For pet parents of dogs with anxiety, chronic pain, or joint issues, it can be hard to find a solution that actually works.
If you’ve already cycled through options like thundershirts and prescription medication with no improvement, you might want to try CBD for dogs.
But what even is CBD?
CBD is basically a cure-all for tons of different issues that your pup may be experiencing. Some of its benefits include pain relief, better mobility, better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved digestive and immune system function.
CBD pet products come in a variety of forms, too, including oils, tablets, treats, capsules, and topicals, so there’s plenty for you to choose from.
If you’re looking for a CBD to help your pup, look no further. We found the best CBD for dogs with arthritis, anxiety, sleep problems, and more. The high-quality CBD oils are made in the U.S. with all-natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an active compound in marijuana (cannabis), and it comes from hemp plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD isn’t psychoactive, so you won’t experience the same high feeling that you get from THC.
CBD is legal in most places because of the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill made hemp legal and decriminalized hemp-derived products, which includes CBD (but CBD is considered illegal if it comes from marijuana rather than hemp).
Types of CBD
There are three types of CBD to know about: broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Here’s a quick review of each type:
- Broad-spectrum includes most cannabis plant compounds, including THC.
- Full-spectrum contains all other cannabinoids in addition to CBD, including THC.
- CBD isolates only have CBD, with no other cannabinoids or THC included.
What it’s used for
CBD for dogs can help with a number of different issues, such as anxiety, seizures, and chronic pain. There hasn’t been research to determine how CBD works for pets yet, but we do know how it affects humans.
Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, interact with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates many bodily functions, including sleep, pain, memory, and eating. That’s why CBD is good for things like insomnia or muscle pain.
How to Choose CBD for Dogs
Before giving your pup a new food, treat, or supplement, it’s important to do your research to ensure you pick the best option for your dog. You’ll want to consider certain factors when making your decision about which CBD oil to purchase for your dog.
Form: CBD for pets doesn’t only come as an oil—you can also buy treats, tablets, capsules, and topical products.
Type of CBD: Decide whether you want a product that contains broad- or full-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum may contain trace amounts of THC.
Strength and dosage: Make sure the brand has clear instructions for how much CBD to give your dog. The amount should be based on your dog’s weight and/or age. Smaller dogs will need lower-strength CBD oil, while large dogs can have a higher strength. Higher-strength CBD can also be good for severe anxiety.
Testing: Brands that sell CBD pet products should have their products tested by a third-party laboratory, and the results should be readily available. Look for the results or check for the Certificate of Analysis (COA) on the company’s website.
Check for harmful ingredients: Check the Certificate of Analysis to make sure there aren’t any harmful chemicals or pesticides.
Read reviews: One of the best ways to understand how a product works is by reading customer reviews. Read the brand and product reviews to check that pet parents (and their dogs) like and recommend the product.
CBD source: CBD that’s made in the U.S. is typically the highest quality. Cheap hemp can be imported, but that leads to a lower-quality product.
Where to Buy CBD Online For Your Pup
These are some of our favorite CBD oils for dogs that you can easily buy online.
1. Best Overall CBD Oil for Dogs: Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil and Soothing Balm Bundle
You get two for one with this bundle that includes a CBD oil and balm — the perfect duo for your dog.
The full-spectrum oil also contains chamomile for added calming effects. It’s fast-acting, and it comes with an easy-to-use dropper so that you can add it right into your pup’s mouth or on top of her food. Plus, the strength is based on your dog’s weight, making it so easy to find the right dosage for your individual dog.
The balm is a CBD-infused moisturizer that can be used on your pup’s paws, nose, and elbows to relieve dry, cracked, or irritated skin. Since the balm hydrates and protects skin, it can help prevent issues like hot spots or get rid of itchiness from allergies or bug bites. It even has antibacterial properties and includes natural ingredients like shea butter and lavender oil.
Pros:
- Made in the U.S.
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- All-natural
- Third-party lab-tested
Specs:
- Size: 30 ml oil; 57 g balm
- Strength:
- For the oil: 250 mg (for dogs up to 30 lbs), 500 mg (for dogs up to 90 lbs), 750 mg (for dogs up to 120 lbs), and 1000 mg (for dogs 120 lbs+)
- For the balm: 150 mg and 300 mg
- Flavor: Unflavored
What customers say: One shopper said that giving their dog Penelope’s Bloom 500 mg CBD oil is one of the best things they could have done to reduce anxiety and skin problems. Another customer noted that using the balm for a couple of days got rid of their pup’s heat rash.
