The hemp plant has some excellent medicinal and wellness properties that can benefit dogs, but for the uninitiated, it’s tough to know where to start. Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? And what about cannabis? Is that the same thing as hemp? We’ll answer all these questions and more as we investigate hemp oil vs. CBD oil for dogs.What’s the Difference Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?
You may already know that CBD oil comes from hemp, so how does it differ from hemp oil? The term “hemp oil” generally refers to oil made from hemp seeds, whereas CBD oil is made from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. This can be somewhat confusing, because technically both hemp seed oil and CBD oil are both types of hemp oil. That said, it’s usually safe to assume that any oil labeled as simply “hemp oil” is hemp seed oil, though there have been cases of manufacturers selling CBD oil listed as hemp oil on platforms such as Amazon, where the sale of CBD isn’t allowed, so it’s always a good idea to double check that you know what you’re buying.
The cannabis plant is also a type of hemp plant, but one with a THC content of 0.4% or higher, whereas CBD oil comes from hemp plants with 0.3% THC or less. When you buy hemp oil for dogs, it usually consists of 100% hemp seed oil. CBD oil, on the other hand, is mixed with a carrier oil to dilute it. For instance, Petly Pet Hemp CBD Oil is mixed with coconut oil as a carrier.
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Is Hemp Oil or CBD Oil Better for My Dog?
This depends on what you expect to get from the product. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid found in the flowers, leaves and stalks of the hemp plant. While not psychoactive, CBD oil has a range of medicinal benefits, including anxiety reduction and pain relief (especially from arthritis). Full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil, such as HolistaPet CBD Oil, also contains a range of non-psychoactive cannabinoids and terpenes, which are though to have additional health benefits.
Hemp oil made from the seeds of the hemp plant is known for its perfect balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which are an essential part of all dogs’ diets. They can boost heart health, brain health, and promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids work in tandem to control inflammation in your dog’s body and hemp oil contains just the right amount of each. Hemp oil doesn’t contain any cannabinoids, however, which are what pack the real medicinal punch. Of course, the choice is up to you, but CBD oil for dogs is what will give you results in terms of stress and anxiety relief, increased appetite, and reduction in joint pain and stiffness.
Can I Buy Other Products That Incorporate CBD Oil?
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If you like the idea of giving your dog CBD but are nervous about getting the dosage wrong, you could try giving your dog CBD treats, such as Petly CBD Dog Treats. Capsules are another option, as they have a set dose in each one, which negates the chance of a dosing error. CBD Living Dog CBD Gel Capsules are a good choice, containing 5 mg of CBD a piece. You’ll also find topical products, such as Elixinol CannaCare Topical CBD for Dogs, which are great for healing skin irritation and hot spots. So, if straight up CBD oil isn’t right for you and your dog, you have plenty of other options to look into.
Is Hemp Safe for Dogs?
As long as you stick to using either THC-free products or products with 0.3% THC or less, hemp is completely safe for dogs, whether that’s in the form or hemp oil or CBD oil. Unlike strong painkillers and anxiety medications, CBD oil has very few potential side effects, even if you give your dog too much. An overdose of CBD oil could make your dog extremely lethargic or cause her to stumble as she walks, but will wear off in a few hours with no long term issues.
An overdose of tramadol or xanax, on the other hand, could be fatal. Hemp seed oil is even safer with no adverse effects, although a very large dose could upset your dog’s stomach. Luckily, CBD oil for dogs and other CBD oil-containing products, such as CBD pet treats, are difficult to give your dog too much of if you pay attention and know your dog’s weight, since the dosage is always listed on the package.
Now you know the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil, you can easily choose the best option for your four-legged friend. If you want to know more, check out our full guide to CBD products for pets.