Hot swollen skin, that special dog smell, and lots of itching are the classic signs of dog allergies. Our pets have grown from working animals we needed to survive, into family members we cherish. Allergies can be difficult to treat, especially if the cause is environmental, but there is hope. CBD oil for dogs with allergies is readily available, and can be a big help in soothing away your dog’s symptoms.
CBD oil is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce the redness and swelling associated with allergies, but that’s not all it can do. A 2007 study on allergic contact dermatitis performed in mice found that CBD can be helpful in reducing this kind of allergy.
While no studies have been done in dogs yet, based on studies like this one, CBD oil for dogs with allergies remains a promising option. If you are thinking about selecting the best CBD oil for dogs from your list of options, here’s a little bit more information how CBD can work for your pet.
How CBD Works On Allergies
An allergy happens when your pet summons histamines and an antibody known as Immunoglobulin E to fight a perceived threat to the problem; But instead of it being a threat, it’s something benign. This could be anything from dust mites to chicken, and could be environmental or food related.
A large part of your dog’s response to allergies is decided by their Endocannabinoid System. This is a part of the nervous system (brain included) that, as the name suggests, can bind to cannabis. Very little research has been done on the Endocannabinoid System, but what research has been done is very promising in terms of allergies, and many of the side effects that allergies cause. This includes inflammation, and even breathing problems.
CBD oil can influence your dog’s brain to calm down its response to allergies, especially inflammation, leaving you with a dog that doesn’t feel the need to scratch quite so much.
Alternative Options
If your dog has had a bad reaction to a vaccine or a bee sting before, your vet may have recommended using Benadryl for dogs. While the use of Benadryl for dogs can be a safe option, it also has side effects that may not be beneficial for your pup. One of the most common side effects includes drowsiness, which most people are familiar with. This is the reason why the same active ingredient used in Benadryl is also used in many common sleep aids. While you may not mind having your pet toned down a little bit, it is something to consider.
Another common side effect is that if it is used long term, Benadryl can lose its effectiveness. If you have a dog with allergies, you’re probably looking at every remedy available for you. If that’s the case, CBD is a great option to try.
Dog allergies are often difficult to treat, especially in breeds highly prone to them such as Westies. CBD could be the edge you need in treating your pet.