Watching your dog struggle with arthritis can be heartbreaking, especially when simple movements like walking or climbing stairs become painful. While traditional medications like NSAIDs can help, they often come with unwanted side effects that make long-term use risky. As a result, many pet owners are turning to natural alternatives, and one promising option is CBD oil for dogs with arthritis.

In this guide, we’ll explore what CBD oil for dogs is, why it has become a popular treatment option for arthritis, how to determine proper dosage, and what to look for when choosing a quality product. We’ll also review the best CBD oils for dogs with arthritis available in Canada and address some common myths to help you make informed, safe choices for your furry friend’s joint health.

This begs the question—what is the best CBD oil for dogs? 

What Is CBD Oil for Dogs?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural ingredient found in the marijuana plant that does not cause a “high” feeling (the psychoactive effect that people often associate with marijuana) but instead results in muscle relaxation, a reduction in anxiety, and a feeling of calmness. This means that giving your dog CBD can help relax their sore joints and muscles, giving them some relief from the pain of arthritis. 

As a result, a wide variety of CBD products for dogs have become available on the market. One popular option is CBD oil, which can be mixed with your dog’s food or administered directly with a dropper.

Why CBD Oil for Arthritic Dogs Has Become Popular

Public attitudes toward cannabis have changed dramatically in the past decade. Once stigmatized, it’s now widely accepted for its therapeutic benefits—especially since Canada legalized cannabis nationwide in 2018. This shift has encouraged research and normalized the use of cannabis-derived products, like cannabidiol (CBD), for wellness and pain relief.

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce a “high.” Instead, it offers calming, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects that have helped many people manage arthritis and chronic pain naturally—often with fewer side effects than traditional medications. As people experienced these benefits themselves, it made sense to explore similar options for their pets.

Dogs share an endocannabinoid system with humans, meaning CBD can similarly interact with their bodies—reducing inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain. As more owners saw their pets struggle with mobility issues, CBD oil emerged as a safe, natural way to restore comfort and improve quality of life.

CBD Arthritis Treatment for Dogs vs. Conventional Medications (NSAIDs, Steroids)

While arthritis can severely impact a dog’s mobility and comfort, most treatments rely on NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), similar to ibuprofen for humans. Though effective for pain relief, these drugs can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, kidney issues, and, with long-term use, organ damage. Steroids are another option, but they can lead to hormonal imbalance and immune suppression.

Due to these risks, many dog owners are opting for safer, more natural alternatives. CBD and joint supplements have become popular for their gentle, holistic approach to managing inflammation and pain—without the harsh side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Much like in human wellness, CBD’s rise in popularity among pet owners reflects a growing interest in natural, science-backed pain management. Early research and real-world success stories continue to build confidence in CBD as an effective, compassionate way to support arthritic dogs and help them move comfortably again.

Explanation of CBD vs THC

The key difference between CBD and THC when it comes to cannabis products for pets is that the effects that they have on the body are very different:CBD is non-psychoactive and generally considered safe for dogs when used in the proper dosage (see “general dosage” section for more information)

• THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive and toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Ingesting THC can cause disorientation, tremors, vomiting, lethargy, or worse. For this reason, pet owners should only use CBD products that are clearly labeled as safe for pets.

Always double-check the product’s certificate of analysis (COA) or third-party lab test results to confirm that the THC content is negligible and that the formula is free of harmful additives.

General Dosage

While there are no official, universally standardized doses for CBD oil for dogs, most recommendations follow a weight-based starting point and emphasize a "start low and go slow" approach.

Typical Weight-Based Dosing

A common general guideline for starting or low doses is 1 to 2 mg of CBD per 10 pounds (approximately 4.5 kg) of body weight, administered once or twice daily.

This can be broken down into a range for different dosing goals (based on generalized information from different CBD oil products for dogs):

Some important reminders:

• Always Consult Your Veterinarian: This is the most crucial step, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or is taking other medications, as CBD can affect liver function and drug absorption.

• Check the Product Concentration: The actual amount of oil/drops to give will depend entirely on the concentration (mg of CBD) per millilitre (mL) or drop of the specific product you are using. Follow the manufacturer's label based on your dog's weight.

