Canis lupus familiaris — more commonly known as the domestic dog — has established an extraordinary relationship with CBD in record time. As highlighted in peer-reviewed veterinary studies, findings have been nothing short of remarkable. The promise of cannabis to treat various animal health issues has fueled consumer sale projections northwards of $1.8 billion by 2022. And if those numbers don’t impress you, the countless use cases will.
CBD is multi-faceted, it promotes holistic wellness and can significantly improve your dog’s day-to-day living experience without notable side effects. With benefits ranging from pain and anxiety relief to digestive and immune support, it’s no wonder CBD has won the trust of millions of pet parents. You don’t need to request a prescription to obtain this helpful natural medicine; however, before you venture to find CBD oil for your dog online, you should first have a foundational understanding of what makes a CBD product trustworthy and effective. Below, we highlight what to look for and the top five recommendations for the best CBD oil for dogs currently available online.
Top Ranking CBD for Dogs – The Finalists
1. Holistapet – Editor’s Choice
2. CBDfx – Runner Up
3. Penelope’s Bloom – Honorable Mention
4. AnxiousPet – Great Reputation
5. Petly – Organic Focused
How Did We Compile This List?
We started our search for the best CBD oil for dogs with a range of metrics in mind. Our goal is to ensure that we are only recommending the best brands and solutions. While CBD has the ability to help your dog in a variety of ways, not all brands put the same level of thought into their manufacturing and testing processes. Because of this unfortunate but true fact, we eliminated brands that did not match the criteria we set, which includes:
Third-Party Lab Testing to Confirm Purity and Potency
Brands are held accountable through testing, which gives them the opportunity to adjust their formulations if they don’t fulfill specified criteria. CBD strength is included on the product’s packaging and is expressed in milligrams. With increased concentration, CBD’s effects become more potent. We search for companies that offer a range of potencies, allowing you to determine the dose your dog requires.
Brand Vision and Mission
Brands that have a genuine desire to distribute helpful products share the reason they decided to create a CBD company, they share their vision, which often includes a noteworthy personal story, and most importantly – they’re dedicated to providing you with a positive customer experience. They share their third-party lab testing reports and make it easy for you to look up individual batches, so you always have peace of mind when purchasing their products.
Consumer Feedback
Customers can share their experiences with the company through social media, which increases brand transparency. We monitor client satisfaction from the moment they begin perusing the website to when they’ve had a chance to try the product and can share details about their personal experience. With so many comments and reviews to filter through, it becomes apparent which brands truly care about ensuring a positive consumer experience.
Best CBD Oil for Dogs – Extensive Brand Reviews & Analysis
1. Holistapet – Editor’s Choice
Pros:
- Non-GMO, No Additives or Preservatives, Gluten and Dairy-Free
- Multiple concentrations available
- Contains pure CO2 extracted broad spectrum CBD
- Subscribe and save 25%
Cons:
- None
Holistapet is dedicated to supporting the health of pets, making breakthrough efforts to provide natural remedies for dogs in pain and those that need the support to continue with their already great health. When your dog is coping with restless evenings and discomfort that limits everyday activities, having natural support is very crucial. Holistapet understands how distressing these situations may be, which is why they work relentlessly to guarantee that their CBD oil is both suitably potent and produces verifiable results for the sake of your pet’s overall wellbeing. For this reason, they have been voted among the top CBD Oil for dogs on Observer and Las Vegas Sun.
Once you’ve fallen in love with your fur baby, there is no going back – their pain is your pain. And when you’re concerned about your dog’s complete health, you are particularly impacted when he is suffering from an illness, be it minor or major. For pet parents, any distress your pet experiences can be heart-wrenching. That’s why Holistapet dedicates themselves to producing natural solutions that not only relieve your dog’s pain when he’s suffering from a health problem, but that also help him maintain good health throughout his life. Their primary goal is to educate consumers all around the world about the strength and usefulness of the completely natural, safe cannabinoids found in hemp.
Holistapet’s CBD oil contains full spectrum CBD along with other important cannabinoids. It’s concentrated within a dropper bottle, containing 600 milligrams within 30 milliliters for pets between 60 and 100 pounds. There are additional concentrations for smaller and larger pups. Administer directly into your dog’s mouth or mix it in with his food to provide regular doses. This CBD oil for dogs is specially formulated for pets, and contains no additives or preservatives – plus, it’s non-GMO, gluten, free, and dairy free. Once administered, the CBD oil is absorbed quickly by your dog’s body to provide fast results.
