Compare the Best CBD Oil for Dog Allergies in 2022

How CBD Helps With Dog Allergies

CBD (cannabidiol) is among over one hundred compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant⁽¹⁾. 

The purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD⁽²⁾ may help relieve dog allergy symptoms such as itchiness⁽³⁾.

CBD may increase a dog’s inflammatory response⁽⁴⁾ by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The cannabinoid’s anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve symptoms produced by allergen triggers.    

Researchers have historically conducted a significant percentage of endocannabinoid system studies on the human ECS.   

However, researchers have recently also investigated the possible effects of CBD on animals’ ECS to target health conditions and their contributing factors, including inflammation, pain, and anxiety⁽⁵⁾.

A canine’s ECS consists of endogenous ligands, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes⁽⁶⁾. Endogenous ligands are naturally occurring small molecules.  

The two primary receptors in a dog’s ECS include CB1 and CB2 receptors. These ECS receptors combine with plant-based phytocannabinoids, including CBD. 

CB1 and CB2 receptors are involved in various essential biological processes, including inflammation, pain, anxiety, immune function, and metabolic regulation.

CB1 receptors are present in salivary glands, hair follicles, skin, and the hippocampus in dogs. These receptors are believed to be able to control pain.

Meanwhile, CB2 receptors up-regulate numerous anti-inflammatory pathways, including inhibiting pro-inflammatory activity within T lymphocytes (T-cells)⁽⁷⁾.

T-cells are stem cell-derived cells in the immune system that help protect a dog’s body from infection.  

The purported anti-inflammatory properties of CBD result from its interaction with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS. 

Meanwhile, arachidonic acid is a significant precursor in the manufacturing of anti-inflammatory endocannabinoids within the canine’s body⁽⁸⁾. Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid in animal fats closely connected to metabolism.  

The process involving arachidonic acid helps combat the degradation of anandamide, leading to pain and inflammation⁽⁹⁾. Anandamide is a fatty acid neurotransmitter contained in humans, animals, and plants. 

The ECS regulates several bodily functions in mammals, including the central nervous system (CNS) and immune system. 

Allergens can affect the ECS’ proper function by triggering the immune system’s response to a perceived threat, such as fleas, pollen, or dog food ingredients⁽¹⁰⁾.   

Cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids interact with an animal’s ECS as ligand molecules⁽¹¹⁾. Researchers continue to investigate the mechanisms of this process.  

Phytocannabinoids may also bolster the ECS’ protective function. A 2019 study published in the Antioxidants journal reported that CBD may produce antioxidant effects in humans by reducing oxidative stress⁽¹²⁾.

Meanwhile, a 2021 meta-analysis published in the Antioxidants journal evaluated animal and clinical studies to determine the potential therapeutic benefits of dietary antioxidants for allergic rhinitis⁽¹³⁾. 

Allergic rhinitis is an allergy-induced inflammation of the nasal septum.  

Additional research is warranted to determine whether CBD produces similar antioxidant effects in other mammals, such as dogs. This effect may potentially help relieve and reduce the symptoms of allergies in dogs.  

Benefits and Uses of CBD for Dog Allergies

Human and animal research suggests that CBD may provide anti-inflammatory⁽¹⁴⁾, antioxidative⁽¹⁵⁾, and analgesic⁽¹⁶⁾ properties. Such purported biological effects of CBD may help relieve symptoms of canine allergies.

The following can trigger a dog’s skin itchiness⁽¹⁷⁾:

• Allergens, including those that cause skin allergies like flea allergy dermatitis
• Food allergies and sensitivities, such as gluten intolerance
• Environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold

Allergy triggers can produce cutaneous allergic reactions such as atopic dermatitis⁽¹⁸⁾, inducing red, dry, inflamed, flaky, and itchy skin  symptoms. 

Additionally, all skin allergies among dogs include a risk of secondary infection⁽¹⁹⁾. Bacterial or yeast infection may consequently occur after the dog licks, scratches, or bites its skin.

A 2012 dog study investigated how CBD may relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis⁽²⁰⁾. 

The researchers reported that CBD oil seemed to improve skin health and reduce itchiness. They also hypothesized that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve symptoms of allergic skin diseases. 

Meanwhile, an earlier human study led by Meliha Karsak showed that the ECS plays a protective role in allergic contact dermatitis⁽²¹⁾. 

The researchers suggested that particular cannabinoids can combat allergic reactions⁽²²⁾. They also hypothesized that the compounds may provide therapeutic effects for contact skin allergies.

The study mentioned was conducted on human subjects. Further studies are required to show whether CBD for dogs may provide similar therapeutic effects due to the mammals having analogous ECS structures.   