How CBD Dosages are Determined and Adjusted

The correct CBD dosage for your dog depends on multiple factors and is fine-tuned through observation and gradual adjustment:

1. Dog’s Body Weight & Metabolism

• Larger dogs require higher doses due to greater body mass.

• Metabolism, age, and breed affect how quickly CBD is processed, influencing both frequency and amount needed.

2. Severity of the Condition

• Low Dose: For general wellness, mild anxiety, or preventive care.

• Medium to Strong Dose: For chronic pain (e.g., arthritis), severe anxiety, or seizures, the dosage is gradually increased until the desired effect is achieved.

3. “Start Low and Go Slow” Method (Titration)

• Begin with the lowest recommended dose (e.g., 1 mg per 10 lbs) once or twice daily.

• Maintain this dose for 3–7 days while monitoring for improvement or side effects (e.g., sedation, upset stomach).

• If results are minimal, increase gradually by 1–2 mg and hold for another 3–7 days before adjusting again.

• Goal: find the Minimum Effective Dose (MED) that provides relief.

4. Product Type & Concentration

• Formulation: Oils absorb faster; chews or treats act slower but last longer.

• Potency: Always calculate dosage in milligrams (mg) based on product strength (e.g., 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg bottles)—not by drops or volume.

What are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs with Arthritis?

CBD for dogs with arthritis has become a popular option for canine owners because of the prevalence of the disease, regardless of the dog’s age or breed. Incorporating CBD oil into your dog’s daily diet can have positive results in terms of mobility and pain relief. Some benefits of CBD oil for arthritis in dogs include:

1. Reduces Inflammation Without Side Effects

Given that NSAIDs can potentially cause your dog to experience negative side effects, one of the most attractive facts about CBD for dogs with arthritis is that it doesn’t cause any negative side effects. One study found that giving dogs 2 mg of CBD oil for every 2 kg of body weight resulted in a significant reduction in pain and an increase in activity, with no observable side effects. 

When combined with a therapeutic joint supplement for dogs such as TRI-ACTA H.A., you can easily get your pup off of NSAIDs and give them relief from their arthritis without having to worry about the potential of them developing secondary conditions or suffering from adverse effects over time. 

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More

2. Helps Improve Mobility

Stiffness and reduced mobility are common side effects of arthritis in dogs, which often means that they are not as active as they once were due to the pain and discomfort. Given that arthritis can cause muscle tension due to your dog’s body trying to protect their joints, the muscle-relaxant effect of CBD is noteworthy.

 Another study on the effects of CBD in dogs with arthritis pain from Cornell University found that 4.4 mg of CBD per pound twice daily for a month resulted in extreme improvements in dogs that were so affected by arthritis that their owners considered euthanasia. After the initial one-month period, these dogs were climbing stairs with ease. It’s important to work with a veterinarian (even though they can’t prescribe CBD directly—more on that later in this article) to help determine the correct dosage for your dog. The most logical approach is to start with a small dose and ramp up slowly until improvements are noticed. 

3. Helps Manage Anxiety

When your pup is in pain and dealing with daily discomfort, they may also develop anxiety—especially when they need to do things like climb stairs or otherwise exert themselves. Thankfully, CBD oil for dogs with anxiety is available. In humans, CBD helps manage anxiety by mimicking serotonin by binding and activating the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors in the brain. Dogs also have these serotonin receptors, so it’s possible that the CBD works in the same way for our canine companions. A study conducted by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute found that giving dogs a once-daily dose of 4 mg of CBD per kg of body weight resulted in a calming effect in the dogs that received the CBD, and that their bodies tolerated it better than psychiatric drugs.

5 Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Arthritis

When selecting the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis, consider factors such as product quality, potency, transparency, and customer reviews. Look for CBD oils specifically formulated for pets, preferably derived from organic hemp, and third-party tested for purity and potency. Additionally, opt for products with clear dosage instructions and reputable brands known for their commitment to pet wellness. Consulting with your veterinarian can also provide valuable guidance tailored to your dog's specific needs and health condition.