Click here to visit Holistapet.com
2. CBDfx – Runner Up
Pros:
- Cruelty free
- Solvent free
- Verified potency
- 60-day guarantee
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Perhaps not a con, but their tinctures are only available with bacon flavor
CBDfx delights themselves by providing products that are simple and natural and that make it easy and enjoyable to provide your pet with the benefits of CBD. Their CBD oil for dogs is accessible in three distinct formulas for little, medium, and big pups. And your dog is sure to love this next important detail – the oil is made to taste like bacon! Your pup will be excited every time you walk over to the pantry to provide him with his favorite delectable treat. Choose from the following pet tinctures for your pet:
- Small Breeds – 350 milligrams of CBD
- Medium Breeds – 500 milligrams of CBD
- Large Breeds – 1000 milligrams of CBD
- Large Breeds (Extra Strength) – 2000 milligrams of CBD
In addition to the pet tinctures, you can also choose from their pet treats – they offer two varieties, one that’s formulated for stress and anxiety and one that’s formulated for joint and mobility. Established in 2014, CBDfx is clear about their devotion to making top of the line CBD items. Their hard work has been well worth it, as they’re presently the fifth biggest CBD company around the world.
They were established with the main conviction that CBD’s wellbeing benefits should be made promptly accessible to customers and their beloved pets throughout the globe. It’s a massive mission that’s filled with nobility. Their items are made with premium, broad spectrum CBD oil and they likewise make extra items, including some CBD isolates. They consistently work toward developing only the best formulas, so your little furry pal can absorb every one of the advantages of CBD.
3. Penelope’s Bloom – Honorable Mention
Pros:
- Vegan
- Full spectrum CBD oil
- Third party lab tested
- Formulated to be fast acting
- Free shipping available
Cons:
- Though practically undetectable, this CBD oil does contain 0.03% or less of THC
Penelope’s Bloom offers a CBD oil tincture for dogs that’s developed with organic CBD, MCT oil, and chamomile. It’s formulated to be digested easily to ensure rapid results. It’s available in four different concentrations for pets under 30 pounds up to pets that are over 120 pounds.
This formula was developed because the creators of Penelope’s Bloom realize that creating balance with the many struggles you face can be a tough task. They also know how much joy a pet can bring to your life. Penelope is the beautiful little French bulldog this company was named after. She was diagnosed early in life with chronic disc degeneration of the spine. They focused on her wellbeing and in the process developed a formula to help your pets as well.
Chamomile has long been respected for its healing and relaxing properties. It’s a natural herb that provides anti-inflammatory qualities while it relaxes your pup’s muscles. Taking chamomile with this CBD supplement can also assist with relaxing stomach muscles, reducing digestive discomfort like gas, particularly for those four-legged buddies that have a sensitive stomach. This is an ingredient that has helped countless people over thousands of years to create a calmer, better mood and support cognitive function – and now, you can gift your pet with these benefits as well.
The next powerhouse ingredient included in this formula is MCT oil – MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides and is also commonly referred to as coconut oil. The meat of coconuts obtained from the coconut palm is used to make coconut oil. Coconut oil contains good fats, which have several health benefits and serve as a source of fuel and energy. In addition, MCTs add anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics to benefit your pup.
Last but certainly not least, this formula by Penelope’s Bloom contains organic, full spectrum CBD. All of the fatty acids, cannabinoids (including CBN, CBG, and.03 percent or less THC), terpenes, and flavonoids found naturally in the hemp plant are captured in this form of CBD oil for dogs.
Click here to visit PenelopesBloom.com
4. AnxiousPet – Great Reputation
Pros:
- 60-day money back guarantee
- Only $0.12/milligrams, more affordable than other brands
- Veterinarian formulated
- Free shipping and fast delivery
- Select auto-refill and save 30%
Cons:
- Only two concentrations currently available (400 milligrams and 800 milligrams)
AnxiousPet was developed to stop the cascading effects of anxiety that trickle into your family structure when your pet is struggling. This is why they dedicated themselves to finding effective, natural support for your pup. Vets are involved in the formulation process and once completed, they are transferred over to a lab to be evaluated by a third party. They choose to avoid fillers and keep the ingredients they use pure so that your dog can enjoy the benefits and so you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing your fluffy best friend is feeling better.
