Why Our Pet’s Paws Deserve Special Attention

Why Our Pet’s Paws Deserve Special Attention

Our precious companions are notoriously good at hiding pain and discomfort from their owners, as a natural survival instinct that keeps them from appearing vulnerable to potential predators. This, unfortunately, means that we pet owners have to put a good amount of effort into figuring out when something is wrong with our beloved cat or dog.

One issue that commonly affects pets is discomfort and pain in their paws, and as pet owners, we must routinely check their paws as our pets typically hide that something is wrong. The paws are a particularly vulnerable and sensitive part of a pet’s body, which is why it is important to know how to treat them should something be wrong.

Why Our Pet’s Paws Deserve Special Attention

We tend to underestimate just how vulnerable a pet’s paws can be.  But the paws are extremely sensitive, as they contain a lot of nerve endings compared to other areas of their body. These nerve endings are critical, as the sensitivity of paws helps our pets navigate different types of terrain and identify if something, they are touching has the potential to cause injury.

Our pets have paw pads, which are flesh-colored pads that are similar to our fingers and toes.  These pads are covered in a thin layer of skin that protects those nerve endings but maintains enough sensitivity that their sense of touch is strong.  Because the skin is thin, it’s especially prone to pain and discomfort.  And, on top of that, any pet who roams around outdoors can get dry, chapped, and inflamed paw pads simply by walking on rougher terrain, such as concrete or rocky areas.

We forget that our pets can pick up splinters. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, they come across trees and other forms of wood that can be filled with these splinters, thus causing your pet a good amount of pain.

Also, paw pads are sensitive to temperature. They can get frostbitten if they sit on a cold surface for too long, and get burnt if they touch something extremely hot, like a metal surface on a hot, sunny day.

What Might CBD Offer to Pet’s Precious Paws?

CBD (cannabidiol) is the leading compound in the hemp plant, and it’s a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are a unique type of compound found in the cannabis genus; in that they interact with the body in a distinctive way that makes them unique from other plant-derived compounds.

Cannabinoids like CBD are directly utilized by the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is present in all mammals. The endocannabinoid system is a series of cannabinoid receptors found in all regions of the body, with each receptor capable of regulating a specific bodily task. There are cannabinoid receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints, which primarily pertain to pain sensitivity, inflammation, and other important functions of these types of tissue.

Numerous studies have been conducted on CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory activity. It’s important to note that because our pets have an endocannabinoid system, CBD affects them in basically the same way in which it affects us. It is nontoxic to their bodies, which is why more and more veterinarians are recommending hemp products to their furry patients.  

Because of this potential anti-inflammatory activity, CBD may be useful to a pet whose paws are irritated, inflamed or injured in some way. The properties of cannabidiol may be useful to these fairly common issues, while being natural, holistic, and gentle on their bodies as well as their sensitive skin.

Why are CBD Pet Topicals the Ideal Choice?

If you’re going to administer CBD to your cat or dog in an effort to help the condition of their paws, we strongly recommend going the topical route.  Topicals are products that are applied directly to the affected area, rather than administered internally. Topical products for pets include balms, salves and sprays.  

Studies have shown that cannabidiol can be effective when administered via transdermal absorption. The compounds of the hemp plant absorb efficiently through the skin, reaching the muscles and joints while maintaining active levels within the skin tissue itself. Further, the effects stay localized to the area of application rather than getting dispersed widely throughout the body, which can offer a more targeted and concentrated approach to providing potential relief.

It is worth pointing out that topicals made specifically for pets; consider the fact that cats and dogs tend to lick off anything we apply to their bodies. That is why these formulas have distinctively high concentration levels and contain only ingredients that are completely safe for your pet to ingest, should they attempt to remove the formula with their tongue.

How to Use CBD to Help Your Pet’s Paws

Now that you have a better idea on how CBD works for your pet, especially in a topical form, applying this knowledge when it comes to treating their sensitive paws is crucial.

Step #1: Talk to Your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian should always know when you plan to treat an issue on your own, which is why you should discuss CBD with them before administering it to your furry friend.

Step #2: Choose a Pet-Friendly Formula

Make sure that you only go with a CBD product that is formulated specifically for pets. As previously mentioned, these products contain ingredients that are completely nontoxic to cats and dogs.

Step #3: Select a Topical Formula

Like we said, topicals are your best bet when dealing with a localized issue such as trouble with the paws. Choose a topical formula that absorbs into the skin for targeted relief.

Step #4: Be Consistent with Application

Yes, it’s important to maintain consistency with CBD, regardless of the purpose for using it. Due to the way in which the endocannabinoid system stores and utilizes cannabinoids, daily use seems to offer more effectiveness overall than sporadic administration. Ideally, once or twice a day usage of a topical solution should be applied to their paw area.

Step #5: Pay Attention to Their Paws

Make sure to check their paws regularly to ensure that the condition is not worsening. If their paws do not improve, take them to a veterinarian, as they may require more intensive medical care.

Your Pet’s paws are One of the Most Adorable Things About Them 

We have to remember that a pet’s paws is a particular area of the body that’s sensitive to pain and discomfort.  If your pet’s paws are showing signs of pain, irritation, or inflammation, talk to your veterinarian about using a CBD topical on this area daily. Also, as we cannot stress this point enough once again, make sure to choose a formula crafted specifically for pets, so that you can give them hemp in the safest manner possible.


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