The 6 Best CBD Oils for Dogs with Arthritis: Reviews & Guide

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Updated on: 05/18/2021

If you are the owner of a dog suffering from arthritis, you know how difficult it is to look at a pet in pain. CBD is a natural remedy produced by extracting CBD (cannabidiol) from the cannabis plant. This tool can help your dog cope with pain and discomfort.

best cbd oil for dogs with arthritis

Finding the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis can be quite difficult because there is a large selection of such drugs on the market these days. This article is a guide to buying the best CBD oil for dogs. We will figure out what CBD oil is, how it works on your dog, and its potential side effects.

Does CBD Oil Work for Dog With Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease of the joints.  As your dog’s joints start to deteriorate the bones will start to rub against each other causing excessive bony formation and arthritis.  This can cause pain and inflammation in the joint.  Arthritis is due to these factors:

  • Elderly age of the pet. In most cases, signs of arthritis in dogs appear at 5-7 years of life or later. With age, the joints become less mobile and lose their original elasticity.
  • An unbalanced diet often leads to obesity and weight gain — accordingly, the joints’ load increases, which causes them to wear out prematurely.
  • Past illnesses or injuries. Joint injuries, infectious and viral diseases of the musculoskeletal system often precede the appearance of arthritis in dogs.
  • Genetics.  Some dogs are more prone to joint issues. Some joint issues may have been seen in a pet parents.  These issues will also passed on to their pups.

Knowing the most common causes of arthritis, pet owners can protect their beloved dog from danger.

One of the first common symptoms of the disease is a decrease in the activity of the animal. The pet is reluctant to go for long walks, lies a lot, becomes sluggish. A characteristic sign of arthritis in dogs is considered to be joint swelling and pain when pressing on the joint. The animal tries not to use the sick paw when walking — carefully steps on it or completely bends it. If earlier your pet jumped up at the owner’s appearance with lightning speed and now carefully stands up, there is a high probability that the reason lies in an inflamed joint.

Arthritis in dogs manifests itself in a characteristic gait and limp. If the forelimbs’ joints are affected, the dog may refuse to go down the stairs or down a steep hill. With pain in the hind legs, it is difficult for the pet to climb up, climb on a high sofa or chair. With the progression of arthritis in dogs, symptoms increase, or new ones join them.

In the acute form of the disease, the pathology develops quickly, within a few hours or days. The symptoms are pronounced, the deterioration of the animal’s condition is very noticeable. Chronic arthritis is characterized by a gradual increase in symptoms, the overall picture of the disease remains hidden for a long time. This often misleads owners, who attribute this condition to the pet’s age or a change in its habits.

does CBD oils work for dog with arthritisImage by Maksim Goncharenok from Pexels

READ MORE: My Dog is Wobbly and Off Balance

Not all dog breeds are equally prone to arthritis. At risk are animals of large breeds: Alabai, Mastiff, bulldog, setter, and other similar breeds.

Owners of large breeds of dogs are recommended to exercise particular vigilance and treat their pet’s health with increased attention. At the first suspicious signs, you should seek help from a veterinarian. Timely prescribed therapy will protect against the progression of pathology and significantly improve further prognosis.

After your treatment, the veterinarian can prescribe CBD oil for dogs with arthritis.

During medical research conducted by Dalhousie University in 2017, the effect of CBD oil on the diseased joints of rats was examined. Research results indicate that this method is useful for the treatment of joint diseases in animals. [2]

According to its principle, the best CBD for osteoarthritis relieves swelling, reduces inflammation, reduces pain, and promotes a dog’s calm state. Also, CBD oil works very well on your pet’s musculoskeletal system. When showing arthritis symptoms, vets often resort to using CBD oil for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the supporting system of dogs. After applying CBD oil for dogs to treat arthritis symptoms, inflammation in the joints is reduced, pain is reduced, and swelling is reduced. Also, these products promotes better relaxation of the joints, muscles, and tendons during the rest. In addition to these actions, CBD oil improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which positively affects overweight dogs.

READ MORE: My Dog is Getting Old

The Best CBD Oil for Dogs with Arthritis Reviews

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The Best Picks

We have researched dozens of products to determine the best of the best companies, based on the quality of ingredients and reviews from real buyers. Then we narrowed our search to the 7 best products.

1. Petly CBD Pet Hemp CBD Oil for Medium Dogs  

These drops are designed for medium-sized breeds weighing between 26 and 50 pounds (22.68 kg). Each product contains 250 mg of organically grown cannabis rich in phytocannabinoids. Each bottle contains 30 drops of 8.33 mg. The recommended dosage of this product is one full pipette once a day.