Dog allergies may also produce watery discharges in the nose or eyes. Allergens such as pollen, mites, foods, drugs, and chemicals may trigger nasal discharges⁽²³⁾. 

Allergic rhinitis may produce symptoms such as runny noses when the body overreacts to stimuli⁽²⁴⁾. 

An animal study published in Veterinary Sciences suggested that CBD may help strengthen a dog’s immune system⁽²⁵⁾. Thus, CBD may help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis in dogs by bolstering their biological defense mechanisms.   

Still, more research is needed to substantiate CBD’s effects on canine immunity as a possible method to help relieve allergy symptoms such as nasal or ocular discharge. 

Meanwhile, a 2014 animal study on animal models examined the effects of cannabis-sourced terpenes on rats with allergies⁽²⁶⁾. 

Terpenes are aromatic compounds contained in plants such as hemp plants. 

In the study, the terpenes seemed to reduce allergy symptoms in rats. However, more research is needed to determine whether CBD-derived terpenes produce similar effects in dogs. 

Dog allergies may trigger asthmatic symptoms. A dog’s immune system can become overactive as a response to allergens. 

Allergen inhalation tightens a canine’s airways, resulting in a breathing condition called allergic asthma.  

Asthma symptoms in dogs include⁽²⁷⁾: 

• Heavy, long-term, or wide-mouth panting
• Coughing or wheezing
• Seeming out of breath
• Pale or blue gums 
• Loss of appetite

A 2018 human study suggested that CBD may reduce airway inflammation in allergic asthma⁽²⁸⁾. 

The researchers hypothesized that the mechanisms of action included CB1 and CB2 signaling, although more research is needed regarding their effects on lung inflammation. 

Results of research and clinical trials on the potential use of CBD to help relieve asthmatic symptoms in dogs are inconclusive⁽²⁹⁾. One reason is the need for Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approval and compliance to conduct such studies.

What Are Dog Allergies?

Canine allergies develop as the immune system’s misguided reaction to various foreign substances, such as fleas, some types of food, and environmental allergens⁽³⁰⁾. 

Allergy symptoms among dogs may include hives, itchiness, inflamed skin, swelling of the face, sneezing, vomiting, runny eyes, and itchy ears⁽³¹⁾. 

Dogs may also experience seasonal allergies due to high pollen counts in the springtime, for instance.  

Consulting your dog’s veterinarian before administering CBD products is advisable. They can guide you on proper usage, dosage, and possible drug interactions. 

How Dogs With Allergies Can Take CBD Oil

When searching for products such as the best CBD oil for dogs, several options are available, including:

• CBD oil and CBD tinctures
• Oral CBD (CBD capsules, CBD softgels, CBD tablets)
• Topical CBD (CBD lotions, CBD creams, CBD salves, CBD balms)
• CBD dog treats

Here are some main options for administering CBD to dogs: 

Oral Administration 

This option allows you to administer the recommended CBD dose. Adhering to the product’s label for the number of drops of CBD oil is critical. Dosages may be determined by factors such as your dog’s weight, size, and health condition.  

Research shows that oral administration of CBD to dogs may produce high efficacy related to absorption⁽³²⁾. CBD oil tinctures are one option. 

CBD and Dog Food Blend

One noteworthy benefit of this option is the dog consumes the entire dosage of hemp extract if it consumes its entire meal. The food may conceal the taste and texture of the CBD product, such as CBD’s natural, earthy flavor. 

A caveat to consider is that wet foods may not blend thoroughly with hemp CBD, significantly altering the food’s taste and appearance. 

Commence with a small CBD dosage when combined with food, gradually increasing the dosage if it is well tolerated.   

CBD and Dog Treat Mixture

Treats like peanut butter with a creamy consistency blend better with CBD’s chemical compounds than those with a firmer texture like biscuits. 

Ensure you use a dropper to add the recommended dosage of CBD oil for safety and efficacy. 

It is also advisable to use organic CBD treats with natural ingredients and minimal additives and preservatives. These options help optimize the health benefits of CBD for your furry friend.     

CBD Oil as a Treat  

This option allows the dog to perceive CBD in a positive way. CBD dog biscuits and CBD dog cookies are some CBD treats with natural extracts from hemp plants. 

Apply the CBD dosage to the treat, and then allow the treat to absorb the oil for one or two minutes.   

A recent study showed that CBD-infused soft chews served twice daily to dogs produced a 96.7% average acceptance rate⁽³³⁾. 

It is advisable to consult your dog’s veterinarian before supplying it with any CBD product.  

