Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Allergies 2024 – Does CBD Help?

Occasional scratching is nothing to worry about, but if your dog is itching and scratching more than usual, it could be allergies. Allergies are extremely common in people, affecting 30% to 40% of the world’s population, but many people don’t think of it as an issue that affects pets.

In reality, dogs can be allergic to the same things people can and the symptoms are often quite similar. On top of dry, itchy skin, allergies can cause nose and eye symptoms as well as respiratory symptoms like coughing and wheezing. The good news is, that many of the same treatments that help relieve allergies in humans can also be effective in pets.

In this article, we’ll explore the subject of allergies in dogs including the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. We’ll also take a closer look at CBD as a potential treatment and review our top picks for the best CBD oil for dogs with allergies in 2024.

5 Best CBD Oils For Dogs With Allergies 2024

What Are Dog Allergies? 

An allergy is a state of hypersensitivity triggered by an otherwise harmless substance that causes the body’s immune system to overreact. 

According to Dr. Clarissa Souza, a veterinary dermatologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the three most common causes of allergies in dogs are external parasites, food allergies, and environmental allergies. 

Here is an overview of the different types of dog allergies: 

• Flea or insect bite allergy
• Inhalant allergy (atopic dermatitis)
• Food allergy
• Contact allergy 
• Skin allergies 

Allergies can be treated in many cases, but some causes are more difficult to diagnose than others. With food allergies, for example, a dog could be allergic to anything from a specific protein to a food additive.

Environmental allergies can be triggered by grass, pollen, dust, mold, or any number of other things. Dogs can even be allergic to certain fabrics, household cleaners, medications, or ingredients in supplements. 

What Can Dog Allergies Lead To?

Skin allergies in dogs can produce a wide array of symptoms depending on the cause. In many cases, these symptoms are fairly mild but they can progress over time. A severe allergic reaction can even lead to anaphylaxis which is an emergency situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. 

Here are some common symptoms^[2] for allergic reactions: 

• Itchy skin
• Rash or hives
• Red, inflamed skin
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Ar infections
• Runny eyes
• Constant licking

If you notice your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to take a closer look to see if you can determine the cause. Excessive licking, especially of the feet, can lead to red and inflamed skin – this is often a sign of environmental or food allergies. With flea allergies, dogs most often develop lesions on the back, hind, and thighs. 

How CBD Oil Works To Help Dogs

Cannabidiol or CBD^[3] is one of the many chemical compounds that occur naturally in cannabis or hemp. Though it comes from the same plant as marijuana, CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects like THC. The benefits of CBD are still being studied, but they are thought to derive from CBD’s effects on the endocannabinoid system. 

The endocannabinoid system or ECS is a vast cell-signaling system that regulates essential bodily functions and helps maintain homeostasis. Specific receptors in the endocannabinoid system (CB1 and CB2) interact with natural cannabinoids produced by the brain called endocannabinoids. 

The effects of CBD on these receptors are not completely understood, but scientific studies suggest CBD may have the following benefits for dogs:

• Reducing the severity and frequency of seizures^[4] 
• Slowing the proliferation^[5] of cancer cells
• Relieving osteoarthritis pain^[6] and reducing inflammation

When shopping for CBD products for dogs with skin issues, be sure to read the label. Topical products are often made with hemp seed oil as a carrier oil. Though hemp seed oil may provide skin benefits,^[7] it doesn’t contain CBD. Cannabidiol is extracted from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of the plant rather than the seed. 

Keep in mind as well that full-spectrum hemp extract CBD may contain trace amounts of other compounds like THC while broad-spectrum hemp extracts have had the THC removed. Even products that contain up to 0.3% THC are unlikely to produce psychoactive effects or lead to intoxication. 

How CBD Oil Compares To Alternative Treatments For Dogs With Allergies

You may find it surprising to learn that dogs are prone to some of the same health issues that affect humans, including allergies. Canine atopic dermatitis^[8] (allergies) is very common in dogs and can affect dogs of all breeds. Allergies usually develop after six months of age and are most commonly seen in pets over age one. 

Symptoms of dog allergies can be very uncomfortable and irritating, but they can generally be controlled with treatment.

It is important to have your dog’s condition diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian because allergy symptoms can sometimes overlap with symptoms of other conditions. Your veterinarian can rule out other potential causes for your dog’s skin issues and recommend a course of treatment. 

Treatment Options For Dogs With Allergies

Once your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog’s allergies, you can talk about potential treatment options. Unfortunately, if your dog has atopic dermatitis, there is no cure. Treatment will be aimed at reducing itchiness and keeping your dog’s skin healthy. 

Per clinical guidelines, here are some recommended treatments^[9] for a dog with allergies:

• Antihistamines
• Oral steroid medications 
• Topical steroid treatments
• Fatty acid supplements
• Immunotherapy (allergen-specific)
• Dietary restrictions
• Antimicrobials if infections are present

For food allergies, the best option is to eliminate the offending allergen from your dog’s diet. If you know what your dog is allergic to, this should be fairly simple. If you’re not sure, you may need to put your dog on an elimination diet and reintroduce potential allergens one at a time to see what triggers your dog’s symptoms.

The most common causes of food allergies in dogs are animal proteins like chicken and beef along with eggs and dairy. 

The trouble with allergic reactions in dogs is that you can’t always completely eliminate the allergen. If your dog has atopic dermatitis triggered by pollen or grass, it will likely experience symptoms for the majority of the year.

Though pet parents may not be able to cure your dog’s atopic dermatitis, certain treatments may help reduce itching and inflammation to make your dog more comfortable. Some pet owners have turned to CBD for this purpose. 

How Dogs With Allergies Can Take CBD Hemp Oil

CBD products for dogs are available in a variety of different forms. One of the most common products you’re likely to come across is a liquid CBD oil tincture that comes in a small glass bottle. CBD oil can be administered directly into your dog’s mouth or added to its food. You can also try putting the oil on your fingers and rubbing it into your dog’s gums. 

Another option for administering CBD to a dog with allergies is to purchase CBD dog treats. These treats are typically made with between 2mg and 5mg of CBD per treat and can be fed directly to your dog.

The benefit of these products is that dosing is fairly straightforward, but the downside is that larger dogs may require multiple treats and it can get expensive. There is also some concern about whether the cooking process used to make dog treats reduces or destroys the efficacy of the CBD oil itself. 

When it comes to dogs with skin issues caused by allergies, another option for administering CBD is in the form of a spray or balm. These products can be applied directly to your dog’s skin to help with symptoms like itching and inflammation. 

CBD Dosage For Dogs

When using CBD for dogs, it is important to treat it like you would any other supplement or medication. Always get your veterinarian’s approval before giving your dog anything new to make sure there isn’t a potential for negative interactions with medications your dog is already taking. Even products designed to reduce allergic reactions can have side effects of their own.

Unfortunately, there is no standard dosage for CBD oil for dogs. Though CBD is used for a wide range of purposes in pets, there is limited scientific evidence that points toward a specific dosage. An effective dose may depend on the dog’s size, the concentration of the product, and the issue you are treating. 

When it comes to using CBD oil for dogs, it is important to do your research to find a high-quality product that has been third-party tested for purity and safety. Follow the dosing instructions on the package and keep an eye on your dog’s reaction. You may need to increase or decrease the dosage over time to get the desired effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

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