Photography by Kaya Blaze Kelley for Herb
If you’re a pet owner and you’ve noticed your dog suffering from pain, inflammation, swelling, other health conditions, or perhaps you’d like to maintain their already fit health.
You might be on the lookout for simple alternatives that shy away from traditional pain medication.
Here’s something worth taking a look at:
You have probably heard enough about CBD and the wonders it can work on depression, anxiety, pain, and several other ailments you might have discussed around the water cooler. But that doesn’t say much for pets does it?
Well, there’s actually tons of anecdotal evidence tallied from pet owners who have used CBD oils on their pets that suggest the CBD could potentially prove useful in controlling seizures and making pain more manageable for you four-legged buddy.
Conclusive Evidence:
We still lack studies that provide hard scientific evidence of the benefits/effects CBD has on pets, most of the evidence on CBDs benefits in pets is purely anecdotal. Yet, pet owners have claimed CBD has been helpful in managing anxiety, autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, and general pain for their dogs. In line with this, vets are now considering hemp CBD oil as an alternative treatment for dogs and cats alike.
CBD is one of hundreds of components found in the cannabis plant which we refer to as cannabinoids. Each cannabinoid is named after a receptor found in the body and brain (our endocannabinoid system), to which they will latch onto in order to activate their effects on the body. But contrary to THC, it does not induce psychoactive effects at all.
CBD derives from the hemp plant. A type of cannabis plant with a low level of THC. Hemp CBD usually has less than a 0.3% THC concentration, making it legal in most states where THC isn’t.
That said:
CBD oil is a cannabis extract that is then diluted in a carrier oil, like MCT oil, coconut oil, and many others.
“CBD has much the same effect in animals as it does in people,” says Dr. Gary Richter, an Oakland, California-based holistic veterinarian and author of “The Ultimate Pet Health Guide.” “CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, which is a system of neurotransmitters in the body that helps balance and maintain normal body function.”
In fact, all mammals, dogs, and humans alike have endocannabinoid systems and cannabinoid receptors all over their bodies. Our bodies even produce natural cannabinoids, like anandamide, known as the “bliss molecule” for its role in mental health, pain relief, and hunger.
CBD can help with an array of ailments and discomforts in both dogs and people, including:
Dr. Gary Richter says the most common way pet owners are using CBD for dogs is to help with pain, stress, and anxiety.
Brandon Nolte, author of “The Ultimate Guide to CBD Health Oil” and Founder and CEO of Healthy Hemp Oil, reiterated Dr. Richter’s claim that CBD for dogs can help with stress, pain, and even, sleep.
“Dogs who suffer from stress may benefit from CBD to improve their mood,” Nolte says. “CBD binds to your dog’s CBD receptors and creates a sense of calm and security. Your pet may feel more relaxed and even friendlier because they are in a better mood. Dogs who are hyperactive seem to settle down a bit.”
CBD for dogs can help with pain and inflammation, especially in older or injured animals.
“CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it can typically help pets who have problems with joint pain or muscle soreness,” says Nolte. “Taken over time, the inflammation may be reduced, increasing your pet’s mobility and improving their energy levels. Overall, dogs seem more youthful than before they took CBD.”
Nowadays, there are so many CBD products, it can be a bit daunting. How do you know which CBD is best for dogs? There are CBD treats as well as hemp-based CBD oils and tinctures, each with their pros and cons.
CBD oils and tinctures can be dropped directly into dogs’ food. In fact, Dr. Richter says dogs can even take CBD oil meant for humans.
CBD dog treats will take longer to absorb than oil, but will provide longer relief, so deciding between the two will depend on your pet.
As far as dosing goes, Nolte recommends giving pets about 5 mg of CBD per 50 pounds of weight and then adjusting accordingly. However, Nolte also notes, he’s not a doctor and the best course of action is to consult with your vet first about CBD for dogs. A good rule of thumb for CBD for dogs or humans is to “start low and go slow.”
Another thing people should look for when purchasing any CBD product is to make sure it’s been tested by a third-party lab to ensure safety and quality.
Type of CBD Oil:
Ingredient Quality: You’ll want to check if the product is organic, what sorts of additives it has, and if it’s not an isolate product then what sort of oil is the extract diluted in.
Taste: If you’re buying CBD oil for your pal then you probably know the flavors they’re into. Try to pick an oil that adapts to those tastes.
Lab Testing: I like to give priority to products that do third-party testing, it makes me feel much more at ease because the reputation of the lab comes into play here so I feel like I’m getting a product that is truly put to the test. Also, you might want to check the date the testing was done if that sort of information is available to you and ensure that you’re buying a product that wasn’t tested in the 60s.
Brand Reputation: We all have favorite brands for something, the same thing happens with CBD oils. Make sure you’re buying oils from brands you trust; a way to go about it is to ask your budtender for brand advice.
