Can CBD Help Dogs Stop Scratching?
Few behaviors are as stereotypically "dog" as scratching, particularly behind the ears. However, this normal behavior can sometimes be a sign that something is wrong.
We explain what might be causing your dog to itch and how CBD might help.
Key Takeaways
- Scratching is totally normal, but when done excessively can be indicative that something is up with your furry friend.
- Itching can be caused by physical triggers, like dry skin, pollen, food, household cleaners, and more.
- Stress, inflammation, and other internal factors can also cause itchiness.
- The biology behind itching is still not fully understood, with researchers making multiple new discoveries in recent years.
- Fortunately, treating itchiness is a little simpler than understanding it, and can often be done with CBD products.
- Research shows CBD can help with many of the factors that cause itchiness, and multiple studies have demonstrated that CBD reduces scratching in dogs.
See Related: 4 Weird Ways Stress Can Affect Your Dog
What Causes Itching in Dogs
Few things are as frustrating as an itch you just can't scratch. You may have seen one of the many viral videos of dogs groaning in pleasure as their owners scratch inside their ears. Or maybe you've seen how your furry friend's legs twitch when you hit the spot with a good scratch.
The occasional scratch in dogs is totally normal. We all get itchy sometimes.
However, too much scratching can be a sign that something isn't quite right. If you think your dog is scratching too much, it's best to try and figure out the root problem and then get to work with solutions.
Dry Skin
Skin issues account for almost one-fifth of all vet visits for dogs.¹
Sometimes, the issue is as simple as dry skin. Your dog's skin is actually a massive organ, one that protects everything inside from, well, everything outside.² When skin dries out, it becomes less effective as a barrier.
When the skin barrier is weakened, irritating particles can get inside more easily than they otherwise would. That can cause skin irritation and itching.³
Dry skin itself can also become itchy.⁴
Environmental Triggers
Irritating particles can cause itchiness even when the skin is at full health.
One common example of these particles is pollen. Many pet parents will have suffered through seasonal allergies. But did you know they're actually quite common among dogs, too?
In fact, between 10 and 25% of dogs react to pollen.⁵ This reaction might be the cause of your dog's itching.
Food Allergies
Your dog's allergies might also come from their food. One study from 2023 confirmed that certain foods can contribute to itchy skin in some dogs.⁶
Dirt and Debris
As pet parents, we've all had to watch in resignation as our furball covers themselves with mud. Dogs are drawn to dirt and mud — and, yes, poo — for all kinds of reasons. Mud, for example, can cool them down.⁷
Of course, rolling around in the muck is just plain fun! For a dog, anyway.
Unfortunately, all that dirt and debris can lead to irritated skin. If your dog normally doesn't have sensitive skin, but you notice excessive scratching, some unnoticed dirt might be the cause.
Remember, your dog's fur has all kinds of hiding places where dirt, bits of plants, and other irritating particles can hide.
Bugs Hitching a Ride
Speaking of things hiding in your dog's fur, creepy crawlies could also be the cause of your dog's itchy skin.
Some of these insects might cause itching themselves, like through bites. But one study found that almost two-thirds of dogs showed allergy symptoms when exposed to insect allergens.⁸
Household Products
Cleaning your dog is obviously important, but take care. Some products, including those intended to wash hair and skin, can cause itchy skin in dogs that are sensitive.
Stress
Sometimes, your dog's itchy skin might not be caused by anything physical at all. In fact, their skin might not even be itchy! At least, not in the ways we've described above.
Stress can cause all kinds of behaviors in dogs. Excessive licking and scratching is one of them.⁹
The Science Behind Scratching
Itchiness might seem simple. Something irritates the skin, the skin itches, and you scratch it. Done.
In reality, itching is far more complicated.
Itchiness is so complex that we're still discovering new things about it. In 2019, for example, scientists from the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine identified the exact neurotransmitters and receptors involved in itching in dogs for the very first time.¹⁰
That's one of the reasons itching can sometimes be so mysterious. Your dog's body might be squeaky clean; they might not have any allergies; and yet they could be scratching away like nobody's business.
Bonus: How to Calm Down a Cat in 5 Simple Steps
Fortunately, relieving your dog's itchy skin is often pretty simple. There are two basic steps. Let's explore them now.
How to Stop Scratching
The first step to stopping scratching is identifying what is causing the scratching. As we've discussed, this might be more complicated than it first appears.
However, there's a good chance you can solve your dog's scratching by removing whatever is triggering it.
If your dog is dirty, clean them. Insects? Remove them. Reacting to something in their food or environment? Get rid of it.
Removing the cause of the itch is often the best way to stop scratching.
However, that doesn't always work. For example, what if your dog has seasonal allergies? You can't exactly expect to keep them cooped up inside all the time.
That's where CBD comes in.
