When it comes to taking profound care of your pet's health, CBD products have been one of the most utilized. As more and more studies are conducted about its health benefits, several other advantages are introduced to the public. Pet owners also take advantage of how CBD can aid in boosting your pet's health and wellness. Aside from CBD oil, CBD topicals also gain popularity in providing your fur babies with the comfort and pain relief they deserve.
What are CBD Topicals?
For individuals who are new to CBD products, you might be wondering what CBD topicals are. According to Healthline.com, it refers to "any cream, lotion or salve that's infused with CBD and can be applied directly to the skin."
CBD gels, creams, patches, lotions, and balms for skincare are now very much available for a wide array of purposes. Most manufacturers of these products infuse CBD to the most common pain formulas and skincare to give ultra comfort and support to humans and animals.
Although few known studies are conducted for CBD topicals, the discoveries and findings of these are promising. Can CBD topicals really help your pets? Healthline.com stated that its effectiveness is highly based on factors, including its quality, source, and dosage.
Benefits of CBD Topicals
CBD topicals can be applied to your pets and dogs to treat certain skin conditions. Essential fatty acids and linoleic acid found in full-spectrum CBD help promote fur and skin health. They can also be applied topically to certain affected areas such as inflamed joints and other body injuries. CBD topicals that are absorbed by the skin with very small amounts can reach the bloodstream. They should not interact with other drugs because these may affect your pet's condition. Always refer to an expert before giving any CBD product to your pets.
Like other forms of CBD-infused products, CBD topicals provide several benefits, such as:
- Alleviate skin problems
- Reduce muscle soreness
- Aid in reducing anxiety
- Prevent or reduce the risk of inflammation
- Help in dealing with separation anxiety of pets
- Aid with seizures in dogs
- Help in treating degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis
- Relieve skin irritations caused by skin parasites, autoimmune diseases, bacterial skin infection, and tick-borne illnesses
When it comes to resolving skin problems, CBD is proven to reduce inflammation and promote new cell growth. It also serves as an effective therapy for scrapes, rashes, hot spots, itchy and dry skins, and other skin-related diseases.
In a 2016 study by the European Journal of Pain, it was mentioned that the researchers utilized an animal model to discover if CBD can really help people suffering from arthritis if they can manage the pain. Besides, they applied a topical gel infused with CBD to rats with arthritis within four days to relieve their pain. It was noted by the researchers that there is a profound decrease in inflammation and symptoms of pain without further side effects.
CBD contains potent antioxidant properties. This is why it can help prevent inflammation of the skin or damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays and other contaminants in the environment.
In a study published by Arthritis Foundation, CBD products are also effective in relieving pain due to arthritis. CBD topicals provide a more targeted therapy form on addressing joint pain, chronic skin conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders.
A 2017 study, on the other hand, revealed that CBD becomes promising as a powerful neuroprotective and anti-acne compared to Vitamin C and E.
If you don't prefer your pet to ingest CBD oil, you may want to apply creams to a specific painful area. Topicals are a great option in treating the skin problems of your cats and dogs. As an added information, CBD topicals for pets usually come as a salve. These can be bought in different doses and used directly on your pet's coat or skin. CBD salves are made from natural ingredients with highly pure CBD oil.
How Do CBD Topicals Work?
Similar to how CBD oil and other forms of CBD work, topicals also function with the endocannabinoid system(ECS). This system is responsible for the sensations of pain and pleasure. They bind with cell receptors in the skin, tissue, muscles, and nerves. This is how they aid in alleviating inflammation and pain.
Medical News Today stated the following:
"The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates signals from cannabinoids. It produces some cannabinoids of its own, which are called endocannabinoids. The ECS helps regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system responses, and pain. When THC enters the body, it produces a "high" feeling by affecting the brain's endocannabinoid receptors. This activates the brain's reward system, producing pleasure chemicals such as dopamine."
As people become more interested in finding effective medical solutions for their pets, CBD products, especially topicals, continue to emerge and become well-known for providing amazing benefits. They are easier to administer than other CBD products that need to be ingested or taken orally.
Is Topical CBD Safe?
Any medication to be given to your dear pets should be safe and effective. There are reports that some CBD products taken orally can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and irritability. When it comes to CBD topicals, you can check third-party laboratory tests to ensure the products' safety and precautions.
Final Thoughts
The search for better products that will ensure the optimum health of your pet continues. Further studies and observations should be done to support the claims of the effectiveness of CBD topicals. Although these products can provide a wide range of benefits, including pain management and achieving blemish-free skin, it is imperative always to consider their users' reviews. Topicals' effectiveness varies based on their overall quality, potency, ingredients, and CBD profile.
Choosing the best CBD product can be tricky and challenging. It requires proper knowledge of what they can provide and how they should be used. Make sure to consult a licensed veterinarian before using CBD topicals for your pet.
