How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Dogs - Top 10 Choices

What is CBD Oil?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, oil is a liquid compound that is found in hemp and cannabis plants. Many people mistake it for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, which is also extracted from the cannabis plant and gives marijuana its signature psychoactive properties. CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, which has a very low amount of THC.

It does not make your dog ‘high’ but it calms its senses and delivers a number of other mental and physical health benefits.

How is CBD Oil Extracted or Made?

CBD oil is obtained from the hemp plant and this is why you will see it as the main ingredient on the CBD oil bottles. There are 2 ways of extracting the CBD oil from the hemp plant:

1. 1. Through Solvent Extraction

Sometimes, manufacturers use some form of solvents to get the oil out of the plant. These solvents could be both organic and chemical-based like petroleum or butane. However, these solvents may leave some residue in the oil, which may not be good for your dog.

Natural or organic solvents include olive oil and ethanol. Other than leaving the residue, oil extracted through the solvents will be less in both quantity and effectiveness.

1. 2. Through CO2 Extraction

In this method, supercritical carbon dioxide is used to extract the said oil from the hemp plant. Being supercritical means that carbon dioxide is used in both the gas and liquid form to do the extraction. To do it, the help plant is placed in a high-pressure chamber and CO2 is pumped into it. Due to the CO2 pressure, the plant breaks down and releases the CBD oil.

CO2 method is a comparatively expensive extraction method but the results are way better than the solvent method. The method produces much better quality CBD oil and is safer and more effective than the oil produced through the solvent method.

Why is Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs Better?

When buying the CBD oil for your beloved furry friend, make sure that you are buying a broad spectrum oil, which is more than a bottle of plain CBD oil. A full-spectrum CBD oil contains several other cannabinoids like CBA, CBD, CBC, CBG, and a small amount of THC and terpene oils.

All of these ingredients work together to provide greater benefits and effectiveness for your dog. It activates and works Coco’s endocannabinoid system. The CBD oil that does not have any other oils is comparatively cheaper. No matter which kind of oil you are buying, make sure that you know what you are buying.

When buying the oil, it is essential that you look for a broad range of cannabinoids and a little amount of THC for better and higher advantages.

How does CBD Oil Work on Coco’s System?

CBD oil and other cannabinoids work and stimulate Coco’s endocannabinoid system. The said system is like a messenger for your dog’s hormonal and nervous system. The endocannabinoids in the CBD oil are similar to those found in your dog’s body.

They stimulate and work on the receptors present in your dog’s brain, nervous system, immune system, and digestive system. By doing so, it helps Coco in a number of ways. Some of the key benefits of CBD oil are pain reduction, improvement in the digestive and immune system, and reduction in inflammation.

Is CBD Oil Legal and Safe for Your Dog?

As per the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-extracted CBD is legal in the US. Before CBD was also considered illegal like marijuana but because hemp-derived CBD oil is not as psychoactive as marijuana. It has a negligible amount of THC and is quite beneficial for your canine friend.

On its own, CBD oil is safe for your dog. However, where you are buying it from makes a big difference. CBD oil extracted through the solvent method has a lesser amount of oil and toxic residue. As per the 2017 research, many of the CBD products were loaded with THC and less of what is stated on the bottle’s label. Therefore, be careful about choosing the manufacturer.

What is the Recommended Dosage of CBD Oil for Dogs?

As the basic rule, the recommended amount of CBD oil is from 1mg to 6mg per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight. If you are giving it for anxiety then a lesser amount will be better but if you are using it to help reduce pain or some issues with the immune system then a larger amount will work better.

The best way to introduce CBD oil to your dog is to start slow and with less amount. To give you a rough idea, we have added some recommended doses of CBD for a healthy dog, as per the dog’s weight and medical condition.

If your dog is suffering from some kind of health issues then the recommended dosage will be different.

How Fast the CBD Oil Works?

When given orally, it starts working within 30 to 90 minutes. If Coco could bear it then giving the oil orally is the best way. Since more of it is absorbed when given by mouth, make sure that you give a small amount only.

Hemp Oil Vs. CBD Oil for Dogs: Which is Better?

Both hemp oil and CBD oil are extracted from the same plant but from the different parts. Where the hemp oil is obtained from the seeds, the CBD oil is taken from the leaves, flowers, and stalk of the plant.

‘Which one is better for my dog?’ The answer depends on what you want to achieve from it. Hemp oil does not have any cannabinoids but it has a rich amount of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that are essential to keep the heart, brain, skin, and coat of your dog healthy.

CBD oil offers border coverage than hemp oil. Not only does it help your dog with anxiety and stress, but it also provides other anti-inflammatory and health benefits that are crucial to keeping your dog healthy and happy. The choice is yours but for greater benefits, we suggest going for CBD infused products.

What are the Key Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs?

‘Why should I give CBD oil to my dog?’ CBD oil offers a lot of benefits for your dog.

Since the CBD oil works as a chemical messenger system and stimulates your dog’s endocannabinoid system, it offers excellent benefits to it.

Here are some of the common conditions that the CBD oil helps you with:

For Dogs with Arthritis

CBD oil is a natural ingredient that does not have any side effects. Its anti-inflammatory properties work by binding itself to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors stimulate the immune system and help in reducing inflammation while the CB2 receptors work both the immune and nervous systems. Even some of the healthiest dog breeds require CBD oil.

