Thankfully, allergies can be addressed in dogs just as we find solutions for people. It’s all about getting to the root of the issue, adjusting the environment to our favor and being smart about inputs like diet and supplementation.

If you need a definitive guide to helping your dog fight off allergies, we’ve got it all right here! Let’s begin. 

1. Recognize the Symptoms

Every dog will show different allergy symptoms depending on their genetics, age, environment and other factors. This is where your mission begins as an owner – determining exactly what those symptoms are so you can then search for a solution.

In general, dogs tend to express allergy issues on the skin or coat, meaning they’ll scratch more frequently and furiously than usual. You may also notice that skin becomes swollen or irritated in certain areas and that general inflammation may occur.

Tracking these symptoms will lead you on the right track to treatment since you can monitor them in various environments and scenarios.

2. Scrub in the Tub (or Spa)

Nothing beats a good scrub-down as a quick and effective form of allergy relief. 

You may not be solving the problem at its core, but at least you can help your dog feel better in the short term and reduce some inflammation and discomfort.

You can do a standard scrub with doggie shampoo and conditioner or use a more specialized product that can offer relief for different types of skin and coats. If you’ve got the extra funds, send your dog in for a spa treatment and be sure to give them the full scoop on symptoms.

3. Cleanse Your Home Environment

We usually think of allergies being caused by the flora and fauna outside, but the home is actually where most of these irritants make their mark. Dust and dirt can build up over time for pet owners and more nefarious elements like mold can appear in areas of high moisture.

Even if your dog is showing moderate symptoms, the fix may be as simple as cleansing your home of all environmental irritants with a full and thorough cleaning session.

Your dog will appreciate the improvement in air quality and so will you! From there, you can manipulate different aspects of the air in your home, from temperature to moisture and air purification. 

Finally, you can say goodbye to mites, pollen, dander, bacteria and the rest.

4. Improve Food, Snacks and Supplements

Dogs have a totally different set of dietary needs than humans and you may be feeding them the wrong thing. Don’t beat yourself up about it – just figure out what foods are on the no-go list and make sure you keep their doggie diets on point from now on.

We’re not just talking about table scraps, either. Lots of store-bought dog food is less-than-optimal in nutrition and could contain unwanted ingredients or additives.

Start playing with your dog’s diet, cracking down on bad ingredients and taking note of any health or behavior changes along the way. The same goes for snacks, supplements and the other building blocks of your dog’s diet.

If your dog is experiencing a flare-up and needs quick relief, skip the jerky bites and try out allergy chews for dogs instead. This will give provide a powerhouse combo of active ingredients for real relief rather than a short distraction. 

5. Skip Certain Areas (and Times)

Your dog might seem eager to go on that daily walk to the park, but those trees, flowers and bushes may be the cause of their allergy irritation. 

There’s a wide array of grasses, vines, shrubs, herbs and weeds that can also lead to allergies at certain times of the year or even during weather events like post-rain or high winds.

Be more conscientious of all these types of wildlife around you and investigate what might be causing allergies for your dog, including the role of timing. A certain area may be a pollen-palooza in the morning, but then it clears out in the afternoon!

You’ll learn these intricacies more and more as you dedicate more time to your dog’s health and well-being. Plus, you’ll learn more about the environment and possibly even benefit your allergy management as a bonus.

Help Your Dog Be Free of Allergies

All that scratching, itching and sneezing is a sign it’s time to help your dog with those allergies! Tips to get started and don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet or dog expert friends for pet advice and extra insights.

What Is CBD?

CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound naturally found in the cannabis or hemp plant. This compound is known to have relaxing properties and gives therapeutic effects to its users. There have been a lot of misconceptions about CBD in the past, even until now, from people who have not learned enough about CBD. 

Many believe that CBD can cause psychoactive effects or you’ll get high if you use CBD. But this belief is false. Why?

There’s one compound in cannabis that is known to create “high” effects on users and that compound is THC. CBD cannot create high or psychoactive effects because it doesn’t have THC.

How Can CBD Help Your Pet?

It’s how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body. Like humans, some animals like cats and dogs have an endocannabinoid system too. When you take CBD, it interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in your nervous system and causes the CBD effects you experience. The same thing happens to animals, according to studies. 

The calming effect of CBD is proven to work with seizures, anxiety, depression, and stress.

