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With up to 60% of dogs experiencing joint issues as they reach old age, canine arthritis is a common, debilitating issue. Inflammation can cause pain and swelling, restrict mobility, and make it difficult for pups to stand, run, and even go to the bathroom.
As a natural anti-inflammatory, CBD offers a simple, effective solution, helping dogs across the country improve their mobility and decrease pain associated with canine osteoarthritis.
Any type of high-quality CBD oil can have an anti-inflammatory effect on dogs. However, there are several CBD oils that are better for dogs, some of which have been made specifically for arthritis. Here are our top picks for CBD oils for dogs with arthritis, pain, or inflammation.
Best CBD oils for dogs with arthritis, pain, or inflammation
Best for chronic pain: CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture
Best overall: Charlotte’s Web Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Drops
Best for inflammation: Innovet Pet PURCBD
Best in Canada: Honest Botanicals CBD Oil for Dogs Bacon
Related: CBD oil for Dogs in Canada
What makes a CBD oil right for arthritis and pain in dogs?
Cannabis compounds affect dogs and humans by binding to receptors in the body. Known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), these receptors are found across all major organs and form part of the body’s response to stress and internal imbalance. Some CBD studies suggest oil can reduce pain and swelling by changing how the ECS activates inflammation inside the body.
Several cannabis compounds are known to affect the ECS, with the most famous being CBD. But CBD is only one of several cannabinoids that produce a soothing, calming effect. Another beneficial compound is CBD-A, which has been shown in studies to reduce inflammation in a way that is similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Full-spectrum CBD oils, which combine CBD with additional cannabis compounds like CBD-A, tend to offer a more holistic, wide-ranging effect. Because of this, we’ve chosen a selection of oils that each contain higher than average levels of CBD and CBD-A as well as levels of THC that are safer for pets. In addition, we’ve also considered key factors like a product’s label accuracy, the type of oil the product uses to carry a CBD extract, and any promotional offers from the brand. You may also want to check out this buying guide for the best CBD oil for dogs.
Best for chronic pain: CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture
- Label accuracy: 96.2% accurate
- Cannabinoids: 6/7 beneficial cannabinoids
- Carrier oil: Hemp seed oil
- Shopping experience: Free shipping on orders over $75. Subscribe and save 20%.
Thanks to a precise extraction process, CBDistillery’s pet tincture contains high amounts of CBD and CBD-A. The presence of these two cannabinoids in significant quantities makes this our top pick for treating pain in dogs. This CBD oil is full-spectrum, which means that it contains an entire plant extract, as is delivered in a hemp seed oil carrier—an excellent source of omega fatty acids.
Best overall: Charlotte’s Web Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Drops
- Label accuracy: 100% accurate
- Cannabinoids: 7/7 beneficial cannabinoids
- Carrier oil: MCT/coconut oil
- Shopping experience: Free shipping on orders over $74. Subscribe and save 10%.
Charlotte’s Web is one of the biggest and most popular CBD brands around, and this dog-specific formula meets its high standards. Its products contain a full range of secondary cannabinoids, including CBD-A, making them super versatile. Charlotte’s Web is also diligent when it comes to quality control and customer service, meaning that you can’t go wrong with this tried-and-tested brand. Read the full review at cbdoilfordogs.com.
Best for inflammation: Innovet Pet PURCBD
- Label accuracy: 97.6% accurate
- Cannabinoids: 5/7 beneficial cannabinoids
- Carrier oil: Hemp seed oil
- Shopping experience: Free shipping with no minimums. Subscribe and save 15%.
Innovet Pet’s PURCBD is a supplement with serious inflammation-busting potential. This CBD oil contains more CBD-A than any other oil we’ve tested. CBD-A helps to reduce swelling around joints, as well as being a great indicator of a quality extraction process. Innovet is also a great choice for bigger dogs, thanks to this product’s awesome value for the money and 6000 mg concentration size option. Innovet also offers free, no-minimum shipping and a 15 percent discount for regular shoppers.
Best CBD oil for dogs in Canada: Honest Botanicals Bacon-Flavored CBD Oil for Dogs
One of the fastest-growing sectors in the Canadian cannabis industry is CBD for dogs. As word of CBD’s benefits spreads across dog parks and pet store aisles, cannabis companies are flocking to meet the demand.
This dog-friendly product from Vancouver-based Honest Botanicals uses the brand’s usual premium isolate CBD, extracted from Canadian-grown hemp and infused in a sensitive-stomach-friendly MCT carrier oil. Available in three strengths (250–1000 mg), owners can select the right concentration for their dog’s size and needs, getting the most value for their money.
The added natural bacon flavor solves any problems with picky or suspicious pups, making it easy to add a dosage to their favorite meal or even drop the oil straight into dogs’ mouths. Find Honest Botanicals CBD oil for dogs online at CBD Oil Canada.
What the research says about CBD and arthritis in dogs
Swollen and aching joints are not necessarily life-threatening for dogs. But they do often become progressively worse over time, and eventually will stop pups from being able to live pain-free lives. Supplementation with CBD products can help reduce inflammation that surrounds joints on a daily basis, and according to owners and researchers, improvements may also be long-lasting.
Scientific studies
When Cornell Veterinary College studied the effects of CBD on canine arthritis in 2018, researchers found that dogs experienced increased comfort and activity levels, according to assessments by animal health care experts.
In 2020, when researchers looked at how CBD affected dogs who were already taking medications for joint pain prescribed by their vet, they found that CBD helps reduce symptoms of pain and swelling even further.
Perhaps most impressive, however, is a study by Baylor College of Medicine that tested the effects of CBD on dogs with arthritis over four weeks. This study found that CBD clearly improved a majority of dog conditions as observed by both owners and vets. For some dogs, CBD was so successful that the benefits lasted for 14 days after supplementation was stopped.
Anti-inflammatory abilities
Studies like those above, as well as research into the effect of CBD on humans and mice, show that cannabis compounds can have a strong anti-inflammatory effect in mammals. This immunosuppressant ability is what makes CBD such a versatile supplement, as many common canine disorders have an inflammatory basis.
As a result, CBD has been used by owners to help treat inflammation associated with:
- Arthritis and joint disease
- Auto-immune disorders
- Anxiety-related stress
- Cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment
- Injuries and post-surgery recovery
Beyond these specific canine conditions, all dogs can benefit from calming supplements such as CBD. Other great natural options include chondroitin and hemp-seed oil, both of which work well to reduce inflammation and stress.
