You’ve probably noticed an increase in the number of hemp products for dogs on the market. But what does hemp oil do for dogs, exactly? And is it safe? Today, we’re talking about how hemp seed oil and CBD oil differ, their potential benefits, and ways to use them. Paws up if you’re ready to learn!
What is hemp oil?
To understand what hemp oil does for dogs – and what it doesn’t do – it’s helpful to know more about the ingredient. Also called hemp seed oil, producers make it by pressing the seeds of the hemp plant to extract the oil within. Let’s be honest, even our pups can see that the clue is in the name there! The oil is rich in several important nutrients, including omega-3, omega-6, vitamins D and E, minerals, and antioxidants. Because of this, it’s become a popular supplement for humans and pets alike.
Where people sometimes get confused is in the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil. Although they come from the same plant – Cannabis sativa – they have different effects and uses. As we mentioned, hemp seed oil comes from the plant’s seeds. CBD oil (cannabidiol), on the other hand, comes from the flowers, leaves, and stalks.
Does hemp seed oil get dogs high? No – and neither does CBD oil. That’s because they contain negligible amounts of THC, which is the psychoactive compound responsible for producing a high. Despite the link with cannabis, both hemp seed oil and CBD are safe to consume and legal in the UK.
Are they beneficial, though? We’ll touch on CBD oil later, but for now let’s focus on the main topic of this post: hemp oil. In humans, hemp seed oil helps reduce inflammation, support skin health, and look after the heart and brain. But what does hemp oil do for dogs?
Are there benefits of hemp oil for dogs?
There hasn’t yet been much research into the specific benefits of hemp seed oil for dogs. However, the ingredient is bursting with nutrients that can support our furry friends’ wellbeing. Most notably, it’s rich in healthy fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which have anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it could help to care for your pup’s joint health and mobility. This might be especially useful for managing conditions like arthritis as they get older. These fatty acids may also look after your mutt’s heart health and lipid levels.(1)
What’s more, there are potential benefits of hemp seed oil for dogs’ skin and fur health. Again, much of this is thanks to its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These help protect the skin barrier, ensuring your pup’s skin stays hydrated. They also work to reduce itchiness and redness, plus ease dry, flaky skin. This is beneficial for your mutt’s fluff too, keeping it strong and shiny as well as decreasing shedding. For example, one study found that linoleic acid (the major fatty acid in hemp seed oil) boosted coat gloss.(2)
The oil’s vitamin E content is another reason why you can use hemp oil for your dog’s itchy skin. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting our pups’ skin cells and hair follicles from the damage caused by free radicals. Plus, your canine companion needs vitamin E to create the collagen fibres that make up their coat.
Finally, the many other vitamins and minerals in hemp seed oil contribute to your pet’s overall wellbeing. That includes supporting the immune system and brain health. So, what does hemp oil do for dogs? Potentially quite a lot!
How to use hemp seed oil for dogs
Now we know the benefits of hemp oil for dogs, let’s look at how your pooch can get them. The easiest option is to add it to their meals. Simply mix the appropriate dose into their normal wet food or try putting some onto a treat. Your mutt might even lap it directly off a spoon, or you could administer it via a dropper. Hemp seed oil has a mild nutty flavour that lots of pups enjoy. Alternatively, you could buy food and treats that already contain hemp seed oil. That way you don’t have to worry about working out how much to offer your pet.
How long does it take for hemp seed oil for dogs to work? It’s impossible to say. It’s not like giving your mutt medication. Instead of having an immediate effect, it should gradually help to support your pet’s wellbeing over time. Consistency is important with these kinds of ingredients, so aim to make it a regular part of your pup’s diet.
If you’re specifically interested in the benefits of hemp seed oil for dog’s skin, you can apply it topically. One method is to add a few drops to the shampoo you normally use when bathing your pooch. Another is to massage a small amount directly into areas where your mutt has dry, scaly, or flaking skin. You could also rub a little onto their paw pads. Remember that your pet might lick it off, so don’t use too much!
To sum up, we recommend adding hemp seed oil to your pooch’s meals to support their joint and heart health. Conversely, topical application can be more effective when using hemp oil for your dog’s itchy skin.
Is hemp oil safe for dogs?
First, rest assured that hemp seed oil is safe for canine consumption. In fact, you’ll find it in plenty of pet foods, treats, and supplements. Having said that, we still recommend that you check with a vet before giving the oil to your pooch. This is to confirm that it’s suitable for their individual needs. It’s especially important to do this if your pet has an existing health condition or is on any medication.
Another key consideration is dosage. We all know that it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, so make sure you give your pup the right amount. This will vary depending on their weight and the specific product you use, so check the label carefully. You might also want to start with a lower dose and build up to the recommended quantity. That allows your mutt’s digestive system to get used to the new ingredient.
