These days, a holistic approach to healthcare is more common than ever before. Nationwide, you have likely noticed a flurry of shops popping up seemingly overnight selling hemp products. However, did you know that homeopathic wellness can be effective for your four-legged friend as well? Read on to find out why pet owners everywhere are talking about hemp oil for dogs.
Table of Contents:
- What is Hemp Oil?
- Where does Hemp Oil Come From?
- Is Hemp Oil Safe for Dogs?
- Benefits of Hemp Oil for Dogs
- The Powerful Nutrients in Hemp Oil
- How to Give Your Dog Hemp Oil
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is a popular nutrition product that has been on the shelves of health stores for years. Also referred to as hemp seed oil, hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant. The hemp plant has a notorious cousin plant, and this relation has caused layers of stigma surrounding hemp products. However, hemp oil has been legal for decades and does not boast the psychoactive effects of its infamous relative.
In fact, hemp oil is a helpful nutritional supplement that is rich in essential fatty acids, Omega-3s, and GMA (gamma-linolenic acid). This natural combination of nutrients makes hemp oil very popular in the homeopathic wellness world.
Where does Hemp Oil Come From?
As previously mentioned, hemp oil is derived from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is wildly versatile. To demonstrate, hemp can be used to make fabric, paper, coffee, rope, plastic, shampoo, biofuel, and so much more. Interestingly enough, one acre of hemp produces as much pulp for paper as four acres of trees. Moreover, plastic made from hemp is fully biodegradable. Better yet, hemp bears powerful nutritional and medicinal properties.
Additionally, hemp oil is derived solely from the seeds of the hemp plant. Therefore, hemp oil boasts zero psychoactive ingredients. Due to its impressive benefits, you can find hemp seed oil is used to make health supplements, milk, granola, cooking oils, and even beauty products.
To put it another way, hemp oil is a nutritional supplement, while other cannabis products are more medicinal.
Is Hemp Oil Safe for Dogs?
In short, yes, hemp oil is safe for dogs. Despite various hemp misconceptions, rest assured that hemp oil will in no way get your dog "high". Hemp oil is a helpful health elixir that can help dogs as much as it can help humans.
Benefits of Hemp Oil for Dogs
Now for the fun part! Let's talk about all the ways hemp oil can benefit your sweet puppy pal.
1. Hemp Joint Health for Dogs
No matter how old your dog is, joint health is an important canine conversation. Hemp oil contains powerful nutrients that can help with joint discomfort. Specifically, hemp oil contains:
- Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
- Phospholipids
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Omega 6 fatty acids
This perfect combination of omega fatty acids helps to support healthy inflammatory pathways in dogs to address joint discomfort. Furthermore, phospholipids work to further support healthy inflammatory pathways on a cellular level by promoting healthy cell structure.
Finally, according to a study done by the University of Pennsylvania, Gamma-Linolenic Acid can reduce the signs and discomfort of joint issues. This ideal combination of nutrients in hemp oil alleviates existing joint discomfort and actively helps mitigate against further joint damage.
2. Hemp Oil for Dogs Skin
Believe it or not, Fluffy can suffer from allergies just like you. Dog allergies often result in skin condition referred to as atopic dermatitis. This condition is characterized by dry, flaky, and excessively itchy skin.
Believe it or not, Fluffy can suffer from allergies just like you. Dog allergies often result in medical skin conditions characterized by dry, flaky, and excessively itchy skin.
Fortunately, the GLA in hemp promotes healthy cell growth deep within the layers of the skin. Gamma-Linolenic Acid actively moisturizes skin, helps with excessive scratching, and leaves your dog with a strong, silky coat.
- Canine acne
- Dry nose
- Canine dandruff
On top of everything, hemp oil can thicken their coat and help manage unwanted excessive shedding. All the while, hemp oil is healthier and more effective for canine skin health than the commonly used alternative: fish oil.
3. Antioxidants and Immune System Support
Move over acai berries, there is a new antioxidant sheriff in town: hemp oil. To add to its already impressive list of nutrients, hemp oil also contains the powerful antioxidants Vitamin E and Vitamin A.
The world is full of toxins, also known as free radicals, such as pollution, chemicals, pesticides, and even prescription medication. Naturally, everyday life introduces free radicals into your dog's body. Fortunately, antioxidants are like little immune support helpers that protect the body from free radicals.
Better still, these powerful antioxidants have even more health benefits. Vitamins A and E help promote healthy skin, eyes, and heart.
The Powerful Nutrients in Hemp Oil
Clearly, hemp oil packs an unparalleled holistic health punch. The compounds found within hemp oil work incredibly well together. Let's review the individual merits of hemp oil's nutrient A-team.
- Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) - Helps support joints, healthy inflammatory pathways, energy levels, skin health, immune system and discomfort in joints. Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids - Helps support immune system health, organ health, eye health, heart health, brain health, joint health and supports healthy inflammatory pathways.
- Antioxidants - Helps mitigate against free radicals and support a healthy immune system, eyes, skin and brain health. Phospholipids - Helps promote cellular health, liver health, manage excessive gastric acid and supports brain and heart health.
Clearly, the health benefits of hemp oil for dogs are vast.
How to Give Your Dog Hemp Oil
Fortunately, with the ever-increasing popularity of hemp oil for pets, you have many options to choose from. However, not all hemp oil products are created equally. With the market more saturated than ever before, many products are cutting corners to meet high consumer demands.
Things to look for when buying hemp oil products for dogs:
- 100% Natural
- Made from high-quality ingredients
- What and Soy Free
- Formulated specifically for canine consumption (vet-recommended)
- Non-GMO
- Uses pure hemp seed oil
For example, thePet Honesty Hemp Mobility Chews are safe for dogs of all ages and breeds. Better yet, these unique healthy treats pair hemp oil with turmeric, green-lipped mussels, and glucosamine for enhanced results.
For older dogs, you should try the Pet HonestySenior Hemp Hip and Joint Chews. This formula has added glucosamine and collagen specifically designed to help more mature dogs.
Your research will likely yield an overwhelming amount of hemp products for dogs. However, it is important to specifically utilize hemp oil derived from hemp seeds. That way, your dog will have zero chances of getting the proverbial munchies associated with different parts of the hemp plant.
Does Hemp Oil Have Side Effects?
To add one last cherry on top of this homeopathic sundae, hemp oil has zero side-effects.
There are chemical alternatives that do treat some of the same issues as hemp oil. However, all too frequently harsh alternatives cause more issues than they solve and only treat symptoms.
Hemp Oil for Dogs: In Summary
All things considered, hemp oil is a uniquely powerful supplement for dogs. Hemp oil is a popular way to help address an impressive list of common dog issues. Talk to your vet today about incorporating healthy canine hemp products into your dog's diet.
From all of us here at Pet Honesty, may you and your fur baby have a happy and healthy day!
Sources
Pet MD, Pet MD General Health
Pet Honesty - How Hemp Oil Can Help you Dog with Hip and Joint Pain
Healthline
Ministry of Hemp - 73 Real Life Amazing Hemp Products to Try Today
Dogs Naturally - 6 Reasons to use Hemp Oil for Dogs
Arrf Scarf - Hemp Oil for Dogs