2. Best for Dogs and Cats: Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil For Dogs And Cats
Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil For Dogs And Cats is ideal for multi-pet households because it’s safe for both dogs and cats (we love that!).
The formula also has smaller particles, which helps the oil absorb more quickly, allowing it to get into your pup’s system and start working even faster. It’s made with organic, non-GMO broad-spectrum hemp oil and contains 0% THC.
Pros:
- Made in the U.S.
- Contains 0% THC
- Third-party lab tested
- Non-GMO
- Free of toxins
- Made from human-grade ingredients
Specs:
- Size: 30 ml
- Strength: 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg
- Flavor: Unflavored
What customers say: This CBD oil is a “godsend”, according to customers. One shopper commented that the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil is the only product that works for their pup’s allergies and joint pain. Other reviewers say that dogs love the taste of the oil.
3. Best for Dog Anxiety: The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp Oil
A brand literally developed to help anxious pets, The Anxious Pet was formulated to calm nerves, ease stress and help your pet just feel better all around.
What we love about The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp Oil is that it comes in two strengths that can help your dog no matter her level of stress. It comes in a 400 mg option for mild anxiety and 800 mg for moderate to severe anxiety.
The oil also comes with a labeled dropper that makes measuring accurate doses easy. The brand also provides super simple dosage instructions based on strength and your dog’s age and weight.
The Anxious Pet works with vets to formulate their products to ensure they’re safe, which is a huge bonus.
Pros:
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Organic full-spectrum hemp
- Third-party lab tested
Specs:
- Size: 30 ml
- Strength: 400 mg, 800 mg
- Flavor: Coconut (contains coconut oil)
What customers say: According to one shopper, prescription anxiety medications like Xanax didn’t work for their pup, but after trying The Anxious Pet CBD Hemp Oil, his anxiety attacks completely went away. Another reviewer said that they noticed a change in their recently rescued puppy’s behavior immediately after using the oil.
4. Best for Mobility: Honest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs – Mobility
This full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs contains a variety of terpenes (naturally-occurring compounds found in cannabis plants) that help with mobility: terpinolene, camphene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene.
These ingredients help relieve joint stiffness, promote muscle and joint health, and support healthy immune responses. Perfect for pups who are developing arthritis pain, or those who simply need a little TLC when it comes to their joints.
Pros:
- Organic full-spectrum CBD
- Non-GMO
- Third-party lab tested
- Made in the U.S.
- Organic
- No artificial flavors or colors, pesticides, or sugars
Specs:
- Size: 30 ml
- Strength: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg
- Flavor: Unflavored
What customers say: Shoppers say that the results of this oil have been amazing, and it works better than they expected. One customer commented that their pup is acting five years younger now, and another reviewer said they were able to reduce their dog’s prescription pain medication because his movement improved so much from Honest Paws CBD Oil.
5. Best Tasting: Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture
This CBD oil is available in two yummy flavors that your dog will devour, so it’s perfect for picky eaters. It comes in Bacon, flavored with real bacon oil, and Salmon, flavored with wild Alaskan salmon oil.
We also love that this oil is made right here in the USA, crafted on a small farm in Wisconsin by farmers and developers who truly take pride in their products, results, and the people (and pets!) they’ve committed to helping.
Pros:
- Two flavor options
- Third-party lab tested
- Non-GMO
- Made in the U.S.
Specs:
- Size: 30 ml
- Strength: 750 mg
- Flavors: Bacon, Salmon
What customers say: Dogs love the flavor of this oil — one shopper said their pup is hooked on it after only one week of feeding it to him. The Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture helps soothe pups with separation and storm anxiety, and it works quickly, according to reviewers.
6. Best Strong Option: HolistaPet CBD Oil For Dogs
If you’re looking for the most potent option for your pup, look no further than the CBD Oil for Dogs from HolistaPet.
In order to appeal to a variety of dogs, The HolistaPet CBD Oil For Dogs comes in multiple strengths, including an extra-strong 3000 mg option. It’s formulated with pure CO2-extracted broad-spectrum CBD oil and hemp seed oil; and 100% natural, organic, vegan, and non-GMO ingredients.
