Best CBD Oils For Dogs

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis

So many CBD oils to choose from – how do you know which ones will work? We did the research! Check out the best CBD Oils for dogs to find out which one is right for your pooch.

Why Use CBD Oils For Dogs?

There are many uses pet parents turn to CBD oils for–ranging from pain relief to anxiety to cancer and just about anything between. Holistic veterinarians and clinicians especially are finding the uses of CBD oils to be effective in places where conventional treatments simply may not be.

For example, research is showing that cannabinoids are having positive effects when it comes to treating forms of cancer and leukemias. Additionally, in humans with prostate and breast cancers, cannabinoids are showing to be effective in the supplementing of traditional cancer treatments, and pet clinicians and researchers are clearly intrigued by the possibility that CBD oils for dogs could provide similar benefits.

Further, research is beginning to show various rates of positive results in humans when it comes to treating things like drug-resistant epilepsy, pain, colitis, anxiety and even brain cell death that leads to conditions like dementia in senior dogs. Yes, the research is new, but the results thus far have been promising and as more research emerges and is focused on efficacy with dogs, clinicians and experts in the field believe that even better results are waiting for our furry friends too.

Hemp Oil Vs. CBD Oil For Dogs: What’s The Difference?

When it comes to CBD Oils and Hemp Oils, there are differences. Often, products on the pet market will not make distinctions, as CBD Oils for dogs seem to be the new up and coming buzz product manufacturers are looking to take part in.

But, there are differences. Hemp oils come from the hemp plant. Hemp plants are a form of cannabis (sativa) that typically is grown to be used for industrial purposes. Hemp plants have low levels of cannabinoids and the two most commonly known are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Oil is extracted in different ways from the hemp plants by pressing the seeds of the plant.

Hemp seeds theoretically don’t contain any THC, and again, theoretically extracted oil doesn’t contain THC either. That said, trace amounts can still be found simply through processing, even though commercial manufacturing has been able to bring the purity rate of the oil to 99.99% THC-free. Researchers have found this minute, trace amount to be a non-issue in humans and in pets.

When it comes to the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil, it’s important to remember that CBD oil is not just extracted from hemp plants. It can also come from other cannabis plants like cannabis sativa that can have even higher levels of THC, and therefore, possibly more toxic to your pets. Hemp oil is always extracted from hemp plants but doesn’t have any of the CBD/THC or high CBD/trace THC from the seeds or the resin glands.

And that’s why it’s important to be sure you know what’s in the CBD oil you choose for your dog. It’s important to know from where it comes, and how it’s extracted.

What’s The Best Extraction Method?

One of the most important differences between CBD oils for dogs comes from the methods in which the CBD was extracted. Most experts agree the best extraction method is supercritical CO2 extraction. Some CBD products are extracted using pharmaceutical grade ethanol (grain alcohol) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems this method as Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS).

But a supercritical CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to maintain the purity of the oil. It’s the way quality CBD producers can be sure they are ending up with a quality CBD product, and while it’s the most expensive extraction method, it’s also the cleanest one–giving a non-toxic, non-flammable product that doesn’t have mycotoxins.

Extraction methods matter as they ensure the best of the whole plant (full-spectrum) while weeding out the toxins and bacterias that can be unhealthy for our dogs. Any quality CBD oil company will happily share extraction methods and you’ll want to ask.

What Do You Want In A CBD Oil For Dogs?

The reality is that there are a lot of products out there but they’re not all created equally. You want to be sure the product you choose is a clean, organic, pesticide and toxin-free, has third-party testing, and is transparent in extraction and production methodology. A lot of CBD oils for dogs are made with ‘proprietary processes.’ While it’s important for manufacturers to maintain their unique identities, if an oil isn’t transparent in where it came from and how it was made, it’s not for you or your dog. Price does matter, so as much as that $10 bottle claims it’s pure, you’ll want to think twice and be sure to get third-party results.

