More pet parents are beginning to research hemp for dogs, especially those who are owners of elderly dogs or ones who are suffering from ailments.
With more research put into cannabis for its wonderful healing benefits for humans, the idea of using hemp to help your dogs isn’t as strange as it may seem.
Before you start administering hemp or cannabis product on your own, however, it’s essential to know the ins and outs of hemp for pets and what it does.
In this guide, we’ll go over what you need to know so that you are well-informed before accepting or rejecting the idea of giving your dog hemp seeds or any other hemp-based products.
Is Hemp Another Name for Marijuana?
You would be surprised at the sheer number of people who write hemp off simply because they think it’s a type of marijuana.
In truth, hemp comes from the same plant but differs in its effects, its cultivation, and how it’s grown.
Hemp, contrary to popular belief, is not marijuana, but it is a variety of Cannabis Sativa L and has had many purposes dating back more than 10,000 years.
Aside from the fact that this highly versatile plant is useful for making proteins, oils, and smokables, it’s also commonly used to make fabric for furnishings, paper, clothing, and even building materials.
What makes hemp such a useful tool is the fact that you can use it in its entirety for one purpose or another.
Its seeds enable you to grow more plants, its leaves and flowers can frequently be smoked, its fibers are phenomenal for making clothes, and its shives are useful for building.
Does Hemp Have THC?
Because hemp comes from the same general species of plant as cannabis, it’s going to have some of the similar cannabinoids, including THC.
The main difference between the two is that hemp doesn’t have enough THC to make you feel intoxicated, unlike marijuana.
Some have found that hemp produces more of an effect similar to CBD when taken in high dosages, which makes it one of the most popular treatments on the market.
You’ll find the vast majority of governments will separate hemp from marijuana based on the amount of THC it has within the dry plant.
Industrial hemp in the United States, for example, doesn’t have more than 0.3% THC, while in the European Union, the limit is 0.2%.
Sure, it is possible to smoke hemp, but it’s not going to get you high as you might be think because it doesn’t have psychoactive cannabinoids (THC).
Most people find relief within hemp-derived products, such as tinctures, oils, or the seeds themselves.
The History of Hemp
Many people assume hemp is a recent by-product that has boomed in popularity, when in fact, it’s a little less prevalent than it used to be in the past.
During World War II, the United States encouraged farmers to grow multiple fields of hemp for cordage instead of relying on the traditional Japanese-grown hemp that was monitored in controlled settings.
However, as of 1950, the cultivation of hemp was legally prohibited in the United States.
You’ll be surprised to know that there are numerous advantages to growing and using hemp including environmental advantages in cultivation, especially as it helps to reduce erosion and mudslides when produced.
Another exciting feature is that hemp plants can reduce radioactivity and heavy metals found within soil, helping to produce healthier crops.
Because it is a plant that is very rarely affected by diseases and pests, it could be a far more excellent resource to use for paper and clothing, especially as it grows substantially faster than trees (four months to maturity versus 20 years).
You’ll find that there are a few countries in the world that produce mass quantities of hemp, including France, China, and Canada.
On the other hand, the US still considers it to be a by-product of marijuana and it is thus hampered by federal laws, but we are seeing political change at the state and federal levels in the US towards legality.
How to Add Hemp Infused Products to a Dog’s Diet
You may want to consider talking to your veterinarian before adding anything to your pet’s food, to ensure it is safe for your dog.
Always remember that if your vet seems wary about adding hemp in the form of CBD to your dog’s diet, it’s probably better to follow your vet’s advice but you may also want to find out if your vet is aware of how CBD can be benefitial an addition to a dogs diet, especially older dogs. Like human doctors, sometimes you might need a second opinion to be certain you are fully informed before a deciding to buy a pet product with CBD for your furry family member.
If you get the nod that that a hemp product will be a good and safe addition to you pets diet, then you can check out the beneficial ways you can begin introducing hemp into your dog’s food, especially for specific health conditions that your dog may have if it is a senior. There are now many products on the market for pets from oil tinctures, to treats and topical products too. You will find that which ever product you choose, the maker will give you advice on intake or dosage for your pet based on weight or size.
1. Hemp Oil in the Form or CBD
You’ll find that hemp oil as CBD is the most common method for administering hemp’s benefit to your dog.
Not only is it made to taste good, but it is also filled with interesting nutrients, such as Omega oils and fatty acids.
Hemp is home to naturally occurring Omega-3s as well as the lowest number of polyunsaturated fats and saturated fat compared to most other culinary oils.
Aside from oral consumption, did you know that hemp oil could also be a useful treatment for your dog’s skin conditions?
