Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: Which Is The Best Oil For Dogs?
Regarding Hemp oil vs CBD oil for dogs, pet parents must understand the differences in each. Let’s dive into the hemp vs CBD debate and review what each can do for your dog.
One of the first CBD studies was done at Cornell, and it showed that CBD assisted with pain management in many dogs. In the study, more than 80% of the dogs with osteoarthritis experienced a reduction in pain, allowing them to be more comfortable and active.
Is Hemp Oil the Same as CBD Oil?
Hemp oil and CBD oil are not identical. They represent separate products, each possessing unique compositions and intended applications.
Typically, hemp oil is sourced from the hemp plant's seeds and serves primarily as a dietary supplement.
In contrast, CBD oil is extracted from different plant components like leaves, stalks, and flowers, recognized for its potential therapeutic value owing to the presence of cannabidiol.
Are CBD oil and hemp oil safe for dogs?
CBD oil and hemp oil are associated with minimal risks of causing adverse side effects, making them safe for dogs. These oils are convenient to incorporate into your pet’s diet as they have mild flavors and odors, and their dosage can be easily hidden in your dog’s food. Moreover, these oils interact harmoniously with any existing medications or supplements your dog may be on. It’s worth noting that the potential side effects of CBD oil, such as drowsiness or increased hunger and thirst, can be swiftly addressed by adjusting the dosage.
Nevertheless, it’s always prudent to consult your dog’s veterinarian before administering any supplement to ensure no unfavorable interactions with other medications your dog may be taking.
What Is Hemp Oil for Dogs?
To comprehend the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil for pets, you need to start by understanding these substances separately. We’ll begin with hemp.
Hemp is a specific type of cannabis plant. The 2018 Farm Bill altered America’s federal laws to acknowledge hemp as different from other cannabis plants, such as the marijuana cannabis plant, which is high in the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Unlike marijuana, industrial hemp cannot have more than 0.3 percent THC, implying any derivations from the industrial hemp plant won’t get you – or your pet – high.
How Hemp Seed Oil Is Made
Hemp seed oil is produced by cleaning and cold-pressing seeds from the Cannabis sativa plant. The oil pressed from the seeds is refined and put into hemp seed oil products. Hemp seed oil has no cannabinoids or terpenes, including zero THC and little to no CBD, because it is made from the seeds rather than other parts of the plant that contain that cannabinoid profile.
The Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
Specifically, hemp seed oil is a nutritional supplement made from refining the hemp plant seeds. Hemp seed oil doesn’t offer the same benefits as CBD oil but still provides some natural wellness support.
Hemp seed oil is high in omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids. It’s also an excellent dietary source of protein. It contains high levels of vitamins B and D and antioxidants. Because of these qualities, Hemp seed oil is added to many food products and body products for humans. Some folks also use it on their pets for the same reason.
It’s important to remember that these are all benefits of hemp oil explored in humans. When it comes to pets, the studies are more narrow. Perhaps the most crucial difference? Hemp oil includes little or no CBD, which is the compound that develops the wellness benefits that pet owners are buzzing about these days.
What Is CBD Oil for Dogs?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in the hemp plant. It is derived from the plant through various processes, the most popular of which are CO2 and ethanol. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, a processing system shared by humans, dogs, and many other animals. The ECS affects many parts of our bodies and our pet’s bodies, such as skin, digestion, sleep, and appetite.
Qualities of a Great CBD Oil for Pets
Pet owners should look for a few crucial label items in high-quality CBD oil for pets. A quality CBD oil will be THC-free* – you don’t want Fido or Fluffy to have any psychoactive side effects. The only way to know that a product is THC-free is through a Certificate of Analysis provided by an independent, third-party laboratory.
It’s also crucial that your pet’s CBD oil is made from domestically grown USA hemp. Since the 2018 Farm Bill, the U.S. has had very stringent requirements for developing and cultivating hemp, meaning that a product from America is closely monitored from seed to shelf.
