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Hemp Oil For Dogs: A Complete Guide

Written by: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| Published on December 2, 2021

Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil for Pets

If your dog struggles with stress or uncomfortable joints, you may be searching for a safer, more natural alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. Humans have safely used hemp for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. However, the different extracts made from its components can be confusing. To ensure the best results from hemp oil for dogs, you’ll want to choose its full-spectrum form.

What Is The Difference Between “Full Spectrum Hemp Oil” & “Hemp Seed Oil”?

Hemp oil for dogs is a general term that may describe full spectrum hemp oil and/or hemp seed oil. The difference between the two is profound and essential for understanding how these extracts may improve your dog’s life.

Hemp Seed Oil For Dogs – No Therapeutic Benefits

Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of the essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6. It is packed with protein, and may aid in digestion, heart health, and overall skin quality. Due to its high levels of Omegas, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, hemp seed oil is commonly considered a Superfood. While it is certainly a safe, natural addition to a dog’s diet, it simply does not offer the same medicinal benefits as full spectrum hemp oil for dogs. However, you will often find it listed as an inactive ingredient in full spectrum hemp oil where it serves as an important carrier oil.

Full or Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil For Dogs – The Best Choice

When oil comes from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant rather than the seeds, it contains several beneficial substances not found in hemp seed oil. Among them are compounds known as cannabinoids that act within the body to reduce swelling, combat nausea, stimulate the appetite in old or sickly dogs, and provide an overall calming effect. When purchasing a hemp extract for your dog, make sure the product says “full spectrum, broad spectrum, or phytocannabinoid-rich (PCR) oil”

 

hemp oil for dogs is calming

What Are The Benefits Of Full or Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract For Dogs?

Hemp Oil For Canine Fear Reduction

Hemp oil in its full spectrum form is known to have a calming effect on people and pets. It may help your dog deal with separation stress and phobias related to storms, fireworks, car rides, etc.

Related: Which brand of broad spectrum hemp oil does iHeartDogs Recommend? 

Hemp Oil For Canine Joint & Mobility Problems

Recent clinical studies have shown great promise in using hemp extract to help improve the mobility of dogs with arthritis. Although more research needs to be done, the comfort regulating properties of hemp extract seem to offer relief for many dogs.

Canine Hemp Oil For Relief From Nausea

Older dogs and those battling chronic illnesses sometimes suffer from nausea or poor appetite. Full spectrum hemp oil has a calming effect on the GI tract, helping to relieve nausea and stimulate the appetite.

Hemp Oil As Alternative To Pharmaceuticals?

Perhaps the most important benefit of full spectrum hemp oil for dogs is its potential to minimize or even eliminate the need for pharmaceutical drugs. Medications used to treat the conditions above can carry some very scary side effects. Veterinary drugs are especially taxing on the liver and kidneys. They also cause digestive issues and behavioral changes in some dogs.

Related: Which brand of Hemp Oil for Dogs Does iHeartDogs Recommend? 

Hemp oil has very few potential side effects, and those that may occur are quite mild. It should still be noted however one should always consult your veterinarian before adding a supplement like hemp oil to your dog’s routine. And never discontinue medications without first consulting your vet.

safety of hemp oil for dogs

Is Hemp Oil For Dogs Safe?

Full spectrum hemp oil for dogs is extremely safe and virtually free of potential side effects – especially when compared to traditional pharmaceuticals. Drowsiness is the most common side effect that dog owners report. In human clinical trials, a few additional symptoms were possible, but rare:

  • Dry mouth
  • Increased appetite
  • Tremors
  • Allergies/Hives
  • Diarrhea

Is Canine Hemp Oil Legal?

Hemp oil is perfectly legal in all 50 states. Different strains of the hemp plant have been used for medicinal and manufacturing purposes in America ever since the country’s founding.

full spectrum hemp oil for dogs

How Do You Administer Full Spectrum Hemp Oil To Your Dog?

Since full spectrum hemp oil is in liquid form, you have several options when it comes to giving it to your dog. Most extracts have only a mild odor and flavor allowing you to administer it directly into your dog’s mouth. However, if your pooch is particular, you may have to get a bit creative.

Apply It Over Dog Food

Whether you feed your pup dry, canned, raw, homemade, or a mixture of several foods, full spectrum hemp oil can easily be measured out and mixed in with a meal.

