Best CBD for Dogs With Itchy Skin - April 2024

How CBD May Help Dogs With Itchy Skin

A dog’s itchy skin is caused by outside factors, such as parasites, infections, or allergies⁽¹⁾.

Allergic reactions in dogs are induced by the immune system recognizing substances in the environment called allergens as harmful and thus releasing antibodies, causing inflammation⁽²⁾.

CBD (cannabidiol) may contain pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties⁽³⁾. These indicated therapeutic properties may pose as a potential area of study for itchy skin on dogs.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for maintaining the body’s homeostasis or balance⁽⁴⁾.

This system consists of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. All mammals, including dogs, possess the ECS⁽⁵⁾.

CBD works by interacting with the ECS and the cannabinoid receptors. This interaction may provide CBD’s therapeutic benefits to your furry friends⁽⁶⁾.

However, further research is entailed to determine the efficacy of CBD in alleviating skin itchiness in dogs.

Benefits of Using CBD in Dogs With Itchy Skin

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease associated with dog allergies that may result in the itching of the dog’s skin.

This condition may be caused by seasonal allergies from pollen or parasitic bites from mites⁽⁷⁾.

CBD’s purported anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁸⁾ may help alleviate dogs’ skin conditions, like itchy skin.

A study discussed that CBD may have anti-inflammatory effects on contact dermatitis⁽⁹⁾.

Symptoms of this condition include rashes and severe itching⁽¹⁰⁾.

Despite the study being done on human subjects, this may open possibilities for further research on the therapeutic effects of CBD for dogs.

Furthermore, veterinarians usually prescribe anti-inflammatory steroids to manage dogs’ itchy skin. However, these drugs can cause harmful effects, like excessive thirst and hunger⁽¹¹⁾.

Meanwhile, a study in 2019 showed that CBD is safe and absorbed well by healthy dogs⁽¹²⁾.

Still, pet owners must speak with a veterinarian before using CBD as a potential alternative to relieve their dog’s itchy skin.

How Dogs With Itchy Skin Can Take CBD Oil

Different CBD oils and products that may best help dogs with itchy skin exist in the market, such as⁽¹³⁾:

• Edibles
• CBD tinctures
• Topicals

Edibles like CBD dog treats or chews are easy ways to give your pet CBD⁽¹⁴⁾.

Dog owners may directly administer CBD oil tinctures by applying the drops under the canine’s tongue or mixing them into the dog’s food. This form usually comes with a dropper for exact CBD dosing⁽¹⁵⁾.

Tinctures are infused with carrier oils like coconut oil or hempseed oil to dilute the CBD’s concentration.

Hemp seed oil contains essential fatty acids like omega-3, which may have anti-inflammatory effects on skin diseases and the dog’s overall skin health⁽¹⁶⁾.

Topical CBD products like creams and balms can be applied directly to the dog’s skin for direct relief from joint pains, skin conditions, or itchiness⁽¹⁷⁾.

CBD Dosage for Dogs With Itchy Skin

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved cannabidiol to treat any canine medical condition⁽¹⁸⁾.  Thus, there is no set CBD dosage for dogs with itchy skin.

However, a study in 2019 discussed the effect of CBD on dogs after a 12-week course of CBD chews⁽¹⁹⁾.

Results indicated that CBD is safe and absorbed well by healthy dogs.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Dogs With Itchy Skin?

There have been no studies on the duration of the efficacy of CBD for dogs suffering from itchy skin.

CBD potency, administration route, and the dog’s body weight may influence the effectiveness of CBD.

Tinctures, dog treats, and chews have an onset time of 30 to 90 minutes⁽²⁰⁾. Meanwhile, topicals’ onset time may depend on the thickness of the canine’s skin.

How Long Will CBD Help Dogs With Itchy Skin?

Studies noted that CBD’s bioavailability is low when administered orally to dogs due to the high first-pass effect through the liver^(21).

Bioavailability refers to the rate by which a portion of the active component of an ingested substance is absorbed into the bloodstream⁽²²⁾.

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Dogs With Itchy Skin

Colorado Healing Acres and Honest Paws are some CBD brands that offer high-quality CBD-derived pet products.

Some brands also offer a money-back guarantee if their products do not deliver as advertised.

Here are some factors to consider when looking for the best CBD oil for dogs’ overall wellness:

Hemp Extracts

Full-spectrum CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil contains all the cannabis-derived cannabinoids and compounds in the cannabis plant, like terpenes, flavonoids, and less than 0.3% THC.

Terpenes provide the unique aroma of plants, while flavonoids may contain antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties⁽²³⁾.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives a euphoric high.

When dogs ingest high doses of THC, they may experience vomiting, lethargy, and shaking⁽²⁴⁾.

Thus, broad-spectrum CBD oil pet products may be a better fit for your pet⁽²⁵⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids and compounds found in the cannabis plant, except THC⁽²⁶⁾.

Certificate of Analysis (COA) 

CBD brands must present updated COAs on their websites.

COAs are third-party lab results that show the CBD product’s actual content, declaring the presence of any harmful contaminants, such as pesticides, if any.

The details of the CBD products should match the COA results.

Ingredients

The ingredients list is essential to determine if any additives or allergens may trigger your dog’s allergy symptoms.

You may opt for organic CBD products made from non-GMO and natural ingredients to help with your furry friend’s health.

Carrier oils like coconut and hempseed oil are also present in most CBD products.

Note that hempseed oil is different from hemp oil.

Hemp oil, or CBD oil, is an essential oil extracted from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants, while hempseed oil is made from the pressed seeds of hemp plants and does not contain CBD⁽²⁷⁾.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs? Will CBD Affect Your Dog Mentally?

