Best CBD for Dogs
The global cannabidiol (CBD) pet market is already large and growing, and researchers expect it to reach $1.72 billion by 2030. Dogs dominate the market share, and North America dominates the CBD pet industry. Pet owners use CBD to calm dogs or take advantage of other potential benefits. There is minimal research available right now. However, the studies conducted to date and reviews of existing data all point to the promising efficacy of CBD for dogs and other animals.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
Millions of people give their dogs and cats CBD daily. They administer it as oils, treats, or chews. A few clinical studies have found that CBD may have therapeutic value. Pet owners are also using it to promote general wellness. CBD interacts with the animal’s endocannabinoid system to produce positive effects. Buying the best CBD for dogs and other animals from reputable brands will ensure it is a high-quality product with no harmful contents.
Table of Contents
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
While research is limited, much anecdotal evidence shows CBD and other cannabinoids are perfect for dogs, cats, and other animals. CBD oil is a natural product made with CBD extracted from the hemp plant— pet owners like that it is plant-sourced and not full of fillers and unhealthy ingredients.
Though research is limited, some studies have been conducted on CBD safety for dogs. Studies have found that it is safe when used appropriately. For example, the National Animal Supplement Council published a study that found different types of CBD oils were well-tolerated by healthy dogs. For each of the study’s 90 days, four groups of dogs were given broad spectrum CBD plus CBG, CBDA or a placebo. The dosage was 5 milligrams per kilogram of the dog’s body weight.
Another controlled study found that giving dogs 4 mg of CBD per kg of body weight daily for six months was well-tolerated by healthy dogs. Yet another study found that a single dose of 4 mg per kg of body weight given two hours before a discomfort event, like separation or car travel, reduced this condition. It can take 30-45 minutes for the animal to experience the CBD effects, especially if it is administered as drops in food, dog treats, or chews.
If you are interested in using CBD for puppies, the puppy should be at least 4-6 months old. Their internal systems are still developing during this period.
How Does CBD Work in Dogs?
The Humane Society says CBD and hemp products are not only pet-safe. They may help pet health in various ways.
It was recently determined that CBD modulates, rather than binds to, particular receptors in the endocannabinoid system. They are CB1, CB2, GPR119, GPR55, PPAR and TRPV. These studies have involved human participants, but there is a growing body of research on the effects of CBD on pets.
All mammals, including dogs and cats, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) similar to the human ECS. The cell-signaling system is essential to regulating the body’s systems and keeping them in homeostasis. It comprises three main components: receptors (some mentioned earlier), naturally produced cannabinoids (called endogenous cannabinoids), and enzymes.
The primary receptors in the endocannabinoid system are CB1 and CB2. Researchers have learned that dogs have a more significant number of CB1 receptors in their brains compared to humans. CB1 receptors are also in the peripheral nervous and immune, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tissues. CB2 receptors are mainly in the immune system and spleen. CB1 and CB2 receptors are located throughout all skin layers in dogs. Understanding the distribution of these receptors in the dog’s body can help consumers better understand how CBD may affect them.
CBD works in the animal’s ECS system in different ways, but minimal research means there is not much information about how CBD works in animals other than knowing it interacts with the ECS system. The basis of most animal research begins with the knowledge of how CBD works in humans to produce various effects.
Full spectrum CBD products do contain some THC, but it is no more than the legal limit of 0.3%. It should not cause your animal to experience a high. However, follow dosage recommendations since dogs have more CB1 receptors in the brain. THC binds to CB1 receptors, producing the high so that dogs may react more aggressively than humans.
The side effects of CBD oil for dogs may include excitability if given too much THC, drowsiness, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, restlessness, low blood pressure, or urinary incontinence.
Monitor a pet for these potential side effects and adjust the dosage.
Due to the many potential positive effects of CBD in humans, interest is growing in determining if CBD could play a therapeutic role for animals. A review of all the data published so far found that CBD given to dogs significantly improved the quality of life. Three studies on behavioral disorders found CBD led to a decrease in aggressive behaviors. Three studies found CBD was effective in decreasing itching occurrences.
Top Best-Selling CBD Oils for Dogs
Not all CBD for dogs is the same. You want to choose high-quality products that support good health and taste. The following are five CBD products specially formulated for dogs or puppies that are top sellers and get five-star reviews.
1. Lazarus Naturals CBD Oil Tincture
Price: $45.00
CBD Per Bottle: 2400 mg CBD
CBD Per 1 ml: 20 mg
Lazarus Naturals adheres to the same quality standards for dogs as it does for humans. CBD is extracted from hemp grown on the company’s farms, and the products are natural and safe. Wild salmon oil is high in omega-3s. Each dose also contains wild-caught pollock oil, which is high in omega-3s, tocopherols with antioxidant properties, and all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the hemp plant. This product delivers 20 mg of CBD per serving. The joint support CBD oil is pesticide-free, heavy metals-free, and GMO-free.
2. NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil
Price: $66.75
CBD Per Bottle: 1800 mg CBD
CBD Per 1 ml: 60 mg
With CBD extracted from organic Colorado-grown hemp via subcritical and supercritical CO2 extraction, the NuLeaf Naturals pet CBD oil is of the highest quality. It is free of artificial ingredients and has all-natural flavoring. As a full spectrum product, your pet benefits from all hemp plant nutrients, including CBD, less than .3% THC, minor cannabinoids like CBC and CBG, terpenes, and flavonoids. Each serving has 6 mg of CBD in an organic virgin hemp seed carrier oil to support your pet’s wellness, rest, and recovery.
3. CBDistillery Wag Distilled CBD Oil for Pet Wellness
Price: $35.99
CBD Per Bottle: 600 mg CBD
CBD Per 1 ml: 20 mg
This CBD oil contains 10 mg of CBD in each serving. Available in two strengths of 5 mg and 20 mg of CBD, CBDDistillery has a reputation for producing products that contain 100% clean ingredients. CBD oil for pet wellness contains only full spectrum hemp extract and cold-press hemp seed oil without artificial ingredients. CBDDistillery has earned certifications for Natural Farming Practices, ISO 9001:2015, and the US Hemp Authority. Full spectrum CBD offers the entourage effect, and hemp seed oil is easy for the pet to digest. It is a win-win for pet wellness.
4. Elixinol Everyday Dog Drops
Price: $19.99
CBD Per Bottle: 500 mg CBD
CBD Per 1 ml: 16.6 mg
Elixinol developed a carefully balanced CBD product specifically for dog wellness. It contains curcuminoids from turmeric, DHA from algae, coconut oil as a carrier, and broad spectrum CBD. This THC-free oil offers all the other cannabinoids and healthy compounds of the hemp plant. Each milliliter of the oil has 16.67 CBD mg. Dogs love the natural bacon flavor, and dog owners love the healthy formulation.
5. CBDfx Calming CBD Soft Chews
Price: $29.99
CBD Per Bottle: 600 mg CBD
CBD Per Count: 20 mg
The organic, vegan CBDfx soft chews are ideal for dog owners who have difficulty administering CBD oil. They are specially formulated to calm dogs and promote relaxation, with each chew containing 20 mg of CBD plus melatonin, chamomile, passion flower, tryptophan, valerian root, ashwagandha and more. Each chew has a precise amount of CBD, so no guessing is necessary. Chews can be conveniently administered at the best time, too, like before a car trip, when leaving home, or when a pet needs relaxation. An all-natural hickory flavoring makes these chews a popular choice.
What to Look for When Choosing CBD Products?
Pay attention to the source of a particular product. The best CBD comes from industrial hemp, which naturally suppresses weeds and can diminish insect outbreaks. Thus, herbicides and insecticides are unnecessary when growing hemp. Â Â Â
Before you purchase a product, you should make sure that the brand discloses where their hemp comes from and what the growing conditions are like. Organically grown hemp is preferred. Trustworthy companies will provide lab test results for their products. This will give you a better idea of the product’s quality and help you ensure that no THC is present in your dog’s CBD oil.
A national survey of pet owners giving their dogs CBD found that treats, chews, and oils were the most common products administered. When choosing them, remember the following guidelines to ensure buying a high-quality product.
- Look for and review the Certificate of Analysis (COA) prepared by an independent lab to verify there are no harmful ingredients and potency.
- Compare the COA to the label, looking for consistent information.
- Read the ingredient label to ensure there are no additives that might be harmful to the animal.
- Check the CBD potency per serving for appropriateness for the animal’s size.
- Buy products produced by companies with a good reputation in the marketplace.
- Full-spectrum CBD has a THC content below 0.3%, so to avoid THC, buy a broad spectrum CBD product.
- CBD oils are the best choice when precise dosing is essential.
Where to Buy CBD Oil for Dogs?
Dosing Information for Dogs
Medications approved by the FDA usually have clear dosing instructions to follow. Due to a lack of sufficient available research and because various products have different potencies, CBD doesn’t have precise dosing information.
For your dog’s safety, your selected product should come with clear dosing information based on your dog’s body weight. You should start with the lowest dose and gradually increase based on response to CBD or lack thereof. If you suspect that your dog is having an adverse reaction, then stop using CBD immediately.
Products made for human consumption may be safe for use in dogs, but it is highly recommended that your dog only receive CBD oil made specifically for dogs due to safety reasons. Pet-friendly flavors can help ease administration because some dogs may not like the taste of regular CBD oil. Â
Healthy Dogs are Happy Dogs
CBD supports general wellness, but always begin with a lower dosage and watch for side effects. If using CBD for potential therapeutic purposes, it is essential to check with a veterinarian to determine the best dosage, especially if the pet is on medication. Also, following the recommended dosage ensures the dog or cat does not get too much CBD or other ingredients. The all-natural flavoring in CBD products may lead your pet to beg for more!
Sources
- https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240305878251/en/National-Animal-Supplement-Council-Announces-Publication-of-Landmark-Safety-Study-of-Cannabidiol-Products-in-Healthy-Dogs
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36213402/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9992179/#s5
- https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/cbd-pets
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35083862/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6770351/#sec3-animals-09-00686
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10347378/#sec9
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13619
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