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The best CBD products for dogs in 2022

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The best CBD products for dogs in 2022

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Just because you have four legs and (as far as we know) can’t read the news, doesn’t mean you couldn’t use a little relief from time to time. CBD oils for dogs are designed to provide the same therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol prized by their owners, in particular its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antitumoral, and antiepileptic properties. 

And because CBD oil doesn’t produce the psychotropic effect that the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for, you don’t have to worry about your dog getting high and forcing you to listen to a recording of their band’s last open-mic night.  

At the same time, most animal trials on CBD were performed on rodents, so if you’re concerned, consider speaking to a veterinarian before providing your dog with CBD. 

1
  • Easy to adjust/customize dose level with dropper
  • Contains only CBD and MCT coconut oil
  • 100% organically-grown, vegan, gluten and GMO free
2
  • High concentration doses
  • Some of Canna-Pets products are covered by pet insurance
  • Full refund available within 30 days
3
  • Easy guided dosing dropper
  • 60-day money back guarantee
  • No added preservatives or ingredients
4
  • Wide variety of flavors and potencies available
  • GMP certified
  • 60-day money back guarantee
5
  • Includes additional cannabinoids
  • Non GMO, no gluten or dairy
  • Free shipping and 30-day money back guarantee
6
  • Bacon flavored
  • Wide variety of potencies
  • Product is reviewed by veterinarians
7
  • Fast acting formulation
  • Includes chamomile
  • Free shipping

How does CBD oil affect dogs? 

CBD can have a number of potentially beneficial effects for human patients — as well as for dogs. Many people with inflammatory conditions — such as inflammatory pain, inflammatory bowel disease, and arthritis — use CBD for its ability to suppress the immune system. 

For dog owners, one of the most common uses of CBD oil is to treat anxiety in restless or anxious dogs. While the research is still rather scant, there is some evidence1 that CBD oil can be helpful in treating anxiety disorders and in alleviating insomnia. For some dog owners this could mean that CBD could help a dog on an ongoing basis, or on an as-needed basis, such as when there’s a thunderstorm outside, or during 4th of July fireworks. 

One of the most well-known uses of CBD is in treating epilepsy, especially in the case of children with severe forms of the disease. There is some clinical evidence2 that CBD treatment could be effective for dogs with a specific group of epileptic disorders called intractable idiopathic epilepsy.

Regardless of how you plan on using CBD oil, it is clear that CBD oil for dogs is becoming firmly entrenched in the mainstream. For proof, look no further than the fact that both Amazon and Petsmart sell a large variety of CBD products for dogs – and it seems they’re just getting started.

Is CBD safe for dogs?   

According to the American Kennel Club, there are potential side effects of CBD usage for dogs, though these are based on the side effects for humans. These include dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, decreased liver enzyme activity, and drowsiness, according to the AKC.

CBD and medical marijuana for pets, Food delicacy for dogs and cats, marijuana CBD oil
(123rf)

The organization states that the safety and risks of CBD use for dogs have yet to be researched and it’s unclear what CBD dosage for dogs would be toxic. The recommendation is to start with a small dosage and monitor the results, and to consult with your veterinarian before beginning treatment.  

The AKC adds that veterinarians in some jurisdictions may be unable to legally recommend CBD or provide advice about CBD treatment. Keep your veterinarian in the loop nonetheless, and research on your own using peer-reviewed, reputable sources. 

Similarly, the American Veterinary Medical Association says that while CBD does “appear to hold therapeutic promise” in a variety of areas, “the available scientific evidence pertaining to their use in animals is currently limited.” In July 2019, the association sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration in which they called on the FDA to provide regulatory clarity about their expectations for labeling and safety of cannabis-derived products for animals, stating that it is critical in order to assure their safe and appropriate use. 

One step that dog owners can take on their own is to pay close attention to labeling on CBD oil for pets and to only buy from reputable companies. The CBD industry is full of brands with less rigorous manufacturing standards and you may have every reason to worry about the safety and quality of their products. Buy from trusted brands, and probably not from the box of CBD products next to the cash register at the gas station. 

Can dogs overdose on CBD?

A dog overdose on CBD oil could result in unpleasant reactions such as extreme lethargy, vomiting, appetite loss, and diarrhea, but anything requiring hospitalization is highly unlikely. 

(damedeeso/123rf)

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that one side effect to look out for is drug interaction, in the sense the CBD could affect the metabolism of other drugs. The ASPCA says this could be important when CBD is used for seizure control in pets, adding that CBD has also been shown to “cause dose-dependent elevations in liver enzymes in various safety studies.”

But in terms of an actual overdose? According to the AVMA, veterinary causes of cannabis toxicosis in dogs most commonly are the result of exposure to THC edibles. In other words, a dog owner who left out some tasty looking edibles that got snatched up by a dog. The AVMA states that several deaths have been reported from cannabis toxicity in dogs, but those mainly appear to be due to associated complications such as aspiration. Anyone who thinks their dog has eaten a THC edible should contact their veterinarian immediately.

