD oil has never been easier. At Innovet, we sell CBD dog-based products, and even better, we ship right to your door, meaning you can order CBD oil for your dog without ever having to visit a store.
We absolutely understand the bond between dogs and owners, so we do our best to give you an only natural, hemp-based CBD oil. This helps your dog’s pain, appetite, anxiety, and many other issues, all while not causing any negative side effects.
Are you curious about CBD oil for your dog’s skin allergies? View our selection of premier CBD oil and treats! Our range includes hemp balms that you can apply directly on affected patches of skin, CBD chews that are so tasty your dog won’t even know it’s medication and PurCBD Oil that does not contain any THC. Check us out if you’re looking for healthy, natural ways to improve your dog’s quality of life! Skin allergies are no match for CBD!
What is CBD Oil?
One of the best holistic resources for temporary allergies is cannabidiol, or “CBD.” Cannabidiol is one of over one hundred chemical compounds called cannabinoids that can be extracted from a species of the cannabis-sativa plant and used for medicinal purposes. The cannabis-sativa plant has numerous species, but the species from which CBD oil is typically extracted is the hemp plant.
The hemp plant produces a high volume of CBD, and a low volume of tetrahydrocannabinol, or “THC,” which is the cannabinoid found in large quantities in marijuana. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that gives marijuana users the “high” they feel when using. CBD is non-psychoactive and cannot get your dog “high” or make them feel otherwise compromised.
CBD is can be extracted from the hemp plant in three different ways:
CBD is thought to interact with your dog’s own internal endocannabinoid system. This system controls things like mood, stress, discomfort, and appetite. CBD interacts with receptors in this system and may be able to deliver relief to occasional discomfort as well as irritations throughout the body.
CBD oil is not hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is extracted by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. This oil is rich in fatty acids which can provide some health benefits, but essentially, it is no better than a healthy fat like extra virgin olive oil. It does not have the ability to interact with your dog’s endocannabinoid system and is better used as a dietary supplement if your dog has a need for more fatty acids in their diet.
What Studies Say About CBD, Allergies, and Inflammation
Scientific studies and many users have found a number of uses for CBD oil, not least of all as relief for some serious allergic reactions, including allergic dermatitis and allergic asthma – itchy skin and difficulty breathing due to allergens. It’s important to tackle the problem at the root, like getting rid of fleas or throwing out food that causes an allergic reaction in your dog. But allergy symptoms can cause so much pain and irritation, it’s a big relief and a definite step in the right direction when it comes to taking care of the ones we love most: our dogs.
CBD Substantially Improves Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs
It’s natural for dogs to occasionally scratch, bite, or lick their skin to try and resolve a minor itch. They get itchy just like people do, after all. But have you recently started to notice that your dog is scratching or biting at their skin more than usual? Or is their constant scratching and biting beginning to keep you up at night?
Sadly, this is a relatively common issue, especially for certain dog breeds, and there is a wide range of reasons your dog might be struggling with itchy or irritated skin.
However, whatever the reason for their itchiness, top-quality CBD products might just be the answer you’re looking for to provide them with some much-needed relief! The following article by our experts at Dope Dog is dedicated to exploring the potential causes for your fuzzy friend’s discomfort, as well as the different ways CBD products might be able to help.