Hemp vs. CBD for Dogs with Arthritis: Which Should You Choose?
|
|
Time to read 7 min
|
|
Time to read 7 min
Does your dog struggle with arthritis pain? You’re not alone. Arthritis affects dogs of all breeds and ages, leading to stiffness, soreness, and limited mobility. More pet parents are turning to natural options like hemp and CBD—but knowing which works best can be confusing. In this guide, we’ll break down what arthritis means for your dog, compare hemp vs. CBD, and help you confidently choose the right support for lasting relief and better mobility.
Table of Content
Spotting arthritis early gives you a better chance to manage your dog’s discomfort and protect long-term joint health. Veterinary experts confirm that osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions in senior dogs, but it can affect younger ones too.
Limping or stiffness after rest
Hesitation to climb stairs or jump
Swollen or tender joints
Reduced playfulness
Irritability or withdrawal due to pain
Decreased appetite or loss of appetite
Arthritis doesn’t just slow dogs down—it affects every part of their day. Pain and swelling disrupt sleep, appetite, and social behavior. Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and muscle loss, worsening the cycle. Acting early with supplements, gentle exercise, and veterinary-approved solutions like hemp or CBD can help restore mobility and comfort.
Hemp oil, also called hemp seed oil, is extracted by pressing hemp seeds. Unlike CBD oil, it contains almost no cannabinoids like cannabidiol, but it’s packed with nutrients that support overall health.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Support joint health and immune balance.
Vitamin E and minerals: Aid skin, coat, and cellular repair.
Antioxidants: Help reduce oxidative stress.
These nutrients support a healthy inflammatory response and general wellness. While hemp oil doesn’t directly target arthritis pain, it contributes to long-term joint nourishment.
Hemp oil is nutritional support, not a therapeutic treatment for arthritis. It helps maintain wellness and complements other therapies, but doesn’t provide the same direct pain relief as CBD oil.
CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the hemp plant. Unlike hemp seed oil, CBD oil is rich in cannabinoids that interact with your dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates pain, mood, and inflammation.
Cannabidiol (CBD): Targets inflammation and pain.
Minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBC): May enhance joint support.
Carrier oil (MCT or hemp oil): Helps absorption.
Full-spectrum CBD oils also contain terpenes and flavonoids, working together in what’s known as the “entourage effect.”
Research supports CBD’s role in reducing arthritis pain. A Cornell University study found that dogs given CBD oil showed significant pain relief and increased activity. Pet parents often report:
Less joint pain and stiffness
Better mobility and willingness to walk/play
Reduced reliance on prescription meds
Calmer, happier demeanor
CBD oil provides targeted relief for arthritis pain, making it more effective than hemp oil when joint discomfort is the main concern.
Understanding how hemp and CBD differ helps pet parents make smarter choices.
Hemp oil: Cold-pressed seeds, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, but no cannabinoids.
Hemp oil: Virtually none. Best for general wellness.
Both are safe if pet-formulated and THC-free.
Hemp oil rarely causes side effects (mild stomach upset).
CBD oil may cause drowsiness or appetite changes at high doses.
Pain Relief: CBD oil is stronger, directly reducing arthritis pain. Hemp oil only offers mild, indirect relief through fatty acids.
Mobility Support: CBD oil often improves daily activity, while hemp oil provides background joint nutrition.
Side Effects: Both are well tolerated. Hemp oil has minimal side effects, while CBD requires careful dosing.
Sometimes, vets recommend combining hemp oil and CBD for broader benefits. Another helpful option is Mobility‑Max™ Hip & Joint Support Chews, which pair well with CBD or hemp
Moderate to severe arthritis pain: CBD oil is generally more effective for targeted relief.
Additional joint support (such as supplements, NSAIDs, or acupuncture, with veterinary approval) may be needed for better pain control.
Multiple joint or health issues: A combination approach (with vet approval) may provide the best results.
Choose organic, pet-specific oils with third-party testing.
Hemp oil should be cold-pressed seed oil.
CBD oil is best when full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, THC-free.
(Full-spectrum is generally recommended for the most benefit.)
Always start with a low dose and adjust as needed under veterinary guidance.
Bailey, a 12-year-old Golden Retriever with hip dysplasia, struggled with daily pain. After starting Happy-Furever™ CBD Oil, his family noticed improvements within weeks:
Easier movement
More enthusiasm for walks
Return of playful personality
This real-world story highlights how CBD can restore not just mobility but also quality of life
Choosing between hemp and CBD depends on your dog’s needs:
Hemp oil: Great for general wellness and early joint support. Especially useful early on for dog breeds prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, or disc disease.
CBD oil: Best for targeted pain and inflammation relief.
For many dogs, CBD offers the stronger option for arthritis management, while hemp oil remains a solid nutritional supplement. Always consult your veterinarian, choose trusted brands, and monitor your dog’s response.
With the right plan, you can give your dog more comfort, mobility, and the joyful, active life they deserve.
Internal Link Opportunity: Browse the full CBD collection.
The response time to CBD Happy-Furever™ can indeed differ from one dog to another, as it is a natural supplement that dogs may need time to adapt to. Many dog parents have observed noticeable positive changes in their pets' behavior and well-being within just a few days of starting the supplement. Common early signs of the supplement taking effect include better sleep, a calmer demeanor, and an increased appetite—all indicators of a content and healthy dog.
As the weeks go by, further enhancements in your dog's health may become evident. You may notice a shinier coat, a reduction in bodily pains, and an increase in energy, evident from bursts of playful excitement like the "zoomies" during fetch.
It's crucial to acknowledge that, like humans, some dogs may require a longer period to fully benefit from natural supplements like CBD oil. Patience is key, and during this time, it's also important to continue reinforcing good behavior.
When CBD helps to bring your dog to a more tranquil state, it's an opportune moment to introduce new habits and work on phasing out any undesirable behaviors. Remember, while CBD can support your dog's well-being, it is not a substitute for consistent training and conditioning.
Keep an eye out for signs of improvement; sometimes, they may not be immediately obvious. Documenting your dog's journey with videos and photos can help you recognize progress that you might otherwise overlook.
Furthermore, improvements might be taking place internally, such as enhanced immune function or reduced inflammation, which aren't always visible. The absence of health issues can often be a silent testament to the efficacy of the supplement, reflecting your dog's overall health and vitality. So, while some benefits of CBD are seen, others are felt—a healthy dog is a happy dog, inside and out.
Absolutely not! It's not possible for dogs to get 'high' off our CBD as they contain less than 0.3% THC, which won't cause any intoxicating effects. However, your pup might seem a lot more relaxed, and might be sleeping more - which is a healthy sign! Keep in mind that young puppies and senior dogs should be sleeping for up to 18-20 hours of their day, while adult dogs sleep approximately 16 hours.
The lack of quality sleep can affect their health and anxiety in many ways.
CBD can make older pooches act ‘puppy-like’ and nervous young pups feel calm. The ingredients that makeup hemp contribute to a balanced mood, resulting in a sense of relaxation for your pet.