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With the passage of the Farm Bill the area of CBD Oil has exploded in the market place! Not all are created equal. Some good info on choosing the best one.
CBD is amazing, right?
It helps with tumors, seizures, pain, inflammation ... even gut health.
There's just one little problem ...
The CBD industry is unregulated and, frankly, most CBD products are just rip offs.
That means the CBD you use on your dog might not even work ...
The CBD industry is a giant sea of crapola right now ... but you can find a good CBD product for your dog.
Not often, but you can.
That's why I wrote this guide for you:
Choosing The Best CBD Oil For Dogs
By: Dana Scott -
Reading Time: 10 minutes
CBD oil is flying off the shelves!
Pet owners are flocking to CBD … but there’s a problem.
The CBD industry is still unregulated.
That means the majority of pet owners might be getting ripped off.
If you want to make sure your dog benefits from his CBD, we’ll show you how to find the best CBD oil for dogs … plus we’ll give you the CBD dosage for dogs.
Here are the top features you need to look for:
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a naturally found substance found in both the cannabis and hemp plants.
Both deliver amazing health benefits … but there are differences.
Cannabis (marijuana) contains a relatively large amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive activities of cannabis. It’s what gives marijuana that “high” or “buzz.”
On the other hand, hemp contains much lower amounts of THC. To be sold legally, hemp will contain less than 0.03% THC. So while your dog can still benefit from the calmness and reduction in anxiety that CBD provides, he won’t get high.
You might enjoy the high, but your dog doesn’t!
But not all hemp products are the same …
Check the label of your CBD product to make sure it’s full spectrum or broad spectrum.
This means your dog’s CBD oil contains not just CBD, but other important cannabinoids that occur naturally in full-spectrum hemp including CBC and CBG.
CBC has been studied for its cancer-fighting activities, its ability to block pain and inflammation, and its positive effect on brain cells.
CBG is also being studied for its medicinal use. It’s been shown to decrease inflammation in the digestive tract, protect nerve cells and the eyes, support healthy bladder function and, of course, fit cancer cells.
A full-spectrum CBD will also contain terpenes such as limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene. These are also naturally occurring medicinal substances found in all hemp.
Together, the mixture of cannabinoids and the terpenes benefit your dog with something called the “entourage effect.” This means they all work together to boost the medicinal actions of the hemp oil.
If your oil was produced using the CO2 method, the terpenes will be pulverized in the process. And it will make them hard to detect in testing, and they won’t show up on the Certificate of analysis …
… but they will still be there and will contribute to the CBD oil’s medicinal effects.
CBD that has been extracted with solvents will better preserve the terpenes. So you will find them noted on the Certificate Of Analysis.
But we don’t recommend this and here’s why …
Make Sure Your Dog’s CBD Is Extracted Safely
The CBD oil needs to be extracted from the hemp plant so your dog gets a large enough amount to deliver health benefits. This is why the label says hemp oil … and will usually also tell you the amount of CBD inside the bottle.
There are two common ways to extract the CBD oil from the hemp plant:
1. CO2 Extraction
CO2 is the most expensive way to produce CBD … and the best.
In CO2 extraction, the hemp is placed in a high-pressure chamber with CO2 (plain old carbon dioxide). The CO2 simply puts pressure on the hemp and the CBD oil is released as the hemp is broken down.
If you see supercritical CO2 extraction, this means both a liquid and gas form of CO2 were used in the process.
CO2 extraction produces much higher concentrations of CBD than any other method … which means your dog gets more benefit. And supercritical extraction will extract more CBD than subcritical.
But, of course, that makes the product more expensive.
Although it’s better than the alternative …
2. Solvent Extraction
The CBD oil needs to be extracted from the hemp plant somehow … and the cheapest way to do this is with solvents. These often include propane, butane or petroleum products.
These solvents will also leave a residue in the product and can be toxic to your dog.
Some CBD oil is extracted with natural solvents, such as ethanol or olive oil. This is obviously much safer for your dog but these oils can destroy the hemp plant’s waxes and the resulting oil isn’t as beneficial.
Look For A Certificate Of Analysis
If your dog’s CBD doesn’t have a certificate of analysis (COA), run away!