Put It On A Treat

Soft, porous treats work best because they absorb the oil. However, this may not be the best option for dogs taking larger doses of hemp oil.

administer hemp oil for dogs

Mix Hemp Oil With Something Healthy & Tasty

Does your dog love peanut butter or pumpkin puree? Healthy snacks with a soft, smooth texture are perfect for disguising hemp oil. Here’s a tip: dogs love meat-flavored baby food!

Related: Which brand of broad spectrum hemp oil does iHeartDogs Recommend? 

Make Your Own No-Bake Treats

There are endless recipes online for simple, two or three ingredient dog treats. Many include pup-approved foods such as chicken, peanut butter, sweet potato, rolled oats, and banana. Just keep in mind that full or broad spectrum hemp oil keeps best at room temperature so try to avoid recipes that call for baking or freezing.

How To Choose A Safe & Effective Hemp Extract For Your Dog

Choosing a hemp oil for your dog can be confusing. Here’s 3 important tips to keep in mind:

1) Always review the Certificate of Analysis (COA): Any reputable supplier will post their COA publicly on their website. The COA will list the test results of the cannabinoid profile of the hemp oil, in addition to tests about its purity. If the COA is not available, or is not current, seek out a different supplier.

2) Always choose an Organic, USA made product: Hemp plants have the unique ability to soak up toxins from the earth, which raises the importance of using an organic hemp product. If a product is not organic, simply move on.

3) Make sure you’re using a Full or Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil, not just Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp Seed oil offers many benefits, but it does not contain the full cannabinoid profile that a full or broad spectrum hemp oil will contain. Only a broad or full spectrum product will offer the health benefits listed above. The easiest way to ensure you’re getting a quality and effective product is by reviewing the COA.

Is hemp oil good for dogs?

Hemp oil is a very safe supplement for dogs. There is a common misconception that hemp oil is unsafe for dogs due to the limited scientific research done. However, it has become increasingly popular amongst many veterinarians due to its known benefits for pets.

Hemp oil for dogs is made up of a compound cannabidiol. THC is then extracted from the cannabidiol and you are left with hemp oil. THC is unsafe for dogs to ingest. When your dog ingests hemp oil, he/she will receive all the benefits of cannabis without the THC additives. This means your dog will not get a ‘high’ from the hemp oil. Your dog will receive all the medical benefits and feel relaxed and have reduced swelling.

There are many benefits to using hemp oil on your dog:

  • Promotes a sense of calm
  • Helps fight allergies
  • Helps dogs with epilepsy
  • Decreases the feelings of nausea
  • Reduces the amount of medication prescriptions
  • Increased appetite

What does hemp oil do for your dog?

Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating our bodies and maintaining homeostasis. The endocannabinoid receptors are located throughout both dogs and human bodies. These receptors help balance our moods, fear, pain receptors, immunity and overall health.

Like humans, dogs can struggle with the lack of balance or their endocannabinoid receptors. When introducing hemp oil to your dogs’ body, it helps create homeostasis in their bodies. Therefore by creating homeostasis, you notice reduced fear, healthier appetite, and more general comfort. All of these are just some of the most amazing benefits to using hemp oil as a daily supplement for your dog.

Is hemp oil or Hemp oil better for dogs?

In order to understand if Hemp oil or Hemp oil is better for dogs, you must understand the differences between the two. After all, both products derive from the same plant.

Hemp oil is extracted from the cannibals plant seeds. Hemp oil contains Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. It is one of the most antioxidant rich supplements you can give to your dogs. Because of this, it is a better daily nutritional supplement than Hemp oil. Hemp oil can help relieve swelling and discomfort as well as many other benefits. All dogs of all ages can benefit, especially senior dogs who suffer joint pain.

Hemp oil Pros:

  • High in omega fatty acids
  • Great for dogs of all ages and breeds
  • Helps dogs overall health
  • No downsides to giving it to your dog
  • Contributes to proper brain and eye development
  • Contains 0% THC

Hemp oil is made from the flowers, stalks and leaves. Cannabinoids are found in the resin of the plant and not in the hemp seeds. The fact that Hemp oil contains cannabinoids and not Hemp oil; it is what makes Hemp oil interact differently within the dogs body. Hemp oil can help dogs with medical conditions such as epilepsy, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Before using Hemp oil it is important to check with your veterinarian if this is right for your pup.

Hemp Oil Pros:

  • No downsides to giving it to your dog
  • Results get more defined over time
  • Provides medical benefit to medical conditions such as cardiac issues
  • Safe for daily use

How quickly does hemp oil work for dogs?