A study stated that high doses of CBD may induce cannabis intoxication in pets⁽²⁸⁾. Therefore, you should avoid giving dogs CBD products with high amounts of THC.

Cannabis intoxication may cause disorientation, hyperactivity, excessive drooling, or vomiting⁽²⁹⁾.

You should seek a veterinarian’s medical advice before giving your pets CBD products.

Risks and Side Effects of Giving Dogs With Itchy Skin CBD

Dogs may experience minor side effects when taking CBD, such as losing appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting⁽³⁰⁾.

It is essential to consult your veterinarian before purchasing CBD products for your pet.

Legality of CBD

Federal laws in the United States (USA) prevent most veterinarians from suggesting CBD products to their clients’ pets⁽³¹⁾.

However, you may still initiate a conversation about using CBD for your pet⁽³²⁾.

Additionally, while CBD use is federally legal in humans, the compound’s use in dogs may have different restrictions⁽³³⁾. Thus, verifying your state laws before buying CBD products is essential.

FAQs

1. How can CBD help dogs with itchy skin?

Itchy skin in dogs may be caused by parasites or allergies⁽³⁴⁾.

When the canine’s immune system detects these allergens, the interaction induces an allergic reaction, which may cause inflammation⁽³⁵⁾.

Meanwhile, CBD may contain pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties⁽³⁶⁾.

2. What evidence or research exists to say that CBD helps dogs with itchy skin?

CBD may have anti-inflammatory effects on allergic contact dermatitis⁽³⁷⁾, a skin condition that causes rashes and itching⁽³⁸⁾.

Additionally, anti-inflammatory drugs are given to dogs to manage their itchy skin. However, these medications may cause detrimental side effects⁽³⁹⁾.

Meanwhile, CBD is relatively safe and absorbed well by the dog’s system⁽⁴⁰⁾.

3. Is there any evidence that CBD can make dogs’ itchy skin worse?

There is no evidence that CBD can make dogs’ itchy skin worse. However, CBD may yield side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and low blood pressure in canines⁽⁴¹⁾.

4. Will CBD interact with any current medication my dog may be taking for itchy skin?

CBD may interact with your dog’s other medications by inhibiting the P450 enzyme in the canine’s system. This effect may hinder the metabolization of drugs⁽⁴²⁾.

It is essential to consult your veterinarian about any potential drug-to-drug interactions.

5. Are there other treatments I should consider alongside CBD to help my dog’s itchy skin?

Treatment may depend on the underlying cause of your dog’s itchy skin⁽⁴³⁾.

Pet owners should speak to a licensed veterinarian for the best treatments and products that may be used for dogs’ itchy skin.

6. What is the dosage for dogs with itchy skin?

There is no standard CBD dosage for dogs with itchy skin.

However, a study hypothesized that 2 milligrams of CBD per kilogram of the dog’s body weight does not cause harmful side effects on dogs⁽⁴⁴⁾.

7. Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs?

Most states have laws prohibiting veterinarians from recommending, prescribing, or administering CBD products to pets⁽⁴⁵⁾.

However, Nevada veterinarians may recommend and administer CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC⁽⁴⁶⁾.

8. Are there side effects of CBD on dogs in particular?

Minor side effects of CBD on dogs may include drowsiness, lower blood pressure, and diarrhea⁽⁴⁷⁾.

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1. Itching (Pruritus) in Dogs
   https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/itching-pruritus-in-dogs
2. Immune System Responses in Dogs
   https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/immune-disorders-of-dogs/immune-system-responses-in-dogs
3. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
4. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
5. Evolutionary origins of the endocannabinoid system
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16434153/
6. ibid.
7. Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification
   https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-015-0515-5
8. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
9. Anti-inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychotropic Cannabinoid, in Experimental Allergic Contact Dermatitis
   https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/365/3/652
10. Contact dermatitis
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742
11. Itching (Pruritus) in Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/itching-pruritus-in-dogs
12. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832/htm
13. Page 182 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
14. Page 182 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
15. Healing with CBD. page 207
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
16. Hemp Seed Cake as a Novel Ingredient for Dog’s Diet
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.754625/full
17. Healing With CBD. page 210.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
18. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
19. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832/htm
20. Healing with CBD. page. 183
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
21. Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in dogs
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2900742/
22. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
23. Healing With CBD, page 282.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
24. Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/marijuana-poisoning-in-dogs/
25. Does CBD Work for Dogs?
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/does-cbd-work-for-dogs/
26. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
27. Hemp Seed Oil Properties
    https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/hemp-seed-oil-properties.html
28. Cannabis (Marijuana) Intoxication in Cats and Dogs
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/marijuana-intoxication-in-dogs-and-cats
29. ibid.
30. FAQs about CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
31. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
32. ibid.
33. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
34. Itching (Pruritus) in Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/itching-pruritus-in-dogs
35. Immune System Responses in Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/immune-disorders-of-dogs/immune-system-responses-in-dogs
36. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
37. Anti-inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychotropic Cannabinoid, in Experimental Allergic Contact Dermatitis
    https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/365/3/652
38. Contact dermatitis
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742
39. Itching (Pruritus) in Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/itching-pruritus-in-dogs
40. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832/htm
41. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
42. FAQs about CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
43. Itching (Pruritus) in Dogs
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/itching-pruritus-in-dogs
44. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/10/832
45. How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About CBD Oil for Dogs
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/
46. Nevada veterinarians can treat patients with certain cannabis products
    https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-10-01/nevada-veterinarians-can-treat-patients-certain-cannabis-products
47. CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/

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