Want to know more about topical CBD products? Well, you stumbled upon the right article. I have included some of the most seminal points you need to know to decide if CBD topicals are suitable for your furry friends. Stick around to learn more.
What Are Topical CBD Products?
Before we even start discussing topical CBD for dogs, you must have a clear idea about CBD topicals. This will enable you guys to understand it and form clearer opinions about it. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the several components that is found in the cannabis class of plants. These are not psychoactive. As a result, CBD is often used for medicinal purposes.
CBD Topicals, on the other hand, are CBD products that are applied directly to the skin. These topicals come in several different forms and formats. These include gel, lotions, creams, etc. Each of these variants offers another form of relief and usage.
But first, let me educate you on some of the basics about CBD Topicals.
How Do CBD Topicals Work?
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. There are countless nerve endings and receptors that are spread throughout your skin. Your skin carries out complex functions like absorption and receiving sensory data.
Topicals are applied directly onto your skin. However, some variants are applied transdermally. Topical CBD application works by directly binding with nearby endocannabinoid receptors. As a result, these topicals work in a localized or targeted manner.
Unlike other variants of cannabis like THC distillate, edibles, etc, this variant of CBD does not make a person high. It only helps to give some localized relief. Therefore, do not expect to be high on your all-new CBD Topical.
Types Of CBD Topicals
Topical CBD products come in different shapes and sizes. Each of these variants offers a different experience and function. While some variants only work locally, others go the mile and enter the bloodstream. As a result, I have made a point of formulating a small list of some of the most common variants of CBD Topicals. This section will only deal with skin-based topicals and not include transdermal variants. Here we Go!
CBD Balm
First up is the CBD Balm. These come in thick consistency and have a myriad of natural healing properties. These topicals contain lesser water content than usual. As a result, they can be pretty thick in consistency. CBD Balms are usually used to manage pain. Some of the best CBD topicals for pain management come in CBD balm format. Also, CBD Balms are also used to treat conditions like dry and rough skin.
CBD Gel
CBD Gels are consistent with balms but are aimed toward pain management and inflammation control. There are several brands in the market that come with their very own set of applications and usages. At the same time, some gels offer general pain management. Other topicals come with specific pain management. Companies have even made CBD gels that are exceptionally effective in dealing with arthritis pain or other chronic pain. Therefore, you need to choose according to your requirements.
CBD Lotions
Another popular variant of CBD topicals is CBD lotions. This variant of topicals includes the most amount of water content. As a result, it is one of the most dilute variants of CBD topicals. CBD lotions are mostly used to treat skin ailments like dry skin, psoriasis, etc. In fact, CBD lotions are known for dealing with a myriad of other problems as well. These topicals are usually made with full-spectrum CBD. This means the user will be able to avail the complete goodness of the Cannabis class of plants.
Is CBD Safe For Dogs?
Choosing a product for your dog is not the easiest thing you can do. In fact, there are several factors that play a key role. As a result, it is seminal to take a moment and ask yourself one simple question: Is it safe for my dog? This section will try to answer and alleviate that confusion.
According to recent research on CBD topicals, it was found that CBD is a pet-friendly chemical. This means that CBD can be safely used in order to treat a myriad of ailments. However, the same study also showed that THC is fatal for dogs. Therefore, you can only give products that contain CBD and not THC.
So whenever you are out to buy topical CBD for dogs, you need to make sure that the product does not contain any traces of THC. Otherwise, you might have a disaster at your hands. But the general takeaway from this section should be that CBD is safe for dogs.
How Do CBD Topicals For Dogs Work?
CBD Topicals are safe for your pooches, but how does it actually work? The answer is simple. Every organism except for insects has a system known as the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system determines several aspects of an organism’s body, like libido, pain management, sleep cycle, etc. CBD directly interacts with this system and helps your dog in various ways. Here are some of the most common effects of CBD on your dog.
Anxiety And Stress
CBD is a great mood-elevating agent. This means it can positively influence an organism’s mood. As a result, CBD can truly help your dog deal with its anxiety and stress. Dogs do not have the ability to talk about their anxieties and stresses. Therefore, you need to identify markers of stress and anxiety in order to help your pooch.
Apart from anxiety and stress, CBD can also help in controlling deviant behavior in dogs. A 2021 study showed that shelter dogs with CBD in their systems tend to be less aggressive than other dogs.
Pain And Osteoarthritis
Seven out of ten dogs will experince the effects of Osteoarthritis at some point in their lives. It is a form of joint-related issue that is prevalent in senior dogs. As a result, studies were conducted in order to understand how CBD can work to help dogs with Osteoarthritis.
