In general, hemp oil is beneficial for all pets. However, most will notice so many more benefits during the spring and summer months when allergies are at their worst. The following are the ways hemp oil for cats can help control seasonal allergies.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation can be one of the underlying causes of allergy-related symptoms in humans and animals alike, be it scratching, rashes, or irritable bowel disease (IBD). CBD hemp oil helps reduce the inflammation that leads to these uncomfortable signs related to allergies with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Evidence suggests that CBD acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable atoms in the body causing harm to cells.
Helps Fight Bacteria
CBD hemp oil has antibacterial properties that can help eliminate or combat bacterial infections caused by allergies. Pets with inhalant allergies tend to have more issues with their respiratory tract, which makes it easier for bacteria to establish an infection, especially if your pet is constantly scratching at its throat.
Luckily, these same antibacterial properties work on yeast and fungus too. If your pet’s allergies are causing them discomfort related to yeast infections of the skin, CBD may be able to help.
Helps Improve General Circulation
Did you know that when your cat licks something, it may be trying to self-medicate? It tells their body that something is causing them discomfort, and they need to get it out. This can be done with CBD hemp oil but in the best way possible.
Applying CBD topically will give immediate pet relief from seasonal allergies without having to ingest it internally – which could be dangerous if they were to lick the residue off.
Hemp oil for cats also helps improve blood circulation, even if applied externally. A healthy circulatory system means that more nutrients and oxygen can get where they need to go (including tough-to-reach areas like ears and paws).
When the blood flow becomes constricted or slowed down, symptoms such as redness and swelling can occur, which is why CBD hemp oil can benefit pets with allergies.
Other Helpful Tips and Tricks to Remember
If your pet suffers from inhalant allergies, try using a HEPA air filter to help reduce the number of allergens floating around indoors. You can also invest in an at-home humidifier to keep the air moist during peak allergy season. This will help soothe any inflammation or dryness your pet may have.
Some other tips include:
- Bathe your pet only when necessary and use oatmeal shampoo instead of something that could further irritate their skin.
- While shaving off excess fur during allergy season may be tempting, the truth is that your pet’s coat works as an air filter. Cutting off too much could cause more problems than you were initially trying to fix.
- If your dog goes outdoors, make sure their collar tags are up-to-date and consider using a leash with a “no pull” design. Pulling on the leash only increases pressure around the neck – which can further exacerbate any respiratory issues.
If none of these tricks or tips work for your pet, who has severe allergies throughout the year, please contact your veterinarian for guidance on how to treat them best. Allergy testing may be necessary in such cases, as well as treatment medications such as steroids or even antihistamines.
What to Remember When Shopping For CBD Hemp Oil
There are many places to find CBD hemp oil, but it’s best to purchase it from a reputable source. Look online and check reviews before buying to make sure you’re getting a quality product and not something that has been cut (or contaminated) with other ingredients.
It’s also important to note that whole-plant hemp extract contains much more than just cannabidiol. Cannabis plants have over 400 different compounds, so look for products extracted using CO2 or ethanol methods to ensure your pet’s safety. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Be careful if you are planning to give CBD hemp oil to your pets. Even though they are not capable of getting high from it, there is still a chance that they may feel disoriented or nauseous. If this happens, stop giving them the product immediately and contact your veterinarian for help.
Like humans, animals can grow dependent on certain medications (including CBD). It is necessary to talk with your vet before introducing a new medication into their system – especially if it’s something like hemp oil which hasn’t been approved by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) as an official “dietary supplement.”