We reviewed 40 CBD brands and here are the top 7 for dogs with arthritis
List of the top 7 CBD oils for canine arthritis:
Honest Paws Mobility Oil received top scores for CBD quality and customer reviews. It’s made from a simple recipe that’s designed to reduce inflammation.
How we rate the best CBD oils for dogs with arthritis
We analyzed 40 CBD brands by their CBD quality and social proof. Here’s the breakdown:
Full CBD for canine arthritis reviews
1. Best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
Honest Paws Mobility CBD Oil
Honest Paws Mobility Oil is the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis for several reasons. For starters, its full-spectrum CBD is derived from organically grown, Colorado hemp, which contains all 7 of the supportive cannabinoids we check for. One cannabinoid in particular that has been linked to improvements in canine arthritis is CBDa, and HP Mobility Oil contains the most of any brand. It also infuses organic turmeric in this tincture for additional anti-inflammatory properties.
What we love about HP even more is their 4.9 / 5 star rating from over 600 third-party reviews, indicating that many pet owners have found promising effects for their dog’s arthritis. The brand is committed to customer satisfaction and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you the comfort of trying CBD for your dog’s arthritis risk-free.
Mobility Oil comes in four sizes – 125mg, 250mg, 500mg, and 1000mg – but we recommend the 1000mg as it offers the best value for the price. At the 1000mg size, it’s priced at $0.10 per mg of CBD, just $0.01 more expensive than the industry average.
Label accuracy: 93%
Supportive cannabinoids: 7 / 7 (view Honest Paws Mobility lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 125, 250, 500, 1000
Owner reviews: 4.9 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $48, subscribe and save 15%
2. Best broad-spectrum CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
Penelope’s Bloom
As a THC-free option, Penelope’s Bloom offers the highest cannabinoid count of any broad-spectrum CBD oil.
We really like how accurately its label reflects the amount of CBD from the lab report, as well as the fact it uses CBD sourced from organically grown US hemp.
It infuses chamomile, which provides additional soothing effects to help dogs with arthritis feel more comfortable, and is priced below the industry average.
The only downsides of Penelope’s Bloom CBD oil is that it’s not true full-spectrum CBD, meaning it may not be as effective Honest Paws Mobility. This can be especially important if your dog is in pain. Additionally, the brand does not have as many reviews as others, but the ones it has are positive.
Label accuracy: 97%
Supportive cannabinoids: 5 / 7 (view Penelope’s Bloom lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 250, 500, 750, 1000
Owner reviews: 4.0 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $75, subscribe and save 20%
3. Best CBD dog treats for arthritis
Honest Paws Mobility Soft Chews
Honest Paws Mobility Soft Chews use the same cannabinoid-rich, full-spectrum CBD as their Mobility Oil, but in the form of a chicken flavored dog treat. They are made using non-GMO ingredients with no artificial flavors, with the additional active ingredients glucosamine, chondroitin, and boswellia serrata powder.
While CBD oils are better absorbed due to their high in fat carrier oils, CBD dog treats are convenient and a great option for pickier dogs who refuse to take CBD drops, and HP Mobility Soft Chews are by far the best treat for arthritis and joint pain.
Label accuracy: 93%
Supportive cannabinoids: 7 / 7 (view Honest Paws Mobility lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 150
Owner reviews: 4.9 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $48, subscribe and save 15%
4th best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
CBDistillery Pet CBD Oil
CBDistillery Pet Tincture is the 3rd choice for targeting arthritis in dogs. It uses full-spectrum CBD with 5 of the 7 cannabinoids we look for, and boasts a higher than average amount of CBDa (which has been shown to provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits for canine arthritis). It is also the least expensive full-spectrum oil on our list, costing just $0.07 per mg of CBD.
A downside worth noting that its labelling is slightly inaccurate, as its lab reports and label advertising of CBD levels only match by 88%, making consistent dosing more difficult. Additionally, it is not organic or made in the USA, but this is likely why it is one of the less expensive full-spectrum oils on our list.
Label accuracy: 88%
Supportive cannabinoids: 5 / 7 (view CBDistillery Pet Oil lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 150, 600
Owner reviews: 3.9 / 5
Shopping perks: Subscribe to save 30%
5th best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract
Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract Drops for Dogs is a good quality full-spectrum CBD oil that can help dogs with arthritis. It uses a cannabinoid-rich full-spectrum CBD from US-grown hemp, which includes beneficial compounds like CBC and CBG. It also comes in a chicken flavor and unflavored option, making it easier for pet owners to administer.