Their main objective is to reduce tension, not just for your dog, but for you. That’s why they provide a 60-day money back guarantee – taking care of pets can get expensive and they honor the responsibility you’ve taken on and want you to feel secure when you purchase their products. For optimal benefit, they use a comprehensive approach that utilizes a combination of all the healing properties offered by the cannabis plant. This is why they include extra cannabinoids and terpenes to create what’s commonly known as “the entourage effect,” a phenomenon in which all of these active substances work together to produce magnified health advantages.
With just a few drops of this concentrated CBD oil, your pup can get the assistance he needs to manage pain, restlessness, and anxiety. Hemp oil stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain, which naturally stabilizes and improves a dog’s mood. With an easily digestible formula, this CBD oil for dogs helps your pet live a more fulfilled life, without having to deal with the hindrances of excessive fear and anxiety.
Click here to visit TheAnxiousPet.com
5. Petly – Organic Focused
Pros:
- Veterinarian approved formulas
- Third party lab tested to confirm quality
- Human-grade MTC
- 100% organically grown hemp
Cons:
- On occasion, products run out of stock due to popularity
PetlyCBD is serious about the research behind its CBD oil for dogs, and they appreciate that maintaining health and quality of life is a team effort. This is why they place a high value on scientific evidence when producing new CBD products for pets. Knowing how nutrients and components affect the body aids in the development of solutions that address the health issues they are working to solve.
PetlyCBD offers three dog CBD oil products of various sizes. Choose from three sizes: small, which contains 150 milligrams of CBD; medium, which contains 250 milligrams of CBD; and big, which contains 500 milligrams of CBD. Each bottle of CBD oil is made using hemp that has been produced organically and is high in phytocannabinoids.
Broad spectrum hemp extract and MCT coconut oil are two major elements in this CBD oil that are recognized as supportive ingredients that maximize the health of your pup. This CBD oil has even received veterinarian approval and is entirely free of THC. They ensure their formulas are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan. Plus, they avoid preservatives and additives, which can be damaging to dogs.
Click here to visit PetlyCBD.com
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is a compound derived from hemp that is carefully extracted and combined with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, to be supplied into your pet’s body. It’s considered a cannabinoid, and cannabis plants carry over 100 cannabinoids, some of which are combined in CBD oil products to amplify positive effects.
In the early years, your mischievous pup may experience accidents and injuries and as he grows older, you are tasked with watching as his body changes, sometimes resulting in illness. It can be exceptionally aggravating, as a pet owner, to receive a prescription that causes your dog to have side effects that are even worse than the disease for which you sought treatment. The good news is that alternative options have become available.
You could be caring for a dog that has mobility challenges and whose quality of life has suffered as a result. Or your furry companion could be dealing with anxiety that is chronic or increases when you leave home or during loud celebrations. You may even be looking for pain medication for your dog as he recovers from a necessary procedure. Whatever is going on, CBD has a slew of advantages that your dog can greatly benefit from.
How does CBD Oil affect Dogs?
When you administer CBD oil for dogs, keep a watchful eye to see how he responds to the medicine. Some effects may be immediate, while others may take days to a few weeks to notice. For instance, if you’re using CBD oil with your pup to help with the reduction of anxiety, you can watch how he responds when the usual stressor is present. If you notice your pup is more relaxed than usual, then you know the CBD oil is working as intended.
Similarly, if your dog has been experiencing joint pain and mobility issues and you notice that by the next week, they’re more active, running with the excitement of previous days, you know the CBD oil is bringing them relief and support.
On the other hand, if you notice unusual behavior, like panting or dizziness, the CBD oil dose you administered may be too high. Give your pup some time and try a lower dose the next time. This part may require some trial and error, but it’s always best to start with a low dose. And any time something feels off with your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for professional guidance.
How much shall I give my Dog?
Since dogs vary in size, weight, and even tolerance to CBD, you should always start with a low dose and watch your pet’s progress. Depending on the response you witness, you can then adjust accordingly. Most CBD oil manufacturers provide you with a dose recommendation, and this is generally a good starting point.
Look for the potency of a CBD oil product when evaluating it. The potency is expressed in milligrams based on the bottle’s capacity – generally, CBD oil is contained within a 30-milliliter bottle. Because products contain different concentrations, you must always pay attention to the strength of the product. For example, if a dose requires a full dropper – then you have to be sure of the potency before you administer it, as you may be providing too little or too much, which can result in uncomfortable side effects for your dog.
Sticking to the suggested dose during the first couple of weeks is the safest choice. This will create a baseline that allows you to determine how to adjust future doses. Or you may realize that the recommended dose is just the right amount as you notice your pet responding positively. Employ patience during this process and pay careful attention to your pup’s reactions – once you know the right dose, your dog will experience an enhanced quality of life – and that’s worth any wait.
