Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Cannabidiol oil or CBD oil has become a popular medicine in recent years and CBD products for pets are also gaining popularity. Low in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD oil can still contain trace amounts of THC, and is therefore a controlled substance under federal law. This is why CBD oil is generally not sold online. In addition to potential legal issues surrounding its purchase, CBD may also cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure in your dog.
Since ordering CBD oil can be difficult, and using it may cause side effects, consider it’s safer, more readily available alternative—hemp oil. Most CBD is derived from hemp, not from marijuana. Additionally, hemp oil has many of the same benefits as CBD, but there are no laws against its use, and it is 100 percent safe for your pet. Supplementation with hemp oil can solve your pet’s joint pain, inflammation, or arthritis problems and make your pup happy again. Learn about our top picks for de-stressing and soothing your dog below.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
NaturVet Hemp Liquid Supplement for Cats & Dogs
Great for skin health
Promotes joint function
Supports respiratory health and helps prevent allergies
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Best Value
NaturVet Hemp Joint Topical with Ginger Dog Spray
Can apply directly to skin
Relieves aches and discomfort
Combines well with food supplements
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Premium Choice
WeGo Doggo Hemp Oil for Dogs
Organic ingredients
Delicious chicken flavor
Great for pain management
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Silver Lining Herbs Coconut Oil for Dogs with Hemp Seed Oil
Flavorful product
Effects build over time
Contains Non-GMO ingredients
Check Price
Charlie & Buddy Pet Hemp Oil
Fast acting
Rich in all OFAs
Calming and soothing
Check Price
The 9 Best CBD Oil for Dogs With Arthritis
With a proprietary blend of four nutritious oils, this supplement is our pick for best overall CBD oil for dogs with arthritis. A delicious blend of hemp seed, krill, salmon, and fish oil supports your furry friend’s hips, joints, skin, and coat from the inside out. Formulated by veterinarians and made in the USA, you can feel confident you’re offering your best friend the finest, most high-quality ingredients to support their skeletal health. Brimming with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and full of natural antioxidants, your pupper’s bones and ligaments will thank you for this nutritional top-up with wagging tails and happy smiles.
Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Salmon/fish
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These yummy ingredients also support your dog’s respiratory system and may help prevent allergies. This blend contains just enough salmon and fish to make it tasty and attractive to your dog’s palate, without leaving it with a fishy breath. You can either give this directly from a teaspoon or add it to food during feeding time.
The only disadvantage of this product is the packaging, as it does not have a dropper or dispenser.
Pros
Promotes joint function
Great for skin health
Delicious flavor
Supports respiratory health and helps prevent allergies
With omega and antioxidant-rich ingredients
Cons
No dropper or dispenser
For dogs that are really suffering with aches and pains, we recommend hitting the problem on two fronts. You should absolutely use a food based supplement; but also get yourself a skin-based product. NaturVet Hemp Joint with Ginger Topical Dog Spray is specially formulated with hemp, ginger, and peppermint oils. These natural fragrances smell amazing, as well as being very effective. If your dog doesn’t chase sticks like it used to, grumbles after a long walk, or has trouble settling down for the night, rub a little of this oil into its shoulders, hips, and knees. Make sure the spray has dried before you allow your dog to begin grooming itself.
Promotes joint function
Great for skin health
Delicious flavor
Supports respiratory health and helps prevent allergies
With omega and antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Promotes joint function
- Great for skin health
- Delicious flavor
- Supports respiratory health and helps prevent allergies
- With omega and antioxidant-rich ingredients
No dropper or dispenser
- No dropper or dispenser
Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Spray
Flavor: Should NOT be ingested
While a supplement must be used daily so the effect can build up, this formulation is great as a top up for days when a bit more support is required to help your dog move without pain. This is a great way to show a little extra love, and that’s why this topical spray is our pick for best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis for the money.
Pros
Relieves aches and discomfort
Can apply directly to skin
Smells great
Combines well with food supplements
Cons
Effect does not accumulate over time
If your dog suffers from anxiety, inflammation, and discomfort, you can benefit from using this supplement, which is available in three sizes. Just choose the breed size that is most appropriate for your dog. The hemp oil used by WeGo Doggo is of the highest quality available on the market today, which means it can offer all the benefits associated with CBD, while avoiding any intoxicating effects which are normally associated with marijuana. People who use WeGo Doggo Hemp oil report their pets have experienced fewer pains, increased digestive and skin health, as well as more overall vitality with the use of the product. Another great benefit of buying this oil is that eight meals are donated at dog shelters for every bottle purchased.
