Does CBD Help With Pet Grooming As a Natural Solution?

The challenge of grooming pets with separation anxiety or those that are easily startled is daunting. However, a natural remedy gaining traction in the pet grooming industry is CBD (cannabidiol). Known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, CBD is emerging as a beneficial tool for groomers, pet owners, and anxious pets.

This article explores the potential of CBD to enhance the pet grooming experience, resulting in a more relaxed process for both animals and groomers. CBD has shown promise in alleviating anxiety in high-energy breeds like Huskies and in improving skin health for pets experiencing issues such as itchiness and flakiness. Overall, introducing CBD products into grooming practices creates a more enjoyable experience for all parties involved.

What Exactly is CBD, and How Does It Help Pets?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant, especially in hemp plants. But before picturing a stoned-out-of-their-mind Labrador, here’s the scoop: unlike marijuana, CBD doesn’t cause a “high.” It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to facilitate relaxation, pain relief, and even a boost in skin health. For pet owners wondering if CBD helps with pet grooming, the answer is a resounding “yes!”

When used correctly, CBD interacts with a pet’s endocannabinoid system to help calm anxious dogs and even cats, reduce skin irritation, and offer joint pain relief—all of which help pets have a better grooming experience.

The Benefits of CBD for Pet Grooming

If pet parents are wrangling a pet that despises the grooming process, learn how CBD comes to the rescue. Discussed below are some benefits pet parents and groomers expect when using CBD oils, treats, or topicals as part of a pet’s grooming routine.

Calm Down, Fluffy! Reducing Anxiety and Stress

For most dogs and many cats, grooming appointments are pretty much like visiting the dentist—a necessary evil. And when pets are visibly stressed, grooming turns into a high-stakes wrestling match. That’s where CBD’s natural calming properties shine. By calming an anxious brain and helping reduce fear, CBD makes grooming less traumatic for pets who struggle with handling, loud noises, or new environments.

Studies suggest that CBD’s calming properties are primarily mediated through the modulation of serotonin and glutamate neurotransmission, cannabinoid receptor interactions, and changes in brain activity in limbic and paralimbic areas (Mandolini, G., et al., 2018; Austrich-Olivares, A., et al., 2022; Crippa, J., et al., 2011). Imagine a fairly calm poodle, who usually hates bath time, actually sitting still for a wash and trim. Administering CBD before a grooming appointment makes that dream a reality, helping them feel relaxed and safe. A study showed that “CBD potentially reduces aggressive behavior toward humans in shelter dogs,” (Corsetti, S., et al., 2021). 

Soothe Irritated Skin and Support Coat Health

Pets often experience various skin issues, such as flaky paw pads, painful skin, and hot spots, which lead to discomfort during grooming. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate itchiness and irritation. Studies suggest that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are mediated through modulation of various receptors (e.g., CB2, TRPA1, P2X7), inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and antioxidant effects (Kopustinskiene, D., et al., 2022; Sunda, F., & Arowolo, A., 2020; Ma, H., et al., 2020). 

Many CBD products are infused with hemp seed oil, a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which not only aids in soothing skin but also promotes a shiny, healthy coat.

For pets suffering from chronic skin irritation, CBD-infused shampoos or salves provide a natural solution to alleviate discomfort without relying on harsh chemicals. This approach offers a gentler grooming experience for pets.

Easing Joint Pain for a Comfortable Grooming Experience

Older pets or those with arthritis frequently deal with joint pain that makes grooming sessions painful. A study showed that “CBD significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in a dose-dependent manner in a canine model of osteoarthritis by attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines production,” (Verrico, C., et al., 2020). The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD offer a natural way to lessen discomfort, allowing pets to remain still during grooming with reduced pain. This leads to more pleasant grooming experiences for both pets and their owners. 

Boosting Skin and Coat Health for the Long Run

In addition to addressing anxiety and joint pain, CBD is beneficial for skin health. Many CBD pet products with hemp seed oil provide essential fatty acids that contribute to skin and coat vitality. Regular use of these products helps pets achieve a healthy, shiny coat while soothing dry and flaky skin over time.

How to Use CBD Products for Pet Grooming

Curious about adding CBD to a pet’s grooming routine? Here’s a quick guide on how to introduce CBD in a safe, effective way.

Consult the Vet

Before giving a pet CBD oil or any new supplement, have a chat with the pet’s attending veterinarian. They advise on dosage and check for any interactions with other medications. Remember, CBD isn’t a cure-all, but it complements a well-rounded wellness routine when used correctly.