This natural product contains only two natural ingredients that support health: broad-spectrum hemp extract and coconut oil.

Key benefits:

  • 100% organically grown hemp.
  • Non-GMO.
  • Veterinarian approved.

Pros

Cons

  • Always third-party tested.
  • Completely THC-free.
  • Human-grade MCT.
  • A bit pricey.

2. CBDfx Pet Tincture

This CBD oil is ideal for large breed dogs that weigh more than 60 pounds (27.22 kg). Pets like the herbaceous taste of the tincture, which is made within strict quality standards.

Most of the company’s product line is vegan, organic, and specially designed to help your beloved pet feel comfortable and get rid of the pain.

In the production of the product, advanced methods of processing ingredients are used. Other brands use solvent-based extraction methods that leave traces of unpleasant substances, such as butane and propane, in the final product. CBDfx creates only organic products without solvents, which is confirmed by publicly available laboratory reports.

Key benefits:

  • It is made with CO2-extracted CBD.
  • This oil contains cannabinoids, terpenes, amino acids and fatty acids.
  • Made with high quality and organically grown hemp oil.

Pros

Cons

  • 100% natural and organic.
  • Made in USA.
  • Solvente free.
  • Inconsistent customer service          

3. Soul CBD Oil for Pets

CBD Oil for pets is a safe, delicious, and effective supplement that will be good for your pet. Your favorite furry friend will appreciate the soothing effect of our signature formula.

Before using the product, it is recommended to consult a doctor. It is noted that this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any diseases.

Key benefits:

  • Formulated specifically for pets.
  • Full Spectrum.
  • Easily drop directly into mouth or in water/food.

Pros

Cons

  • Bacon flavor.
  • Made from natural ingredients.
  • Manufactured in the USA.
  • Unclear extraction practices

4. Mary’s Nutritional Tails Pet CBD Tincture           

Mary’s Nutritional Tails is a tincture with hemp extract ideal for dogs who suffer from arthritis. The tincture has the taste of bacon, so your pet will be happy to take the tincture. CBD and other plant nutrients in the tincture will help the dog get rid of arthritis pain. These products are made in factories in Colorado and are 100% organic, so your pet gets only the best.

It is recommended that you consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s diet. Like all products listed in Green Wellness Life, this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.

Key benefits:

  • THC free and non-psychoactive.
  • Eases occasional discomfort.
  • Third-party lab tested for quality.

Pros

Cons

  • Delicious natural bacon flavor.
  • Broad spectrum class.
  • Help reduce pet pain.
  • Return only for unopened products. 

5. Honest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs — Mobility          

Pets, like people, also age and with age they have problems with health and mobility. CBD oils can save you from pain and help ease joint stiffness.

Full-spectrum hemp, which is found in the Honest Apps Mobility product, with natural CBD, can help improve the function of your dog’s joints and connective tissue. Turmeric, which is included in the product, improves the taste.

This oil can reduce periodic joint stiffness associated with daily exercise or aging, thanks to high-quality and organic CBD. Besides, hemp oil with natural CBD can help calm nervous Pets, relieve occasional pain and discomfort.

Key benefits:

  • Supports a normal response to inflammation.
  • It can help to enhance the function of your dog’s joints and connective tissue.
  • Sourced from industrial hemp.

Pros

Cons

  • Formulated to improve mobility.
  • Organic ingredients.
  • Calmer moods naturally.
  • Unclear extraction practices 

6. Royal CBD Oil

Royal Paws CBD oil provides your dog with peace of mind. The product is made based on the hemp of the highest quality. This product contains organic hemp seed oil and additional nutrients such as fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements.

Third parties test all our oils in a certified laboratory. Upon request, you can get confirmation of laboratory tests.

Key benefits:

  • Made from high-quality organic ingredients.    
  • It can help reduce discomfort.
  • Easily drop directly into mouth or in water/food.

Pros

Cons

  • Made from natural ingredients.
  • Bacon flavor.
  • No artificial colors.
  • Unclear extraction practices

Owners Guide

How To Choose CBD Oil For Dogs

Thanks to the identified benefits of CBD for dog’s arthritis containing cannabidiol are increasingly found in stores. To know how to find the best product, pay attention to its composition.

For use, you should only buy a high-quality and not cheap natural CBD product. Some manufacturers reduce the price of a product containing CBD by adding chemicals and impurities, such as herbicides or pesticides.

