CBD for atopic dermatitis in dogs: a promising adjunctive therapy
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, triggered by environmental allergens. It is a common condition across many dog breeds, affecting up to 15% of the canine population.
AD leads to itching, redness, and discomfort in dogs. The itchiness can range from mild to severe in intensity, and it results in constant scratching which can exacerbate the issue by breaking the skin and leading to infections.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of CBD in managing AD in dogs and review what the latest research reveals about its potential benefits for this condition.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction that triggers inflammation of the skin. Atopy refers to a heightened immune response to common allergens, and dermatitis refers to inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Common allergens include:
Pollen
Dust mites
Mould
Dander (skin cells)
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs may include some or all of the following:
Itchiness (pruritus)
Red, inflamed patches of skin
Scabs or crusts on the skin
Loss of fur
Dogs with AD are susceptible to secondary skin, ear, and yeast infections, and often have sensitive skin. Any skin infection, flea infestation, or food allergy can worsen the condition, potentially triggering flare-ups even in well-managed cases. If left untreated, AD can significantly affect the quality of life for pets, leading to distress and secondary skin infections due to constant scratching.
How are atopic dogs treated?
Although AD has no cure, effective treatment can help your dog enjoy a good quality of life. Treatment plans are customised to each dog and may vary with the seasons or change over time. Often, a combination of different strategies is used to increase effectiveness, and finding the right approach may involve trying several options to see what works best for each individual.
Common treatments include medications like corticosteroids, antihistamines, and specialised shampoos, but there is growing interest in natural remedies like CBD.
How CBD may help with atopic dermatitis
CBD has gained traction in recent years for its potential anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anti-anxiety effects. It is non-intoxicating and generally considered safe and well tolerated.
You can read more about the safety and side effects of CBD in pets here.
CBD might offer several advantages for dogs with AD:
Anti-inflammatory properties
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating immune responses and maintaining homeostasis. By modulating the ECS, CBD may reduce inflammation, potentially easing redness and swelling triggered by allergens.Reduction in itchiness
Research suggests that CBD may help diminish the nerve signals responsible for itching, breaking the cycle of discomfort and offering relief.Anti-anxiety effects
Dogs with AD often experience stress due to their discomfort. CBD is known for its anxiety-relieving properties, which can soothe an anxious pet. Calmer dogs are less likely to scratch excessively or irritate their skin further, allowing their body time to heal.Pain management
CBD has shown potential as an analgesic (pain reliever), making it a valuable addition to treatment plans for dogs experiencing pain due to open sores, hot spots, or inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis.
What the research says
Though research on CBD for canine AD is still in its early stages, several studies have shown promising results.
01
This 2022 study explored the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a potential therapeutic target for managing atopic dermatitis in dogs. Researchers investigated the expression of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) and related receptors in various immune cells from the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis. The results showed that inflammatory cells, such as mast cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and neutrophils, expressed CB2 receptors and the related receptors. This suggests that the ECS plays a significant role in the skin’s inflammatory response. The researchers concluded that targeting the ECS, particularly CB2 and related receptors, could provide a valuable therapeutic approach for alleviating inflammation and itching in dogs with AD.
02
This retrospective study (2022) examined the effects of CBD-containing hemp oil (without THC) as a supplemental treatment for canine atopic dermatitis in dogs. Veterinary dermatologists assessed eight dogs using physical exams, plasma C-reactive protein levels, and measures like the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale. The results showed that CBD, when used in combination with other medications, was well tolerated over a wide dose range and reduced pruritus in dogs with AD when given twice daily. This study is the first to report that CBD without THC can help control pruritic behaviour in dogs with AD. A limitation of this study is that there was no control group used. Further research is needed to explore its safety, dosing, and overall efficacy of CBD in canine atopic dermatitis.
03
In this randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study (2022), dogs with atopic dermatitis were assigned to receive either 2 mg/kg of a CBD/CBDA blend or a placebo for 4 weeks, while maintaining any concurrent therapies. Lesion severity and itchiness were assessed on Days 0, 14, and 28 by investigators and pet owners. Blood tests and cytokine analysis were performed at baseline and day 28. Results showed that while CBD/CBDA did not impact lesion severity, it did reduce pruritus in some dogs as an adjunct therapy. The treatment was well-tolerated with minimal side effects, and higher serum concentrations of CBD/CBDA were linked to greater itch reduction. The researchers noted that a longer study duration might be required to observe anti-inflammatory effects.
04
This study, published in Frontiers in 2022, investigated the distribution of cannabinoid receptors in keratinocytes of healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis. It was found that there is a presence of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors in healthy keratinocytes which suggests the possible role of the ECS in canine epidermal homeostasis, while their overexpression in the inflamed tissues of the dogs with AD suggests the involvement of the ECS in the pathogenesis of this disease, having a possible role in the related skin inflammation and itching. Based on the present findings, the ECS could be considered a potential therapeutic target for dogs with AD. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider that CBD could play a role in counteracting the skin barrier dysregulation in this condition. Studies carried out have indicated that CBD, unlike THC, does not produce intoxicating effects and may exert beneficial effects on pain perception. Moreover, CBD shows anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties which can improve AD symptoms.
Conclusion
Atopic dermatitis can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition for both pets and their owners. CBD offers a natural, potentially effective option for managing symptoms such as inflammation, itching, pain and the associated anxiety that dogs may experience with this condition.
It is important to note that CBD should not replace traditional veterinary treatments, especially in severe cases of AD. Instead, CBD may be used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments, as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Consult your vet to discuss CBD as a treatment option for your dog. With the right approach, CBD could be the key to improving your pet’s quality of life, helping them feel more comfortable in their skin.