Because it is derived from herbal sources, it’s likely to have far fewer side effects than standard topical medical solutions, although we still advise that you consult your vet before applying any creams or oils to your dog.
Some pet parents have experienced a reduction in dog dandruff, dry nose, acne, and eczema by applying hemp oils to their dog’s skin.
How Do I Find the Right Dose!?
Every pet is different, and it can be tough to find the perfect dosage for yours, especially if you’ve never considered using hemp before.
While discussing this treatment with your veterinarian, inquire as to how much hemp oil they believe would be sufficient for the age and weight of your dog.
You can use this chart as a guide to help you make the healthiest decision as well.
| Weight | Amount (ml) |
| 10 lbs | 1 ml |
| 20 lbs | 1.5 ml |
| 30 lbs | 2 ml |
| 40 lbs | 2 ml |
| 50 lbs | 3 ml |
| 60 lbs | 3.5 ml |
| 70 lbs | 4 ml |
| 80 lbs | 4.5 ml |
| 90+ lbs | 5 ml |
2. Hemp Treats
If you’re a little wary about adding hemp oil to your dog’s food on your own, there are plenty of alternatives with pre-measured ingredients that have been tested in laboratory settings.
One of these products is hemp treats, which are specially formulated to give your dogs the benefits they need for plenty of ailments.
The majority of hemp treats will focus on joint pain relief, separation anxiety, and unwarranted stress a dog maybe experiencing.
Unlike hemp dog food, you might rely on treats when you think your dog is feeling uncomfortable or stressed.
Other treats are meant to be given daily to provide your dog with all of the health benefits that hemp has to offer.
Within these treats, you’re likely to find they are non-GMO, sugar-free, organic, low-calorie, and made from natural ingredients.
Most manufacturers create them these treats such that they are they are human-grade or safe for human consumption though of course not intended for human use, so you can guarantee you are giving your dog something that is just as safe for you as it is for them.
What we love the most about hemp treats is how useful they are, as they can act as a daily supplement or as a regular training tool like any other treat.
3. Hemp Balm
As earlier mentioned, hemp oil can be an incredible topical treatment for your dog or cat’s skin conditions.
Our furry family members can suffer from skin irritations like mange and cracking of the paws. These problems can cause great discomfort and may need your vets attention, but you can help give relief to your pet.
Calming and Moisturizing Pet CBD Balm provides soothing relief for your dog or cat’s dry or inflamed skin, nose and paws. It contains 750mg of calming and wellness-enriching CBD, plus the benefit of odorless Alaskan salmon oil and moisturizing shea butter, and a variety of gently comforting essential oils — lavender, rosemary and Roman chamomile .
With this assortment of calming and soothing ingredients, Pet CBD Balm it also contains additional hemp seed oil with three healthy, polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. These fatty acids strengthen the skin, assist it in combating infection, and have multiple anti-inflammatory properties.
You should begin to see signs of arthritis and itchiness subsiding after using this cream, especially in sensitive areas after a bath or grooming.
The Benefits of Hemp for Pets
It’s important to note that the majority of information about the consumption of hemp is based around humans.
When it comes to your pets, they may or may not experience some of these benefits.
However, plenty of pet parents have suggested a hemp and CBD blend has significantly improved their pet’s quality of life.
A few of the most notable benefits of hemp for pets include:
1. Anxiety Reduction
You might be curious as to whether administering hemp or CBD to your dogs could reduce their separation anxiety and phobias.
Some studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) has assisted with reducing anxiety in some animals, such as rats.
However, there is still plenty of room for this theory to be tested with dogs.
A lack of research hasn’t stopped pet parents, though, as some have suggested that it’s a helpful tool, while others haven’t seen any significant changes.
2. Inflammation Assistance and Restoring Homeostasis to Aid in Poor Health Conditions
In 2018, a study of providing dogs with CBD oil suggested a decrease in inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
In this study, researchers provided two to eight milligrams of CBD per kilogram of body weight to each dog, which then helped to reduce signs of pain.
If you are the owner of a senior dog, this means that a tincture with a combination of hemp and CBD could be a reliable treatment for physical signs of aging. CBD helps to rebalance the bodies various systems and this is balance is called homeostasis. This is just as important in dogs and animals as it is in humans.
3. Seizure Reduction
The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published a more recent study in 2019 that suggests CBD could reduce seizures in dogs.
During this study, pets were given their regular dosage of anti-seizure medication as well as CBD, while another group received their daily medication and a CBD placebo.
During the study, researchers noted that nearly similar groups saw a reduction in seizure activity, and as such, more research is required.