Some of the inflammatory conditions in which CBD oil is useful are:

• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Torn ligaments
• Recent surgery
• Muscle strain

For Dogs with Cancer

CBD oil for dogs with cancer has promising results. As per the research and study, CBD oil slows down the growth of cancer cells and even kills them by stimulating the production of killer cells. It also blocks the GPR55 cannabinoid receptor that contributes to the growth of cancer cells and helps with nausea caused as a result of cancer treatments.

For Dogs with Epilepsy and Seizures

CBD oil as an excellent treatment for dogs with epilepsy and seizures. The seizures are caused when the neurons produce abnormal electric charges. CBD oil is proved to be very helpful and nearly 85% of the dogs experienced better conditions after it. By binding the receptors in the brain, the CBD can improve the working of the nervous system.

For Dogs with Anxiety

CBD oil works better than the anti-anxiety drugs that may have dangerous side effects. When given directly into the mouth, it helps in reducing stress in dogs. It helps in regulating the serotonin levels that improve mood, appetite, behavior, and digestive system in dogs. Besides, they are useful for cats also.

For Dogs with Pain

CBD oil is effective in managing and lessening pain in dogs. CBD connects with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and changes the way the mind experiences pain. Besides, it also controls the symptoms of pain also. It helps with all kinds of pains.

For Dogs with Allergies

Dogs often suffer from skin allergies. Fortunately, skin also has an endocannabinoid system, which means that CBD oil is helpful for skin conditions also. It helps in bettering dry and itchy skin and promotes healthy skin cell growth. Moreover, it can also be given for managing internal allergies.

For Dogs with Autoimmune Diseases

Dogs suffering from autoimmune diseases like lupus, diabetes, and arthritis cause several symptoms like weight loss, weakness, abdominal pain, and kidney failure. CBD oil helps in reducing pain and inflammation in such dogs and reduces their discomfort.

For Dogs with Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation causes chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints, and redness of the skin. CBD influences the receptors that are causing inflammation and reduces its effectiveness. By doing so, it helps in reducing pain and increasing mobility in dogs.

How to Find the Best CBD Oil for Your Dog?

Since the CBD products are not as well-regulated as others, there are high chances that the pet owners get low-quality products. Here are some of the ways to find the best cannabidiol, CBD oil:

• Go for a full-spectrum CBD oil, ALWAYS. A broad-spectrum oil is full of other beneficial cannabinoids that increases the oil’s effectiveness. In case the label says ‘No THC’, chances are that it has CBD isolate, which is not very useful for your canine.
• Get the oil that is extracted with the CO2 extraction method. The oil obtained through this method is of the highest quality and is extracted without any toxic solvents.
• Make sure that it has what is written on the label. Check the certificate of analysis to make sure that it has the ingredients that are written on the label. Never buy the oil without checking the COA.
• You should know where your CBD has grown. In many cases, the industrial hemp is sourced from other places where you cannot be sure about its quality and if it is lab-tested or not.
• Only buy high-quality CBD oil and CBD oil products. High-quality and CO2 extracted CBD is expensive and is why you should be sure what you are paying for.

Side Effects of Using CBD Oil for Dogs

Like any drug and medication, CBD oil also has some possible side effects. Since there are no significant data and research about the benefits and side effects of the CBD oil, as a pet owner, you should be mindful of using it.

Though the CBD oil is intended to diagnose and treat the common doggie issues, here are some side effects that you should look for:

• As per some research, CBD can result in a decrease in the production of saliva and an increase of thirst in dogs
• High dose of the CBD oil can cause your dog’s blood pressure to drop and cause light-headedness
• Since CBD is used to treat anxiety, it can cause a slight drowsiness

To make sure that the side effects are not severe, make sure that you start with a lower amount and increase it with time.

How to Give CBD Oil to Your Dog?

There are a number of ways through which you could give it to your dog. Some dogs are quite picky and may make it difficult for you to give the dose to them. For such canines, below are some easy to give forms:

• CBD Treats: This is probably the easiest way of giving the dose to your dog and it is quite simple also. Just give the treats to your dog in the right amount
• Topical Application: These usually cream that you can apply to the skin of your dog. Take the recommended amount of the cream and rub it into the skin of your dog.
• CBD Capsules: You can mix the capsules with your dog’s food. Some good options are mixing it with cheese and peanut butter treats when administering it to your dog.
• CBD Tinctures: Tinctures or liquid oil id dropped underneath the dog’s tongue. Through this method, the oil is absorbed faster. In case your dog does not like the taste, use flavored oil.

Best CBD Oil for Dogs - Top Choices in 2022

CBD oil is great for your dog’s health but choosing the right product is also important. Below, we have listed 10 of the best CBD oils present in the market right now:

1. Paw CBD by cbdMD
2. CBD Pet by CBD Pure
3. NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil
4. Honest Paws CBD Oil
5. CBDfx CBD Oil
6. HempMy Pet CBD Oil (Best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis)
7. HolistaPet CBD Oil for Dogs
8. Just CBD Oil for Dogs
9. King Kanine’s King Kalm CBD Oil
10. Canna-Pet CBD Oil for Dogs (Best CBD oil for dogs with cancer)

All of these oils are loaded with wholesome CBD goodness that works excellently for your dog and helps you keep him happy and healthy.