These general guidelines for administering CBD to dogs may help achieve optimum results: 

• Select CBD products produced specifically for dogs 
• Provide CBD to your dog, combining it with its breakfast or dinner
• Consider full-spectrum CBD oil with a full range of hemp-sourced compounds
• Follow the dosage indicated on the product label

CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs With Allergies

In the 2019 study mentioned above, researchers examined how dogs reacted to a 12-week regimen of CBD-infused soft chews fed twice daily⁽³⁴⁾. 

In the study, the researchers fed each dog 2mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight. Thus, a 13.6kg (30-pound) dog would receive approximately 27mg of CBD.   

Begin with a low dosage, and then gradually increase if it remains well tolerated.  

How Long CBD Takes to Help With Dog Allergies 

No studies have been conducted on the duration of time required for the efficacy of CBD for dog allergies to commence. 

According to one study, CBD produced a 13% to 19% bioavailability in three of six dog subjects following oral administration⁽³⁵⁾. 

Bioavailability is the extent that a particular substance or drug becomes entirely available for an intended biological destination.   

However, additional research is needed on larger sample sizes and different application forms, such as topical.  

How Long CBD Will Help With Dog Allergies

No research has been conducted regarding the efficacy duration of CBD for dog allergies. 

However, a medical study published in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science investigated CBD’s efficacy in dogs with osteoarthritis⁽³⁶⁾. Symptoms of osteoarthritis among dogs include joint pain and stiffness.   

Researchers reported the CBD dosages produced an elimination half-life of 4.2 hours. Half-life refers to the time required for a substance to reduce to one half its quantity.

Various factors may impact the efficacy duration of CBD in dogs. For instance, senior dogs are more likely than younger dogs to experience digestive illnesses.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Dog Allergies

A 2019 study evaluated the effects of single-dose, high-CBD hemp products on cats and dogs over 12 weeks⁽³⁷⁾. 

Two milligrams of CBD per kilogram of body weight administered orally seemed to produce no detrimental medical issues in healthy canines⁽³⁸⁾.   

Meanwhile, in a randomized study published in 2021, researchers conducted a safety evaluation of CBD administered orally in healthy dogs⁽³⁹⁾. 

Researchers administered a daily dosage of CBD isolate in MCT oil ranging from 1mg to 12mg per kg of body weight,       

The CBD dosages were well tolerated among healthy adult dogs. However, the researchers observed no significant alterations in measured safety outcomes throughout the study⁽⁴⁰⁾.  

No scientific studies exist on the potential side effects of CBD on canines. Still, based on research conducted on human subjects, dogs may experience similar side effects as humans, including⁽⁴¹⁾:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Lower blood pressure

Pet owners should consult their dog’s veterinarian before starting to use CBD products. Dog owners, upon the advice of their veterinarians, should also follow the prescribed dosage for particular CBD products. 

Careful monitoring should follow CBD administration to monitor how well tolerated the CBD product is for the dogs.

How to Choose the Best Pet CBD Oil for Dog Allergies

Due to the numerous CBD products on the market, dog owners may struggle to locate the best CBD for pets. 

Here are some features to consider when choosing the best CBD oil for your dog’s allergies. 

• Overall quality: High-quality CBD oils use only organic hemp with no genetically modified organisms (non-GMO). 
• Hemp source: Local hemp is an excellent source. States that permit legal hemp cultivation include Colorado, Oregon, and Kentucky⁽⁴²⁾. 
• Type of CBD: Full-spectrum CBD contains a full range of cannabis-derived compounds. 

Broad-spectrum CBD oil consists of a wide range of compounds, although it typically contains no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD isolates are pure CBD.

• Carrier oil: Versatile carrier oils like hemp-seed oil and coconut oil help dilute essential oils. 
• Customer service: Some options include free or discounted shipping and a money-back guarantee. 
• Third-party lab testing: A certificate of analysis (COA) should include CBD concentration, CBD potency, all ingredients, and the potential presence of pesticides, heavy metals, and mycotoxins. 

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by particular molds.

• National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Seal of Quality Assurance: The Quality Seal program is the focus of NASC’s efforts to help standardize and elevate the animal health supplement industry⁽⁴³⁾. 

NASC awards the Quality Seal to companies that utilize rigorous standards in proving the quality and safety of their products⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Legality of CBD

Some veterinarians in the USA are hesitant to recommend CBD because they believe additional research is required to ensure its efficacy and safety⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

CBD for dogs is not approved by the FDA⁽⁴⁶⁾. However, the FDA has also not approved common dietary supplements for pets, such as fish oil. Neither has FDA approved most human-approved prescription drugs that veterinarians frequently prescribe for animals. 

Before purchasing CBD products for pets, research any state restrictions imposed on cannabis products for veterinary practices⁽⁴⁷⁾.  

You can check the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)’s February 2021 State Legislative Update for the latest on legislations concerning cannabis (marijuana and hemp) use in some states⁽⁴⁸⁾.