With the growing popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating various medical conditions, pet owners are curious as to whether they can use CBD for their dogs. After all, dogs also suffer from cancer, arthritis, and hair loss. Below in this article, we will cover the Hemp Oil for Dogs: What You Should Know.
Among the many CBD products, veterinarians prescribe hemp oil for dogs, primarily for its nutritional value and skin benefits.
What are the different CBD products available?
The truth is that CBD products sold in the market are of two kinds – either derived from hemp or marijuana.
The latter is well-known in treating pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness. It also contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient causing mild-altering symptoms.
Those derived from hemp, however, are safer to use because of its minimal THC content which is reassuring news for dog owners.
How are hemp products made?
Through “cold pressing,” hemp seed oil is a product of extraction from the small seeds of the Cannabis Sativa. The process preserves the nutritious contents of the seeds.
Hemp oil is a rich source of nutrients, including protein, polyunsaturated acids, vitamin E, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids.
Hemp seeds, however, are made into flour after crushing the seeds. Hemp seed meal or cake is part of animal feeds.
What are the benefits of hemp?
Canine owners should choose hemp products to promote overall good health in their pets. Its main benefits are in protecting the dog’s hair and skin and avoiding more severe diseases like cancer and inflammation.
Here are the specific benefits of hemp oil for dogs:
Protects skin
According to studies, the fatty acids of hemp oil nourishes and strengthens the skin by resisting infection. Hemp oil moisturizes the skin of dogs, thickens their fur, and lessens shedding.
Moreover, the topical application prevents the following canine skin disorders:
- A dry, chapped nose which may be caused by allergies or sunburn
- Acne, an inflammatory disease of the lips and skin of the muzzle. If left untreated, it can lead to swelling, bleeding, or scabs.
- Rashes caused by fleas, mites, and ticks
- Dandruff, caused by dead skin cells on the dog’s coat
Slows down cancer
According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, the leading cause of death in 47% of dogs is cancer. Because of its nutritional benefits, hemp oil helps by slowing down the incidence and spread of the disease.
Reduces inflammation
Dogs can suffer from arthritis, an inflammation of the joints. The presence of essential fatty acids in hemp oil reduces their suffering from inflamed joints.
What is the recommended dosage?
Veterinarians recommended the following dosage of hemp oil for dogs:
- 10 pounds = 1 ml
- 20 pounds = 1.5 ml
- 30 pounds = 2 ml
- 40 pounds = 2 ml
- 50 pounds = 3 ml
- 60 pounds = 3.5 ml
- 70 pounds = 4 ml
- 80 pounds = 4.5 ml
- 90+ pounds = 5 ml
Keep the hemp oil refrigerated to prevent the oil from becoming rancid. Another tip is to add the hemp oil only after cooking dog food to maintain its nutritional value.
Is it better to administer hemp oil with pills or capsules?
The choice of using gel capsules or oils will depend on experience with the dog’s comfort level in taking other medicines.
Canine owners may prefer pre-measured capsules to ensure giving the right dosage. With oil drops, dog owners will need to focus on how many milligrams they have provided.
Hemp oil is an excellent supplement to your dog’s diet. To ensure that one is getting pure hemp oil, check the label. It should contain less than 0.3% levels of THC.