1. CBD Oil for Dogs Canada – Pets CBD Oil Tincture 150mg (CBD2HEAL)

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It can be difficult to find pure CBD oil for pets. However, CBD Heal contains 99% CBD isolate without any other cannabinoids or THC, which is backed by a lab certificate of analysis, so you can be sure of what you are giving your pet. There are a variety of different concentrations available based on the size of your pet:

• 150 mg for small-sized pets (5–10 lbs)

• 250 mg for medium-sized pets (10–20 lbs)

• 500 mg for large-sized pets (30–50 lbs)

• 1000 mg for pets 50+ lbs

Starts at $29.99 CDN for a one-time purchase of the 150 ml bottle, or $23.99/month for a subscription. Pricing as of November 2025.

2. Joy Organics CBD Oil Tincture for Pets

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Joy Organics provides organic, THC-free CBD oil tinctures specially formulated for pets, ensuring high quality and safety for your furry friend. It contains only two ingredients, organic olive oil,       and organic broad-spectrum hemp extract. It also had no detectable THC.

$39.95 USD or about $56.14 CAD for a one-time purchase, or $27.96 USD (about $39.29 CAD) for a subscription. Pricing as of November 2025.

3. Medterra CBD Pet Oil

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Medterra's pet CBD tinctures are crafted using CO2 extraction methods and third-party testing to ensure quality and consistency, making them popular among pet owners. It also comes in various strengths (depending on your pet’s weight) and pet-friendly flavours like beef or chicken. 

$24.99 USD for a 300mg bottle or about $35.12 CAD if doing a one-time purchase. Discounts available for 1 or 2-month delivery options. Pricing as of November 2025.

4. King Kalm CBD 

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Renowned for its extensive range of CBD products for pets, King Kanine offers CBD oil tinctures made from organic hemp extract and designed to support overall wellness and joint health. Like the other CBD offerings on this list, different concentrations are available depending on your pet’s weight.

$29.99 USD or about $40.44 CAD. Pricing as of November 2025.

5. Resolve CBD Oil for Dogs & Cats

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This Canadian-made product is formulated with broad-spectrum hemp extract derived from locally grown hemp plants and contains only trace amounts of THC. It’s available in multiple concentrations, including 200 mg, 600 mg, and 1000 mg, allowing pet owners to choose the right strength for their dog’s size and needs.  

The oil also comes in pet-friendly flavours such as salmon and bacon, making it easier to administer, and each batch is backed by third-party lab testing (Certificate of Analysis) to verify purity, potency, and THC content.

Starts at $19.99 CAD for a 200 mg bottle. Pricing as of November 2025.

Comparing the Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Arthritis

Here is a quick comparison of the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis recommendations listed in the previous section for quick reference:

*Pricing as of November 2025 (CAD)

Common Myths of CBD Oil for Dogs

While the availability of CBD oil for arthritic dogs is definitely an important advancement in treating canines with this condition, it’s important to realize that due to the popularity of the medication, some myths surrounding what it can do and how it works have emerged. It can be difficult to determine what’s false and factual information when you’re searching online for information because much of the information you’ll find seems logical and easy to believe.

But just because CBD oil for dogs arthritis pain is effective doesn’t mean that it’s a cure-all. Here, we bust some common misconceptions and provide the real facts behind CBD oil for dogs instead.

Myth #1: CBD Treats the Root Cause of Joint Pain

CBD oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in dogs with joint pain, which helps them feel more comfortable and allows them to move more easily, but it’s important to recognize that CBD oil for dogs isn’t a cure for joint pain. The best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis helps manage pain and inflammation, which results in dogs becoming more active and having a better quality of life in general, but it will not cure or eliminate the condition.

This is why it’s important to use a joint supplement like TRI-ACTA H.A. in conjunction with CBD oil, as the natural ingredients in this supplement are proven to help strengthen your dog’s weakened joints over time by replenishing the ingredients that their bodies naturally produce. TRI-ACTA H.A. is an especially noteworthy option because it contains 100% therapeutic ingredients:

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More

Myth #2: CBD for Dogs with Arthritis is Vet-Recommended

This can be a tough one because while some research has been done that touts possible positive effects of the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis, the research is still in its early stages. Publications like the use of cannabinoids for managing disease in dogs and cats can be found online, but they all end with the disclaimer that more research needs to be done. In addition, a veterinarian can’t actually prescribe your pup CBD oil or sell it to you. They might recommend that you try CBD oil and provide some advice for its use, but you can’t legally get a CBD oil prescription for your dog from your vet in Canada or the United States.