Relieves aches and discomfort
Can apply directly to skin
Smells great
Combines well with food supplements
- Relieves aches and discomfort
- Can apply directly to skin
- Smells great
- Combines well with food supplements
Effect does not accumulate over time
- Effect does not accumulate over time
Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: Three different versions for different breed sizes
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Rotisserie chicken
Most dogs seem to readily accept and enjoy the roast chicken flavor of this product. Hemp Oil for Dogs by WeGo is produced in Oregon and made with 100 percent organic ingredients, checked for quality, and sourced responsibly in the United States. This hemp oil ticks a lot of boxes, but at a higher-than-average price, which is why it is our premium pick for best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis.
Pros
Organic ingredients
Delicious chicken flavor
Available in three breed sizes
Great for pain management
Cons
A little more expensive than some others
This supplement works quickly, and you may notice your pet’s disposition and energy improve in as little as 20 minutes. Bear in mind that many benefits are cumulative, so you will notice bigger changes over time, with consistent use. Its blend of coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and non-GMO soybean oil—all containing omega-3 fatty acids—provides essential nutrition for your pet’s everyday health, as well as the development of strong muscles and healthy joints. Along with providing nutrition, this can also be used topically to moisturize your pup’s skin.
Organic ingredients
Delicious chicken flavor
Available in three breed sizes
Great for pain management
- Organic ingredients
- Delicious chicken flavor
- Available in three breed sizes
- Great for pain management
A little more expensive than some others
- A little more expensive than some others
Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Natural Coconut
This supplement contains some hemp oil, which fights inflammation, a key cause of pain, poor health and anxiety in dogs with arthritis. This is a flavorful product and even picky eaters will like it. The pump bottle makes feeding easy and mess-free. We really like this product but be aware that there is less hemp oil in this brand than some others.
Pros
Fast acting
Effects build over time
Flavorful product
Contains Non-GMO ingredients
Cons
Far less hemp oil than some other brands
- Charlie & Buddy Pet Hemp Oil
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Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Natural
This high-quality, natural supplement is a great hemp oil for dogs. Rich in all the essential fatty acids (EFAs), including omega 3, 6, and 9, this formula also contains vitamins B, and E, this hemp oil is sure to benefit your best pal’s overall health. For inflammatory issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, Charlie & Buddy Hemp Oil for Dogs may help in reducing chronic pain. Some owners report that their dogs are less anxious and sleep much more deeply when taking this supplement.
Fast acting
Effects build over time
Flavorful product
Contains Non-GMO ingredients
- Fast acting
- Effects build over time
- Flavorful product
- Contains Non-GMO ingredients
Far less hemp oil than some other brands
- Far less hemp oil than some other brands
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Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Natural
This formulation also appears to take effect quickly, so whatever the stressor in its environment, your companion can find comfort quickly. Be careful never to put the glass dropper near your pet’s mouth as it will break if they bite down on it. We think this is a wonderful product, but we also observe that it is sometimes not in stock. That’s why it’s ranked a little lower on our list of reviews.
Pros
Fast acting
Rich in all OFAs
Calming and soothing
Cons
Often not in stock
Glass dropper may break if bitten
- Hemyum 3 Pack of Organic Pets Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats
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Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Natural
Hemyum hemp oil for dogs pain relief is highly concentrated and preserves all of the active ingredients of hemp that you’re looking for—including essential fatty acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, and trace minerals. This hemp oil’s omega 3-6-9, vitamins C and E, and other natural healing nutrients lubricate your pet’s joints. Your doggo will be moving more easily, more motivated to climb and descend steps, and more interested in a walk. This product also works to calm your pet, keep it relaxed, and can even reduce anxious behaviors such as scratching, chewing, and nipping.