This CBD oil is for your best furry friend. A full dropper is good for a 40-pound dog. And markers on the dropper allow you to dial in the correct dose based on body weight. Dogs (and cats) love the distilled hemp extract with Cornbread Hemp’s propriety corndog flavoring. It helps them get through those stressful pet life moments and gives older pets a new spring in their step.
Photo courtesy of Paw CBD
Paw CBD Oil tinctures for dogs is an affordable high-quality CBD oil made to fit almost every budget. The carrier oil used is MCT oil and the product comes in a presentation of 30ml and in 5 different dosage options; from 150ml to 3,000ml. You also have the option of choosing between the natural or peanut butter flavors.
Photo courtesy of Charlotte´s Web
Charlotte’s Web offers a full spectrum CBD oil option for dogs. It comes in bottles of 30ml or 100ml that offer dosages of 17mg of plant-based cannabinoids per every 1 milliliter of oil. Each bottle comes with a plastic graduated dropper that makes it easier to feed the oil to your pup. Not only that, but you also have the option of choosing between an unflavored bottle or the chicken-flavored option.
Photo courtesy of Lazarus Naturals
Made with full-spectrum Hemp extract, Lazarus Naturals allows you to choose between three different flavors for your best friend; Classic, Unflavored, or Salmon-flavored bottles. This vegan formula high-end CBD oil comes in three different bottle sizes and three different dosage size options. All using organic coconut MCT oil as the carrier oil of choice.
Photo courtesy of Hemp my Pet
Now here’s a brand with a clear goal in mind; helping you take care of your pet. Hemp My Pet uses organic hemp seed oil as the carrier oil and then infuses it with organically grown full-spectrum hemp oil extract. You also have the option of going with their 250mg/ml or 1,000mg/ml dosages, both packaged in 30ml dropper bottles.
Photo courtesy of Holistapet
Full-spectrum CBD oil formulated specifically for pets, in this case, for both dogs and cats. HolistaPet is a pet-oriented brand focused on producing organic superfoods for pets that are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and use 100% natural ingredients.
Photo courtesy of Hemp Bombs
Human-grade broad-spectrum CBD oil specifically formulated to help your pet calm down by reducing anxiety and leveraging a relaxed state. Hemp Bomb’s oil comes in presentations of 30ml per bottle and 125mg, 250mg, or 1,000mg per every 1 milliliter of extract.
Photo courtesy of Cannanine
Cannanine’s organic hemp oil infused with CBD comes in a 30ml bottle with dosages of 250mg, 500mg for dogs 75Lbs and up, as well as a mastiff sized dosage option of 1,000mg. The product does not include THC and is made with full-spectrum CBD extract.
Photo courtesy of Receptra Naturals
A CBD tincture specifically formulated for smaller sized pets, including cats, dogs, and birds. Receptra Naturals’ formula includes a high fatty acid content with the intention of providing additional benefits like muscle and joint health.
Photo courtesy of Populum
Populum uses full-spectrum CBD extract carried in a combination of hemp seed oil and coconut oil. This third-party tested dropper bottle guarantees potency and purity and offers concentration options of 100mg and 250mg.
Photo courtesy of Balance
This CBD tincture by Balance comes in a travel-friendly dropper and allows you to choose between three different flavors, according to your pet’s taste; cod liver, salmon, or the classic natural flavor. This product offers fast-acting relief and a 30 days 100% money-back guarantee.
Photo courtesy of CBDfx
As tradition would have it, CBDfx offers nothing but the best in CBD quality. In this line of CBD oil for pets, you have the option of going with a formula for small, medium, or large breeds, depending on the weight and size of your furry friend. This one is made with 100% organically grown full-spectrum CBD, is third-party lab tested, and free of GMOs.
Photo courtesy of CBD Essence
A smokey flavored mouth-absorbed oil that is sure to bring a grin to your dog’s face. A 100% natural sublingual formula made from finely refined organic CBD oil that vouches to be more than safe for dogs. Not only that, but this CBD Essence product is infused with the same human-grade hemp as in their oils meant for human consumption.
Photo courtesy of Hemp Worx
A 250mg dose, bacon-flavored to make your dog’s most unimaginable dreams come true. With 5mg of CBD oil per serving this Hemp Worx top of the line, non-GMO, and gluten-free pet oil is sure to meet your furry buddy’s standards.
Photo courtesy of Honest Paws
Honest Paws’ 100% organic full-spectrum hemp oil is made of organically harvested and U.S. grown hemp plants. This 125mg CBD bottle is meant to satisfy the CBD needs of dogs weighing less than 25 lbs.
Photography by Kaya Blaze Kelley for Herb
Does your dog get nervous around company? Or, do they turn into a barking monster at the first roar of thunder? Anxiety in dogs is common, but thankfully, hemp oil can help. HolistaPet has a CBD tincture that’s excellent for anxious pups. A few drops can relax them and ease the aggression that comes from fear. Customers claim it’s just the thing for dogs that don’t do well around strangers or can’t stand to be left alone at home.
