If your dog struggles with anxiety, painful joints, or any number of inflammatory conditions, you may be searching for a safer, more natural alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. Humans have safely used hemp for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. However, the different extracts made from its components can be confusing. To ensure the best results from hemp oil for dogs, you’ll want to choose its full-spectrum form.
What Is The Difference Between “Full Spectrum Hemp Oil” & “Hemp Seed Oil”?
Hemp oil for dogs is a general term that may describe full spectrum hemp oil and/or hemp seed oil. The difference between the two is profound and essential for understanding how these extracts may improve your dog’s life.
Hemp Seed Oil – No Therapeutic Benefits
Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of the essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6. It is packed with protein, and may aid in digestion, heart health, and overall skin quality. Due to its high levels of Omegas, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, hemp seed oil is commonly considered a Superfood. While it is certainly a safe, natural addition to a dog’s diet, it simply does not offer the same medicinal benefits as full spectrum hemp oil for dogs. However, you will often find it listed as an inactive ingredient in full spectrum hemp oil where it serves as an important carrier oil.
Full Spectrum Hemp Oil For Dogs – The Best Choice
When oil comes from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant rather than the seeds, it contains several beneficial substances not found in hemp seed oil. Among them are compounds known as cannabinoids that act within the body to reduce inflammation, combat nausea, stimulate the appetite in old or sickly dogs, and provide an overall calming effect. When purchasing a hemp extract for your dog, make sure the product says “full spectrum, broad spectrum, or phytocannabinoid-rich (PCR) oil”
What Are The Benefits Of Full Spectrum Hemp Extract For Dogs?
Hemp Oil For Canine Anxiety Reduction
Hemp oil in its full spectrum form is known to have a calming effect on people and pets. It may help your dog deal with separation anxiety and phobias related to storms, fireworks, car rides, etc.
Hemp Oil For Canine Joint & Mobility Problems
Recent clinical studies have shown great promise in using hemp extract to help improve the mobility of dogs with arthritis. Although more research needs to be done, the anti-inflammatory and pain regulating properties of hemp extract seem to offer relief for many dogs.
Hemp Oil Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is responsible for several painful conditions in dogs. Full spectrum hemp oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help provide relief from sore joints as well as allergic, autoimmune, and certain digestive issues.
Canine Hemp Oil For Relief From Nausea
Older dogs and those battling chronic illnesses sometimes suffer from nausea or poor appetite. Full spectrum hemp oil has a calming effect on the GI tract, helping to relieve nausea and stimulate the appetite.
Hemp Oil As Alternative To Pharmaceuticals?
Perhaps the most important benefit of full spectrum hemp oil for dogs is its potential to minimize or even eliminate the need for pharmaceutical drugs. Medications used to treat the conditions above can carry some very scary side effects. Veterinary anti-inflammatory drugs are especially taxing on the liver and kidneys. They also cause digestive issues and behavioral changes in some dogs.
Related: Which brand of Hemp Oil for Dogs Does iHeartDogs Recommend?
Hemp oil has very few potential side effects, and those that may occur are quite mild. It should still be noted however one should always consult your veterinarian before adding a supplement like hemp oil to your dog’s routine. And never discontinue medications without first consulting your vet.
Is Hemp Oil For Dogs Safe?
Full spectrum hemp oil for dogs is extremely safe and virtually free of potential side effects – especially when compared to traditional pharmaceuticals. Drowsiness is the most common side effect that dog owners report. In human clinical trials, a few additional symptoms were possible, but rare:
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Tremors
- Allergies/Hives
- Diarrhea
Is Canine Hemp Oil Legal?
Hemp oil is perfectly legal in all 50 states. Different strains of the hemp plant have been used for medicinal and manufacturing purposes in America ever since the country’s founding.
How Do You Administer Full Spectrum Hemp Oil To Your Dog?
Since full spectrum hemp oil is in liquid form, you have several options when it comes to giving it to your dog. Most extracts have only a mild odor and flavor allowing you to administer it directly into your dog’s mouth. However, if your pooch is particular, you may have to get a bit creative.
Apply It Over Dog Food
Whether you feed your pup dry, canned, raw, homemade, or a mixture of several foods, full spectrum hemp oil can easily be measured out and mixed in with a meal.
Put It On A Treat
Soft, porous treats work best because they absorb the oil. However, this may not be the best option for dogs taking larger doses of hemp oil.
Mix It With Something Healthy & Tasty
Does your dog love peanut butter or pumpkin puree? Healthy snacks with a soft, smooth texture are perfect for disguising hemp oil. Here’s a tip: dogs love meat-flavored baby food!
Make Your Own No-Bake Treats
There are endless recipes online for simple, two or three ingredient dog treats. Many include pup-approved foods such as chicken, peanut butter, sweet potato, rolled oats, and banana. Just keep in mind that full spectrum hemp oil keeps best at room temperature so try to avoid recipes that call for baking or freezing.
How To Choose A Safe & Effective Hemp Extract For Your Dog
Choosing a hemp oil for your dog can be confusing. Here’s 3 important tips to keep in mind:
1) Always review the Certificate of Analysis (COA): Any reputable supplier will post their COA publicly on their website. The COA will list the test results of the cannabinoid profile of the hemp oil, in addition to tests about its purity. If the COA is not available, or is not current, seek out a different supplier.
2) Always choose an Organic, USA made product: Hemp plants have the unique ability to soak up toxins from the earth, which raises the importance of using an organic hemp product. If a product is not organic, simply move on.
3) Make sure you’re using a Full or Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil, not just Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp Seed oil offers many benefits, but it does not contain the full cannabinoid profile that a full or broad spectrum hemp oil will contain. Only a broad or full spectrum product will offer the health benefits listed above. The easiest way to ensure you’re getting a quality and effective product is by reviewing the COA.
What Brand Of Hemp Oil Does iHeartDogs Recommend?
The iHeartDogs team has reviewed the formulation and certificate of analysis for the Cannanine brand of hemp oil for dogs. In addition to being a high-quality and potent product, each purchase of the oil supports animal shelters.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional.