However, the product’s cons cannot be ignored. It has very few reviews and poor ratings of just 3.2 / 5, with complaints about product consistency and unresponsive customer support. Moreover, the CBD levels advertised on the label only match the lab tests by 85%, which makes consistent dosing a challenge.
It is also the most expensive product in our recommendations and only comes in two sizes. Though not our top choice, it is still a good quality full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs with arthritis.
Label Accuracy: 85%
Supportive cannabinoids: 6 / 7 (view Charlotte’s Web for Dogs lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 510, 1700
Owner Reviews: 3.2 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $74, subscribe and save 20%
6th best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
Holistapet
Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs is made in the USA using natural ingredients, and comes in 5 convenient CBD doses for dogs of all sizes. It made our list of CBD oils for canine arthritis thanks to it positive 4/5 star rating from dog owners and because it contains CBDa. Choose from a chicken, salmon, or unflavored option.
It’s important to note, however, that Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs is only a broad-spectrum CBD with 4 of the 7 cannabinoids, meaning your dog will not receive the full benefits of full-spectrum CBD that has more supportive cannabinoids. This may be a downside for dogs with chronic pain or more severe symptoms of arthritis.
Label accuracy: 88%
Supportive cannabinoids: 4 / 7 (view Holistapet lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 150, 300, 600, 1200, 3000
Owner reviews: 4 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $50
7. Best isolate CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
Medterra CBD for Pets
Medterra Pet Oil uses a CBD isolate oil, meaning it does not contain any of additional supportive cannabinoids, so we don’t recommend this oil for dogs with pain or severe mobility issues.
However, for dog owners looking for a CBD only product, this organic oil from Medterra is the best in its category. The brand has many positive reviews, albeit not all are related to pets, and they offers their Pet Oil in 4 convenient sizes – 150mg, 300mg, 750mg, and 1200mg CBD, and in 3 flavors – beef, chicken, and unflavored.
Label accuracy: 95%
Supportive cannabinoids: 1 / 7 (view Medterra CBD Pet Oil lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 150, 300, 750, 1200
Owner reviews: 4.3 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on order over $75, subscribe for 30% off
Is CBD safe for dogs?
Yes! Pet-friendly CBD oils are natural supplements made from non-intoxicating hemp (not marijuana). They don’t cause a high and are used by thousands of pups without side effects.
Pets should never consume cannabis products made for humans, as these may contain large amounts of THC.
What causes canine arthritis?
Arthritic joints are the most common source of chronic pain in senior dogs. In fact, as many as 60 percent of dogs (of all ages) are thought to experience joint degradation as they age.
While there are a few main types of canine arthritis, the vast majority of cases are age-related. Osteoarthritis is a thinning of cartilage that triggers the production of enzymes, causing excess inflammation.
While swollen joints and other types of arthritis aren’t necessarily life-threatening for dogs, they can stop our four-legged friends from doing all the things they love best. Walks, playtime, and even laying down to sleep or going to the bathroom can become highly uncomfortable.
Here, CBD is showing real potential as a non-intrusive, effective treatment.
A big part of CBD’s success with arthritis is the way it combats inflammation. Research suggests that cannabis compounds work a lot like NSAIDs – without the associated side effect profile.
In studies on CBD and other cannabinoids, CBD has proven successful in fighting inflammation caused by:
- Auto-immune issues
- Stress
- Injuries
- Cancer
- Joint disease
CBD side effects and existing treatments
Even for dogs who are already on a successful course of treatment, CBD can provide additional benefits, removing residual inflammation and helping to soothe anxiety and stress.
With evidence of CBD’s effectiveness growing, we recommend comparing the benefits of CBD supplementation against existing treatment options.
The majority of dogs diagnosed with acute or chronic pain are currently prescribed courses of pet-specific NSAIDs or opioid medication. While effective, both types of drugs frequently cause unwanted side effects.
According to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, the most common adverse effects of NSAIDs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of interest in food
- Lethargy or low activity levels
More rarely, NSAIDs and opioids can cause stomach ulcers, as well as kidney and liver failure.
Because it’s a proven anti-inflammatory, CBD can have a similar effect to NSAIDs without the risk of adverse reactions. So, while pharmaceutical medications may still have a role to play, CBD offers a natural alternative for dogs in need of daily pain relief.
Always consult a veterinarian before undertaking any new treatment plan for joint disease with your dog.
CBD oil for dogs with arthritis – FAQ
- What is CBD oil?