What Dog Health Problems Can Dog CBD Oil Treat?
CBD oil for dogs offers a comprehensive list of benefits. For instance, it can function as a pain reliever, both with temporary issues, as seen following surgery or other invasive procedures, or with diseases that cause chronic pain. When used regularly, CBD can reduce the discomfort your pet may be experiencing and provide respite from the pain. It has even been studied in dogs that suffer from epileptic seizures and is known to reduce the total amount of seizures in dogs when compared to a placebo.
Part of what makes CBD oil a great painkiller is because it also reduces inflammation, as studied with dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. It activates the immune system, so it can respond appropriately to physiological problems that develop. As your dog gets older, you’ll notice changes to his mobility and unfortunately, many pups who have lived a highly active lifestyle may be forced to deal with arthritic pain in their later years. CBD oil for dogs works to treat your senior pet because it supports joint and bone health.
CBD oil does not only work within the body for joint support, bone health, and anti-inflammatory support, but it also affects an often-forgotten organ – your dog’s skin. When nutrition is lacking in nutrients, or your pup has ventured outdoors and met with ticks or developed allergies, his skin may not be in the best shape. When the skin isn’t in good shape, the coat is affected as well. CBD oil improves skin health and as a result, coats are improved – topical application also works great for creating a shiny, healthy coat.
Finally, along with impacting the inside and outside of your pup’s body, CBD oil also works to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. Whether your dog struggles to relax when you leave home, making you dread the mess you may come home to or whether he abhors the deep rumbling of thunder and clapping sounds of lightning, CBD oil can help to create a bubble of comfort for him to exist in. When pets are scared, they may try to run away from home, which is a heartache no pet owner needs. With the natural support provided by CBD oil, your pet’s nervous system can be calmed, so he can relax during otherwise stressful moments.
Possible Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD has a few small adverse effects that you may see in your dog after you start giving him regular doses. But not every dog’s body will respond with side effects. Symptoms can occur when your pet is given a dose that is too high. With time, you’ll know how to administer the perfect dose, and the negative effects will likely diminish. After you start providing your dog with CBD oil, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Sluggishness / Drowsiness / Apparent Fatigue
While CBD is designed to induce a calm state of mind, the line between relaxation and sleep is thin. It’s possible that your pet’s dose is too strong if he’s having trouble keeping up with his everyday behaviors. Your dog’s mood regulation and relaxation should be just enough to notice a shift, but definitely not enough to make him lethargic.
- Dry Mouth / More Thirst Than Usual
CBD has been shown to reduce saliva production, resulting in a dry mouth. This is a fairly common and minor adverse effect that can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water.
- Dizziness / Lightheadedness / Lowered Blood Pressure
If you administer too much CBD, your dog’s blood pressure may decrease somewhat. It’s not a huge change, but it may be enough to cause some lightheadedness, which can be a little unsettling and confusing. To avoid inadvertently triggering this symptom, follow the product’s directions for dosing based on size and weight.
- Digestive Discomfort / Diarrhea
CBD products contain a carrier oil, which may induce diarrhea. These effects normally go away after a while. Like with people, dogs may also need time to acclimate to CBD oil and may have symptoms such as diarrhea as their digestive system becomes accustomed to the regular introduction of dog CBD oil.
Conclusion
Though CBD oil is a miracle-working natural medicine, the way it is extracted and formulated may change its effectiveness. Not all CBD products carry the same efficacy rate. Each of the brands listed above offers a product with distinct characteristics from which to pick. And most significantly, they have established a positive reputation in the CBD industry as a result of their strict standards and ethical operations.
You are now better equipped when it comes to buying CBD oil for your dog, so you can give him reliable, natural products that are not only verified by scientific research, but that also have excellent customer feedback. These companies are doing everything correctly, so you can support your pup’s best health one careful dose at a time.
These products have a loyal following thanks to their use of natural, high-quality components and a thorough third-party verification process. Through their efforts, it’s easy to see they operate with a genuine wish to better your pet’s health. And with a few considerations in mind regarding trustworthy CBD products, you can soon be providing your pet with the relief and support he needs. The nice aspect about having numerous trusted companies is that you can try out their various items to determine which ones your dog loves. The flavored selections will likely be of interest, and he’ll know he’s getting treated more often. Soon, you’ll have a tail-wagging pup, pumped with the benefits of CBD oil, that feels like king of the canines.