Fast acting
Rich in all OFAs
Calming and soothing
- Fast acting
- Rich in all OFAs
- Calming and soothing
Often not in stock
Glass dropper may break if bitten
- Often not in stock
- Glass dropper may break if bitten
Other effects include reducing insomnia, better immunity, and improved digestion—issues that can affect your furry friend’s comfort and health at any stage of their lives but are often more pronounced in old age. This product has been in the market for many years and has proven quite popular with dog lovers. One major drawback is that it seems to go in and out of stock quite regularly. If you have your heart set on this brand, prepare to check back frequently until you find it in stock.
Pros
Lubricates joints
Contains omega 3-6-9
Calming and relaxing
Cons
Frequently out of stock
May not be available when you need it
- HMone Max Potency Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats
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Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Natural
When your best friend is whining and in pain, your heart aches in sympathy. This natural tincture will help support your buddy’s joint and hip health, soothing the pain of osteoarthritis, and helping to manage the discomfort of inflammation. Available in single, double, or triple packs, Max Potency Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs is made from organically grown hemp and claims to have a longer-lasting effect than other brands. HMone, the manufacturer, stresses this product is organic, Non-GMO, cruelty-free, and xylitol-free. You can administer these hemp oil drops directly into your pet’s mouth with the dropper cap, mix them into treats or food, or apply topically on their skin. If your dog is sensitive to new ingredients, start slowly and work your way up to a higher dose. This is a fantastic product, but it is only available in limited quantities, and can be quite hard to find. That is why we’ve placed it lower on our list of reviews.
Lubricates joints
Contains omega 3-6-9
Calming and relaxing
- Lubricates joints
- Contains omega 3-6-9
- Calming and relaxing
Frequently out of stock
May not be available when you need it
- Frequently out of stock
- May not be available when you need it
Pros
Available in multipacks
Safe and convenient
Cons
Use sparingly if your dog is sensitive to new ingredients
Generally limited availability
- Redbone Nutrition Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs
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Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Roasted Chicken, Natural Flavor, Savory Salmon, or Smokey Bacon
Designed to help your dog with joint pain, the Redbone Nutrition Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs is a natural way to ease the aches that come with old age and degenerative diseases. Additional beneficial impacts include reduction in hyperactivity and anxiety, improvements in coat and digestion, and better sleep. Redbone Nutrition is a new company—they’ve only been in the market since August 2021. Some owners may be deterred from trying this brand until they’ve been in the market for a little bit longer. However, with a wide range of flavors on option, you’re sure to find a selection even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
Available in multipacks
Safe and convenient
- Available in multipacks
- Safe and convenient
Use sparingly if your dog is sensitive to new ingredients
Generally limited availability
- Use sparingly if your dog is sensitive to new ingredients
- Generally limited availability
Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Roasted Chicken, Natural Flavor, Savory Salmon, or Smokey Bacon
This product uses only naturally sourced ingredients but skip this formula if it’s important to you that your dog eats organic only.
Pros
Helpful for joint pain
Reduces hyperactivity
Cons
Natural but not organic
Some will be put off by the manufacturer’s lack of track record
- Pure Ocean Nutrients Wild Alaskan Salmon Fish & Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs
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Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Salmon and fish
Hemp is the most effective form of treatment for anxious pets since it provides the greatest health benefits without causing any adverse effects. Pure Ocean Nutrients Wild Alaskan Salmon Fish and Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs Salmon contains only human grade ingredients. With refined virgin hemp seed oil and oil from wild caught Alaskan salmon, this blend includes all the omega and fatty acids your pet needs for optimum joint health. In addition to being nutritious, this recipe is flavorful.
Helpful for joint pain
Reduces hyperactivity
- Helpful for joint pain
- Reduces hyperactivity
Natural but not organic
Some will be put off by the manufacturer’s lack of track record
- Natural but not organic
- Some will be put off by the manufacturer’s lack of track record
Lifestage: Adult
Breed Size: All
Product Form: Liquid
Flavor: Salmon and fish
Dogs who enjoy fish will love the flavor of this formula. As with other hemp oil products, this supplement boasts a whole host of additional benefits such as better immunity, healthy coat, and increased energy levels. However, be aware that salmon oil is the dominant ingredient here, so if you want to maximize the benefits of hemp, you may want to look at one of our other reviews.
