Best CBD Oil for Dogs: 5 Potent Formulas To Relieve Anxiety, Pain, and More in Your Pup
Feeling a bit overwhelmed when it comes to picking the perfect CBD oil for your dog? Don't worry, we get it! With the pet CBD market growing rapidly, the number of available brands can be a lot to take in.
Because not all CBD oils are made with the same quality, it’s essential to conduct proper research to make sure you choose a CBD oil that has been lab-tested, contains premium ingredients, and is formulated to meet your dog's unique needs.
We know that navigating the world of dog CBD oil can be challenging, so we've taken the time to do the legwork for you.
Our team has combed through the most popular dog CBD oil brands and picked the top five best CBD oils for dogs. Trust us, with these options, your pup will wag his tail with joy!
5 Best CBD Oil for Dogs Options
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Best Overall: CBDfx Pet Tincture
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Best for Arthritis: Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Oil
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Best for Toy Breeds: Green Roads Pet CBD Oil
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Best for Overall Wellness: Honest Paws Well CBD Oil for Dogs
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Best for Anxiety Relief: The Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Hemp Oil
CBD oil is a versatile remedy that offers a range of benefits for our beloved furry friends — pet owners report using it to soothe anxious pups during thunderstorms or before training, as well as alleviate arthritis pain or nerve pain. Some even utilize it as a preventative measure in hopes of supporting their dogs' immune systems and cardiovascular health.
This adaptability is mirrored in our category choices, as our goal is to showcase five dog CBD oils that cater to the unique needs of both pets and their owners.
1. Best Overall: CBDfx Pet Tincture
Looking for the best CBD oil for dogs? Our top pick is the CBDfx Pet Tincture, which won us over with its high quality and all-natural bacon flavor. Even better, it's vegan and organic, so eco-conscious pet owners can feel good about using it.
This CBD oil is made with broad spectrum CBD, making it a smart choice for dogs who may be sensitive to even trace amounts of THC found in full spectrum CBD oil.
CBDfx doesn't just use high-quality CBD oil — it also uses the finest ingredients in its CBD oil for dogs formula. This includes non-GMO and organic, human-grade ingredients, along with organic MCT oil, which is a form of coconut oil that’s easily digested and absorbed by dogs' bodies.
By incorporating these high-grade ingredients, CBDfx CBD oil provides pet owners with the peace of mind that their furry friend is receiving a safe, wholesome and effective product.
We were also pleased to see that CBDfx CBD oil tinctures are lab-tested to ensure their potency and safety. Veterinarians have medically reviewed these CBD oils for dogs.
CBDfx sells it in 4 strengths, so you can select the potency that makes it easiest to reach your dog’s ideal dose.
CBDfx offers a line of CBD oil for dogs with four different strengths, allowing you to choose the most conducive potency to achieve your pup's optimal dosage. With this level of flexibility, you can easily customize your furry friend's CBD experience and ensure they receive just the exact amount of CBD oil for dogs they require to feel their best.
Overall, this is a very versatile CBD oil. CBDfx recommends pet owners use it to calm nervous pups, relieve joint pain and support overall wellness.
About CBDfx
CBDfx is a pioneer in the CBD industry. It started selling CBD products for humans in 2014 and soon expanded to offer pet CBD oil. The company’s headquarters are in California, and they are a member of the California Hemp Council.
Whether making CBD products for humans or pets, they only use high-quality CBD oil and ingredients, including pesticide-free, non-GMO hemp. Their team of doctors, pharmacists and vets offers feedback and guidance.
Customer Reviews
Customers rave about this CBD oil’s appealing flavor. It’s popular with owners of older dogs who often prefer foods and supplements with stronger, more enticing scents. Some pet parents add it to their dog’s food, but many are able to have their dog lick the oil straight from the dropper, which makes for an easy dosing experience.
Dog owners say this CBD pet oil helps calm their dogs in stressful situations. Several reviewers mention giving it to their anxious dogs before fireworks displays and thunderstorms. The owners of older dogs say this CBD oil appears to ease their joint pain, making them more agile and active.
