Humans have been reaping the benefits of the cannabis plant for a long time now. Now, we are considering how the hemp plant can benefit our pets, too. Hemp oil and CBD oil are two very popular products that are both derived from the hemp plant but are very different in their composition and potential wellness benefits.
While hemp oil provides nutritional value, CBD oil is sought for its potential wellness effects to support a sense of calm and comfort in dogs. Although these products are generally safe for pets, it’s always a good idea to consult a veterinarian before introducing new supplements to your pet's diet.
What most people are looking for when it comes to leveraging the most wellness benefits from the hemp plant are CBD oils.
Pet CBD oil is easy to administer in various forms, widely available, and fits into a holistic approach to pet health. The growing acceptance of CBD products for pets has contributed to their popularity among pet owners seeking natural solutions for their animals.
One of the solutions CBD helped with was her dogs hyperactivity; she chose CBD dog treats, saying, "I like giving them a cookie treat, and they help with keeping my hyper dog calm."
Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil for dogs?
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the hemp seeds of the hemp plant and contains nutritional elements like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and does not contain cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.
The terms “Hemp seed oil” and “CBD oil for dogs are often used in the same breath and sometimes interchangeably, due to misleading marketing strategies, yet they represent entirely different products.
This conflation can lead unknowing customers to purchase one in the mistaken belief that they are getting the other, potentially compromising the intended benefits for their canine companions.
Unlike hemp oil, CBD oil comes from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the cannabis plant, — not its seeds — containing cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound known for potential health benefits. CBD oil is used specifically for its potential to interact with the endocannabinoid system to elicit these effects, while hemp seed oil is primarily used for its nutritional value and to support skin health.
What are the Benefits of CBD and Hemp Oil for dogs?
So, let’s talk about the benefits of both hemp oil and CBD for dogs.
- Support for Discomfort: CBD is being explored for its potential to support comfort in dogs, possibly aiding in situations like arthritis or after injuries [1].
- Calming Support: Research is ongoing into CBD's potential to provide calming support for dogs facing challenges such as nervousness, separation concerns, or sensitivity to loud noises [2].
- Investigation into Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBD is under investigation for its possible anti-inflammatory effects, which may offer support for dogs with inflammatory conditions [3].
- Seizure Management Research: Preliminary studies are looking into CBD's potential role in supporting the management of seizures in dogs with conditions like epilepsy [4].
Benefits of Hemp Oil for dogs:
- Omega Fatty Acids: Hemp oil is a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, healthy fats promoting a dog’s skin and coat health.
- Joint Health: The fatty acids in hemp seed oil may contribute to joint health, potentially alleviating symptoms of arthritis or joint stiffness in dogs [5].
- Immune System: Hemp oil contains antioxidants and nutrients that may support the immune system [6].
It’s important to note that while hemp oil provides nutritional benefits, it does not contain any CBD or other cannabinoids or terpenes. If seeking specific wellness effects to support a balanced endocannabinoid system, CBD oil may be a more appropriate choice.
Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new supplements to your dog’s diet.
Which is better: CBD or Hemp Oil for dogs?
The choice between hemp oil and CBD for dogs depends on your pet's specific needs.
CBD oil contains cannabidiol, which interacts with the endocannabinoid system to support physiological processes that involve mood, immune response, pain, and stress.
CBD products for dogs can come in enjoyable forms, such as CBD treats and full spectrum CBD oil. If your dog is very aggressive, or if your dog deals with hyperactivity, then we would recommend CBD.
Choose hemp oil if you’re focused on providing nutritional support. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids and nutrients, benefiting skin, coat, joint health, and overall well-being.
It’s essential to understand your dog’s health requirements and consult with a veterinarian to determine the most suitable option. In some cases, a combination of both oils might be beneficial, addressing nutritional needs with hemp oil and specific health concerns with CBD oil.
FAQs:
Is hemp or CBD better for cats?
The choice between hemp oil and CBD for cats depends on their specific needs.
Hemp oil is ideal for providing nutritional support. Hemp oil is rich in omega fatty acids, promoting a healthy coat, skin, and overall well-being.
If you’re looking to support endocannabinoid system wellness, which affects mood, sleep, discomfort, and stress, then CBD oil is the better option.
Our CBD hemp oil for pets offers calming effects, making managing your cat’s everyday stress easy.
Hemp Oil vs CBD dog for dog seizures?
There is no research on hemp oil for seizures, but there is ongoing research on CBD for managing seizures in dogs.
The specific mechanism for how CBD affects seizures is not fully understood, but some evidence suggests that CBD may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in certain cases [4].
Hemp oil, while nutritionally beneficial, does not typically contain significant amounts of CBD. If you are specifically looking to address seizures in your dog, CBD oil may be a more appropriate choice.
Is hemp oil or CBD oil for dogs better for anxiety?
Hemp oil has no effect on mood. However, cannabinoids in CBD hemp oil have been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is in charge of regulating mood, stress, and more [2].
The best CBD oil for dogs is typically not psychoactive. CBD does not have psychoactive effects in the way that THC does.
Our CBD Hemp Oil for dogs was made to support calmness and relaxation. With 8.3 mg of CBD per serving in our lowest potency bottle, managing your dog’s stress and anxiety can make you feel like a great pet parent.
If anxiety relief is the primary goal, choosing a CBD oil specifically formulated for dogs and consulting with a veterinarian for proper dosage is advisable.
Is hemp seed oil better for dogs than CBD?
It depends on the specific needs you are addressing in your dog.
Hemp seed oil is preferable for overall nutritional support in dogs, as it is rich in omega fatty acids, promoting a healthy coat and general well-being. On the other hand, CBD oil is more suitable for addressing specific health issues like anxiety or pain due to its potential therapeutic effects.
The choice depends on your dog’s individual needs, and consulting with a veterinarian is recommended for personalized guidance.
References
- Patikorn, C., Nerapusee, O., Soontornvipart, K., Lawonyawut, K., Musikpodok, K., Waleethanaphan, K., & Anantachoti, P. (2023). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal intervention studies. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10.
- Hunt, A. B., Flint, H. E., Logan, D. W., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 153.
- Gugliandolo, E., Licata, P., Peritore, A. F., Siracusa, R., D’Amico, R., Cordaro, M., ... & Interlandi, C. D. (2021). Effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on canine inflammatory response: an ex vivo study on LPS stimulated whole blood. Veterinary Sciences, 8(9), 185.
- RC Coelho, M. P., de OP Leme, F., A. Moreira, F., EMT Branco, S., M. Melo, M., & G. de Melo, E. (2021). Current review of hemp‐based medicines in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 44(6), 870-882.
- Kogan, L., Hellyer, P., & Downing, R. (2020). The use of cannabidiol-rich hemp oil extract to treat canine osteoarthritis-related pain: a pilot study. AHVMA J, 58, 1-10.
- Vitorović, J., Joković, N., Radulović, N., Mihajilov-Krstev, T., Cvetković, V. J., Jovanović, N., ... & Bernstein, N. (2021). Antioxidant activity of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil in Drosophila melanogaster larvae under non-stress and H2O2-induced oxidative stress conditions. Antioxidants, 10(6), 830.