Pros
Made with wild caught Alaskan salmon
Optimizes joint health
Cons
Quite fishy, so not the best for picky eaters
Some dogs have bad breath after taking this
Less hemp oil than some other options reviewed
Getting harder to find online
Made with wild caught Alaskan salmon
Optimizes joint health
- Made with wild caught Alaskan salmon
- Optimizes joint health
Quite fishy, so not the best for picky eaters
Some dogs have bad breath after taking this
Less hemp oil than some other options reviewed
Getting harder to find online
- Quite fishy, so not the best for picky eaters
- Some dogs have bad breath after taking this
- Less hemp oil than some other options reviewed
- Getting harder to find online
Buyer’s Guide
CBD Oil: What Is It?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. CBD oil does not normally contain the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives marijuana its effects. It is actually hemp that is used to produce most CBD products.
What Is CBD’s Effect On Dogs?
A formal study has not been conducted on the effects of CBD on dogs yet. Scientists know that cannabinoids interact with endocannabinoids in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. They help maintain a healthy state in the body and work to keep it balanced.
Can CBD Oil Be Used To Treat Dog Health Problems?
The use of CBD to treat dogs has not been proven scientifically. Nevertheless, there is some information from dog owners who believe that CBD oil can be used to treat a bunch of ailments in pets. There are many owner stories out there suggesting it can help with pain, especially neuropathic pain, as well as seizures. They maintain that CBD helps ease inflammation that can cause pain, and that both humans and pets can benefit from CBD oil for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and more. In addition to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, appetite stimulation, and anti-anxiety effects, there may also be an anti-cancer effect.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil, on the other hand, is a nutritional supplement. While it doesn’t contain CBD, it’s packed with other good stuff that keeps pets healthy. It’s probably no surprise that omega fatty acids, found in fish oils and other supplements, have amazing health benefits. You might be surprised to find out that hemp is also one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Adding hemp oil to your dog’s diet is an easy way to give their nutrition a bump.
Dogs and CBD: Possible Side Effects
There are no scientific studies on the adverse effects of CBD use in dogs, but based on how CBD affects humans, there could be potential side effects. Follow the proper dosage instructions to minimize any potential side effects, which may include dry mouth and increased thirst, lowered blood pressure and lightheadedness, and drowsiness.
CBD Oil and its Risks for Dogs
CBD for dogs has not been studied for safety and risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved CBD or released a dosage chart for dogs. It is unknown what dosage would be harmful to dogs. A reaction can occur with any medication or supplement. When giving your dog something new, it is always a good idea to start with a small amount and monitor how it responds. Be sure to consult your veterinarian first.
Currently Available CBD Products
When purchasing CBD oil for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. There are different kinds of CBD oils; high-quality CBD oil is more likely to work. The CBD oil should be organic or at least free of harmful chemicals. In addition, you should ensure that the product contains little or no THC. It is best to buy CBD as a liquid. Although it’s possible to purchase dog treats that contain CBD, it’s better to use an oil or a tincture because this allows you to minutely control the amount.
How to Give Your Dog CBD Oil
There are many ways to give your dog CBD oil. You can apply it directly to the inside of your dog’s mouth, smear it on a treat, or drop it into their food. If your dog is especially picky, make sure to combine it with their favorite snack, at least until they get used to the smell and flavor.
What Is The Difference Between CBD and Hemp?
A component of marijuana, CBD, is derived from the hemp plant, which is not the same as marijuana. Therefore, hemp won’t get you (or your pet) high. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, and CBD contains less than 0.3% of THC. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis; the part of the plant that makes you “high”. Hemp oil only comes from the seeds of the hemp plant and does not contain CBD or THC.
Conclusion
CBD oil and hemp oil for dogs provide your dog with the nutritional support it needs for healthy joints, so that they can lead a more active and healthier life. Our top pick is the NaturVet Hemp Liquid Supplement for Cats & Dogs which is a high-quality and tasty product. If your dog suffers from acute arthritis, the NaturVet Hemp Joint Topical with Ginger Dog Spray may be just the thing. We hope you have found a product that takes away swelling and tenderness and makes your dog move without pain, as nothing is more important than seeing your pet happy.
Featured Image Credit: Erin_Hinterland, Pixabay
