If you’ve googled CBD oil recently, you’ll know there are numerous ways to introduce your dog to the benefits of this cannabis derivative.

You can drop it on their treats and snacks. You can apply to your dog’s gums, paws, and joints—especially good for aches and pains in elderly dogs. Or, you could massage it directly into their skin.

But how do you decide which application method is best for your pet?

Brown dog scratching itself

 

Why delivery method matters

Here’s the theory behind applying CBD oil topically to doggo’s skin, rather than having them eat it:

  • CBD interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system. This system has receptors throughout most of the body’s major organs and can affect all kinds of internal processes.

  • CBD interaction will be strongest where receptors are exposed to the highest concentrations of CBD (cannabinoid) molecules. This is why traditional cannabis products are often inhaled—to expose them directly to the bloodstream and circulatory system.

  • Therefore, you should apply CBD wherever you want it to have the biggest effect. That means oral consumption for digestive or whole-body systemic issues, on bones and joints for targeted pain relief, and the skin for topical treatment and conditioning.

As a general rule, any method of CBD ingestion is going to have some level of whole-body effect, but as the largest organ in the body, the skin stands out as a way of targeting localized clusters of cannabinoid receptors, while bypassing the digestive or circulatory system.

Related: Best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis

When skin application is the right option

So, why might you want to target cannabinoid receptors in a dog’s skin? There are four main reasons for delivering CBD via the skin (but don’t feel limited by these—other reasons are just as good too!)

Reducing swelling, itching, and inflammation

Dogs hate itchy skin! Stop them rolling repeatedly across your carpet by applying CBD oil where your pup is focusing their attention biting or scratching. Cannabinoids will bind to receptors in that area, helping to restore homeostasis in the affected part of their body.

The efficacy of topical CBD for reducing inflammation was tested in a study on rats with arthritis, published in The European Journal of Pain. By applying CBD oil to the animals’ skin for a period of four days, researchers were able to visually reduce swelling and pro‐inflammatory biomarkers.

Treating dryness, rashes, and skin issues

In the same way, topical application of CBD is able to zone-in on problem skin far more effectively than oral ingestion, because it will work directly on-site rather than entering the bloodstream (which means losing some CBD as it’s processed by a dog’s metabolism.)

A 2019 paper published in Clinical Therapeutics lends some evidential weight to these claims—at least for its use in humans. When CBD ointment was used for three months on participants with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and scars, their skin conditions showed significant signs of improvement.

Conditioning fur and skin

CBD is an antioxidant. This means that CBD may have the ability to prevent or delay some types of cell damage, which therefore gives it potential as a skin and fur conditioner. So older dogs, listen up—weekly pampering sessions with CBD oil may help to keep that fur it pristine, dog-park-ready shape!

More seriously, CBD’s antioxidizing credentials make it a great therapeutic option, post-surgery. Massaging with CBD oil as part of a recovery plan will help ensure that skin doesn’t become taut or inflamed as it heals.

It’s also worth pointing out that CBD oil is, well, an oil. It’s therefore a natural option for moisturizing and conditioning your dog’s fur and skin. Unlike other moisturizing oils, however, CBD oil gets its calming and soothing effect without the need for any additives.

Introducing your dog to a new substance

Because of CBDs effectiveness in treating anxiety, there’s a sizeable crossover between anxious pups and CBD usage. We’ve all known dogs who can sniff out a pill hidden inside a mountain of dog food, and while some dogs are naturally cautious about anything vet or medicine-related, those with chronic anxiety can be seriously upset by any change to their routine or new sight or smell in their home.

In order to avoid the formation of negative associations with CBD, it can help to familiarize anxious dogs with CBD oil before you attempt to orally administer it. The easiest way to do this is by placing a small amount of oil on your hand and letting your pup investigate. If that goes well, then try stroking your dog with the oil still applied.

When not to put CBD oil on your dog’s skin

  • When you’re short on time. If you don’t want an oily pup, you’ll need to massage oil well into fur and skin, which can take some time. While this can act as a nice bonding moment between you and your dog, it may not be convenient at all times of the day. Here, a quick CBD treat is probably better.

  • When you want CBD to have a systemic or whole-body effect. While skin application may minorly affect other parts of the body, oral or sublingual (under the tongue) ingestion is best for treating general issues like anxiety.

  • When a target area is in a place your dog can readily lick off (you may as well save time and go for the oral route!)