What does hemp oil do for dogs if they ingest too much? It can cause mild side effects like stomach upset and diarrhoea. And because it’s high in fat, long-term overconsumption may lead to weight gain.
When using hemp seed oil for dogs’ skin topically, it’s sensible to do a patch test first. This involves applying it to a small area of skin and waiting 24 hours to check for an allergic reaction. If your pup experiences any redness, itching, or discomfort, wash it off and don’t use the oil on them again.
Finally, always choose high-quality hemp products for your pet. They deserve the best!
What about CBD oil for dogs?
So far, we’ve answered the question ‘what does hemp oil do for dogs?’ by focusing on hemp seed oil. However, initial studies suggest that there may be benefits of CBD oil for dogs too. For example, research indicates that CBD can help reduce stress and anxiety, plus ease the behavioural issues those sometimes cause.(3) In this respect, it’s similar to ashwagandha powder, which also alleviates symptoms of stress, fear, and anxiety.(4)
In addition, CBD oil could be useful for relieving pain in pooches with conditions like cancer and osteoarthritis.(5) It may be particularly beneficial for joint pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD oil also shows potential in decreasing the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs with epilepsy.(6) And just as you can use hemp seed oil for dogs’ skin, CBD oil might reduce itchiness in animals with atopic dermatitis.(5)
It’s important to highlight that research into CBD oil for dogs is still in the early stages. In particular, we know little about the consequences of pups taking it long term. As such, you should always speak to a vet before giving your pet any kind of CBD product. Again, this is especially relevant if they have a medical condition or are on medication. Studies suggest CBD can affect liver enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, which are involved in the metabolism of certain medicines.(7) That means CBD might interact with those medications and alter their effects.
Finally, it goes without saying that you should always choose high-quality CBD products that are made by reputable companies specifically for pets.
Can dogs eat hemp seeds?
It’s not all about hemp oil! The seeds it’s made from also offer health benefits for both us and our pooches. They may be small, but they’re bursting with nutrients like omega-3, omega-6, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Where they differ from hemp seed oil is that they’re rich in fibre. This important macronutrient supports your pup’s digestive health in several ways. It helps to regulate their bowel movements and blood sugar levels, plus nourishes the good bacteria in their gut. Fibre also makes it easier to keep your mutt at a healthy weight by leaving them feeling full for longer.
Hemp seeds are easy to add to your pet’s diet. Simply sprinkle a little onto their normal wet food, or mix them in if you have a fussier pup. The exact amount to use will depend on the size of your pooch. As a general guideline, opt for between a quarter of a tablespoon and a whole tablespoon for adult dogs. Like with the oil, start with a smaller quantity to allow your mutt’s tummy to get used to the ingredient. Too much may cause digestive trouble or weight gain. And never offer your pet seasoned seeds, as they might contain ingredients that are toxic to our furry friends.
As always, we recommend consulting a vet first to make sure hemp seeds are suitable for your pet’s unique needs. With any new ingredient, it’s sensible to keep an eye on them to check they don’t experience an allergic reaction.
Other beneficial oils for dogs
Hemp seed oil offers several potential benefits for your pup’s wellbeing. But it isn’t the only oil with the ability to support the health of our canine companions! Here are three others you might want to consider adding to your pet’s diet:
-
Sea buckthorn oil – made from tangy berries, this ingredient is bursting with omega-7 fatty acids and beta-carotene. These nutrients look after your pup’s coat and skin, plus care for the health of their eyes. Sea buckthorn oil is able to tackle dry paw pads, dry eyes, and dull fur. It could even support digestive health by helping to maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining.
-
Chia seed oil – crafted from tiny chia seeds, this ingredient is rich in vitamin E and alpha-linolenic acid (a type of omega-3). As such, it can keep your pup’s skin hydrated, promote a shiny coat, and fight both inflammation and oxidative stress. It’s also a good choice if you want to look after your pooch’s heart health.
-
Milk thistle oil – created from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, this ingredient acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. It could support liver health, plus help keep your mutt’s skin and fur in top condition.
As with hemp seed oil, you can simply drizzle the recommended dosage of these into your dog’s wet food.
Final thoughts on hemp seed oil for dogs
So, what does hemp oil do for dogs? More than you might expect! It’s not a magic sauce that will cure all ills, but it could support your pet’s joint and heart health. Thanks to the fatty acids it contains, it’s especially helpful for ensuring that your pup’s skin and fur are healthy. For best results, check with a vet first and use the ingredient consistently. You can either apply it topically or feed it to your pooch as part of a balanced diet. And don’t worry, it won’t get them high!