Start Small and Work Way Up

Like us humans, every pet reacts differently to CBD. Start with a low dose to see how a pet responds, then adjust as needed. Most CBD companies provide dosage guides based on pet weight, but it’s best to keep an eye on a pet’s response.

Timing is Everything

If using CBD to help calm an anxious dog or cat before a grooming session, timing is key. CBD typically starts to work within just a few minutes to an hour, so give it 30-60 minutes before the appointment. This way, a pet is relaxed and ready to shine for their time at the grooming salon.

Choose the Right Product

CBD oils, treats, capsules, topicals—there are options galore! Oils and treats work well for overall calming and wellness, while CBD-infused topicals are ideal for pets with skin issues. Paws and Claws offers a range of pet-friendly options. so find what fits a furry friend’s needs.

CBD for Groomers: A Game-Changer in the Salon

Let’s not forget the groomers! CBD makes a big difference for the people on the frontlines of pet grooming too. Many groomers work with pets who are anxious, fearful, or even aggressive. Administering CBD to pets a little before the appointment creates a safer, calmer environment, making the job smoother for groomers (a groomer’s dream of course).

Some grooming services even offer CBD as an add-on option, turning it into a wellness feature that pet owners opt for. It’s a simple way to give pets a natural relief and help the groomer provide the best care possible.

Choosing Quality CBD Products for A Pet

Quality matters when it comes to CBD. Not all products are created equal, so here are a few tips to ensure pet parents are choosing the best CBD option for their pet’s grooming routine.

Full-spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate?

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the natural compounds of the hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD has these compounds minus THC, while isolates contain pure CBD. Full-spectrum is often recommended due to the entourage effect where various compounds work together for better results.

Check for Third-Party Testing

Look for CBD companies that test their products with independent labs. This ensures purity and potency, giving peace of mind that consumers are getting the real deal without any unwanted extras. Look for the Certificate of Analysis (COA). 

Mind the Ingredients

Be sure to read the label. The best CBD pet products avoid artificial additives, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers. Keep it as natural as possible for the healthiest, happiest pets.

Conclusion

So, does CBD help with pet grooming? Absolutely! By calming anxious clients, soothing skin irritation, and supporting overall wellness, CBD is a potential secret weapon groomers have been looking for. Whether it’s to help a pet with joint pain or just facilitate a calmer grooming process, CBD products offer real benefits that make grooming a better experience for everyone.

Want to make grooming stress-free and enjoyable for a furry friend? Chat with the pet’s vet, explore some CBD options, and give it a try. Once ready for that smooth grooming experience, get started with Paws and Claws CBD where pet wellness and happiness take flight with a little help from nature’s finest.

References

• Austrich-Olivares, A., García-Gutiérrez, M., Illescas, L., Gasparyan, A., & Manzanares, J. (2022). Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Involvement in the Actions of CBD on Anxiety and Coping Behaviors in Mice. Pharmaceuticals, 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15040473.
• Corsetti, S., Borruso, S., Malandrucco, L., Spallucci, V., Maragliano, L., Perino, R., D’Agostino, P., & Natoli, E. (2021). Cannabis sativa L. may reduce aggressive behaviour towards humans in shelter dogs. Scientific Reports, 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82439-2.
• Crippa, J., Derenusson, G., Ferrari, T., Wichert-Ana, L., Duran, F., Martín-Santos, R., Simões, M., Bhattacharyya, S., Fusar-Poli, P., Atakan, Z., Filho, A., Freitas-Ferrari, M., McGuire, P., Zuardi, A., Busatto, G., & Hallak, J. (2011). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25, 121 – 130. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881110379283.
• Kopustinskiene, D., Masteiková, R., Lažauskas, R., & Bernatonienė, J. (2022). Cannabis sativa L. Bioactive Compounds and Their Protective Role in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Antioxidants, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11040660.
• Ma, H., Xu, F., Xu, F., Liu, C., & Seeram, N. (2020). A Network Pharmacology Approach to Identify Potential Molecular Targets for Cannabidiol’s Anti-Inflammatory Activity. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0025.
• Mandolini, G., Lazzaretti, M., Pigoni, A., Oldani, L., Delvecchio, G., & Brambilla, P. (2018). Pharmacological properties of cannabidiol in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a critical overview. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 27, 327 – 335. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796018000239.
• Sunda, F., & Arowolo, A. (2020). A molecular basis for the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrosis properties of cannabidiol. The FASEB Journal, 34, 14083 – 14092. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202000975R.
• Verrico, C., Wesson, S., Konduri, V., Hofferek, C., Vazquez-Perez, J., Blair, E., Dunner, K., Salimpour, P., Decker, W., & Halpert, M. (2020). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain. Pain. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001896.