Pros:
- Enticing bacon flavor
- Comes in 4 strengths
- Made with broad spectrum CBD oil
- Vegan and organic
- Veterinarian-reviewed
Cons:
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Even the “small dog” option is quite potent — 250 mg per 30 mL bottle
Specs:
CBDfx Pet Tincture comes in 30 mL dropper bottles. The company makes this broad spectrum CBD oil in 4 strengths:
- 250 mg for small dogs
- 500 mg for medium dogs
- 1000 mg for large dogs
- 2000 mg for extra large dogs
2. Best for Arthritis: Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Oil
Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Oil receives rave reviews from the owners of arthritic dogs who say it helps ease their dogs’ joint pain. It’s a full spectrum CBD oil, which means it contains hemp terpenes and other beneficial cannabinoids that enhance the pain-relieving effects of CBD.
This CBD oil has a simple formula — it’s just hemp oil, MCT oil and chamomile — that’s easy on the stomachs of even the most sensitive allergy-prone dogs. While chamomile has calming benefits, it’s also an anti-inflammatory agent that may help ease joint swelling and stiffness.
Penelope’s Bloom makes this CBD oil for dogs in 4 strengths, so you can choose the one most in line with your dog’s needs. All four formulas are lab-tested for safety and potency. Dosing instructions are included on every bottle.
Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Oil is vegan and non-GMO, and it’s made in the United States.
About Penelope’s Bloom
When her dog, Penelope, was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease, Kerstin Minissian found that CBD made her much more comfortable. She wanted to spread the “good news” about CBD to other dog owners, and thus, Penelope’s Bloom was born.
The company exclusively makes CBD products for pets. They source their ingredients carefully and prioritize quality every step of the way.
Customer Reviews
Customers love Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Oil for their pups with arthritis, old injuries and general stiffness. They find their dogs become more active and playful after being given this CBD oil for dogs. We saw lots of great reviews from the owners of large dogs who appreciate the strength of the 1000 mg formula for extra-large dogs. They only need to give their dog a small volume of oil.
Some dogs reportedly turn up their nose to this oil straight from the dropper, but most are happy to eat it on top of their food or a treat.
Pros:
- Made with full spectrum CBD oil
- Contains chamomile for enhanced inflammation relief and calming benefits
- Comes in 4 strengths
- Vegan and non-GMO
Cons:
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Strong herbal, grassy scent
Specs:
- Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Oil comes in 30 mL dropper bottles.
- Four strengths are available: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg.
Learn more at PenelopesBloom.com
3. Best for Toy Breeds: Green Roads Pet CBD Oil
When it comes to toy dogs, finding the right dose of CBD oil can be tricky, especially when working with a potent formula. Fortunately, Green Roads Pet CBD Oil is available in a 2mg/mL formula specifically designed for small dogs and cats.
A 30 mL bottle of this oil contains just 60 mg of broad spectrum CBD. This allows you to give your tiny pup a larger volume of oil instead of trying to measure individual drops. We also like that every bottle of Green Roads Pet CBD Oil comes with a marked syringe for accurate dosing.
While we were really impressed by the Small Dog & Cat version of this oil, it also comes in a 7 mg/mL formula for medium dogs and a 20 mg/mL strength for large dogs. Pharmacists and independently lab-tested formulate all three CBD oils. Green Roads does not use any artificial flavors or colors in these broad spectrum CBD oil tinctures.
This CBD oil for dogs is based on a broad spectrum oil, making it a good option for pets who are sensitive to THC. The company recommends using it to promote a sense of calmness and to support active aging for older dogs.
About Green Roads
Green Roads was founded by a compounding pharmacist, and they continue to take a scientific approach when formulating their CBD products. While their initial products were created for humans, they have since added a number of CBD pet products to their lineup.
Green Roads puts customers first and offers discounts to military members, first responders and teachers. They also share lots of helpful information about CBD on their website.
