CBD Balm for Dogs: How It Can Help Your Pet’s Skin and Joints
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Time to read 8 min
Are you someone whose priority is to keep their dog comfortable, protect them, and ensure they are healthy? Sometimes, despite your best efforts you may notice your dog constantly licking, scratching, or limping due to irritated skin, sore paws, or painful joints. Please don't feel guilty – your pup's skin problem is not an isolated case. Many dogs suffer from skin irritations and cracked paws.
Here's why your dogs' first line of defense against environmental factors is their skin. Their paw pads, though tough, are sensitive to rough surfaces, extreme temperatures, and chemicals.
Your fur babies may get cracked paws and sore paw pads from walking on rough surfaces, extreme weather, and aging. This can make daily walks difficult and painful. Your pup may also suffer from allergies and insect bites that cause itching, redness, and flakiness.
That's where CBD balm for dogs comes in – to provide soothing relief from dryness, inflammation, and discomfort. However, if your pup shows signs of an allergic reaction, it is best to consult with your vet to treat the underlying conditions.
Let's delve deeper into this topic to understand which is the best CBD balm for dogs' skin infections, paws, and joints.
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Best CBD Balm for Dogs
So, what makes a particular CBD balm for dogs stand out from the rest as the best option for your dog's skin problems? We like them in general because CBD balms for dogs are applied topically, offering non-invasive, soothing relief for your dog's paws and dry skin. However, since you should only get what's best for your pup (we know you do!), ensure the CBD balm is made with high-quality, organic ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals and additives that could irritate the skin.
Using low-quality generic products may offer your canine friend short-term relief. However, many contain harmful additives, artificial flavors, and preservatives that may cause stomach upset or allergic reactions.
These are the ingredients that make CBD balm beneficial for dogs.
Full-spectrum CBD extract
Why should dog owners choose organic full-spectrum CBD extract? It's a vital ingredient in formulating CBD oil and balms – for instance, nose balm, paw balm, and dog paw balm. This extract contains a trace amount of THC (less than 0.3%) so your dog won't get high but will still benefit. Full-spectrum CBD extract also contains terpenes from organic full-spectrum hemp extract to help soothe your pup's skin.
This combined effect enhances CBD's therapeutic benefits. With the cannabinoid receptors located throughout your furry friend's body, full-spectrum CBD balm for dogs interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to alleviate pain in the affected area.
A veterinarian may recommend using CBD balm for dogs or oil to relieve joint pain, dry or itchy skin, hot spots, and muscle soreness.
MCT oil and jojoba oil
A good CBD balm for dogs can also contain MCT oil as a carrier oil to ensure deep skin penetration and optimal absorption while also moisturizing and maintaining healthy skin. Since CBD is fat-soluble, it cannot be efficiently absorbed on its own. That is why we use carrier oils like MCT oil to help dissolve the CBD and facilitate its absorption into the bloodstream. This ensures more of the CBD reaches your dog's systems to deliver its therapeutic benefits to the joints, skin, or paws.
Jojoba mimics the skin's natural oils, providing deep hydration while being gentle on your pup's skin and not exacerbating skin allergies.
Organic beeswax
Beeswax adds a protective barrier that locks in moisture in CBD balm for dogs. This shields sensitive skin from environmental irritants and repels daily dirt and grime without clogging pores.
Hemp seed oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E
Hemp seed oil improves skin and coat health and helps reduce inflammation. Avocado oil soothes dry, flaky skin and enhances your dog's overall skin texture. Vitamin E supports skin repair by enhancing moisture retention and promoting the healing of minor wounds, cracks, and irritations. Some CBD balm products may contain organic olive oil as an alternative which is also a great option.
Lavender essential oil
Lastly, the hint of lavender essential oil in CBD balm not only provides a calming, natural scent for your fur baby to promote relaxation and stress relief, but it also offers mild antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a thoughtful additive to our CBD balm for dogs, it also acts as a natural insect repellent to protect your pup from bugs and pests, while its soothing effect can help reduce redness, irritation, and itching.
When these ingredients are infused together they create a sweet-smelling, natural but effective formula that supports your dog's overall skin health.
Caring for Your Dog's Irritated Skin and Paws
- Start by regularly inspecting your dog’s skin and paws, especially after walks. Look for signs like redness, swelling, dryness, cracks, hot spots, or their usual tale-tell sign – licking and chewing. These symptoms can be caused by various factors, including allergies, contact with irritants, or even infections from bacteria, fungi, or parasites. If you notice severe symptoms like bleeding, oozing, or signs of infection, consult your vet promptly.
- If your pup just has a mild irritation, gentle cleaning with lukewarm water and a pet-safe, fragrance-free soap or soothing shampoo can help clean the area. Ensure you dry the area to prevent fungal growth then apply high-quality CBD pet balm like Nourish-Restore™ Full-Spectrum CBD Balm.