To administer HolistaPet’s tincture to your pet, you can add it to their food or water, or directly into their mouth, whichever is most comfortable. It comes in a variety of doses to match dogs of all sizes, including 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg. Containing a combination of organic superfoods, hemp CBD, and other 100% natural ingredients, HolistaPet’s CBD tincture is formulated specifically for pets to absorb quickly and gently for immediate relief. There are no additives or preservatives, and it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO.
Photography by Kaya Blaze Kelley for Herb
Pain and inflammation are two common conditions amongst dogs. Whether it’s due to arthritis or wearing of the joints, hemp oil can relieve pain and reduce inflammation simultaneously. That way, your pup stays happy, lively, and fit.
Pet Releaf Hemp Oil, available in 330, 700, 1000, and 1700 mg doses, not only helps to support healthy hips and joints, but also relieves pain, discomfort, and inflammation., It’s packed with nutrients, including 20 amino acids, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins, plus omega-3, 6, 9s, along with vitamin E and beta-carotene. For older dogs, it could help boost their mobility and unleash their inner puppy. In addition, it’s apparently helpful in treating bee stings. If you have a playful outdoor dog that’s been stung by a bee, you know how scarily large the swelling gets. Pet Releaf Hemp Oil, according to reviews, shrunk a pup’s swelling in just 15 minutes, saving mom a trip to the vet’s office and a hefty bill.
Photography by Kaya Blaze Kelley for Herb
Seizures can alter a dog’s life drastically, and yours too. Hemp oil might not cure your pup’s epilepsy, but it can at least manage it by reducing the frequency and severity of the seizures your pet experiences. King Kalm CBD a hemp oil brand worth trying with your epileptic pup. One dog owner claims that their beloved Shih-poo has been seizure-free ever since they began using King Kalm CBD. King Kalm CBD comes in three strengths- 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg- and includes a detailed chart to guide dog moms and dads in choosing the best dose. A simple syringe is the best way to administer the dose, which comes included. Lab results are also available on King Kanine’s website to ensure that your pet is getting pure, high-quality hemp CBD, in addition to natural high omega-3 krill oil and natural lavender to lend an extra dose of calm.
Photography by Kaya Blaze Kelley for Herb
Is your dog continually biting, scratching, and licking themselves? If so, it could be a sign of allergies. Allergies can stem from all sorts of things, from parasites to foods to pollen to hormones, making pups uncomfortable. Honest Paws CBD Oil for dogs, available in 3 dose levels, reduces allergic reactions, anxiety, and other obsessive behaviors like chewing and licking. According to the site, over 8,000 dog owners trust Honest Paws. It’s a 4.7-star all-natural, fast-acting, highly absorbable full-spectrum product with 616 promising reviews to back it up.
Photography by Kaya Blaze Kelley for Herb
From time to time, dogs eat something they’re not supposed to, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and or diarrhea. Whatever is throwing off your pup’s digestive tract, hemp oil, like Austin And Kat’s CBD Hemp & Salmon Oil, can help regulate the digestive system and get it back on track. If your furry companion is having difficulty eating or has had an adverse effect from food, this oil, available in 100 mg and 300 mg servings, can be integrated into their daily diet for quick relief. The wild Alaskan salmon and hemp seed oil are filled to the brim with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Plus, salmon oil is rich in EPA and DHA, which are two powerful gut repairers thanks to their bounty of omega-3 fats. That, and it gives the hemp oil a taste dogs will love.
Photography by Kaya Blaze Kelley for Herb
When it comes to cancer, it’s important to note that hemp oil is not a cure. However, it can keep your pup as comfortable and vibrant as can be by promoting a healthy immune system, providing energy, stimulating appetite, and more. Prana Pets CBD and C-Support together are a natural treatment for dogs with cancers. In addition to the benefits mentioned, C-Support reduces systemic inflammation, inhibits abnormal growths, strengthens liver health for optimal digestion, and enhances your pup’s overall well-being. It’s a 100% herbal product that blends a variety of beneficial herbs, including Alfalfa, Cat’s Claw, and more. As for the full-spectrum, 100% Colorado-grown CBD oil, not only does it support healthy digestion and appetite, but it also relieves nausea and other digestive problems.
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If you’re interested in adding hemp oil to your pup’s wellness routine to see how it helps, NuLeaf Naturals CBD is an all-natural dietary supplement that is the ultimate wellness weapon for dogs. It contains no additives or preservatives, it’s 100% organic, and lab tested. From keeping barks down to a dull roar to getting them up and downstairs with ease to encouraging play, NuLeaf Naturals CBD can make all the difference in your pet’s quality of life. Available in 240, 725, and 1450 mg CBD doses, large and small pups alike can benefit from NuLeaf Natural, and pet parents too. Happy dog, happy home. If in doubt, then check out the 532 customer testimonials.