Customer Reviews
This product appears to be a favorite among toy dog owners. We saw many glowing reviews from the owners of chihuahuas, yorkies and toy poodles. Customers say Green Roads Pet CBD Oil helps keep their nervous dogs calm and focused, even during stressful events such as fireworks displays.
Some give their dogs this oil before guests come over — they find it helps minimize barking and other anxious behaviors. It’s also well-liked for its pain-relieving benefits. Several reviewers note that their aged dogs started jumping on the couch again after a few days on this CBD oil for dogs.
Pros:
- Low-potency, 2 mg/mL formula available for tiny dogs
- Formulated by pharmacists
- Made with broad spectrum CBD oil
- Comes with a marked syringe for accurate dosing
Cons:
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Not very portable; must pack the syringe separately
Specs:
- Green Roads Pet CBD Oil comes in 30 mL bottles.
- Choose between 2 mg/mL (60 mg/bottle), 7 mg/mL(210 mg/bottle) and 20 mg/mL (600 mg/bottle) formulas.
4. Best for Overall Wellness: Honest Paws Well CBD Oil for Dogs
If you’re looking for a simple CBD oil to support your furry companion’s general health, we recommend ordering Honest Paws Well CBD Oil for Dogs.
Honest Paws CBD oil for dogs is formulated with a moderate dose of full spectrum oil and organic MCT oil, making it ideal for integrating into your pet’s overall wellness routine. In addition to increased mobility and immune support, your dog gets the other benefits of CBD oil too, including reduced inflammation and anxiety.
Honest Paws Well CBD Oil for Dogs is made with non-GMO hemp and is certified USDA Organic. It’s also gluten-free and soy-free, making it a good choice for dogs with allergies to these common ingredients.
As a full spectrum CBD oil, this product is high in hemp terpenes including myrcene, humulene and camphene. Terpenes have been scientifically shown to have wellness-promoting benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects and antimicrobial activity.
Honest Paws Well CBD Oil comes in four strengths for dogs of various sizes. Each bottle comes with a marked dropper for accurate dosing.
About Honest Paws
Honest Paws makes a wide variety of hemp products for pets, including CBD oils, CBD dog treats and CBD lotions. They use only premium, organic, non-GMO ingredients in everything they make. All of their CBD products are lab-tested in independent laboratories.
Customer Reviews
Many customers report giving their dogs this CBD oil every day as a way to support overall wellness. They say their dogs seem more lively and generally happy after being given Honest Paws CBD oil.
Some notice a difference in their dogs’ flexibility, likely because the oil helps relieve joint pain and swelling. Others report that their older, allergy-prone pups experience less itching or sneezing with this CBD oil for dogs. While the oil does have a strong hemp scent, most dogs quickly adapt to it being added to their food.
Pros:
- Made with full spectrum CBD oil, high terpene content
- USDA Organic and non-GMO
- Gluten-free and soy-free
- Comes in four strengths
Cons:
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Strong hemp odor
Specs:
Honest Paws Well CBD Oil for Dogs comes in 30 mL dropper bottles. The company makes four potencies:
- 125 mg for dogs up to 25 pounds
- 250 mg for dogs 25 - 50 pounds
- 500 mg for dogs over 50 pounds
- 1000 mg: extra strength
5. Best for Nervous Dogs: The Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Hemp Oil
If you’re looking for CBD oil to help calm your dog’s nerves, we recommend trying The Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Hemp Oil. This oil is specifically formulated to promote a sense of calmness and combat anxiety-related behaviors. The Anxious Pet also recommends it for inflammation relief, immune support and brain health.
The Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Hemp Oil is a full spectrum hemp oil, so your dog gets the benefits of natural hemp terpenes in addition to CBD. Try the 400 mg formula for smaller dogs or the 800 mg formula for larger dogs. Both formulas are third-party tested and made with natural, non-GMO hemp.
