Hemp Oil for Dogs: 8 Things You Should Know Before Buying

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably heard about hemp oil. Maybe you’ve even looked into purchasing some to improve your pup’s quality of life. But given the massive number of conflicting articles and claims made on the internet, where on earth can you start looking for reliable, science-based information? Is hemp oil even good for dogs? 

We’ve got the answers. Canna Companion is a leader in cannabis science and education. Our team is made up of veterinary experts who are dedicated to dispelling false information and sharing the potential benefits of this natural resource. So today, let’s talk about hemp oil for dogs: is it safe, and what should you know before you buy?

1. High-Quality Hemp Oil Is Safe for Dogs

The first thing you should consider before making any changes to your pet’s diet or daily routine is safety. So, is hemp oil safe for dogs? The answer is yes—so long as you choose a product specifically formulated for pets.

Marijuana products made for medical or recreational use are not appropriate for pets. They may contain unregulated or unspecified ratios of CBD to THC, which can cause distress and other adverse reactions in your dog. An overdose of these products can leave your pet dizzy and unable to walk or eat until the effects fade. 

Hemp-based products made just for pets, on the other hand, contain specific ratios of chemical compounds, which enables animals to enjoy the benefits of hemp while minimizing the dangers of marijuana products.

Here are just some of the benefits of hemp oil for dogs:

• GI tract support
• Immune system support
• Regular joint function and mobility
• “End of life” comfort
• Relief from situation anxieties
• Neurological support

2. It Won’t Get Your Dog High

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychotropic compound that produces a feeling of euphoria or “highness.” This compound is present in marijuana products. CBD, or cannabidiol, is non-psychotropic, meaning that it conveys the benefits of the cannabis plant without the adverse effects associated with marijuana. 

As we mentioned, hemp oil for dogs is produced with carefully-controlled ratios of CBD to THC. The amount of THC in these products is extremely minimal, meaning that properly formulated hemp oil will not get your dog high. Canna Companion’s Whole Plant Hemp Oil, for example, contains an amount of THC well below the threshold where a dog might experience a euphoric effect.

3. Not All Hemp Oil for Dogs Is Created Equal

That being said, not all hemp oil for dogs is the same. Some CBD products are considered “single compound,” meaning that they’re formulated with a cannabinoid and terpenoid profile mostly made up of one major compound. This type of product prevents animals from enjoying the full benefits of CBD and can even throw off the entire endocannabinoid system when administered over a lengthy period.

Instead of single compound CBD products, you should look for “whole plant” or “full spectrum” formulations, such as Canna Companion’s Whole Plant Hemp Oil. Full spectrum products utilize the full range of cannabinoids and terpenoids, resulting in more effective support to the endocannabinoid system. These products should have a Certificate of Analysis available for you to ensure that the hemp oil for dogs you’ve chosen is in compliance with current hemp definitions and regulations.

4. It Can Help With Anxiety

Hearing your dog cry when you leave the house is heartbreaking for you but can actually be damaging for them. It’s perfectly normal for your dog to experience a certain level of anxiety—humans do too, and it’s a natural part of life. But when that anxiety becomes overblown, and the symptoms begin affecting your dog’s quality of life, it’s important to address the situation. That might mean minimizing the situational stressor that’s causing the behavior; fireworks, thunderstorms, car rides, and changes to a daily routine are all common causes of situational anxiety.

If you’ve already done your best to minimize your dog’s exposure to these stressors, hemp oil can provide further comfort. The substance can calm the mind and soothe the body, allowing your dog to be more relaxed and comfortable in the face of a big move or an exciting training session.

5. It’s Great for Senior Dogs

Getting old isn’t easy for anyone, but it can be particularly difficult to watch a beloved pet go grey in the muzzle or stop wanting to go for long walks. Fortunately, hemp oil for dogs can ease the transition into old age and beyond. 

Senior canines often experience issues like a weakened immune system, separation anxiety, and stiffness from normal daily activities. You may want to consider introducing a high-quality hemp oil made specifically for dogs to help encourage a calm demeanor, ease the discomfort that comes from regular exercise, and support a functioning immune system. 

6. Hemp Oil Dosage Depends on the Size of Your Dog

What’s the correct dosage of hemp oil for dogs? There’s no exact answer, but it typically depends on the size and breed of your dog, as well as their unique needs and how their endocannabinoid system responds. Dogs can normally enjoy the benefits of CBD oil by ingesting .1mLs of our Whole Plant Hemp Oil for every 10 lbs., two to three times a day. We also recommend administering hemp oil for dogs during or just after feeding time in order to minimize the risk of GI upset.

Again, the exact hemp oil for dogs dosage should be determined by your canine’s needs. If you’re having trouble figuring out the right amount for your dog and believe he may need more or less than the recommended amount, consider reaching out to a veterinarian for additional insight. 

7. Oil Formulations May Be Easier to Administer Than CBD Capsules

You may be wondering what the difference is between hemp oil for dogs and CBD capsules. To begin, these options will have unique CBD to THC ratios and terpenoid profiles. Oil formulations have 3.5:1-5.5:1 CBD to THC ratios. In contrast, Canna Companion’s regular strength CBD capsules are formulated with a ratio of 3:1-4:1, and our extra strength capsules are 5:1-6:1. The correct choice will depend on the unique needs of your canine.

In addition to ratios of CBD to THC, ease of use should also factor into your decision. If your dog has trouble swallowing pills or manages to find and spit out every capsule you try to sneak into his food, hemp oil may be easier to administer. It’s also a better choice for canines who need more immediate support for their endocannabinoid system.

8. We’re Still Uncovering the Full Benefits of Hemp Oil for Dogs

Researchers have spent decades studying the effects of CBD on the body—and we still have yet to uncover the full potential of this resource. In fact, the cannabis plant contains an enormous variety of chemical compounds, and we’ve only discovered 545 so far!

Cannabis science is an immensely promising field, and we’re looking forward to further expanding our knowledge of the cannabis plant and its compounds in the years to come. In the meantime, your canine companion can benefit from a whole host of known effects, including support for her immune system, joints, demeanor, GI tract, and neurological system.

Your Pup Deserves the Best: Choose High-Quality Hemp Oil for Dogs

As you can see, hemp oil for dogs offers a wide range of supportive health benefits; but it’s crucial to choose a product you can trust. After all, your dog depends on you to care for them and keep them healthy, happy, and comfortable. Canna Companion’s Whole Plant Hemp Oil for dogs is formulated with a carefully-controlled ratio of CBD to THC, ensuring that it’s not only beneficial but also safe for your dog to consume. 

Have more questions about hemp oil for dogs? We would love to hear from you. We’d also be happy to set up a complimentary consultation with a licensed veterinary professional who can advise you on your dog’s unique needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.