We’ve searched high and low to find the best CBD oils for dogs everywhere and feel confident that these will fit the needs you have. Before you buy, please check your local state laws for any potential CBD restrictions. Here’s our list of the top 10 best CBD for dogs:

1. Editor’s Choice: Kinpur (2 Pack) Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats

CBD oil can help soothe pain and promote joint health, and is quite efficient with cancer and arthritis issues, but you have to get the dosage right for best effects. Kinpur offers a potent formula of 500,000 MG pet hemp oil that boasts a whole range of benefits for your four-legged friend. It helps reduce stress, has a calming effect, improves digestion, and hip and joint health as well. This CBD oil contains no gluten, no soy, or GMO products. Of course, it also comes with a nifty dropper, making it easy to give to your pets – just drop the necessary number of drops into your pet’s food and you are good to go!

This is also one of the most potent CBD oils on the market. With 500,000 MG your pet gets the full benefits- Kinpur Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats has more potency than most other competitors on the market. And as such, it is one of the best ways to make your dog’s life stress and pain free.

2. Runner Up: Billion Pets – Hemp Oil for Dogs

With a superior 75x time potency, this hemp oil for dogs is an excellent choice for stressed pooches and seniors who struggle with chronic joint pain. Made in the USA from organic hemp, this highly concentrated formula contains a wealth of health-boosting flavonoids, vitamins, phytochemicals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids working synergistically to support your pet’s overall health. In addition to its potent pain-relieving and calming properties, this hemp oil for dogs will promote healthier skin and coat, reduce itching, and stimulate appetite. Easy to dose, the bottle will last you a while – for dogs under 20 lbs you should give ¼ dropper a day, dogs weighing 21 to 50 lbs ½ dropper and for big breeds over 50 lbs of weight 1 full dropper daily.

3. Best Cold Pressed: Buddy’s Best Hemp Oil

Cold pressed oils retain more nutrients, flavor, and more antioxidants – and, in turn, more benefits for your four-legged friend. This hemp oil is made in the USA by cold pressing hemp seeds, resulting in a potent supplement for your pet’s immune system and skin and coat health. It is chock full of vitamins A, E, and B1, and contains a wealth of essential fatty acids – Omega 3 and Omega 6 will keep their fur shiny and itchiness at bay. Furthermore, thanks to the properties of hemp, this oil for dogs can help soothe and calm your pet in times of stress, e.g. during thunderstorms or fireworks. Particularly beneficial for senior pets, this premium hemp oil will keep their joints healthy and relieve their chronic pain.

4. Best Organic: Charlie & Buddy Hemp Oil for Pets

These Active CBD extract drops are Full Spectrum organic Hemp, grown in Kentucky and Colorado. LazyDog teamed with well-known industry leader CuraLeaf and uses solvent-free CO2 & Distillate Extraction methods. They put their CBD oil through third-party and batch lab testing and share results with consumers. Plus, they’re a company committed to pets and purity.

5. Best Soothing: Serenity Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats

Made in the USA from premium quality hemp, this oil promises results in as little as two weeks, provided that you stick to the recommended one dose per day. Packed with nutrients essential for your pet’s wellbeing, it contains Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 essential fatty acids as well as vitamins E, D, and calcium, all in an effort to support your pet’s overall health. Anti-inflammatory and soothing, this hemp oil can be used on anxious pets or those suffering from chronic pain: it will calm your pooch in stressful situations, ease their separation anxiety issues, relieve pain in aching joints, and even assists with some GI issues such as nausea or loss of appetite.

6. Best Chews: ACCOB Hemp Oil & Chews for Dogs and Cats

This multi-pack includes 2 bottles of hemp oil and hemp chews to help you keep your pet in their best form with the power of nature: it is loaded with health-boosting flavonoids, vitamins, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. This 2,000 MG hemp oil is enriched with vitamins E and B, and is chock full of omega 3, 6, and 9 to support your pet’s immune system and overall health. Made from non-GMO hemp, grown and produced in the USA, this pharmacist-formulated pet hemp oil is manufactured in an FDA-inspected and GMP-certified facility to ensure only the finest quality and safety for your four-legged best friend. With following the recommended dosage, you can expect to see the first results in 4 to 6 weeks.

