Which CBD oil is the best for dogs with joint pain, mobility issues, and daily discomfort?
2022 Review results:
🎉 Winner: Honest Paws
Best value: Simple Wag
Runner-up: CBDistillery Pet
Third-place: Charlotte’s Web
We also like: Innovet Pur CBD
We also like: CBDFx
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. Dog owners are raving about this product!
Where to buy:
Honest Paws Website
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.
How do we rate CBD oils?
We rate CBD oils for dogs with arthritis by extract quality and online customer reviews. We also read product recipes to see if CBD oils have been made with arthritic dogs in mind.
CBD extract quality
The best CBD oils contain whole-plant extracts with a full spectrum of hemp compounds. We analyze batch tests and check farming standards to make sure all our recommended oils contain safe, high-quality CBD.
Customer reviews
Nobody knows a dog better than their owner, so we analyze Google and Facebook reviews to see what real people say about CBD products. We only use independent review sources to minimize the chances of review-tampering.
Product recipe
Dogs with joint issues should consume a low-inflammation diet. CBD oils made with Omega fats and dietary supplements can help with this, so we look for products with arthritis-friendly recipes.
2022 Full reviews
1. Best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
Honest Paws Mobility CBD Oil
Honest Paws Mobility is our expert’s choice for dogs with arthritis and other types of joint inflammation. It contains the highest quality CBD extract of all products in our 2022 review, plus the best customer satisfaction score of any brand.
We like that Honest Paws is a pet-specific CBD brand. They produce dog-friendly recipes with added supplements to target symptoms of canine disorders. The Mobility Oil contains organic turmeric and is available in 4 concentrations.
Brand: Honest Paws
2022 score: 1st place
Made for: Arthritis
Active ingredients: CBD, Turmeric
Concentration: 125 – 1000 mg
Quality testing: Read the lab report
Brand: Honest Paws
2022 score: 1st place
Made for: Arthritis
Active ingredients: CBD, Turmeric
Concentration: 125 – 1000 mg
Quality testing: Read the lab report
Honest Paws’ CBD extract is made from fully organic hemp grown in Colorado. Batch tests confirm it’s a true whole-plant extract, with a full spectrum of soothing cannabis compounds.
In fact, Honest Paws products contain the fullest-spectrum CBD of anyone in the market, with lots of supporting cannabinoids including CBD-A – which has been shown in studies to help reduce inflammation and associated pain.
2. Best value CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
Simple Wag CBD Oil
According to our 2022 review, the best value CBD oil for dogs on the market right now is Simple Wag’s full-spectrum pet tincture. This is a USDA-certified organic CBD oil, meaning that their ingredients and manufacturing process are both verified organic and made to human-grade standards.
Simple Wag uses a full-spectrum CBD extract in their products that’s regularly lab-tested to confirm cannabinoid richness, so there’s no compromise in ingredient quality despite the lower retail price.
Like Honest Paws, Simple Wag is another pet-only CBD brand, meaning they can devote all of their attention to making a product that meets dogs’ needs.
Brand: Simple Wag
2022 score: 2nd
Made for: General inflammation
Active ingredients: CBD
Concentration: 300 – 900 mg
Quality testing: Read the lab report
Brand: Simple Wag
2022 score: 2nd
Made for: General inflammation
Active ingredients: CBD
Concentration: 300 – 900 mg
Quality testing: Read the lab report
3. Runner up CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
CBDistillery Pet CBD Oil
When it comes to specifically targeting pain, CBDistillery’s Pet Tincture is hard to beat. That’s because of the cannabis compounds CBDistillery captures in their extraction. Thanks to careful production processes, they keep an impressive amount of CBD-A, along with safe and legal levels of THC.
4. Third place CBD oil for dogs with arthritis
Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract
This CBD oil from Charlotte’s Web features in nearly all of our “Best Of” lists thanks to its comprehensive extraction, which makes it one of the most versatile pet CBD products around. With a wide range of other cannabinoids, we think this thoroughly full spectrum product should have similar pain-relieving effects to CBDistillery above.
5. We also like
Innovet PUR CBD Oil
We think that Innovet Pur CBD is a great option for fighting inflammation, thanks to the levels of CBD-A found in their extract. We’re also big fans of Innovet’s shopping experience, which includes free, no-minimum shipping and a 15 percent discount for owners who subscribe to their products.
6. We also like
CBDfx tincture
Unlike the products above, CBDfx’s Pet Tincture uses a broad spectrum hemp extract, which means it contains a narrower range of active hemp compounds.
That said, CBDfx has accumulated an impressive number of positive consumer reviews for a relatively new company, with many pups appreciating the natural bacon flavoring in this CBD oil.
Alongside the bacon flavoring, CBDfx’s Pet Tincture contains curcumin, the active component of turmeric. Studies on curcumin have shown that it can produce similar anti-inflammatory effects to NSAIDs, especially in animals with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
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 a minimum of 0.2 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.
Here’s our most recent list of the best CBD dog treats, which includes recommendations for dogs with arthritis.
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 across animal healthcare experts is that a good starting CBD dose for most dogs is 0.2 mg of CBD per pound of bodyweight. So, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, we recommend beginning with a 4 mg dose of CBD, given daily for 1-2 weeks.
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.
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