This might seem odd, considering if you do a quick Google search, you’ll find many CBD products marketed and sold for pets. The way that some pet product companies get around this is by marketing the product as hemp (which is a legal part of the cannabis plant that is often used for clothing and other goods). Hemp-derived CBD products, while you can purchase them easily over the counter or online, are still not approved by the FDA in the United States. This means that veterinarians also cannot legally prescribe hemp pet products and that the ingredients in these products are not regulated, so the quality and efficacy can’t be guaranteed. 

Canada is similar; veterinarians also can’t directly prescribe CBD for pets (because they are not approved by Health Canada) but they can discuss human CBD use in a therapeutic sense for a pet and even recommend it in an “extra-label” scenario (meaning that the use of the drug differs from the approved labelling). 

Myth #3: CBD Oil for Humans is the Same as CBD Oil for Dogs

Human CBD and pet CBD are both created from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the marijuana plant.  Although the main ingredient (cannabidiol) is the same in CBD oil meant for humans or dogs, there is a distinct difference in the products meant for each:

• THC, which stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol, is somewhat toxic to dogs. The effects of eating marijuana that contains THC or inhaling the smoke can vary depending on the potency of the marijuana and the amount of THC consumed by your pup. Some symptoms include lethargy, depression, uncoordinated movements, drooling, vomiting, disorientation, urinary incontinence, and if a large amount is ingested, seizures, body tremors, and respiratory depression. Because THC can cause adverse effects in dogs, CBD products marketed towards dogs often have little or no THC, while human CBD oil may have some THC in it. Full-spectrum CBD products for dogs can contain a slight amount of THC (which is often less than 0.3 percent), which may cause some additional effects in your pup, but usually none to worry about. 

• Human CBD oil may contain added ingredients for flavour, texture, smell, and so on. This is to make the product more appealing to people, as the oil itself can be quite bitter and taste like grass. Additional ingredients like xylitol (a sweetener that is toxic to dogs) may be added to CBD gummies or oils.

• Human CBD oil won’t have any information or recommendations on its labelling for how to properly use it for your pet. While this is expected, it means that you’re on your own to determine how much to give to your dog at a time. Plus, CBD oil for humans is typically much stronger than CBD oil marketed towards dogs, making it more difficult to determine the correct dosage amount. 

Myth #4: CBD Oil is the Same Strength Every Time

One thing about CBD oil, whether for humans or pets, is that the dosage amount can’t be completely guaranteed. When looking at CBD oil products for sale for humans online or in a store in Canada, for example, you’ll often see that the THC or CBD that the product contains is listed as a range rather than a specific amount. This is because while the strain of plants can be controlled to some degree, there is no way to ensure that two plants, even if they were grown together in the exact same conditions, contain the same amount of these two ingredients. Therefore, some may contain slightly more CBD or slightly less.

While the difference in high-quality products is usually negligible for humans, you might notice a difference in therapeutic value for your dog. It’s important to pay close attention to the label and note that ingredients could differ for a current and past batch of the same CBD oil.

Final Thoughts on CBD Oil for Dogs with Arthritis

Choosing the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis involves careful consideration of factors such as product quality, potency, transparency, and customer reviews. While traditional treatments like NSAIDs can effectively manage pain, they often come with potential side effects. CBD oil offers a natural alternative that can alleviate inflammation, improve mobility, and manage anxiety without adverse reactions. However, its benefits for joint health are limited to reducing the symptoms, and it fails to address the root cause. 

When selecting a CBD oil, opt for products specifically formulated for pets and third-party tested for purity and potency. 

As part of a complete approach to managing your dog’s arthritis pain, it’s important to incorporate a joint supplement into their diet to address the root cause, in addition to pain relief, like what is provided through the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis. 

TRI-ACTA H.A. is one such supplement that will treat the cause and symptoms of a mobility concern. It can help dogs with arthritis and be used in conjunction with CBD oil.

Purchase TRI-ACTA H.A. online today or learn where to buy at a store near you.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More