Dog owners will do just about anything for their dogs, and that instinct is exactly why the pet CBD market has grown so quickly. If you have been curious about hemp for your best friend, the good news is that the research is more developed than most people realize.
Here is what the studies show and what to look for when you shop.
WHY CBD MAY WORK FOR DOGS
Dogs have an endocannabinoid system just like we do. It is a network of receptors that helps regulate everyday functions including mood, sleep, appetite, and comfort. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of more than a hundred naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant, and researchers believe it interacts with that same system in dogs.
That shared biology is the reason veterinary researchers started studying hemp for dogs in the first place, and the early results have been encouraging.
SUPPORTING COMFORT AND MOBILITY
This is where science is strongest. Researchers at Cornell University ran a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on dogs with osteoarthritis, giving them CBD oil twice daily over a four week period. The findings showed increased comfort and activity at home, and veterinary assessments showed decreased pain during CBD treatment.
According to Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center, more than 80 percent of the dogs with osteoarthritis in that study experienced a decrease in pain, which allowed them to be more comfortable and active. For older dogs who have slowed down on the stairs, that is a meaningful finding.
EASING STRESSFUL MOMENTS
Thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, and vet visits are hard on a lot of dogs. Cornell also studied CBD chews given to dogs before a stressful event, and 83 percent of those dogs showed a decrease in stress and anxiety related behaviors.
If your dog spends the Fourth of July under the bed, that is worth knowing before next summer.
IS CBD SAFE FOR DOGS?
The World Health Organization concluded that CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. In the Cornell osteoarthritis study, owners reported no side effects, though researchers did note some elevation in liver values worth monitoring.
Cornell notes that the most common effects owners observe are increased appetite and mild sedation. CBD can also interact with other medications, so if your dog takes anything prescribed, talk with your veterinarian before you start. That conversation is the right first step regardless.
Our pet oil and treats are formulated specifically for dogs at dog-appropriate strengths, which is why we make them separately from everything else on our shelf.
HOW TO CHOOSE A QUALITY PRODUCT
Quality varies enormously in this category, and the difference is not always visible on the label. Here is what separates a serious product from a pretty package.
Look for third-party lab results. A certificate of analysis from an independent lab confirms the CBD content and screens for pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents. We publish our lab results for every batch we make.
Look for milligrams per serving rather than per container, since that is the number you actually need when dosing by weight. Look for a full ingredient list. And look for hemp grown in the United States, where cultivation is regulated under USDA hemp rules. Ours is grown on Golden Farms right here in Pennsylvania by a veteran-owned, family-run team.
OIL OR TREATS?
Both work, and the better choice usually comes down to your dog.
Treats are the easy answer for dogs who consider any handheld object a snack. They are simple, portioned, and require no negotiation. Oil gives you finer control over the amount and can be dropped directly into food, which suits picky eaters and dogs who need a more precise serving.
Whichever you choose, stay consistent for a few weeks before you evaluate anything. In the Cornell work, dogs were assessed at two weeks and four weeks rather than the next morning.
WHAT DOSE SHOULD I GIVE?
Follow the label instructions on the product you buy, since strengths differ between brands and formats. Dosing for dogs is generally calculated by body weight, and your veterinarian can help you land on a starting point that makes sense for your dog’s size, age, and health history.
Start low, keep it consistent, and give it a few weeks.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The research on hemp for dogs is genuinely promising, particularly around comfort, mobility, and stressful moments. Pair that with a company that shows you its lab results and grows its own hemp, and you are in good shape.
Browse our pet collection to find the right fit for your dog, and reach out if you have questions. We are happy to help.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your veterinarian prior to use, particularly if your pet is taking other medications. Keep all hemp products stored out of reach of pets.