How we picked this list of CBD oils for dogs

(Andrea Obzerova/123rf)

If you’ve spent any time shopping for CBD products you probably noticed that quality and trustworthiness can vary greatly. We decided to clear up some of the fog around CBD oils for dogs by looking at a number of central qualities:

  • Brand reputation 
  • Quality of Ingredients 
  • Testing and transparency
  • Value 
  • Dosing options and potency

We looked for CBD brands that have established themselves in the world of pet therapeutics, and use high quality ingredients — and the more organic, non-GMO, and cruelty free the better. We also focused on brands that practice transparency and use third party lab testing for their products. Finally, we looked at the value for your money, and the extent to which the products provide a variety of flavors and options for how to dose your dog. 

Without further ado, the best CBD oils for dogs:

Best CBD Oil for Dogs 

Petly Pet Hemp CBD Oil for Small Dogs

Pet Hemp CBD Dog Treats - 25 Chews
  • Pros:
    • Easy to adjust/customize dose level with dropper
    • Contains only CBD and MCT coconut oil
    • 100% organically-grown, vegan, gluten and GMO free
  • Cons:
    • Lab results do not appear on company website 
    • No international shipping
  • Best for: Providing easily-adjustable doses for dogs of all sizes 
  • CBD Type: Broad spectrum 
  • CBD potency: 4.16mg per dropper, 125mg per bottle

Sometimes the little guys need help too, and Taco Bell might not cut it. 

Petly CBD’s oil comes in a variety of formulations for dogs of all sizes. Each bottle contains 30 droppers with 4.16mg of CBD each, suspended in all natural MCT coconut oil. 

Like all of this brand’s hemp oils, it is THC-free, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and made with 100% organically-grown hemp. Each drop of the oil also contains cannabinoids CBDA, CBG, CBN, and CBC. 

The recommended dosage is one full dropper a day, mixed with water. 


Canna-Pet Advanced MaxCBD liquid

  • Cons:
    • Does not ship to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, or South Korea
    • Rather high price 
  • Best for: Providing high-CBD doses 
  • CBD Type: Full spectrum 
  • CBD potency: 680mg CBD per 10ml bottle (about 300 drops, or about 2.25mg per drop)  

Man’s best friend can sometimes use a little help, and with canna-pet’s advanced MaxCBD oil, it comes in a potent concentrated form. 

The oil is 100% organic and contains nothing but whole-plant organic hemp CBD oil. According to Canna-Pet, the highly concentrated form of CBD oil allows it to be 15x as effective. Also, they state that it can be absorbed directly in the mouth, with no need for digestion, making them a great option for dogs with dietary issues. 

The company makes the lab testing results readily available on the product page for easy viewing. 

Canna-Pet says it “invented CBD and hemp nutrition for pets,” and also states that its products are the result of “30 years of careful research.”

All of the company’s products have a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee, and are made using nothing but 100% organic and non-GMO hemp. 


The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs

The Anxious Pet Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs
  • Pros:
    • Easy guided dosing dropper 
    • 60-day money back guarantee 
    • No added preservatives or ingredients
  • Cons:
    • No physical returns accepted  

Best for: Having a variety of dosing options
CBD Type: Full spectrum 
CBD potency: Either 400mg or 800mg per 1 fl oz. bottle 

If you have an anxious pet, then arguably it makes sense to turn to the CBD oil made by The Anxious Pet. 

The brand states that its products are veterinarian formulated and can “promote calm and reduce anxiety related behavior,” in addition to other health benefits. The oil contains only full-spectrum CBD oil and organic fractionated coconut oil and each bottle comes with a handy dosage guide according to each dog’s weight and age. 

The bottles come with a significant amount of full spectrum CBD – either 400mg or 800mg – and according to the company, provide the most cost effective CBD oil option on the market. 

And if you’re feeling as anxious as your dog, keep in mind you can try the products for 60 days and get a full refund if you (or your dog) aren’t satisfied. Oh, and shipping is free too, which is also good for anxiety.  


Paw CBD Oil from cbdMD

  • Pros:
    • Wide variety of flavors and potencies available 
    • GMP certified 
    • 60-day money back guarantee 
  • Cons:
    • Higher potency versions can be rather expensive 

Best for: Being able to select a wide variety of potencies and flavors 
CBD Type: Broad spectrum 
CBD potency: 150mg, 300mg, 750mg, 1500mg, and 3000mg per 30ml bottle 

Since 2015, cbdMD has produced some of the most sought-after CBD products on the market. The company takes pride in being involved in production “from farm to self,” and for using nothing but organic and GMO-free ingredients. 

But what’s on offer for our four-legged friends? 

cbdMD’s paw cbd oil tinctures are carefully-crafted and veterinarian formulated, with one of the wider varieties of potencies available anywhere. With potencies ranging from 150mg to 3000mg per bottle, the oils can suit dogs of any size, and also come in peanut butter or natural flavor. 

The company states that the oil can help dogs “maintain a sense of calm” and “manage signs of daily stress,” as part of their wellness routine. 