A certificate of analysis is a document, usually from a third-party laboratory, that shows the amount and type of cannabinoids in the CBD product.
Every batch of CBD should have its own COA … this protects you from poor quality products. If the COA isn’t listed on the website, make sure you ask for it before buying your dog’s CBD.
Here’s what you’ll want to look for …
What Should You Look For On Your Dog’s CBD COA?
1. Less CBD Than Advertised
This is more common than you would think … in fact, we were once tricked by this!
What you might see is something like “500mg CBD” on the product label. But don’t take the label at face value!
Make sure the COA says the same amount as the label does.
2. Make Sure The CBD Is Full Spectrum
Again, never take the label at face value!
Sometimes CBD is an isolate. Isolate means there is no THC in the product. And it will also lack important cannabinoids and terpenes.
Remember the entourage effect? You won’t get this extra boost with CBD isolate.
So how do you find out if your dog’s CBD is from isolate?
The product will only contain CBD and no other cannabinoids. Stay away from these products.
3. Make Sure There’s Not Too Much THC – Or No THC
If your dog’s CBD contains more than 0.03% THC, it’s probably marijuana and not hemp. It’s not legal and your dog won’t enjoy the psychoactive effects.
But you also want to avoid products with NO THC. If there is none, then your dog’s CBD is from isolate … and the health benefits will be fewer.
4. Only Trust Third-Party Tests
Your dog’s CBD should be tested by a third-party lab. Once again, never take the manufacturer’s word that the product is of high quality. The CBD industry is unregulated and it leaves you vulnerable to poor products.
Some lab tests will be expressed in mg/g. To calculate the amount of CBD, you need to know how many grams in the bottle of CBD.
A typical 1-ounce dropper bottle of CBD will weigh 30 grams. In this example, the COA shows 16.9mg CBD:
To calculate how much CBD is in this product, just multiply the number of mg/g by the number of grams. This will give you the total mg of CBD in the bottle. In this example, it’s 507mg.
Know Where Your Dog’s CBD Oil Is Grown
You need to know where and how the hemp is grown that is used to make the CBD oil. And this plays a huge role in those test results you see in the COA.
Always look for an organic product to reduce any environmental toxin risks. You want to know that the soil and water it’s grown in is as clean as possible.
This is because hemp plants are really good sponges and can absorb contaminants as they grow. And this is why heavy metal toxicity can be a concern when looking at CBD oils.
So be sure that you check that COA for any test results that show the product may have contaminants.
Be Safe
Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Dogs
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association surveyed dog owners to see what, if any, side effects they noticed. And the great news is that there weren’t any major effects reported.
The most consistent side effects noticed were:
And this is great news if your dog suffers from seizures, anxiety, or has any pain, and you’d like to give CBD oil a try …
… but some CBD oils will have other additives and not may be safe.
Caution With CBD Oil Additives And Dogs
You want to be sure there are no chemical additives or preservatives in the product you buy. These will cancel out the health benefits, even if the hemp is grown organically.
And be aware of companies who have added essential oils (EOs) to their CBD oil. Even if they say, “natural”, EOs can affect animals profoundly.
If your holistic vet has recommenced using a CBD oil with an EO, then follow their dosing recommendations. They will know what is best for your dog’s unique health needs.
Some will recommend using CBD with frankincense as it is good for tumor reduction in cancer patients. But always check with your holistic vet or herbalist first.
And if your dog is taking any other medications or supplements you will want to check with your holistic first. CBD oil has many health benefits but it can change how your dog is able to metabolize some medications or supplements.
Researchers have looked at how CBD oil changes metabolism in humans and it can be similar to grapefruit.
So if your dog is taking any of the following medications you’ll need to ask your vet about dose changes:
But that doesn’t mean you can’t give your CBD oil. It changes the metabolism of other things but sometimes for the better! Meaning that you can use less of another product or skip on the medications altogether.
And less is often more.
Don’t Be Cheap!
It can be hard to compare products and some people give up and look at costs only …
… but you’re not going to be one of those people!
Let’s review why you don’t want to be price blind when shopping for CBD oil for your dog.
You want a high-quality and safe product for your dog. Extracting CBD from hemp requires a lot of plant material as well as careful monitoring.