However, this does shed light on the possibility that CBD and hemp, when given in proper dosages, could be far more beneficial than we had initially thought.
Hemp for Dogs: Where to Buy
Hemp isn’t as controlled a substance as marijuana, especially as it doesn’t have the psychoactive effects that THC will cause.
With that said, finding reputable retailers that offer hemp products for pets is particularly simple.
The most important thing to make sure of is that you choose a retailer that has positive and truthful reviews, as well as plenty of years in the manufacturing industry.
As you know, most of the world’s hemp is produced between Canada, France, and China, so you may want to consider finding pet products from those three areas, but we recommend producers of local products produced using highest quality certified non-GMO and organic hemp products in your area, if they are available.
It’s also crucial that you choose a retailer that has an abundance of information on their website so that you can educate yourself about the pros and cons of using their products.
We have four phenomenal product makers for you to find the best hemp-based products for your dogs.
1. PETLYcbd for Pets
A standout business with standout hemp health products for your four legged family members is PETLYcbd. Founded by two dog dads who clearly love their dogs shows with their personalized passion and dedication to quality. This comes through their website and clear mission to give the best to their own pet families and everyone else’s pet family member. A marker for us that tells a lot about their passion is that they donate a dollar from every sale to “pets in need”.
We also like that PETLY cbd products for dogs offers both Hemp CBD oil in drop form that is available for different dog sizes and that they have chew treats available too.
PETLYcbd use only certified organically grown hemp from Colorado farms. They guarantee that the hemp oil used in their products is extracted with best practice methods to the highest standards with zero THC. Each production run is tested to confirm purity and standards and they even have their own in-house laboratory testing to monitor end product quality.
Their pet hemp CBD oil delivers 30 dropper loads per bottle of around 16mg per dropper. They have three products: small dogs (around 25lbs ~ 11kgs), medium size dogs (around 26 to 50lbs ~ 12 to 22kgs) and large dog breeds (over 50lbs ~ over 22kgs)
PETLYcbd CBD pet chews are another great product that is veterinarian formulated. There are 25 chews per bag with 2mg CBD per chew these treats are 100% natural and are not bulked up with soy or grains.
2. CBDPet
CBDPet from Nutra Pure is a product that not only has a fantastic natural formula to aid in your dog’s health but they also offer information about how their method works, as well as success stories with the product.
You’ll also be glad to know that they feature a 90-day guarantee, which covers you if your dog doesn’t like their non-psychoactive, organically grown formula, but that would be very unlikely.
CBDPet is a unique hemp oil designed to act as a dietary supplement for all pets, and it has been tested independently by a third-party lab to prove its authenticity.
Every bottle is filled with hemp oil that is organically grown in Colorado and could assist with supporting relaxation, everyday wellness, cognitive function, immunological function, allergies, and mobility.
The formula has been cold-pressed to ensure the natural value of the hemp is maintained without requiring any chemicals, which makes it far better to administer.
You’ll also appreciate how it contains the most comprehensive spectrum of cannabinoids but without compromising the capabilities of your pet, as it is non-psychoactive.
Compared to other hemp products, this oil is organically grown and proven to be pure, which gives you the peace of mind you need.
Pet parents also find that it’s effortless to administer in that you can mix it into your dog’s food or add it to a treat during the day.
3. CBDFx for Pets
As another set of products specifically for pets is offered by CBDFx and CBDFx has the potential to offer numerous lifestyle benefits for your pets with vet rated CBD products in drop form, treats and a balm.
CBDFx products for pets have been independently tested by a third-party lab to ensure high quality and purity.
What we found great about this brand is that there are three different bottles to choose from based on the size and weight of your pet, plus a stronger version for larger animals. This makes it easy to get dosing right. They have a product specifically for cats too.
Compared to pure hemp oil, with this CBD tincture, you’ll still have a minimal amount of THC (less than 0.3%) per dosage.
You’ll be glad to know that the extraction process for these tinctures is similar to other high-quality manufacturers ensuring that there is no compromise where your pet family member’s health and wellbeing is concerned.
Instead of using chemical solvent extraction, CBDFX’s CBD is extracted using CO2, avoiding the need for solvents.
This process helps to keep the healthiest components intact while maintaining a broad spectrum of endocannabinoids that are ideal to help your pet family member obtain and maintain optimum health!
We should also mention the treats that CBDFx make for your dog and don’t forget to checkout their balm product if you dog needs a soothing balm for a skin problem.
4. MediPets CBD Products For Pets
By now, you can tell that CBD and hemp for pets can come in many different forms, whether it’s an oral spray, a tincture, dog treats or even a skin salve.
