In the last few years, CBD-infused topicals have hit the mainstream. Spurred on by recent dermatological research and extremely high consumer demand for CBD creams, lotions, and ointments, even the major skincare brands such as L'oreal and Unilever have jumped on the hemp-infused skincare bandwagon.
However, is there really any benefit to using CBD products for your pet? And if so, how can you find a quality product that is made with your pet’s holistic skin health in mind? When might a topical CBD be a better choice than a hemp oil tincture?
This article aims to answer those questions and more.
Benefits of Using a CBD Cream for Dogs
A topical CBD salve for dogs is not the right choice for every situation. For example, if you are hoping to calm your dog from a noise phobia or excessive barking, then an oral full spectrum, calming CBD oil tincture is a better choice. Oral dosing is absorbed into the bloodstream and can have positive effects on systemic issues such as overall achiness, anxious behaviors, digestion, etc.
However, there are a few specific benefits of a CBD oil topical cream that may make it the right choice for your dog.
1. Target Specific Areas
One of the main benefits of using a topical CBD product is that it allows you to target specific areas such as a patch of dry itchy skin or a specific sore joint. Going right to the source of the problem means you get the most bang for your buck in terms of targeted relief out of each mg of cannabidiol.
Just a tiny amount of our full spectrum CBD Balm applied to the area will do. It melts as it comes into contact with the warmth of the skin, providing a thin layer of moisturizing salve that will absorb cleanly without leaving a greasy residue. With ingredients that are safe for dogs, it is okay if your pet licks the area, but do try to make sure it has at least 15 minutes lick-free to absorb into the skin.
*It’s important to note that CBD salve doesn’t prevent any diseases. Rather, it’s used as a possible method for relieving some inflammation and pain caused by preexisting issues.
2. Bypass the Digestive System
When CBD is taken orally it must be digested through the digestive tract. At each stage (saliva, stomach, intestine) some of the active ingredients in hemp plant oil can be lost. Research has shown that the amount of CBD that is actually metabolized from oral administration can vary.
On the other hand, the active ingredients in hemp oil have been shown to be absorbed through the skin and into deeper tissues readily and quickly through topical administration. By bypassing the digestive system, using topical CBD for dogs’ skin issues can give faster relief right where they need it most.
3. Avoid Drug Interactions
Cannabidiol interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System which in turn works with the central and peripheral nervous systems, digestion, and even the metabolic pathways of certain drugs. Like grapefruit, CBD is known to be a CYP450 metabolic inhibitor which means it can temporarily interfere with certain medications. (Learn more about CBD and drug interactions.)
If your vet is concerned that oral administration of CBD ointment for dogs might present a problem for the other meds your dog is taking, then they may recommend topical administration as a solution.
4. Reduce Reliance on Prescription Medications
Many pet owners are concerned about side effects from commonly prescribed medications used to treat skin conditions, pain, and inflammation in dogs. (See the table above to learn more.)
Offering your pet the relief of our full spectrum hemp CBD lotion for dogs may give your pet the relief they need without taking the risks that the systemic administration of long-term prescription medications may come with.
Many pet owners are concerned about side effects from commonly prescribed medications used to treat skin conditions, pain, and inflammation in dogs. (See the table above to learn more.)
Offering your pet the relief of our full spectrum hemp oil extract salve may give your pet the relief they need without taking risks that the systemic administration of long term prescription medications may come with.
5. Stimulate the Skin’s Endocannabinoid System
There is no question that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) plays a vital role in skin health. (Learn more about current research on the ECS Cannabidiol).
This system of transmitters and receptors is found throughout the tissues in the body, including in the skin. The ECS has been shown to regulate skin health by modulating moisturization, attenuating allergic reactions, stimulating proper growth, death and differentiation of skin cells, immune barrier function, and other processes vital to healthy skin.
And, modern research in dermatology has identified cannabidiol as a potential therapeutic target for a wide variety of skin conditions ranging from mild to severe.
Why Choose Lolahemp CBD Balm Topical for Your Dog?
Almost from day one, our loyal customers have been asking the founder of Lolahemp, Joey DiFrancesco, to offer a CBD-infused skin cream for dogs that contained the same quality, full spectrum, and lab tested hemp oil for dogs that we use in our tinctures. However, since quality is our top priority, we took our time to work with our manufacturer to develop our balm.
In October 2019, we were pleased to launch our 200mg Lolahemp Balm Topical. We are extremely proud of our formula. Our craft hemp oil contains a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes representative of the high-quality, organic, and domestic artisanal quality hemp we use as our source. Our product is GMO-free and paraben free as well.
It doesn’t stop there. We wanted to be sure that all of the ingredients that we chose for our balm were thoughtful and supportive of overall skin health. Here are some of the highlights:
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Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil: Also known as wild soybean oil, this ingredient is often used in high-end natural skin conditioning products. It is high in proteins, amino acids, and vitamins (including vitamin E) which are vital to skin health.
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Beeswax: This anti-inflammatory natural wax is paraben free and creates a protective barrier without clogging pores. It is high in vitamin A which is important for optimal skin cell growth and health.
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Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil: High in essential fatty acids, this natural oil has been identified as a nutraceutical for use with atopic dermatitis, encouraging healthy skin growth, and promoting hydration of the skin.
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Shea Butter: Well known for its skin moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, this natural ingredient may also promote collagen production and is often used in high-end anti-aging cosmetics.
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Tocopherol Acetate: Also known as Vitamin E Acetate, this ingredient is high in bioavailable vitamin E, known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which promote healthy skin.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Used for centuries, this natural extract is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as an aid in healing wounds and preventing scarring, and protecting the skin from UV damage.
If your dog has hot spots, allergies, or dry skin, give Lolahemp CBD balm for dogs a try. If you are not happy with it, let us know within 30 days and we will give you your money back! Here at Lolahemp, we are not happy unless our customers and their furry friends are happy.
References:
https://investingnews.com/innspired/cbd-skincare-topicals-are-invading-mainstream-retail/#:~:text=Topicals%20go%20mainstream&text=When%20used%20topically%2C%20CBD%20binds,sebum%20oil%20that%20triggers%20breakouts.
https://lolahemp.com/blogs/news/dog-afraid-loud-noises
https://lolahemp.com/blogs/news/how-to-stop-my-dog-from-barking-training-tips
https://lolahemp.com/collections/topicals
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/3-540-26573-2_23
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cpb/2020/00000021/00000005/art00007
https://lolahemp.com/blogs/news/cbd-oil-for-dogs-potential-drug-interactions
https://lolahemp.com/blogs/news/cbd-oil-for-your-dog-everything-you-need-to-know#twelve
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165614709001072
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30138623/
https://lolahemp.com/collections/topicals/products/lolahemp-full-spectrum-hemp-cbd-balm-200mg
A question – Have you had success with applying a topical cbd oil to a dog for a small hemmoroid? The vet is holding off on prescribing a cortisone, for obvious reasons, but she needs something for inflammation.