If the product you’re considering is priced significantly lower than the competition, there’s probably a reason for that …
So think back to what we’ve reviewed:
CBD Dosage For Dogs
Each bottle of CBD is sold with a particular concentration, which is expressed in milligrams (mg).
The general rule of thumb is to give 1mg to 6mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, depending on the dog.
For anxiety or health prevention, you’ll find that the lower doses work well. But if your dog is dealing with pain or immune issues, you’ll want a larger amount.
It’s best to start with a smaller dose and work your way up. The following is a great place to start as a reference:
For Healthy Dogs
Cats and dogs under 25lbs: Use the 125mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 4.2mg naturally occurring CBD.
Dogs 25-50lbs: Use the 250mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 8.3mg naturally occurring CBD.
Dogs over 50lbs: Use the 500mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 16.7mg naturally occurring CBD.
For Dogs With Health Issues
Dogs under 25lbs: Use the 250mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 8.3mg naturally occurring CBD.
Dogs 25-50lbs: Use the 500mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 16.7mg naturally occurring CBD.
Dogs over 50lbs: Use the 500mg bottle. Give 2 full droppers (2ml) daily. Each dropper contains 16.7mg naturally occurring CBD.
So do your research and so you can buy the best CBD oil for your dog.
Dana Scott
Dana Scott is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Dogs Naturally Magazine and CEO of Four Leaf Rover, a high end natural supplement company. She also breeds award winning Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix. Dana has been a raw feeding, natural rearing breeder since the 90's and is a sought after speaker and outspoken advocate for natural health care for dogs and people. Dana works tirelessly to educate pet owners so they can influence veterinary medicine and change current vaccine, food and preventive health practices.
CBD is amazing, right?
It helps with tumors, seizures, pain, inflammation ... even gut health.
There's just one little problem ...
The CBD industry is unregulated and, frankly, most CBD products are just rip offs.
That means the CBD you use on your dog might not even work ...
The CBD industry is a giant sea of crapola right now ... but you can find a good CBD product for your dog.
Not often, but you can.
That's why I wrote this guide for you:
Choosing The Best CBD Oil For Dogs
By: Dana Scott -
Reading Time: 10 minutes
CBD oil is flying off the shelves!
Pet owners are flocking to CBD … but there’s a problem.
The CBD industry is still unregulated.
That means the majority of pet owners might be getting ripped off.
If you want to make sure your dog benefits from his CBD, we’ll show you how to find the best CBD oil for dogs … plus we’ll give you the CBD dosage for dogs.
Here are the top features you need to look for:
- Look for Full or Broad Spectrum Hemp
- Make sure your dog’s CBD oil is made with CO2 extraction
- Don’t buy a product without a certificate of analysis
- What to look for on the analysis
- Know where your dog’s CBD oil is grown
- Be safe
- Don’t be cheap!
- CBD dosage for dogs
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a naturally found substance found in both the cannabis and hemp plants.
Both deliver amazing health benefits … but there are differences.
Cannabis (marijuana) contains a relatively large amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive activities of cannabis. It’s what gives marijuana that “high” or “buzz.”
On the other hand, hemp contains much lower amounts of THC. To be sold legally, hemp will contain less than 0.03% THC. So while your dog can still benefit from the calmness and reduction in anxiety that CBD provides, he won’t get high.
You might enjoy the high, but your dog doesn’t!
But not all hemp products are the same …
Check the label of your CBD product to make sure it’s full spectrum or broad spectrum.
This means your dog’s CBD oil contains not just CBD, but other important cannabinoids that occur naturally in full-spectrum hemp including CBC and CBG.
CBC has been studied for its cancer-fighting activities, its ability to block pain and inflammation, and its positive effect on brain cells.
CBG is also being studied for its medicinal use. It’s been shown to decrease inflammation in the digestive tract, protect nerve cells and the eyes, support healthy bladder function and, of course, fit cancer cells.
A full-spectrum CBD will also contain terpenes such as limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene. These are also naturally occurring medicinal substances found in all hemp.
Together, the mixture of cannabinoids and the terpenes benefit your dog with something called the “entourage effect.” This means they all work together to boost the medicinal actions of the hemp oil.