Make sure that there are no chemical impurities or synthetic ingredients by reading the product composition, and only then deciding about buying. Premium CBD oils for dogs with arthritis are made from ingredients such as organic hemp grown in the United States.

Pay attention to the results of laboratory tests or the certificate of analysis of each product. Compare the company’s claims about the effectiveness of their products with the results of tests by third-party laboratories. The certificate of authenticity also discloses information about whether a given GMO or other additives, preservatives, or such as heavy metals, fungicides, and herbicides. Some certification authorities only approve certain products after thorough verification tests and third-party laboratory tests.

Check the amount of CBD oil. Make sure that you choose foods with the CBD content that your dog needs. Before using any of these products, always consult your veterinarian who has experience using CBD.

cbd oils for dogs with arthritisPhoto by Kelsey Mirehouse on Unsplash

READ MORE: Can a Dog Walk with a Torn ACL?

Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs

Thanks to its convenient oil form, it is elementary to apply CBD. Simply use the drops to food, treats, or directly into your dog’s mouth. CBD oil for dogs with arthritis may not only be in the form of a tincture that can be given orally. CBD can also be part of dog food or treats, or combined with other essential oils for a soothing massage. There are also CBD hemp oil, creams, ointments, balms that can be easily applied to the dog’s skin locally. Due to the oil base, CBD is absorbed into the food, allowing substances to get into the body faster and better assimilated.

The ability of CBD to help dogs with arthritis cope with mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and lethargy, may also be related to how CBD interacts with ECS. [5]

CBD oil contains only natural ingredients that are easily absorbed and accepted by the body. The composition does not include artificial or synthetic substances.

The natural base of the oil allows it to be absorbed with any food and treats.

Due to the natural composition and the absence of impurities in the CBD oil, the probability of side effects or harmful consequences disappears.

Researchers of a 2014 study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience noted the predominance of receptors in the body and the critical role of ECS in regulating pain, inflammation, and joint function that support the therapeutic use of cannabinoids osteoarthritis.[4]

Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs

Studies conducted by various institutes in the field of CBD effects on animals have not revealed any side effects and negative consequences of CBD use for dogs. In 2015, The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy conducted a study on CBD results on diseased joints in mice, which accurately established that it has no side effects in the treatment of arthritis in animals. [3]

Of course, mice are not dogs. But still, in the absence of other research results, these data suggest that the use of CBD for the treatment of arthritis in domestic dogs has only a positive effect.

FAQ

How CBD oil helps Dogs with Arthritis?

CBD acts on the animal’s body, reducing pain, improving the animal’s digestion and metabolism. Following the digestive system’s improvement, the appetite increases, and the absorption of food and medicines improves. It also significantly reduces the stress and agitation levels. The results of all studies show that the use of CBD to stimulate the treatment of dogs does not have side effects and negative consequences.

Is CBD oil good for Dogs with Arthritis?

Research shows that CBD and the active ingredients included in the oil reduce pain. Increases the absorption of medications and improves the overall physical and emotional state. Because it can address both pain and inflammation, CBD oil may improve your aging dog’s mobility. In fact, one study done on dogs showed that 2 mg of cannabidiol administered twice daily improved mobility for dogs affected with Osteoarthritis. Based on this, CBD can be considered useful for dogs with arthritis.[1]

Is CBD Legal for Dogs?

CBD is regulated by the FDA, and currently, there are no FDA approved CBD products for pets. In 2018, hemp, a cannabis plant that naturally has less than 0.3% THC, was taken off the federal controlled substances list.

How quickly does CBD oil work ?

CBD oil is absorbed along with food and begins to act immediately. The average absorption time is about 20 minutes after ingestion. After assimilation, the active substances and CBD begin to affect the nervous system, reducing pain, reducing its agitation, and stress levels.

Article Sources:

  1. Fine, Perry. “The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain.” PubMed Central, 1 Oct. 2013, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/.
  2. Philpott, Holly. “Attenuation of Early Phase Inflammation by Cannabidiol Prevents Pain and Nerve Damage in Rat Osteoarthritis.” PubMed, 1 Dec. 2017, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28885454/.
  3. Hammell, D. C. “Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation and Pain-Related Behaviours in a Rat Model of Arthritis – PubMed.” PubMed, 30 Oct. 2020, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26517407/.
  4. “Involvement of the Endocannabinoid System in Osteoarthritis Pain.” PubMed, 1 Feb. 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24494687/.
  5. Russo, Ethan. “Agonistic Properties of Cannabidiol at 5-HT1a Receptors.” Neurochemical Research, 1 Aug. 2005, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11064-005-6978-1.