This CBD oil for dogs includes a dosing chart and specific dosing instructions on the box. The company recommends giving it with food.
About The Anxious Pet
The Anxious Pet works with veterinarians across the country to create potent, pure and effective CBD products. They use top-quality, natural ingredients — no fillers or artificial flavorings.
Customer Reviews
Customers rave about how dramatically their dogs’ behavior changes after being given this CBD oil. Dogs who used to chew the baseboards when left alone no longer do. Dogs who used to bark incessantly start listening to their owners and quieting down when asked. Some dog owners even say this oil helps prevent diarrhea and a “nervous tummy” on the way to the vet.
This oil is well-liked by the owners of Spanish water dogs, Wheaten terriers, and other anxiety-prone breeds.
Pros:
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Made with full spectrum CBD oil
- Detailed dosing instructions on the bottle
- Uses organic MCT oil as a carrier oil
Cons:
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Only comes in two strengths
Specs:
- The Anxious Pet sells this oil in 30 mL bottles.
- Choose between 400 mg and 800 mg potencies.
Learn more at TheAnxiousPet.com
How We Selected the Best CBD Oil for Dogs Options
When you search for the best CBD oil for your pet, you’ll find hundreds of different products, if not more. That’s a whole lot of product descriptions and reviews to read! Narrowing down all those pet CBD oils to a list of the 5 best CBD oil for dogs brands wasn’t a small feat. Here’s the 3-step process that helped us select the best for your pup.
Lab tests and Ingredient List
Step one was checking off a list of qualities we felt any CBD oil for dogs must have. These are:
- A Certificate of Analysis showing test results from a third-party lab is available for customer review.
- Free from potentially harmful ingredients, such as xylitol.
- Labeled clearly with a list of ingredients and CBD content.
When narrowing down our list of the best CBD oil for dogs brands, we made sure all these were easily accessible either on the brand’s website or the CBD product’s package.
Customer Reviews
Step two was to read reviews in more detail. While we preferred CBD oil tinctures with lots of positive reviews, we also looked for situations in which multiple reviewers made similar comments.
If dozens of reviewers said a certain CBD oil relieved their dogs’ joint pain, we considered it very reliable, important information. When buying CBD oil, we recommend taking the time to read through reviews carefully.
In-House Testing
Step three was the most fun but also the most time-consuming. We tested a few dozen of our favorite CBD oils with our own dogs. We paid attention to behavioral changes in the days that followed.
We also noted which CBD oils the dogs seemed to like the most. With this feedback, we were able to decide on five top CBD oils that stood out from the crowd and really met our dogs’ needs.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
While there has not been a lot of specific research done on the safety of CBD for dogs, most experts and authorities seem to agree it is generally safe for pets. There are, however, a few caveats to consider.
If your dog has liver problems, CBD may not be a good option for them. Some dogs do develop elevated levels of liver enzymes with CBD use, and it’s not clear whether this change is benign or potentially harmful.
Dog owners are also advised to only give their dogs high-quality, lab-tested CBD oil. Lab testing verifies that the product contains no heavy metals, pesticide residues, or other contaminants that could make your dog ill. It’s also wise to choose an organic CBD oil, as organic hemp is grown without potentially harmful pesticides or fungicides.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club, dog owners often give their dogs CBD oil for the following reasons:
- To reduce inflammation
- To relieve anxiety
- To ease nausea
- To support cardiovascular health
- To reduce pain and help relieve arthritis
- To control seizures
Here’s a closer look at each of these possible benefits of CBD oil for dogs.
Inflammation Control
While there have not been a lot of studies done on dogs, specifically, there are studies that demonstrate the ability of CBD to control or reduce inflammation. One study found that CBD and CBG, another cannabinoid, effectively reduced airway inflammation. This could prove beneficial for dogs with allergies or respiratory illnesses.
CBD is commonly used to relieve inflammation in the joints, which is a key symptom of arthritis. Again, not a lot of studies have been done in dogs, but one human study found that CBD was associated with an improvement in pain and physical function in patients with arthritis.