If your oil was produced using the CO2 method, the terpenes will be pulverized in the process. And it will make them hard to detect in testing, and they won’t show up on the Certificate of analysis …
… but they will still be there and will contribute to the CBD oil’s medicinal effects.
CBD that has been extracted with solvents will better preserve the terpenes. So you will find them noted on the Certificate Of Analysis.
But we don’t recommend this and here’s why …
Make Sure Your Dog’s CBD Is Extracted Safely
The CBD oil needs to be extracted from the hemp plant so your dog gets a large enough amount to deliver health benefits. This is why the label says hemp oil … and will usually also tell you the amount of CBD inside the bottle.
There are two common ways to extract the CBD oil from the hemp plant:
1. CO2 Extraction
CO2 is the most expensive way to produce CBD … and the best.
In CO2 extraction, the hemp is placed in a high-pressure chamber with CO2 (plain old carbon dioxide). The CO2 simply puts pressure on the hemp and the CBD oil is released as the hemp is broken down.
If you see supercritical CO2 extraction, this means both a liquid and gas form of CO2 were used in the process.
CO2 extraction produces much higher concentrations of CBD than any other method … which means your dog gets more benefit. And supercritical extraction will extract more CBD than subcritical.
But, of course, that makes the product more expensive.
Although it’s better than the alternative …
2. Solvent Extraction
The CBD oil needs to be extracted from the hemp plant somehow … and the cheapest way to do this is with solvents. These often include propane, butane or petroleum products.
These solvents will also leave a residue in the product and can be toxic to your dog.
Some CBD oil is extracted with natural solvents, such as ethanol or olive oil. This is obviously much safer for your dog but these oils can destroy the hemp plant’s waxes and the resulting oil isn’t as beneficial.
Look For A Certificate Of Analysis
If your dog’s CBD doesn’t have a certificate of analysis (COA), run away!
A certificate of analysis is a document, usually from a third-party laboratory, that shows the amount and type of cannabinoids in the CBD product.
Every batch of CBD should have its own COA … this protects you from poor quality products. If the COA isn’t listed on the website, make sure you ask for it before buying your dog’s CBD.
Here’s what you’ll want to look for …
What Should You Look For On Your Dog’s CBD COA?
1. Less CBD Than Advertised
This is more common than you would think … in fact, we were once tricked by this!
What you might see is something like “500mg CBD” on the product label. But don’t take the label at face value!
Make sure the COA says the same amount as the label does.
2. Make Sure The CBD Is Full Spectrum
Again, never take the label at face value!
Sometimes CBD is an isolate. Isolate means there is no THC in the product. And it will also lack important cannabinoids and terpenes.
Remember the entourage effect? You won’t get this extra boost with CBD isolate.
So how do you find out if your dog’s CBD is from isolate?
The product will only contain CBD and no other cannabinoids. Stay away from these products.
3. Make Sure There’s Not Too Much THC – Or No THC
If your dog’s CBD contains more than 0.03% THC, it’s probably marijuana and not hemp. It’s not legal and your dog won’t enjoy the psychoactive effects.
But you also want to avoid products with NO THC. If there is none, then your dog’s CBD is from isolate … and the health benefits will be fewer.
4. Only Trust Third-Party Tests
Your dog’s CBD should be tested by a third-party lab. Once again, never take the manufacturer’s word that the product is of high quality. The CBD industry is unregulated and it leaves you vulnerable to poor products.
Some lab tests will be expressed in mg/g. To calculate the amount of CBD, you need to know how many grams in the bottle of CBD.
A typical 1-ounce dropper bottle of CBD will weigh 30 grams. In this example, the COA shows 16.9mg CBD:
To calculate how much CBD is in this product, just multiply the number of mg/g by the number of grams. This will give you the total mg of CBD in the bottle. In this example, it’s 507mg.
Know Where Your Dog’s CBD Oil Is Grown
You need to know where and how the hemp is grown that is used to make the CBD oil. And this plays a huge role in those test results you see in the COA.
Always look for an organic product to reduce any environmental toxin risks. You want to know that the soil and water it’s grown in is as clean as possible.
