Table of Contents
Introduction
Dog allergies are more common than you might think. Symptoms can range from constant scratching to more severe reactions like inflamed skin and breathing issues. Traditional treatments like antihistamines are widely used, but many dog owners are turning to CBD for dogs as a natural alternative. Let’s explore how CBD can help alleviate allergy symptoms in dogs, and if it’s the right choice for your dog.
What are Dog Allergies?
Dog allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain substances known as allergens. They can be breathed in, eaten, or touch your dog’s skin. Seriousness can vary from mild to severe and in some cases may be life-threatening.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a ‘high.’ CBD has been studied for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
How Does CBD Work for Dog Allergies?
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
Imagine your dog’s body is like a big city, and the ECS (endocannabinoid system) is like the city’s traffic control center. This control center helps make sure everything runs smoothly. CBD talks to this control center, helping to make things like pain and itching go away by resetting everything to ‘normal’.
Fights Off Inflammation
When your dog has an allergy, their skin might get red and itchy. Think of inflammation like a small fire inside your dog’s body. CBD helps put out this fire, making your dog feel better.
Calms Down the Immune System
Allergies happen because your dog’s immune system thinks something harmless, like pollen, is actually harmful. Imagine your dog’s immune system as a guard dog that sometimes barks at friendly visitors. CBD helps calm this guard dog, so it only barks when it really needs to.
Mood Booster
Believe it or not, dogs can get stressed, too! And stress can make allergies even worse. CBD helps by making your dog feel more relaxed and happy.
Immune System Modulation
Some studies suggest that CBD can modulate the immune response, potentially reducing allergic reactions. The research is ongoing, but there are many cases in which pet parents have noticed a huge improvement in their dog’s allergies after starting to use CBD.
Safety and Dosage
Start with a regular low dose and monitor your dog’s response. Increase the dose as needed. Use a dosage calculator to tell exactly how much to give your dog.
How to Choose the Right CBD Product
Selecting the right CBD product for your dog’s allergies involves considering various factors such as potency, quality, and ease of administration. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice.
Check the Source of CBD
- USDA Organic: Opt for CBD extracted from hemp grown without dangerous pesticides or harmful chemicals.
- Lab Reports: Always check for third-party lab reports to confirm the CBD content and to ensure the product is free from harmful substances.
- Broad spectrum: The maximum benefits of CBD in a form more suitable for animals.
Choose the Right Form
- CBD Oil: This is the most versatile form, allowing you to adjust the dosage easily. It can be administered directly into the mouth or mixed with food.
- CBD Treats: Convenient but less flexible in terms of dosage.
- CBD Topicals: Good for localized symptoms like skin irritations.
- CBD Chews: Contain supplemental natural ingredients which can greatly benefit a dog’s immune system.
Her allergies are 100 times better and her coat shines like I’ve never seen before and my other pup seems to move a little better than she usually did she’s 15 years old but gets around good still.” - Paul M. Products Sadie & Shelby uses: Read more in case studies
How Relievet Helps Sadie & Shelby
Concentration
Not all CBD products are made the same. Some are more concentrated, meaning they have more CBD in them, while others are less concentrated. This is why it’s super important to read the label carefully.
For example, one bottle might contain 500 mg of CBD in total, but each dropper might only give you 10 mg. Another bottle might offer 20 mg per dropper. Knowing the concentration helps you give your dog the right amount.
Types of Allergies in Dogs
Environmental Allergies
Also known as atopy, environmental allergies are reactions to airborne substances like pollen, dust, and mold. These usually show up as skin irritations, ear infections, and breathing troubles.
Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies something in their diet as harmful. This can result in issues like vomiting and diarrhea, in addition to skin irritations.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
This is an allergic reaction to flea bites and is one of the most common skin disorders in dogs. Even a single bite can cause intense itching and discomfort for a dog who is allergic to flea saliva.
Contact Allergies
Less common than other types of allergies, contact allergies occur when a dog’s skin reacts to substances like detergents or certain types of rubber or fabric. Symptoms usually include localized itching or inflammation.
Common Symptoms of Allergies
- Persistent scratching, biting, or licking
- Red, inflamed skin
- Hair loss in patches
- Runny nose
- Coughing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, ears, or paws
Treatment Options
Traditional treatments often include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and in severe cases, immunotherapy.
However, increasingly, natural alternatives like CBD are being considered.
When to See a Vet
While mild symptoms may not require immediate attention, certain signs should never be ignored.
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Sudden onset of severe itching leading to self-harm
- Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
- Anaphylactic shock (high levels of inflammation)
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Besides urgent symptoms, if you notice that your dog’s symptoms persist despite home treatments, or if they worsen over time, consult a veterinarian. Symptoms that don’t go away could indicate a more serious condition and may require specialized treatment.
Conclusion
CBD is gaining a lot of attention as a natural way to help dogs with allergies. It can help with itching, red skin, and even make your dog feel more relaxed. But remember, the amount you give is important. Always read labels and consider how long a product will last at the starting dosage. And as always, talk to your vet before giving your dog any new kind of treatment.