- How does CBD oil work with arthritis?
- What’s the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
- What size CBD oil should I buy?
- Should I buy CBD oils or CBD dog treats for dogs with arthritis?
- How do I give my dog CBD oil for arthritis?
- How much CBD should I give my dog for arthritis? (dosages)
- How do I tell if my dog’s CBD oil is working?
- Can dogs overdose from CBD oil?
- Does CBD oil for dogs have any side effects?
- Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs with arthritis?
- Can dogs take CBD with other arthritis medications?
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is made from hemp plants. Hemp is a type of legal cannabis that contains non-intoxicating compounds, which are proven to reduce inflammation in humans and dogs.
These compounds are called cannabinoids. CBD is one of over 100 different cannabinoids found in hemp, alongside soothing aromatic oils known as terpenes.
Cannabinoids and terpenes stimulate an anti-inflammatory effect inside dogs’ bodies, which can help to reduce swelling, joint pain, and discomfort caused by arthritis and other canine joint diseases.
As a result, dogs supplementing with CBD oil may experience improved mobility and wellbeing.
CBD producers extract cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp and infuse them into an oil carrier to create their products. Fatty oils such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil are the most popular way to consume CBD extracts because they support full digestion and absorption.
How does CBD oil work with arthritis?
CBD can increase mobility and reduce discomfort in dogs with joint issues by stimulating a part of dogs’ bodies called the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is common to most mammals and plays a role in controlling inflammation, pain, and immune response.
Researchers have found that CBD and other cannabinoids interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system to decrease the inflammatory response.
Because most joint diseases have an inflammatory base, CBD can therefore help to reduce symptoms.
What’s the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
CBD oil is a proven joint supplement that contains active ingredients (CBD and other cannabinoids).
Hemp oil, on the other hand, is a food product made from hemp seeds with no active ingredients. However, it is considered beneficial for dogs with joint issues due to high levels of Omega fatty acids.
Things can get confusing when CBD extracts are infused into hemp oil carriers. Some brands do this to give dogs all the benefits of hemp – both the active CBD ingredients and the dietary Omega fats.
Always read product labels carefully to check whether an oil actually contains CBD and active cannabinoids.
What size CBD oil should I buy?
Dogs taking CBD oil for arthritis and joint pain should be given a daily dose over several weeks or months. It’s also important that they receive an appropriate concentration of CBD for their size and weight.
As a result, owners of arthritic dogs should look at buying medium-to-large size CBD oils with the right concentration for their pet, in order to get the best value for money.
The standard way to determine the right concentration of CBD for your dog is to give 1 mg of CBD per pound of a dog’s weight.
For smaller dogs, that usually means buying CBD products with a concentration of between 100 and 300 mg. For larger dogs, concentrations up to and beyond 1000 mg are available.
| Dog weight | Honest Paws Mobility | Charlotte’s Web | |
| 10-25 lbs | 250mg | 300mg | |
| 25-50 lbs | 500mg | 600mg | |
| 50+ lbs | 1000mg | 1200mg |
Should I buy CBD oils or CBD dog treats for dogs with arthritis?
For dogs with arthritis, we recommend CBD oils over CBD treats.
This is for two main reasons. Firstly, the fatty oils used in CBD oil products provide extra dietary benefits for dogs with joint issues. The Omega 3 and 6 acids found in ingredients like hemp seed oil or salmon oil can contribute to stronger, healthier, cartilage and bones.
Secondly, studies show that consuming CBD alongside high-fat foods can increase absorption into the body by up to four times. This makes oils the best way to take CBD orally.
That said, many CBD companies are aware of the benefits of healthy fats when it comes to diet and CBD absorption. As a result, they often produce treats with high-fat recipes made from whole food ingredients.
How do I give my dog CBD oil for arthritis?
Applying CBD topically (by rubbing it into dogs’ joints or skin) won’t have as much on joint inflammation, as it doesn’t allow CBD to enter the bloodstream.
Instead, the best way to give a dog with arthritis CBD oil is either orally or sublingually (under the tongue).
Oral CBD application means adding CBD oil to a dog’s food so that they eat it. CBD treats are another convenient method of oral application.
Sublingual CBD application means dropping CBD oil directly into a dog’s mouth, ideally around the gums or under the tongue. This method has the advantage of being the fastest method of CBD absorption, but can be more difficult for owners.
How much CBD should I give my dog for arthritis? (dosages)
As a natural supplement, there are no official CBD dosages for dogs. Instead, each CBD product should come with its own specific recommendations, and we always recommend that you follow them.