Pros:
- Made in the U.S.
- Cruelty-free
- Third-party lab tested
- Contains 0% THC
- All natural ingredients
- Contains organic superfoods
Specs:
- Size: 30 ml
- Strength: 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg, 1200 mg, 3000 mg
- Flavors: Original, Chicken, Salmon
What customers say: One customer said that they tried prescription medicines, calming sprays, thundershirts, and more for their dog’s severe anxiety, but nothing worked until they found this CBD oil. Another shopper who has tried a variety of CBD products said that HolistaPet CBD Oil is clean, pure, and of great quality.
How to Give Your Dog CBD
The best part about CBD oil for dogs is that it’s so easy to give to your pup. Just apply the oil to your dog’s food or treats, or for an even quicker method, you can drop it right into his mouth. Some brands also recommend rubbing some oil on your dog’s gums.
In addition to CBD oil, some other types of pet products you can try are treats, tablets, capsules, and topical products, like lotions. It can be easier to adjust the amount of CBD oil for dogs, since you’re not limited to a set amount like you are with some forms, like a treat.
Just check the serving size of the product you’re using before giving it to your dog to make sure you give the right amount. The product label should have a recommended amount, or you can find it on the brand’s website. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian first, too, just to be safe.
One thing you definitely should not do is give your pup human CBD. Not only can they have different amounts of CBD compared to pet products, but they might also contain THC or ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Stick to CBD made specifically for pets.
Benefits of CBD for Your Dog
CBD products for pets are relatively new, so there’s not a ton of research or information on them yet. While it hasn’t been officially approved by the FDA for pets yet, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence from dog parents. Owners have noted the below from giving their dog CBD:
- Pain relief
- Better mobility for dogs with arthritis
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced hyperactivity
- Better sleep
- Improved digestion and appetite
- Improved immune system
- Fewer seizures
Potential Side Effects of CBD
CBD is considered to be pretty safe for dogs, but just like with any type of medication or supplement, there are some potential side effects to be aware of.
According to research, one symptom is diarrhea, which your pup is likely to experience with any change in his daily diet, so that’s not too surprising. Aside from an upset stomach, the most common side effect you could run into is sleepiness or sedation. Like with humans, CBD could interact with medications your pup is taking, so ask your vet if they have any concerns about giving your dog CBD.
Previous research showed that CBD could possibly cause an increase in a particular live enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and one study found that CBD isolate (i.e. super concentrated) caused liver damage in mice. But more recent research (2021) found that CBD didn’t lead to any liver problems in people. In fact, it might even help dogs with liver disease.
THC, on the other hand, can be bad for dogs. Too much can cause THC toxicity, with symptoms such as difficulty walking, stumbling, crossing feet when walking, drowsiness, lethargy, slow heart rate, urine incontinence, vomiting, and dilated pupils. It’s very unlikely for your dog to develop THC toxicity from CBD pet products, since they contain only trace amounts of THC (or none at all), but he could get it from ingesting a human product that’s lying around.
An even bigger problem is dogs getting into things that have ingredients poisonous to dogs, such as edibles with chocolate or xylitol. If that happens, take your pup to the vet immediately.
FAQs:
Will my dog get high from CBD?
No need to worry — your dog won’t get high from CBD. CBD contains such small amounts of THC that it doesn’t produce the same sort of effects that marijuana does, so your pup won’t get high.
How much CBD should I give my dog?
Talk to your vet for their advice on how much to give your dog, and be sure to check the product’s recommended amount. Different CBD products will have varying amounts of CBD and different serving sizes. When in doubt, as with any supplement, it’s best to start with a small amount to see how your pup handles it and make sure he doesn’t get sick.
Can I give my dog CBD every day?
It’s generally safe for dogs to have CBD every day, but remember to check with your veterinarian to make sure it’s safe for your individual pup.
The products we included in our list of the best CBD oils for dogs are all third-party tested to ensure that they’re high-quality and safe for pets. Plus, they’re made in the U.S. and contain all natural and organic ingredients with no artificial flavors, additives, or chemicals. If you want to try out CBD for your dog, be sure to talk to your vet to check that it’s ok for him, and follow the dosage instructions provided by the brand.
CBD can be a great option for pups with anxiety, arthritis, sleep problems, or certain illnesses, and you can’t go wrong with any of our picks.
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