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Hemp Oil For Dogs In Pain

A black and white french bulldog standing in front of a yellow background

With all the hype today about the endless benefits of CBD oil for dogs in pain, and how it can ease the discomfort in dogs, veterinarians and pet parents are also looking into hemp oil for dogs with pain. Although both are derived from the same plant, they are very different. That said, CBD and hemp are both derived from different parts of the cannabis plant.

As dogs age or get ill, they are subject to a variety of aches and pains. Dogs that are under stress and in pain benefit from drug treatments, good veterinary care, non-drug methods like hemp oil and bandaging or icing, and even heat treatment. Additionally, combining a high-quality diet with supplements helps to relieve symptoms, and may treat various conditions. Reducing your dog’s stress when he’s in pain, and providing regular good veterinary care will maximize the pain treatment regimen, allowing for a better long-term prognosis.

Pet parents need to recognize when their dogs are in pain. Sometimes it may be hard to do so! That said, there are several behaviors that may indicate pain in dogs. Your veterinarian will evaluate pain scales, look at vital signs and behavioral changes, as well as your dog’s history before selecting the most suitable drug or drug combination.

Additionally, it is necessary to consult with your veterinarian first for a diagnosis and treatment plan, and to also inquire as to whether hemp seed oil is a good option for your furry best friend!


Types of Pain in Dogs

  • Acute
  • Chronic
  •  Cancer
  • Neuropathic

A tan and brown pug laying on a white shaggy carpet looking up

Signs of Chronic Pain

  • Weight loss
  • Decreased activity
  • Lack of grooming
  • Unusual aggression
  • Reluctance to lie down
  • Anxiety or unusual restlessness
  • Withdrawn behavior
  • Personality changes
  • Irritability

What is Hemp Oil?

According to a study by the American Chemical Society, hemp is packed with high levels of vitamins C, A, E and beta carotene. It is also rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and fiber. The researchers added that “it has a variety of interesting substances, such as sterols, aliphatic alcohols and linolenic acids, which research suggests promotes good health. For example, it contains α-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that some studies suggest helps prevent coronary heart disease.”1.

Another 2015 study found that “while marijuana is rich in psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), hemp produces mostly non-euphoric cannabidiol (CBD), but the genetic basis for this difference was a matter of speculation until now. “The study was published in the July 17 online edition of New Phytologist.


Two brown dogs running outside in the grass

Hemp Seed Oil

  • Non-toxic
  • Natural herb product
  • Has low CBD
  • May be good for stress and anxiety in dogs
  • Perfect ratio of omega- 3 to omega- 6 ratio
  • No psychoactive properties
  • Highly nutritional
  • Can be digested easily
  • May cause diarrhea due to high-fat content (although a good fat)
  • Should not be used with anticoagulants since it may cause bleeding
  • Needs to be consumed raw, cooked is dangerous for your dogs
  • Opt for the correct dosage each time so as to keep your dog’s diet balanced. (check with vet)

Is Hemp Oil Safe for My Dog?

The most important part of the Farm Bill which revises the Controlled Substances Act states that “the term marijuana does not include hemp.” This small edit has allowed for the progression of hemp-derived pet products, including treats all of which should contain less than 0.3 percent 9- tetrahydrocannabinol. (THC) “The FDA acknowledges that some foods can be derived from parts of the hemp plant that may not contain CBD or THC, which does open the door to hemp-based ingredients, “via the Pet Food Industry.

The hemp plant has high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. That said, to be legally classified as hemp, it must contain less than 0.3% THC, the component that gives you a “high.” Hemp oil comes from cold-pressed natural hemp seeds, and is different from CBD in that is has a very low CBD content. There is a problem though regarding large amounts of hemp and contaminant exposure. Hemp absorbs toxins from the soil.

Although CBD produced by hemp extraction is the most widely employed, it carries two major impurities. The first one is the already known cannabidivarin (CBDV), whereas the second one is supposed to be the butyl analog of CBD with a four-term alkyl side chain,” via PubMed.1

A 2019 study from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and featured in Forbes concluded that high doses of CBD resulted in liver damage in mice within 24 hours. Some mice were even close to death.

Last month, Forbes featured a study from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences that found that CBD given in high doses brought about liver damage in mice within 24 hours. Many of the animals died or were close to death within three or four days. The highest dose used was 615mg/kg for 10 days.

  • Check with your veterinarian as to interactions with other meds
  • Must be consumed raw
  • Safe, but has to be given in the right dosage because of its high availability of polyunsaturated fats

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What Benefit Does Hemp Oil Have for My Dog?

High-Quality natural hemp oil may have numerous benefits for your dog. That said, the dosage needs to be spot on for it to be effective. Hemp extract is rich in flavonoids and terpenes, like limonene which has been shown to have anticancer properties. Luteolin and kaempferol are also found in hemp and result in the disruption of cancer cells.