This is because hemp plants are really good sponges and can absorb contaminants as they grow. And this is why heavy metal toxicity can be a concern when looking at CBD oils.
So be sure that you check that COA for any test results that show the product may have contaminants.
Be Safe
Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Dogs
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association surveyed dog owners to see what, if any, side effects they noticed. And the great news is that there weren’t any major effects reported.
The most consistent side effects noticed were:
- Sedation 19%
- Overactive appetite 5%
- Lack of energy 4%
- Panic reactions 2.7%
- Dry mouth/excessive drinking 2.3% Nausea 1.7%
- Vomiting 1.7%
- Increased seizures 0.69%
- Impaired mental functioning 0.68%
And this is great news if your dog suffers from seizures, anxiety, or has any pain, and you’d like to give CBD oil a try …
… but some CBD oils will have other additives and not may be safe.
Caution With CBD Oil Additives And Dogs
You want to be sure there are no chemical additives or preservatives in the product you buy. These will cancel out the health benefits, even if the hemp is grown organically.
And be aware of companies who have added essential oils (EOs) to their CBD oil. Even if they say, “natural”, EOs can affect animals profoundly.
If your holistic vet has recommenced using a CBD oil with an EO, then follow their dosing recommendations. They will know what is best for your dog’s unique health needs.
Some will recommend using CBD with frankincense as it is good for tumor reduction in cancer patients. But always check with your holistic vet or herbalist first.
And if your dog is taking any other medications or supplements you will want to check with your holistic first. CBD oil has many health benefits but it can change how your dog is able to metabolize some medications or supplements.
Researchers have looked at how CBD oil changes metabolism in humans and it can be similar to grapefruit.
So if your dog is taking any of the following medications you’ll need to ask your vet about dose changes:
- Steroids
- Allergy medications
- Liver or kidney medications
- NSAIDs
- Heart medications
- Anxiety medications
But that doesn’t mean you can’t give your CBD oil. It changes the metabolism of other things but sometimes for the better! Meaning that you can use less of another product or skip on the medications altogether.
And less is often more.
Don’t Be Cheap!
It can be hard to compare products and some people give up and look at costs only …
… but you’re not going to be one of those people!
Let’s review why you don’t want to be price blind when shopping for CBD oil for your dog.
You want a high-quality and safe product for your dog. Extracting CBD from hemp requires a lot of plant material as well as careful monitoring.
If the product you’re considering is priced significantly lower than the competition, there’s probably a reason for that …
So think back to what we’ve reviewed:
- Is it organic?
- How was it extracted?
- Is the CBD concentration low or high?
- How much CBD is in the full bottle?
CBD Dosage For Dogs
Each bottle of CBD is sold with a particular concentration, which is expressed in milligrams (mg).
The general rule of thumb is to give 1mg to 6mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, depending on the dog.
For anxiety or health prevention, you’ll find that the lower doses work well. But if your dog is dealing with pain or immune issues, you’ll want a larger amount.
It’s best to start with a smaller dose and work your way up. The following is a great place to start as a reference:
For Healthy Dogs
Cats and dogs under 25lbs: Use the 125mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 4.2mg naturally occurring CBD.
Dogs 25-50lbs: Use the 250mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 8.3mg naturally occurring CBD.
Dogs over 50lbs: Use the 500mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 16.7mg naturally occurring CBD.
For Dogs With Health Issues
Dogs under 25lbs: Use the 250mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 8.3mg naturally occurring CBD.
Dogs 25-50lbs: Use the 500mg bottle. Give 1 full dropper (1ml) daily. Each dropper contains 16.7mg naturally occurring CBD.
Dogs over 50lbs: Use the 500mg bottle. Give 2 full droppers (2ml) daily. Each dropper contains 16.7mg naturally occurring CBD.
So do your research and so you can buy the best CBD oil for your dog.
Dana Scott
Dana Scott is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Dogs Naturally Magazine and CEO of Four Leaf Rover, a high end natural supplement company. She also breeds award winning Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix. Dana has been a raw feeding, natural rearing breeder since the 90's and is a sought after speaker and outspoken advocate for natural health care for dogs and people. Dana works tirelessly to educate pet owners so they can influence veterinary medicine and change current vaccine, food and preventive health practices.