Hemp oil takes on average between 20 to 60 minutes to take full effect. The time varies due to the weight and breed of the dog. There is also a difference on the time it takes effect based on what exactly the use is for. For pups with stress, you can expect to see results in 30-60 minutes. If you are using hemp oil to support mobility; it could take between 15 to 30 minutes to see the effects. For maximum benefit, using hemp oil daily for 2 to 4 weeks will deliver the best results in your pets overall health.

How long do the effects of Hemp oil last in a dog?

There is not a clear cut answer as to how long Hemp oil lasts in the dogs system. There are quite a few factors in determining this such as weight, breed, diet and prior Hemp usage. Hemp oil can stay in the dogs system from 4 to 8 hours.

What happens if I give my dog too much Hemp oil?

While it is not suggested to give your dog more than the recommended dosage of Hemp oil; it is not possible to give your dog too much Hemp oil. You would simply be wasting a perfectly good product on giving more than the recommended amount. However, if in extremely large doses, it may cause negative side effects. Some of those adverse side effects may include extreme sleepiness, upset stomach and diarrhea. Based on current studies done, there have been no known cases of lethal dog overdoses.

Can you give your dog Hemp oil everyday?

Yes, in fact it is recommended that you give your dog Hemp oil every day for optimal and consistent results. If dogs suffer from extreme fear, you can even give your pup Hemp oil up to every 8 hours as needed. It is best to check with your veterinarian as well as the company suggested dosage and amount to determine what and how often is best for your dog. There are amazing benefits to continuous daily use of Hemp oil.

  • Improves appetite for those pups with conditions that causes dogs to feel less hungry.
  • Promotes mobility continuously throughout the day
  • *Helps with swelling
  • Acts as a daily mood supporter

Can I give human Hemp oil to dogs?

The short answer is yes you can give human Hemp oil to dogs. However, this is risky because human Hemp oil may contain traces of THC. THC that is more than 0.3% is unsafe for dogs. Also, human Hemp oil can come very concentrated so accurate dosing may be difficult. If you are really considering giving your pup Hemp oil, it is always best to go with products that are specifically manufactured and created for your four legged friend.

Can hemp oil help dogs with stress?

Hemp oil is a great supplement for dogs with stress or fear. There are many opportunities for your dog to undergo great stress. Not all of them are ones that we can avoid. Some conditions that cause extreme fear in dogs are separation, environmental changes, sudden sounds such as fireworks, and discomfort. Hemp oil works by activating the brains cannabinoid receptors. These cannabinoid receptors help stimulate the release of serotonin which is a natural mood enhancer and stabilizer. Hemp oil can relieve fear for 4 to 8 hours after ingestion. It takes between 15 to 30 minutes for you to notice the effects of Hemp oil in your dog.

How does Hemp oil make a dog feel?

Hemp oil helps your dog to feel calm, drowsy, and overall relaxed. Hemp oil has found to be very effective with stress and discomfort due to its calming effects. There are however few negative side effects that could occur when your dog uses Hemp oil. Your dog may feel slightly light headed. Your dog may also encounter a dry mouth and increase in thrust. If your pup has a very sensitive stomach, they may experience some nausea and diarrhea. All these negative side effects usually improve with use. It can be an adjustment for dogs but keep in mind, there are no studies that show that Hemp oil is harmful for dogs.

Related: The 10 Best Calming Supplements for Dogs

Can a dog overdose on hemp oil?

No, your dog cannot overdose on hemp oil. There have been no known overdoses or deaths caused from a dog ingesting too much hemp oil. Even though your dog cannot overdose on hemp oil, it can still cause worrisome side effects for the pet owner. Your dog may become lethargic and sleep a lot. They may also experience loss in balance and may stumble. Another side effect is dry mouth and feeling of thirst.

It is important to note that even though your dog may be experiencing these negative side effects from accidentally ingesting too much hemp oil, your dog should recover fine. In the event of accidental overdose, simply allow your dog to ‘sleep it off’. This will allow your pet to stay in a relaxed state while their bodies metabolize the hemp oil. If you have concerns when your dog is experiencing these behaviors, please contact your local vet for advice by phone.

What Brand Of Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil Does iHeartDogs Recommend?

The iHeartDogs team has reviewed the formulation and certificate of analysis for the Cannanine brand of hemp oil for dogs. In addition to being a high-quality and potent product, each purchase of the oil supports animal shelters.

Related: Do they make Hemp gummies for dogs

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. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. 

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