Additionally, another 2018 study on hemp’s potential for treating ovarian cancer, said that “hemp, like marijuana, contains therapeutically valuable components such as cannabidiol, cannabinol, and tetrahydrocannabinol. However, unlike marijuana, hemp's therapeutic ability has not been studied in detail. The results from the first study found that “adding various doses of KY-hemp extract to cultured ovarian cells led to a significant dose-dependent slowing of cell migration. This finding indicated that the extract might be useful for stopping or slowing down metastasis -- the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.”

The second study looked at the biology of KY-hemp's protective effects against ovarian cancer.

Results demonstrated that experiments with cultured ovarian cancer cells indicated that KY-hemp slowed the secretion of interleukin IL-1 beta. Interleukins produce inflammation that can be damaging and has been linked to cancer progression. The hemp-induced slowing of IL-1 β secretion represents a possible biological mechanism responsible for KY-hemp's anti-cancer effects.

Hemp oils will usually include the following:

  1. Chamomile extract
  2. Valerian root


How Does Hemp Oil Work?

Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, which help maintain balance in the body and keep it in a normal healthy state.

There are many factors like chronic inflammation, which can contribute to cancer in dogs. That said, CBD and other phytocannabinoids will help to keep inflammation down. They also contain antioxidant properties, which in turn lowers the risk of your dog getting cancer.

If your dog is on a poultry diet with either duck, chicken or turkey, it’s best to use flaxseed oil instead. For beef diets, hemp seed oil works. You can also continue to add fish oil supplements together with hemp seed oil in your dog’s food. Always consult with your veterinarian for the best advice regarding hemp seed oil dosage. Never guess the dosage, because it has to be accurate. You will also need to throw away leftover food soon after, to make sure that your dog does not eat spoiled hemp seed oil.


Pet Hemp Oil May Do the Following:

  • May help in cardiovascular health
  • May treat epilepsy
  • May help with inflammatory bowel disease
  • May increase appetite
  • May reduce inflammation
  • May reduce joint pain and general pain
  • May help with stress relief

Hemp oil products for dogs like Vetra pet hemp oil (1500mg) may help with stress relief for travel, anxiety, storm phobia, and separation anxiety. Vetra also provides pain relief from post-op pain, post-traumatic pain, joint pain, arthritis and inflammation with no side-effects like gastro-intestinal swelling, nausea, or loss of appetite. It contains vitamins A, D, together with trace minerals and phytochemicals. 

Natural Doggie offers products like organic hemp infused with coconut oil which may be beneficial for skin, coat health, and hot spots.

Discuss all the options with your veterinarian since there are so many dosage options, and some hemp oil products are more tailored to specific conditions, that it may get confusing.


A brown dachshund standing in a field of taller green grass

How to Choose a Hemp Oil Brand for Dogs?

When choosing a high-quality hemp oil look for non-GMO, organic, with no psychoactive ingredients added. Opt for safe ingredients that have been tested, then you’ll ensure that there are no side effects. That’s not to say that you should not consult with your veterinarian first for expert advice and treatment for your dog’s condition. Hemp seed oil is not a magical cure! Your veterinarian will have to see what the underlying causes are and tailor specific treatments for them. Here are some tips for choosing a hemp seed oil product for your dog!

  • Veterinarian recommended
  • Grown and manufactured in the USA
  • Full plant extract
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • Educational website with good customer service
  • Reputable pet brand
  • Non- GMO
  • Added vitamins, minerals, essential oils
  • High-quality

Dosage

The dosage needs to be calculated carefully. Do not give your dog a human dose of hemp seed oil. Your veterinarian will be able to weigh your dog, examine his medical history, and depending on his age, will advise as to the correct hemp seed oil dosage for your dog. Hemp seed oil products for pets are specialized and are different from the ones that humans ingest.

Hemp oil pet products are available in tinctures that one administers via liquid droppers, capsules, and treats. There are very tough guidelines on dosing for pets depending on the severity of the ailment, thus the need to consult with your veterinarian first and foremost for diagnosis and conventional treatment plan. Always check to see if your dog has a reaction to the hemp seed oil since there are a few side effects.


Possible Side Effects of Hemp Seed Oil

  • Dry mouth
  • Possible lethargy
  • A decrease in functions of the liver enzymes (if your dog has liver problems avoid the use of hemp seed oil)
  • Lack of saliva or dry mouth

As a pet parent, you want to do the best you can for your furry best friends. That said, consider consulting with your veterinarian for the best advice regarding hemp seed oil for your pooch. Because our dogs can’t speak to us and tell us what’s going on, it may be hard for us to figure it out.

In short, as long as you purchase the highest quality, U.S.A made hemp-based oil pet products, and do the research after consulting with your veterinarian, you’ll find that it’s worth the money.



Author Claudia Bensimoun

Claudia Bensimoun

Claudia Bensimoun is a freelance journalist and author, and specializes in veterinary content, and eBooks. She's a long-time feature writer for Animal Wellness magazine, Fido Friendly magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association. In addition, Bensimoun has written for numerous pet websites, magazines, newspapers and online publications. Her interests include wildlife conservation, animal welfare, disaster/ humanitarian relief, veterinary research, and veganism.



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