There’s a general consensus to start with a CBD dose of 0.5 to 1 mg of CBD per pound of bodyweight for dogs suffering from arthritis or joint pain. So, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, we recommend beginning with a 10 mg dose of CBD.
If your dog tolerates the dosage well but gets none or minimal benefit, you can slowly raise their dose. After prolonged supplementation, dogs may become less sensitive to CBD and require a larger amount to received the same effects.
Remember that CBD concentration differs from total product volume.
A daily routine works best for dogs with arthritis
In clinical studies involving dogs with osteoarthritis, dogs who were given a consistent dose of CBD showed the most promising results.
Research suggests that a supplementation schedule of one or two doses per day for a minimum of two weeks is the best way to maximize CBD’s effects.
No upper limits for CBD tolerance have yet been recorded in dogs, so pups for whom CBD is having a positive effect can continue to take it indefinitely.
How do I tell if my dog’s CBD oil is working?
CBD doesn’t work for every dog with arthritis, so it’s important to observe your pet carefully over the first few weeks of supplementation, to see if they are benefiting from their CBD product.
It can also take different amounts of time for CBD to take effect, depending upon a dog’s metabolism and level of inflammation – as well as the quality and strength of CBD. Some owners report noticeable effects as soon as thirty minutes after a first dose, while others only see benefits after a week or more.
When looking for signs that CBD is helping with your dogs’ arthritis, check for the following things:
- Changes in mobility
As inflammation around a dog’s hip joints decreases, they should experience reduced discomfort and find it easier to sit, stand up, and run.
Dogs who show more interest in moving around and less difficulty in going from prone to standing are therefore likely to be feeling the benefits of CBD.
- Changes in interactions
That same inflammation and pain caused by joint friction can also affect dogs’ overall wellbeing, causing them to develop anxious or aggressive behaviors.
Reduced agitation, gloominess, or barking may all be associated with CBD taking effect.
- Specific symptom reductions
Common canine conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint degeneration can cause obvious symptoms like stiffness, weakened or shivering hindquarters, and difficulty changing posture.
The clearest indication that CBD is having a positive impact on your dog’s life is a reduction in these specific symptoms.
Can dogs overdose from CBD oil?
In the mid-twentieth century, when animal research was conducted to more questionable standards, scientists tested the toxicity of CBD and other cannabinoids by giving monkeys extremely high doses, up to 30 mg per kg of bodyweight.
At this dose, they found that CBD began to produce harmful effects on the liver, kidneys, and other organs, suggesting that CBD does have a toxic level and it is possible for dogs and other animals to overdose.
However, these doses are extremely high, many times the recommended amount for dogs. It’s very unlikely that a dog would ever consume the amount of CBD needed to produce negative effects.
Does CBD oil for dogs have any side effects?
One of the advantages of CBD over traditional medication for canine arthritis is that it offers a favorable side effect profile.
Some dogs may experience sleepiness, light nausea, or diarrhea when first taking CBD, but the majority of humans and animals find CBD to be completely side-effect-free.
This stands opposed to many veterinary-approved medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which come with the risk of gastrointestinal distress and damage to the stomach lining.
If your dog displays side effects after taking a CBD product, discontinue use.
Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs with arthritis?
CBD pet products haven’t received federal approval, which means that they can’t yet be prescribed by veterinarians in most states. As a result, vets are unlikely to recommend CBD oil for dogs with arthritis in an official capacity.
However, a growing number of vets across the country are aware and supportive of CBD supplementation for dogs with inflammatory issues such as joint pain. Your vet may be happy to recommend CBD in a personal capacity, even if they can’t prescribe it.
Furthermore, animal healthcare specialists in research settings are showing major interest in the benefits of CBD as a therapeutic or treatment for canine arthritis, with several clinical studies published over the last few years.
Can dogs take CBD with other arthritis medications?
CBD is compatible with the majority of medications, including common arthritis medications.
It’s always important to discuss your dog’s full treatment regime with your vet, including CBD and any other supplements, to ensure there are no potential negative effects.
Disclaimer
When products are purchased through our site, we may receive a commission. This allows us to stay up-to-date on the research behind CBD for dogs as well as brand reviews. While we update the site regularly, always check manufacturers’ websites for the most up-to-date information. All cbdoilfordogs.com product recommendations are based on our experts’ opinions with thorough consumer research, including our list of the best CBD oils for dogs.