Anxiety Treatment
According to a recent survey, 50% of pet owners reportedly use CBD for their pets, and 44% of those who give their pets CBD give it for anxiety relief. Anecdotally, dog owners report that their dogs become calmer and display far fewer anxiety-related behaviors when given CBD oil.
Many behaviors that dog owners sometimes interpret as “naughty” or “bad” are actually driven by anxiety. Examples include persistent barking or howling, defecating or urinating in the house, and chewing household items and building materials.
Experts suggest addressing these behaviors with a combination of environmental management, behavioral modification and medications or supplements. CBD could be a helpful addition for some anxious dogs.
Nausea Reduction
Studies in humans suggest that CBD can help ease nausea and vomiting. Dog owners sometimes find that CBD helps calm their dogs’ nervous stomachs, too. It may help ease the symptoms of IBS due to its ability to reduce inflammation.
Heart Health
While experts do not recommend using CBD to treat active heart disease in dogs, it may be a good product to support cardiovascular health as your dog ages. Its anxiety-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits are likely good for the heart and blood vessels.
Pain Relief
Dog owners often give their pets CBD oil to ease pain due to arthritis and other degenerative conditions. Studies conducted at Cornell University found that dogs given CBD twice a day for a month showed signs of significant pain relief. They became more active and even started climbing stairs again.
Seizure Control
CBD is an effective remedy for seizures in humans. A study conducted at Colorado State University suggests it may have a similar effect in dogs. In this small study, 89% of dogs given CBD experienced a significant reduction in the frequency of their seizures.
How to Give Your Dog CBD Oil
Before you give your dog CBD oil, you first need to determine their ideal dose. Your CBD oil bottle may have dosing instructions based on weight. This is a good place to start.
Another approach is to calculate your dog’s dose using the following formula: “0.2 x body weight in pounds = dose of CBD in mg.” For instance, if your dog is 25 pounds, you would multiply 25 x 0.2 to yield a dose of 5 mg.
Reference the strength of your CBD oil to determine what volume of oil your dog needs. For instance, if the CBD oil has a potency of 10 mg CBD per mL, and your dog needs a 5 mg dose of CBD, you’ll need to give your dog 0.5 mL of CBD oil.
The easiest way to administer CBD oil to your dog is often to add it to their food. Stir their dose into some wet food, or drip it on top of their kibble. You can also try dripping the oil on top of their favorite treat.
If your dog does not eat the CBD oil in their food, you can place it directly in their mouth, using a syringe or dropper. First, lower your dog’s head and gently wrap your hand around his muzzle. Insert the syringe or dropper into the side of the mouth, past the teeth, so the end rests on the dog’s tongue. Release the CBD oil onto your dog’s tongue. Then release your dog’s head and give them lots of praise, so they’ll be more willing next time you’ll give them their pet CBD oil.
If your dog is very difficult to dose with CBD oil, you may have better luck with CBD dog treats.
How Long Does CBD Oil Take to Start Working in Dogs?
If you give your dog CBD oil directly on their tongue and gums, you can expect its effects to begin kicking in about 20 to 60 minutes later. Once it’s active, CBD keeps working for approximately 8 hours.
Keep this timeline in mind if you plan to give your dog CBD prior to specific events. For example, if you want to give your dog CBD before going to the dog park, plan on administering it about an hour before you leave.
Potential Side Effects of CBD
Most dogs react well to CBD and don’t display any bothersome side effects. Sometimes, however, dogs appear to be more thirsty after taking CBD oil. This is likely because the CBD interferes with saliva production and causes dry mouth.
Owners sometimes also find that CBD makes their dogs seem tired and drowsy. This is more likely to happen with higher doses.
Dogs may develop serious side effects if they ingest too much THC. Some full spectrum CBD products contain traces of THC, but not enough to make your dog “high.” However, when using these products, it’s very important to adhere to the dosing instructions on the label, so your dog does not end up ingesting too much THC.