Researchers believe that CBD overrides a dog’s pain management centers and dilutes the pain or discomfort. However, the study provides us with limited information regarding the condition. As a result, I will not be able to give you a conclusive answer. Still, we have enough data to give it a shot.
Seizures
Just like Humans, dogs also experience bouts of epileptic seizures. In fact, it is a very common condition in older dogs. Therefore, several studies were conducted in order to understand how CBD works for seizures. According to a 2019 study, CBD is proven to be helpful for seizures in humans as well as dogs.
Recent data shows that CBD and CBD products can work 30% more effectively compared to other medications. As a result, you must consider using topical CBD for dogs with conditions like epilepsy. It is safe and works better than most other medications.
Inflammation And Immunity
Dogs tend to demonstrate inflammation and immunity deficiency with age. In fact, these conditions aggravate with more and more time. Therefore, a study was conducted to identify chemicals that can help alleviate these symptoms. The results of this study showed that CBD is effective in dealing with these problems.
The CBD bonds with the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system in order to produce positive results. However, the results are inconsistent. While some breeds demonstrated positive results, others showed no results. So, you need to do some testing before you start seeing your results.
Cancer
No other disease is as destructive as cancer. It is easily one of the worst diseases that your pooch can face. Sources suggest that four out of ten dogs suffer from cancer. Out of these, only a few manage to recover. Therefore, several studies were conducted in order to see how CBD can be used in order to combat the effects of cancer.
One such study found that CBD has the ability to combat cancer. The same study showed that some early-stage cancers can actually be dealt with using CBD products. It was seen that CBD enabled apoptosis or cell death. Howevevr, do not administer CBD without your vet’s suggestion.
Benefits Of Using Topical CBD For Dogs
Now that I have talked about some general goodness of CBD for your dogs, I think it is time that we take a specialized look into topical CBD for dogs. In this section, I will specifically talk about topical CBD products and their general benefits on your dog’s health. Then again, CBD topicals are not psychoactive in nature. This means your dog would not just ‘calm down’ or become high. Here are some of the most common benefits of topical CBD for dogs.
Targeted Approach
The foremost benefit of topicals is that they only affect a localized area. In other words, it will only work on a specific patch of the skin it is applied on. Therefore, this would help you to get more bang for the buck. Furthermore, these topicals also tend to work much faster than most other form of alternative medication. As a result, your dog will experience quicker results.
Bypassing The Digestive System
Dogs are unique creatures. They will try to eat everything, but they are allergic to most things. Therefore, pet parents are mostly concerned about allergic reactions. However, topical CBD for dogs alleviates that stress. Topical CBD for dogs is applied on the skin. As a result, the format bypasses the digestive system completely. Hence, it lowers the chances of a fatal allergic reaction.
Avoids Drug Interaction
CBD is a CYP450 metabolic inhibitor. Therefore, oral administration of CBD might interact with other medications in order to produce a negative set of results. Topical administration of CBD eliminates that question altogether. As a result, several vets consider using topicals to avoid drug interaction.
Reduced Dependency On Prescription Medication
Becoming heavily dependent on medications is never a fun thing to experience. In fact, it does more harm than help. As a result, pet parents and vets are looking for alternative medicines in order to treat their dogs. CBD topicals can be one of the options. It is known to provide swift and reliable results with fewer side effects. Therefore, CBD Topicals for dogs offer a better alternative.
Stimulate The Skin’s Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid system, or ECS, plays a significant role in several different aspects of a dog’s health. As a result, this system must be regulated in order to avoid complications. Topical CBD for dogs tried to tap into this system via skin. As a result, it is more effective. Also, CBD topicals have added benefits like skin moisturization, rejuvenation, etc. Hence, pet parents need to understand the overall appeal of topicals for their pet’s health.
Components Of A CBD Topical For Dogs
CBD Topicals for dogs contain several components. These components have gone through specialized screenings in order to decide their effectiveness. Understanding some of these components will enable you to understand how or if it is safe for your dogs. Here are some of the most generalized components that you can find in topicals.
Soybean Oil: This is a natural skin conditioning component. It is known to moisturize and rejuvenate your pet’s skin and fur.
Beeswax: This is a natural coagulating agent that holds the other components of CBD Topicals.
Sunflower Seed Oil: Studies have identified that sunflower seed oil has properties to encourage healthy dead skin regeneration. Therefore, it is an essential part of these topicals.
The Closing Thought
With that, you have reached the very end of my discussion about topical CBD for dogs. Even though studies are not conclusive and have some loopholes, it is evident that topicals have no side effects. As a result, you should give CBD topical a try. Keep following our page for more such cannabis-related content.
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