7. Best Distilled: CORNBREAD Hemp Oil for Dogs

Extracted from Kentucky-grown USDA organic hemp, this distilled hemp oil for pets is formulated to provide an exceptional calming effect on your dog. Providing relief from stress and anxiety, it can be used to soothe your pet when you’re visiting the vet, during thunderstorms, travel, or help curb excessive barking and chewing. Non-GMO, and made with no additives or preservatives, no synthetic ingredients, this gluten and dairy-free hemp oil is fully safe for your pet, even if they are generally sensitive. To boot, it is corn dog flavored so even picky pooches won’t mind drops of it in their food bowl.

8. Best for Skin Issues: PetHonesty Salmon Oil + Hemp

If you are looking into oils extracted from hemp to help remedy your pet’s chronic issues with coat and skin, this is the one to go for – simply because of its potent synergistic effect. Instead of relying just on hemp oil to get you the results, this formula combines hemp and salmon oil to deliver high amounts of DHA, EPA and other Omega-3 fatty acids crucial for skin and coat health. The salmon oil is sourced from Alaskan Salmon and the hemp oil is 100% free of THC so you don’t have to worry about any side effects. Regular use of this oil can make a drastic change for the better: shinier coat, softer skin without itchiness, and even a better inflammatory response. To boot, it comes in a nifty dispenser with a pump for easier dosing!

9. Best Non-GMO: Honest Paws Purity

Honest Paws Purity CBD comes from Colorado and is non-GMO, CO2 extracted, and cruelty-free in production. Honest Paws is full-spectrum to get all the benefits from the hemp plant and committed to educating consumers about the benefits of CBD oils for dogs. These calming drops help sooth your pooch, and so much more than that: they support healthy joints, skin, and coat, and strengthen their immune system to boot.

10. Honorable Mention: Nature’s Synergy Hemp Oil & Melatonin for Dogs

For those dogs that struggle with sleep quality, hemp oil can be very beneficial – and when combined with melatonin, the results can be impressive. This formula cleverly combines premium-quality hemp seed oil with melatonin, a synergistic blend designed to keep pets relaxed and improve sleep without making them feel drowsy or sedated in return. All natural, and quite effective – for some, the results will be immediate, and for others it might take a few weeks for the results to be noticeable. Made in the USA in an FDA-register cGMP facility, this hemp oil is GMO free, has no added flavoring, fillers, or any of the nasty stuff. Just the best for your bestie!

Is it safe to give my dog my CBD oil?

CBD oil is considered to be generally safe for use on pets, but there can still be some mild side effects, particularly if your pet is too sensitive or you get the dosage wrong. It is important to give your pet only CBD oil that has less than 0.3% THC, and to stick to recommended daily doses. Sometimes, a dog can be lethargic until they metabolize the CBD oil, or an upset stomach that leads to diarrhea, which is often caused by going overboard with the amount of oil you give to your pet.

Is human CBD and dog CBD the same?

No, they are not the same – while the quality of the ingredients and manufacture shouldn’t differ, the concentration of CBD does, which is only logical. Not only that there’s an obvious size difference between dogs and us, but canines also have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains, which means that the effects will be more potent for dogs even with a smaller dosage. It is also important to note that THC is toxic to cats and dogs, so the CBD oil you use for your pet has to have less than 0.3% THC (ideally, there would be none).

How much CBD oil should I give my dog?

A good rule of thumb is to give 1 to 2mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of weight, so you should check the amount of CBD in the particular oil (per serving) and adjust the dosage to your pet’s size. Usually, there’s a feeding guide on the label telling you exactly how many drops to give to your pet based on their weight and the severity of their symptoms, so you won’t have to bother with math too much. It’s better to start with the smaller dosage until your pet gets used to the oil (1 mg) and then gradually increase to 2 mg.

What happens if you give your dog too much CBD oil?

If you are using pet-safe CBD oil without THC as you should, there are no severe side effects that have been noticed if you give your dog more than the recommended dose of CBD oil. Granted even if it’s pet-safe CBD oil without THC your pet got too much of, it’s still oil in question, so consuming too much of it at once is bound to cause a gastrointestinal upset, often meaning that vomiting and/or diarrhea are usually inevitable.

If there’s some THC in the oil (with the maximum non-lethal level being 0.3%), then your pet could experience side effects such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, urinary incontinence, hyperesthesia, or ataxia. If THC poisoning is a potential factor, you’ll have to take your pet to a vet IV fluid support and medication.

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Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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