The oil also includes CBG and CBN, in addition to MCT oil and natural flavoring.


Holistapet CBD oil for dogs and cats

  • Pros:
    • Includes additional cannabinoids 
    • Non GMO, no gluten or dairy 
    • Free shipping and 30-day money back guarantee 
  • Cons:
    • Small bottle – only 30 servings 

Best for: People who want a wide variety of potencies at an affordable price 
CBD Type: Broad spectrum 
CBD potency: 150mg, 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 3000mg per 15ml bottle 

With nothing but broad spectrum CBD and hemp seed oil, Holistapet is a very appealing dog CBD oil that also comes in the one of the widest varieties of dosing sizes we’ve seen. 

HolistaPet states that all of its products are 100% non-GMO, organic, and vegan, and all of them are subjected to rigorous lab testing. 

The company’s range of potencies makes it a great option for dogs of all sizes, and the company even provides a helpful dosing chart to make sense of it all. The bottles are rather small though, but with the high potency levels, it can reach up to 1.66mg CBD per drop. 


CBDFx – CBD oil for pets

  • Pros:
    • Bacon flavored  
    • Wide variety of potencies 
    • Product is reviewed by veterinarians 
  • Cons:
    • Your dog better like bacon 

Best for: People looking for an affordable option
CBD Type: Broad spectrum 
CBD potency: 250mg, 500mg, 600mg, 1000mg, and 2000mg per 30ml bottle 

Like people, dogs like comfort food too. CBDFx gets it, and that’s probably why their pet CBD oil is bacon flavored, which should make dosing easier for dog parents. 

The oils come in 5 separate potencies, and each is made with broad spectrum CBD and is fully organic and non-GMO. And in case you were worried, they’re vegan, even with the bacon flavor. 

The formulations are also reviewed by veterinarians, according to the company. Also, all of the products are cruelty and solvent free, and include a 60-day guarantee. 


Penelope’s Bloom CBD oil tincture for dogs and cats

  • Pros:
    • Fast acting formulation 
    • Includes chamomile  
    • Free shipping
  • Cons:
    • Not 100% free of THC (but does contain less than 0.3%)

Best for: People who want a fast-acting formula and a variety of potencies 
CBD Type: Full spectrum 
CBD potency: 250mg, 500mg, 750mg, 1000mg 

The CBD oil tincture made by Penelope’s Bloom is an affordable option that is also fully vegan and formulated to be fast-acting, according to the company. 

The CBD oil also contains chamomile, which the company says “can help relax muscles in the stomach to decrease gas and pain especially with pets with digestive issues.”

The oil also contains additional cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, as well as some terpenes and flavonoids. 

And while the company was inspired by a little French bulldog named Penelope, the CBD oil comes in a wide variety of potencies for dogs of all sizes.


Health conditions that CBD oil for dogs can help 

Cancer 

According to the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation, there is promising research on the use of CBD to treat cancer in canines. The AKC quotes research that found that CBD oil “caused a significant decrease in cancer cell reproduction in all cell lines studied.”3

Hyperactive dogs 

Many CBD products for dogs tout their ability to calm hyperactive dogs, and this is one of the main reasons that dog owners report purchasing CBD products. 

Arthritis 

Research has found that CBD may actually help dogs cope with canine osteoarthritis. This is most likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. One 2018 study4 found that their findings suggest “that 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with OA.”

Anxiety

Anxiety is a very common reason that dog owners purchase CBD oil for dogs. CBD has proven to be a potentially effective5 treatment for anxiety, and for many dog owners, CBD oil works quite well to calm dogs or to soothe their anxiety in the event of a thunderstorm or fireworks. 

Seizures 

CBD has proven to be an effective medication in treating seizures, as well as severe forms of epilepsy. The AKC has cited anecdotal evidence that CBD oil can be effective in treating seizures and epilepsy in dogs, but says more extensive research is needed. 

Joint pain 

CBD is a popular treatment for pain, but so far there is not a large body of clinical evidence of its efficacy in treating canine pain.

Sources

  1. Blessing, Esther M., et al. “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 12, no. 4, Oct. 2015, pp. 825–36. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1.
  2. McGrath, Stephanie, et al. “Randomized Blinded Controlled Clinical Trial to Assess the Effect of Oral Cannabidiol Administration in Addition to Conventional Antiepileptic Treatment on Seizure Frequency in Dogs with Intractable Idiopathic Epilepsy.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, vol. 254, no. 11, June 2019, pp. 1301–08. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.11.1301.
  3. 1. Henry, J. G., Shoemaker, G., Prieto, J. M., Hannon, M. B., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2020). The effect of cannabidiol on canine neoplastic cell proliferation and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation during autophagy and apoptosis. Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, e12669, e12669. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12669
  4. Gamble, Lauri-Jo, et al. “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 5, 2018, p. 165. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165.
  5. Blessing, Esther M., et al. “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 12, no. 4, Oct. 2015, pp. 825–36. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1.
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