Different Types of CBD for Pets
Not all pet CBD oils are the same. The hemp plant contains over 80 cannabinoids – CBD, THC, CBN, and many others. When shopping for CBD oil for pets, you will see choices like full spectrum, broad spectrum, CBD isolate. These terms refer to how CBD is extracted from the hemp plant.
CBD isolate is pure CBD molecules, meaning the extraction process removed all other terpenes and cannabinoids. While isolate reduces the risk of THC appearing on a drug test for humans, it also denies consumers (animal ones, too!) the benefit of a wide range of other helpful terpenes and cannabinoids from the hemp plant.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains CBD molecules and various other compounds from the plant, including small amounts of THC. Because of the laws about how industrial hemp is legally defined, even a full-spectrum product won’t have enough THC to produce psychoactive effects.
Broad-spectrum CBD is a middle ground, including other cannabinoids and terpenes but no detectable THC.
The Benefits of CBD Oil for Pets
Here are some of the most common issues or daily stressors pets can experience that has led pet owners to consider CBD oil for pets:
Separation issues
Noise aversion
Physical discomfort
How can Hemp oil and CBD oil help dogs?
While each oil has different elements, CBD and hemp can help dogs individually or when taken together. Hemp oil is an excellent supplement for daily canine use. Because it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins like A and D, and other nutrients, it can help your dog's overall health. Hemp also delivers some support for dogs with anxiety. While it is less effective for acute anxiety or high-stress situations, daily hemp oil can help your dog feel more even-keeled. Likewise, hemp oil can improve the skin and coat of dogs and help their digestion run more smoothly.
Whereas hemp oil is a great choice to give your dog regularly, CBD oil for dogs is perfect for situations where your pet is experiencing more acute symptoms. CBD can help dogs dealing with stress, poor sleep, or digestive issues that require more support than hemp oil can offer. This indicates there might be times when CBD oil is less of a necessity for your dog. However, CBD is undoubtedly not single-use, and regularly giving it to your dog during transitions, or when they are experiencing skin irritation or digestive issues can significantly improve their quality of life and help.
Additionally, CBD oils for dogs can be valuable if your dog is experiencing seizures or dealing with cancer. CBD is not a cure for either ailment, but it can reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs with epilepsy. Additionally, by boosting the immune system and working with other cancer medications, CBD is an oil that benefits dogs fighting cancer. Its anti-inflammatory and pain relief characteristics can also enhance the quality of life for dogs with cancer.
FAQ’s
Does CBD help dogs sleep?
Let’s delve into the potential role of CBD as a sleep aid for your dog. Picture CBD as an investigator on the “Doggy Sleep” case. It shows promise, but the story is still unfolding, with unpredictable twists.
Here’s the lowdown: some pet owners are enthusiastic about CBD, claiming it transforms their dogs into sleep champions, while others are yet to see conclusive results.
So, why the excitement around CBD? It boils down to its calming properties. We can liken CBD to a soothing spa day for your dog’s mind. CBD might assist in relaxation if your dog’s sleep issues are tied to anxiety or stress. However, here’s the challenge – every dog is one of a kind. Determining the correct CBD dosage is akin to picking out the perfect chew toy – it demands a tailored approach.
If you’re contemplating CBD for your dog’s sleep struggles, it’s wise to consult a veterinarian well-versed in pet care and CBD. They can help you navigate the dosage puzzle.
One more thing to remember: when shopping for CBD, ensure it’s specifically formulated for pets. Using human CBD for your dog is akin to trying to fit a Great Dane through a Chihuahua-sized doggy door–it’s just not a suitable fit!
Do vets recommend hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil is commonly considered safe for pets, but you should get the go-ahead from your vet before adding it to your pet's diet. (And that goes for any supplement!)
Is hemp oil or CBD better for dog anxiety?
CBD can help dogs dealing with stress, poor sleep, or digestive issues requiring a bit more support than hemp oil can offer. This means there might be times when CBD oil is less needed for your dog.
