Pet wellness trends come and go but one that is here to stay is CBD oil for dogs. Cannabidiol or CBD is a compound derived from cannabis and hemp plants. Though CBD doesn’t contain the THC that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties, it does provide a variety of health benefits, especially for dogs. CBD oils and other CBD products have been shown to help with everything from anxiety and arthritis to seizures, heart disease, and cancer.
While there have been few formal studies on how CBD oils affect dogs, scientists do know that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in your dog’s nervous system. These receptors help maintain balance in the body which may be why cannabidiol has such a therapeutic effect – it won’t get your dog “high” but it may help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, calm anxiety, and could even reduce the frequency of seizures.
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of CBD oils for dogs and provide helpful tips and recommendations to make sure you know how to use it and the best CBD oil for dogs products to consider.
CBD and Dogs
Nothing is more heartbreaking for dog owners than watching their furry friend suffer. Because pets react differently to pain, many dogs owners fail to realize their dogs are suffering right away. Medical treatments for common conditions, though effective, come with a risk for side effects and can be expensive as well.
According to medical research, CBD oils and treats have the potential to ease pain and reduce inflammation related to a wide variety of dog health issues . Though dog CBD is fairly new to the market and research is still in the early stages, thousands of pets have enjoyed the benefits and your dog could be next.
When it comes to CBD products, there are many options to choose from. Dog owners interested in CBD should take the time to research the options to find the highest quality choice for their dog. Read on to see our top picks for the best CBD oils for dogs.
Editor’s Choice
NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil
- 100% organic,non GMO hemp
- Full-spectrum CBD
- Third-party tested and lab results displayed
- Pet CBD tincture (300mg CBD)
20% Off Coupon: CBDBASIN20
Honest Paws Pet CBD Oil
Most Specialized Product Line
- Organic hemp, full spectrum CBD
- High quality, tested by third party lab
- Wide variety of CBD products
- Affordable price range
15% Off Coupon: 15OFFNOW
Joy Organics
Best THC Free
- High-quality and affordable CBD
- Completely free from THC
- Money-back guarantee
- Third party lab tested for safety
20% Off Coupon: CBDBASIN20
Hemp Bombs CBD Dog Biscuits and CBD Oil
Highest Quality, Most Affordable
- Non GMO European hemp
- Biscuits (10mg CBD/treat, 8 treats) and tinctures (150mg, 300mg, 1,000mg CBD)
- Third-party tested
- Less than 0.3% THC
26% Off Coupon: HEMPBOMB26
FAB CBD Dog Treats
Best Flavor Range
- Colorado-grown hemp
- 3 treat varieties (3mg CBD/treat, 40-50 treats)
- Broad-spectrum hemp oil
- Transparent with independent lab tests
CBDPure
Most Affordable
- Affordably priced at $24.99 per bottle
- All natural and organically grown
- Backed by 90-day money-back guarantee
20% Off Coupon: 20PERCENT
The Benefits Of CBD Oil For Dogs
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is the second most prevalent active ingredient found in cannabis, the plant from which marijuana is harvested. Though CBD can be found in medical marijuana, it is also typically extracted directly from the hemp plant, a cousin to the marijuana plant.
In humans, cannabidiol has been scientifically shown to support a wide range of health issues including anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and epilepsy. Though studies of these potential benefits in dogs are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests CBD may benefit dogs in a similar way to humans.
Cannabis CBD Vs. Hemp CBD
While both cannabis and hemp are derived from the same plant, Cannabis sativa, there are some variations. Cannabidiol or CBD is a compound found in both but hemp plants contain more CBD while cannabis plants contain more tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the compound responsible for the psychoactive properties produced by marijuana. For legal purposes, hemp CBD products are required to contain less than 0.3% THC.
Is CBD Oil Good For Dogs?
Broad spectrum CBD derived from hemp oil has a variety of health benefits for dogs. CBD oils and treats can help with common issues like anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, seizures, and even dog cancer. It comes in a wide range of concentrations and in various products including treats, sprays, tinctures, and more. Many dog owners use CBD products for general wellness, though they can also be used to support more severe medical issues.
What Does CBD Oil Do For Dogs?
CBD oil acts on the natural endocannabinoid system in dogs to calm the central and peripheral nervous system. It also plays a role in boosting the natural production of serotonin. As such, it has a soothing effect that may help regulate the mood and relieve pain. Cannabidiol may also have anti-inflammatory benefits which, in combination with its analgesic effects, can be beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis. It has even been shown to help reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures in dogs.
Though pet CBD products are often used for general well-being and occasional concerns like anxiety, they can be used to treat more serious health issues like cancer. According to a study sponsored by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, non-tetrahydrocannabinol cannabinoids (CBD derived from hemp plants) may possibly act as anti-proliferative agents in canine cancer. In other words, CBD products may help slow the spread of cancer in dogs. These products may provide additional health benefits as well, such as reducing inflammation and easing pain.
How Much CBD Oil Do I Give My Dog?
The health benefits of pet CBD depend largely on the dosage but determining the right dosage can be tricky since different products have different cannabidiol concentrations. Higher doses are generally recommended for more serious health issues while lower doses may be adequate for anxiety or general well-being.
Dosing CBD for your dog can be different based on the size of your dog and the condition you are treating. The product you choose should list dosages based on your dog’s size or weight. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about the right dose for your dog. Usually, you start at a low dose and can increase the dose if needed. Depending on the concentration of the product you choose, you may need to adjust the dosage. Some health problems require a higher dosage than others as well.
What About CBD Dog Treats?
Finding the right dosage and administering liquid CBD can be difficult for some dog owners. If you’re looking for a slightly simpler option, consider CBD dog treats or chews as an alternative. These products typically contain 2mg to 5mg of cannabidiol per treat which makes them very easy to use – simply follow the instructions to determine how many treats to give your dog according to their body weight. The treats even come in different flavors.
One thing to be mindful of when choosing CBD treats versus CBD oil is that the cooking process used to make the treats can affect the integrity of the CBD. Cannabidiol starts to break down around 200 degrees Fahrenheit and is almost completely destroyed at 350 degrees. When shopping for CBD dog treats, make sure the company cooks them slowly at a lower temperature to preserve the bioavailability of the cannabidiol. Otherwise, the content may be lower than stated and your dog might not be able to absorb it as well.
If you choose to use CBD oil for your dog, shop smart to ensure the product you buy is derived from high-quality hemp and lab-tested for safety. Follow the dosing instructions carefully and monitor your dog for negative side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it has been shown to provide a wide variety of health benefits ranging from general wellness support and anxiety relief to reducing seizure activity and slowing the spread of cancer.
Yes. CBD oil acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system to naturally soothe anxiety, stimulating the creation of serotonin which helps stabilize your dog’s mood.
Yes, CBD oil addresses both pain and inflammation which are two of the key components of arthritis in dogs. As little as 2mg of CBD administered twice daily has been shown to improve pain and mobility.
Yes, CBD products have the potential to benefit dogs with cancer because cannabidiol acts as an anti-proliferative agent. It may also ease pain and reduce inflammation.
The best rule of thumb to follow for dosage is 0.2mg of cannabidiol per pound of your dog’s body weight. For a 25-pound dog, that’s about 5mg of cannabidiol
Though scientific data on dog CBD is limited, there are potential side effects based on the effects of CBD products in humans. These include dry mouth, temporary drop in blood pressure, and slight drowsiness.