If you're someone who has allergies, you know the pain of having to deal with your sensitivities and the lengths you have to go to in order to avoid allergic reactions. However, you are still fortunate, even if your precautions don't work, as there is always medicine, supplements, or a doctor that can help you. Pets, on the other hand, are unable to understand or treat their allergies and can only suffer in silence. Luckily, there are ways you can help your allergic pet with CBD for pet allergies.
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CBD for pet allergies
If you prefer a more natural means of treating your pet's allergy, CBD for pets could be the answer.
While much more research needs to be done on the subject, many studies done on CBD show evidence that there are a number of benefits CBD has for users. However, these studies are done to see what the effect would be on humans. There is currently very little CBD research regarding the effects of CBD on pets.
Nevertheless, there are numerous owners and vets alike who believe in using CBD to help treat pets, as quality CBD is much more natural than conventional medicine.
Using CBD for pet allergies
There are different treatments available to pets with allergies, depending on what they are allergic to.
Dogs and cats can be allergic to the same things as humans are, and can even have the same reactions to these allergies. The most common allergies pets can have are:
- Skin allergies
- Environmental allergies
- Food allergies
Skin allergies
Skin allergies are the most common allergies in cats and dogs. They can be caused by things such as Flea allergy dermatitis (allergic to fleabites), environmental allergies (dust and pollen), and food.
The most common allergic reaction that affects pets is atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs when the animal's immune system reacts to environmental allergens, such as dust mites and pollen.
Pets with atopic dermatitis will show signs of excessive scratching, licking, and chewing at their bodies.
Environmental allergies
Environmental allergies in pets are usually seasonal, caused by things such as:
- Pollen
- Grass
- Dust
- Flea bites
- Mould spores
- Wool
- Feathers
Signs that your pet is allergic to an environmental allergen include inflamed skin that is red and itchy, especially around the area the pet came into contact with the allergen. This will usually be the legs, feet, stomach, and face.
Food allergies
It can be tricky differentiating between food and environmental allergies, as they usually have the same symptoms.
One way you can tell the difference between the two is by looking at your pet's skin. If they have flaking skin along most of their body, chances are, they have had an allergic reaction to food.
Dogs and cats have slightly different allergic reactions when it comes to food allergies. Dogs will scratch and lick areas of their bodies, such as their paws and stomach, while cats scratch their face and neck, leaving scabs and sores.
Read more about: CBD for Cats
Both may also get ear infections, vomit, and have diarrhoea.
Pets can get food allergies at any age and to any food. They may even suddenly get allergic to food they have been eating for years.
It is important to note that food allergies can lead to infections as your pet bites and scratches their skin to relieve the itching, giving bacteria the opportunity to infect the broken skin. Make sure that any skin infections don't get worse and that you see your vet for advice.
Symptoms of pet allergies
Symptoms of allergies vary in pets, depending on the type of allergy, but are similar to the symptoms experienced by humans, such as:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Hives
- Inflammation
- Chronic ear infections
- Red eyes
- Runny eyes
- Rashes
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Discomfort
How to tell if your pet has an allergy
Any time your pet is exhibiting odd behaviour or symptoms, it's best to take them to the vet instead of self-diagnosing, which could be risky to their health.
Your vet will systematically rule out conditions that could be causing the symptoms, and if they suspect your pet has an allergy, they may test them to see what could be causing the reaction. They may also ask you to do a test at home with your pet's food using the process of elimination to discover what food they are allergic to if they suspect it is a food, as not all allergies will show up in tests.
Once the specific allergy is identified, steps can be taken to avoid or relieve symptoms of allergic reactions.
Treatment
There is no cure for allergies, but there are ways to reduce and relieve symptoms. Many allergy treatments that work for humans can work on pets as well. The most common ways people treat their pet's allergies are by avoiding the allergen if possible or by using medication.
Other people prefer more holistic approaches, by using potential remedies such as:
- CBD
- Nettles
- Quercetin
- Vitamin E mixed tocopherols
- Extra virgin organic coconut oil
- Omega-3
- Digestive enzymes and probiotics
- Colostrum
How can CBD for pets help relieve your pet's allergies?
Just like in humans, when a pet is exposed to allergens, its body releases histamines. Histamine is a chemical that is released when the body is exposed to allergens and is responsible for allergic reactions such as inflammation and itching.
Studies show CBD lowers histamines by preventing cells from releasing them. This, in turn, reduces allergic symptoms and could stop your pet from scratching and biting the inflamed and itchy spots on their body caused by the allergic reaction.
Experts say that giving your pet CBD oil reduces the symptoms of allergies by:
- Calming inflammation – CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation
- Balancing the immune system
- Soothing itchiness
- Easing pain – while allergy medication concentrates on treating the allergy, which can take a while, CBD concentrates on helping relieve the pain caused by the reaction
- Providing comfort
Can pets get high from CBD?
While both CBD and THC are found in cannabis, they have different properties.
Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not psychoactive. This means your pet cannot get intoxicated or “high” from CBD. It may just relax them, without the high.
Is it safe to give pets CBD?
As with anything else you choose to give your pet, it is best to do your research first.
Pets can have an allergic reaction to CBD, so if they have any of the following symptoms after taking CBD, take them to a vet immediately:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
While much more research needs to be done to discover exactly how CBD works with pets, results are promising. However, most of the evidence is purely anecdotal, and until more research is done, you may want to see if CBD could be right for your pet by speaking to your vet first. Get their opinion to help make the right decision for your pet.
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