Ways CBD Stops Dogs From Scratching
The second step in stopping scratching is CBD, or cannabidiol. This naturally occurring cannabinoid is found in the hemp plant. Research shows it has various potential health benefits.
Fortunately for us — and our itchy dogs — many of these potential benefits can help with itchy skin.
For example, one randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study found that CBD and CBDa reduce itching in dogs.¹¹
Another study found 65% of dogs given CBD had at least a 50% decrease in itching and chewing. And about one-third of the dogs given CBD recovered from all signs of itchiness.¹²
The Relationship Between CBD and Itching
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that influences all kinds of crucial bodily functions. That includes itching!
Research shows that CBD interacts with a family of receptors in the endocannabinoid system associated with itch sensation.¹³ One study, for example, found that CBD reduced the amount of scratching in dogs.¹³
CBD May be Able to Reduce Inflammation
Research shows that inflammation can cause itching.¹⁴ As such, reducing inflammation may help reduce itching.
Fortunately, research also shows that CBD helps maintain a normal inflammatory response and may also help reduce inflammation associated with training and competition.¹⁵
CBD Can Help Moderate the Immune System
In 2023, scientists for the first time demonstrated that a common skin bacterium can cause itching by interacting with nerve cells.¹⁶ It doesn't usually do this in normal conditions, only when the equilibrium of microorganisms on skin is thrown out of balance.
Research also suggests that CBD has immunomodulating properties. That means CBD might help support the immune system.
CBD May Help Maintain Skin Health
CBD can help maintain the normal moisture content of skin. It also supports skin health more generally, including in dogs with sensitive skin.
That's why we offer a variety of skin and coat supplements, including CBD Hemp Extract for Pets and a CBD Paw and Skin Balm.
CBD May Help Manage Stress
We've already discussed how stress can cause scratching. Well, one study from 2023 found that CBD oil reduced the negative effects of stress in dogs.¹⁷
In our own study, a whopping 91% of pet parents reported reduced stress and calmer pets when using our CBD calming treats for dogs and cats.
CBD Products to Help Stop Dogs Scratching
There are all kinds of CBD products to consider.
Generally, they fall into two categories.
First are CBD products that are taken orally. These include CBD oil, chews, hemp hearts, and much more.
Second are topical products. These are applied to the skin on localized areas. They include our CBD Paw and Skin Balm
How to Choose the Right Anti-Scratch CBD Product
Choosing the right product is essential to helping your dog with their itching.
Identify the Cause of the Itch
First, you want to try and identify why your dog is scratching. Are they stressed? Reacting to their food? Lacking moisture?
Once you've figured out the cause of your dog's scratching, you can set about using the best CBD product.
Choose a High-Quality CBD Product
Second, you want a high-quality CBD product — ideally one that uses full-spectrum hemp extract. That takes advantage of the entourage effect, where the presence of other cannabinoids enhances the efficacy of CBD.
We don't use any pesticides or harsh chemicals when growing our hemp. It's grown on a small farm in Colorado, and is USDA organic and non-GMO. Also, all our products are tested by third-party labs.
Be Patient
You might want results right away, but don't be hasty. Research shows that CBD accumulates in your dog's body over time.¹⁸
For that reason, consistent use is ideal and will generally lead to the best results.
Conclusion
Itching can be caused by all sorts of things. Fortunately, treating it is relatively simple. Removing the cause of the itch can help, and if that isn't possible or doesn't work, try a CBD product!
If all else fails, consult your vet. If you can’t help your furry friend stop scratching, it might be a good idea to visit your pet’s primary care provider. They can help you figure out your next steps.
Keep Reading: How to Calm a Panting Dog: 3 Tips & Tricks
Sources
- A Breakthrough in Understanding Canine Itch | Veterinary Medicine News
- Mechanisms and Management of Itch in Dry Skin - PMC
- Why Is My Skin So Dry and Itchy? | Northwestern Medicine
- Dry Skin (Xeroderma): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
- Allergens in veterinary medicine - PMC
- Food allergy in dogs and cats; current perspectives on etiology, diagnosis, and management
- Why do dogs like mud? — Modern Vet
- Retrospective study of clinical observations on insect hypersensitivity and response to immunotherapy in allergic dogs - PubMed
- Itch in dogs and cats - PMC
- A Breakthrough in Understanding Canine Itch | Veterinary Medicine News
- The effect of a mixed cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid based oil on client‐owned dogs with atopic dermatitis - PMC
- CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD)-Containing Treats Did Not Affect Canine Daily Voluntary Activity
- Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Itch: Implications in Pathophysiology-Directed Treatments - PMC
- Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood
- New Clues Into the Head-Scratching Mystery of Itch | Harvard Medical School
- New study reveals CBD is effective at reducing canine stress
- Randomized, placebo-controlled, 28-day safety and pharmacokinetics evaluation of repeated oral cannabidiol administration in healthy dogs
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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.