Signs of THC toxicity in dogs include:
- A wide-eyed appearance
- Disorientation
- Excessive salivation and drooling
- Vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
- Tremors or seizures
If your dog shows signs of THC toxicity, take them to the vet. Your vet may administer activated charcoal to minimize your dog’s absorption of THC. They may also give IV fluids to manage dehydration and blood pressure.
FAQs
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many compounds known as cannabinoids present in the hemp plant. It’s typically extracted from hemp and used to make therapeutic products such as CBD oil, CBD dog treats and CBD balms, and more.
What is the difference between broad spectrum CBD, full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate in pet CBD oils?
Broad spectrum CBD oil is made by extracting all of the beneficial compounds from the hemp plant but without any THC. Full spectrum CBD oil is similar, but it also contains trace amounts of THC, usually less than 0.3% to be sold legally in the U.S.
CBD isolate, on the other hand, is a pure form of CBD that has more heavily been processed and isolated from other compounds in the hemp plant.
What type of CBD do the best CBD oil for dogs use?
Each type of CBD oil has its own benefits for dogs. Broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD oils contain a range of beneficial compounds, including other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Those work together to produce what is known as the "entourage effect”, which can potentially enhance the overall effectiveness of the pet CBD oil.
CBD isolate is ideal for pet owners who are concerned about their dogs consuming even trace amounts of THC. It may also be a good option for dogs who are highly sensitive to other compounds found in broad or full spectrum CBD oil products.
Ultimately, the best CBD oil for your dog will depend on your pet's individual needs and health concerns. Even products made with CBD isolate have potent therapeutic effects, so it's important to consult with your veterinarian and consider your dog's size, age, and health status when making your final selection.
Is CBD oil the same as hemp seed oil?
CBD oil and hemp seed oil are not the same thing. CBD oil is made from different parts of the plant and is known for its potential therapeutic effects, while hemp seed oil is made by pressing the seeds and is rich in nutrients but does not contain CBD.
When buying CBD oil for your pup, be sure to check product labels carefully if you're looking for the benefits of CBD specifically.
Is CBD good for older dogs?
CBD has benefits that may help keep older dogs more comfortable. Anecdotally, owners report that it helps relieve their dogs’ pain, stimulate their appetites and reduce joint stiffness due to arthritis.
The American Kennel Club recommends checking with your vet before adding CBD to your dog’s routine. They also advise owners to start with a small dose and see how their dog reacts.
What are hemp terpenes?
Terpenes are the natural compounds that provide plants with their unique fragrances and imbue CBD oil products with added therapeutic benefits. Hemp is high in terpenes. By selecting full spectrum CBD oils that include hemp terpenes, you can reap the full range of their advantageous properties as well.
Different hemp terpenes have different health benefits that may complement or enhance the effects of CBD. For example, limonene is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. Linalool may help relieve anxiety and depression, and myrcene may help relieve joint inflammation due to arthritis.
What is MCT oil?
Some of the best CBD oil for dogs is made with MCT oil as a carrier oil. In other words, MCT oil is added to the hemp extract to dilute it to the desired potency.
MCT stands for “medium-chain triglycerides.” These are smaller fat molecules that are generally easy to digest and absorb. As such, CBD oils for dogs with MCT oil tend to be fast-acting. This oil is slow to break down, so it helps keep your dog CBD oil from going rancid before you use it all.
Conclusion
CBD oils for dogs represent one of the fastest-growing sectors of the CBD market. With all the benefits CBD has to offer, this is no surprise. Whether you’re seeking to calm your dog’s anxiety, ease their joint pain, or support healthy aging, CBD oil is an excellent remedy to consider.
Make sure you look for a lab-tested product made with good-quality ingredients and follow the dosing instructions on the label closely.
Each of the five top CBD oils listed above has something unique to offer, but they are all top-notch options for your furry companion. Read more about them, order your favorite, and pamper your pet. They deserve it!