The reason why we love MediPets CBD Products, is that they have a fantastic collection of different treat product that are highly recommended for pets and will be loved by any four-legged fussy eater. Your pet will get the potential benefits of hemp and CBD with the option to choose the best type of product for your pet’s needs.
With many products available to choose from for cats and dogs alike, including dog treats, CBD spray, and tinctures, we will focus on edibles that CBD Genesis offer such soft chews and treats as a great way to give your furry family member their CBD while rewarding them, training them or simply as an easy treat to say “I love you”. At the same time you can be helping treat anxiety issues that you pet may have and they will then be even more happy to show their love back.
The products on the site have a list of naturally derived ingredients, including high-quality hemp and CBD.
MediPets CBD have a whole range of treats for dogs. We like this brand because it is made with zero THC and there is a whole range of treat options because dog is the same. Each product contains the same nutrient-rich, all-natural, organically-grown, hemp-derived CBD. Whichever product you choose from MediPets, be it CBD oil, CBD pet treats, or CBD pet spray, your dog will get the same high-quality CBD, no matter what. The dosage per treat is carefully calculated for your dogs size, based on the product recommendation for a size of breed. Remember that your furry family member has a much smaller and lighter body than you so the dosage should be much less than that for a human. If you are using the chews as a training reward, you can break the chews into smaller pieces too to spread the dose out while giving your dog enough to register as a reward for an action.
Here are just a 3 from the large range of treats offered:
If adding CBD directly to your dog’s own food is your preferred way to give your dog the benefit of CBD, then you may want to look at the MediPet CBD drops range.
The Side Effects of Hemp for Dogs
It’s highly unlikely that your dog is going to experience any side effects from hemp, but there may always be an exception just as with humans who can sometimes react to a food or medicine that is perfectly fine for most of the population but the odd person may find impossible to consume, common examples being bananas and peanuts.
However, as many pet-based hemp products also contain CBD, you’ll need to be initially observant of your furry family member’s reaction when taking a hemp/CBD treat or supplement for the first time and make sure there are no side effects you pet experiences.
Most often, if there are any adverse effects, they aren’t life-threatening; nevertheless, you must talk to a veterinarian if your dog begins behaving strangely after receiving a dose.
Pet parents can accidentally give their pets a little too much CBD throughout the day, which could lead to discomfort and a couple of issues. Remember that your pet has a much smaller body than you do so you have to scale back your calculation on dosage and we have put a guide at the start of this article.
The most common side effects of dog hemp and CBD include:
1. Drowsiness
Although CBD doesn’t have the same affect as THC in marijuana, an improper dosage could affect your dog negatively. As with all good natural remedies, the right dose is beneficial and more is not necessarily better.
You must find the proper dosage information based on the size of your dog, as you can guarantee a chihuahua isn’t meant to have as much CBD oil as a Doberman, for example.
2. Vomiting
Even though hemp and CBD are naturally derived, not every stomach is accustomed to ingesting herbal remedies.
This point may be particularly true if your pet has a sensitive stomach and requires a particular diet to prevent vomiting and diarrhea.
You may find that adding a new product to their daily regimen may only upset their digestive system more, which can cause a lack of appetite and consistent nausea.
If vomiting is experienced after a dose, it’s recommended that you discontinue using the product and seek medical assistance.
3. Itchiness and Dryness
For most dogs, hemp and CBD are two ingredients that can completely transform the look and feel of their skin and coat.
However, unlikely as it may seem, some dogs could be allergic to the all-natural ingredients in the formulas.
If you have begun to notice no improvement or worsening symptoms of your dog’s dry coat and itchy skin, it could be time to discontinue using any new products you’ve selected, but be aware that it also takes time to see improvement with natural remedies, so be patient.
4. Diarrhea
Apart from allergies and a sensitive stomach, diarrhea could be a result of the tincture itself.
Hemp is known for its heightened levels of good fat, which could cause your dog to experience stomach upset.
When it comes to managing their doses, always start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase it over time.
For example, if your dog’s daily dosage is supposed to be two tablespoons, start with one teaspoon per day and work your way up to the recommended serving.
Final Thoughts
As long as you can find a reputable brand with natural and organic hemp for dogs, you will find a reliable aid for your dog’s ailments and general well-being.
From the possibility of assisting in separation anxiety to reducing inflammation, managing seizures and skin problems, a combination of CBD and hemp may be the most effective natural source option.
With tinctures, oils, shampoos, treats, and seeds readily available at your disposal, having a talk with your vet about introducing hemp into your dog’s diet could e beneficial.