- Nourish-Restore™ CBD balm for dogs is made in the USA using USA-grown hemp and ethically sourced ingredients. It also has 2,000 mg of total CBD in a 2 oz (60 g) jar, offering faster relief for chronic pain and inflammation compared to CBD balms with lower dosages. It also comes with a Certificate of Analysis that proves you are getting a quality product for your pup.
- For cracked paws, apply dog paw balm with CBD after washing the paws and use a sock to prevent paw chewing and licking. However, if the cracks are severe or they're bleeding, consult your veterinarian.
- Groom your furry friend regularly to keep them clean and to detect parasites and injuries earlier. Since stress can cause paw licking and chewing, strive to do activities your dog likes to keep them calm.
Conclusion: Best CBD Balm for Dogs
When shopping for the best CBD balm for dogs, ensure you get a product made from natural ingredients that offer a range of benefits going beyond simple moisturization. Your pet may benefit from CBD paw, skin, and nose balm. The condition of their paws and skin will likely improve, and their joints may get better. The natural anti-inflammatory properties found in full-spectrum CBD balm can help with joints or sore muscles, providing localized relief from stiffness or mild discomfort. Since your pup may still lick and ingest the balm, stop the use of your CBD balm if you see side effects such as vomiting and soft stools.
Full-spectrum CBD extract with natural terpenes boosts the balm's anti-inflammatory, soothing, and healing effects, providing faster relief for irritated skin and sore paws.
Naturally sourced organic hemp creates a safe, chemical-free product that promotes your dog’s overall well-being, making CBD balm an effective, holistic choice for daily care.
While you use dog CBD balm, work closely with your veterinarian to find out the underlying issues to give your dog a happy, pain-free, and healthy life.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
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How does CBD Happy-Furever™ work?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Happy-Furever's Full-Spectrum CBD, is a formulation that contains not just CBD but also a range of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant.
The Entourage Effect:
- Happy-Furever’s Full-Spectrum CBD benefits dogs through something known as the "entourage effect."
- This effect suggests that CBD, when combined with other cannabis compounds, works more effectively than it would on its own. The various components of the cannabis plant work in synergy to enhance the therapeutic effects of each other.
- In other words, the full spectrum of cannabinoids, including a safe level of THC (below 0.3%), terpenes, and other cannabis constituents, work together to bolster the beneficial effects on your dog's health.
Dog’s Endocannabinoid System:
- Dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex network of receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) and endogenous chemicals is responsible for maintaining balance and healthy functioning within the body.
- It regulates and influences a variety of physiological processes including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and the immune system response.
How CBD Benefits Dogs:
- When CBD is introduced to a dog’s body, it interacts with the ECS, specifically the cannabinoid receptors. CBD influences them indirectly and increases the levels of endocannabinoids in the body. This can lead to various health benefits, such as:
- Reducing Anxiety: CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety in dogs, which can be beneficial in various stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, or separation from owners.
- Pain Relief : It can offer pain relief, particularly in cases of inflammation, arthritis, or neuropathy.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: CBD may help in reducing inflammation throughout the body, which is especially beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions.
- Supporting Neurological Health: CBD is also believed to provide neuroprotective effects, which can help senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans) or help in managing seizures.
- Boosting Overall Wellness: By promoting homeostasis, CBD can generally enhance the overall well-being of dogs, supporting healthier joints, skin, and fur.
It's important to note that while Full-Spectrum CBD has potential benefits, it should be used responsibly and always start at a lower dosage before increasing with time, as dogs may be sensitive to oils in general. Always ensure the CBD product is of high quality and specifically formulated for pets to avoid harmful additives and ensure proper dosage (just like Happy-Furever, ensure there's a Certificate of Analysis).
How do I use CBD Happy-Furever Oil™ for my dog? What's the most effective way?
(1a) Transmucosal applications or rubbing CBD oil onto your dog's gums.*
- Highly recommended for the best bioavailability & effectiveness.
- 15 - 60 minutes to take effect.
- *Works well because your dogs' mucous membranes absorb the CBD, so it goes directly into their bloodstream without traveling through their digestive system.
(1b) You can apply directly on the mouth after food.
- Recommended for bioavailability & effectiveness.
- 20 - 60 minutes to take effect.
(2) Apply directly on dog food - drop it on their food and mix it well.
- Recommended for picky dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
- Least bioavailability.
- 45 - 90 minutes to take effect.*
(3) Apply directly onto treat - trick or treat?
- The next most bioavailable option.
- 45 - 90 minutes to take effect.
(4) Rub Into Ears
- If you can't get them to take it orally, the next option is to apply the oil on the soft skin of your dog's inner ear.
- However, do note that this is the least bioavailable option.
Important note: dogs may be sensitive to oils in general, always start at a low dosage, and slowly increase with time.
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