For Some Pets CBD Could Potentially Help With the:

• anxiety- Have you ever noticed your dog getting anxious when you are preparing to go out or getting ready for work? Do you notice some weird behaviours after you leave them for a few hours? Your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety. Seeing your dog struggling while you’re walking away feels heartbreaking. Anxiety can have a huge impact on your pet’s health. They can get anxious with separation, loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or even just the sound of a vacuum. Giving them vet-formulated CBD can help them calm during these situations. One of the best ways to give CBD to your pet is through treats. CBD Pupper Bites from GETHempd is a beef-flavoured CBD treat your pets can surely enjoy. 

• Pain- CBD is also a great pain reliever. Pets can also suffer from body pain for different reasons, such as fractures, arthritis, surgery, etc. Continuous use of CBD can help to relieve the pain or help in treating chronic diseases effectively.

• Stimulating Appetite- If you have trouble getting your pets to eat, CBD could help. According to studies, CBD has been shown to increase appetite. 

• Seizure- CBD is often prescribed to epileptic patients since it has shown good results in calming seizures. It works with animals, too. There are many other medicines that you can give to your pet to calm seizures, but most of these medicines are damaging the liver. Again, consult your vet before using CBD. 

CBD Products

As the pet CBD market expands, a wide variety of products have become available. Understanding the different types can help you choose the best option for your furry friend:

CBD Oil Tinctures

CBD oil tinctures are one of the most popular and versatile forms of CBD for pets. They typically come in dropper bottles, allowing for easy administration directly into your pet’s mouth or mixed with food. Benefits of CBD oil tinctures include:

• Precise dosing
• Fast absorption
• Flexibility in administration methods

CBD Treats and Chews

For pets who may be reluctant to take oil, CBD-infused treats and chews offer a tasty alternative. These products come in various flavors and formulations, making them an appealing option for picky pets. Advantages of CBD treats include:

• Convenience
• Palatability
• Pre-measured dosing

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules provide a standardized dose of CBD in an easy-to-administer form. They can be given whole or opened and sprinkled over food. Benefits of CBD capsules include:

• Consistent dosing
• No mess or measuring required
• Ideal for pets who don’t like the taste of CBD oil

Topical CBD Products

For targeted relief of skin issues or localized pain, topical CBD products such as balms, creams, and sprays are available. These can be applied directly to the affected area. Advantages of topical CBD products include:

• Localized relief
• Easy application
• Beneficial for skin and coat health

CBD-Infused Pet Foods

Some pet food manufacturers are now incorporating CBD into their products. While this option may be convenient, it’s essential to ensure the food meets your pet’s nutritional needs and provides an appropriate CBD dosage.

The Endocannabinoid System in Pets

Just like humans, our furry friends also have an endocannabinoid system. This system works similarly in pets as it does in humans, helping to maintain homeostasis and regulate various bodily functions. By interacting with the ECS, CBD may offer a range of potential benefits for our animal companions.

Choosing the Right CBD Product for Your Pet

With so many options available, selecting the right CBD product for your pet can feel overwhelming. Consider the following factors when making your choice:

• Quality and Sourcing: Look for products made from high-quality, organically-grown hemp. Reputable companies should provide information about their sourcing and manufacturing processes.

• Third-Party Testing: Choose products that undergo third-party lab testing for purity and potency. Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that verifies the CBD content and absence of contaminants.

• CBD Concentration: Pay attention to the CBD concentration in the product. Higher concentrations may be more cost-effective but require more precise dosing.

• Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Full-spectrum CBD products contain a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, which may offer enhanced benefits due to the “entourage effect.” CBD isolate products contain only pure CBD. Consider your pet’s needs and any potential sensitivities when choosing between the two.

• Ease of Administration: Select a product that you can easily give to your pet. If your dog or cat is picky, flavored treats or chews might be the best option.

• Intended Use: Consider why you’re giving CBD to your pet. For example, a topical product might be best for skin issues, while an oil or treat may be more suitable for general wellness support.

Conclusion

CBD for pets represents an exciting frontier in animal health and wellness. While research is still ongoing, many pet owners report positive experiences with CBD in managing various conditions and promoting overall well-being in their furry companions.

It is best to consult your veterinarian before giving your pet CBD for correct dosing or in case there’s an existing health problem, or your pet is taking other medications.