When exploring how to give your pet hemp, there’s no shortage of options—tinctures, balms, treats, and more. One of the most common questions we hear from pet parents is: What’s the most effective way to use hemp to support my pet’s wellness?
The answer often comes down to something called bioavailability—how efficiently the compounds in hemp oil are absorbed and used by the body. In this article, we’ll break down the different methods of giving hemp to pets and what to consider when choosing the right one for your dog or cat.
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What is Bioavailability?
Bioavailability refers to how efficiently a substance—like hemp oil—is absorbed into the body and put to use. It affects how much of the compound actually reaches your pet’s bloodstream and how quickly it takes effect. The way you give hemp to your dog can significantly impact its bioavailability, making it an important factor when choosing the right product and method for your pet’s wellness routine.
Understanding Hemp Absorption in Pets
The way you give hemp to your pet—whether through an oil, treat, or topical—has a major impact on how well it’s absorbed by their body. Different methods offer different levels of absorption. For example, hemp oil applied directly to the gums typically enters the body more efficiently than hemp oil added to food, which must first pass through the digestive system.
While hemp oil and traditional medications take different routes through the body, research shows that pets have widespread receptors, especially in the nervous and digestive systems, which may influence how hemp oil supports wellness. Source
Why the Way You Give your Pet Hemp Matters
While all hemp products are designed to support wellness, how you give them to your pet can make a significant difference in how much is absorbed and how quickly it works. Each method—whether by mouth, skin, or food—engages different parts of the body.
Understanding how each method works helps you tailor your pet’s routine to match their needs—whether you’re looking for faster absorption, sustained support, or the easiest method for a picky eater or sensitive pup. Let’s look at the most common options and how they function.
Hemp oil for Dogs & Pets: A Versatile and Efficient Option
Hemp oil for dogs, liquid tinctures made with full-spectrum hemp extract and a pet-safe carrier oil, offer a versatile way to support your pet’s wellness. They allow for flexible use and are often favored for their efficient absorption when applied correctly. Tinctures can be given in a few different ways, each with its own absorption profile.
When choosing a tincture, look for transparency from the brand, including a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that confirms what’s in the bottle and verifies purity and potency.
Transmucosal Application: Applying Hemp oil to the Gums
One of the most efficient ways to give your pet a hemp oil is by applying it directly to the gums. This method allows the hemp to be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth, entering the bloodstream more directly and bypassing the digestive system. As a result, more of the beneficial compounds remain active and available for use by the body.
Tip: To keep your tincture fresh and effective, be sure to wipe the dropper clean before returning it to the bottle—especially if it’s been in contact with your pet’s mouth.
Oral Administration: Adding Hemp oil to Food or Treats
Giving hemp oil with food or treats is a popular and convenient option—especially for pets who resist direct application. While this method may result in slower absorption due to digestion, it still plays a valuable role in a pet’s wellness routine.
Even though the effects may take longer to appear, oral administration can help support overall balance and wellness over time.
Transdermal Administration: Applying Hemp oil to the Ears
For pets who may not tolerate tinctures by mouth or in food, applying hemp oil to the soft skin inside the ear flap can offer an alternative method of support. This is known as transdermal application.
While convenient, this is typically the least efficient method—meaning less hemp oil is absorbed compared to oral or gum application. Because of this, it’s important to use a high-quality tincture or concentrate when applying hemp topically to the ears or paw pads.
To apply, place a small amount of oil on your finger or a clean roller top and gently rub it into the area where the fur thins. For cats, paw pads may also be used, as they’re rich in blood vessels and more permeable than skin on other parts of the body.
Smaller Servings for Consistent Support
Whether you give your pet hemp through the gums, in food, or on the skin, one helpful technique is to divide the daily amount into smaller portions throughout the day. This approach can help maintain a more consistent level of hemp oil in the system, supporting balanced wellness throughout the day.
Topical Hemp for Pets: Supporting Skin Wellness
Just like in humans, a dog’s skin is its largest organ, and it plays a key role in overall wellness. One unique benefit of hemp oil is that it can also be applied topically. When used this way, hemp oil nourishes the skin with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant compounds that help maintain hydration and comfort.
Topical hemp oil may be especially useful for supporting skin moisture and comfort, particularly in areas prone to dryness or environmental stress.
Hemp-Infused Grooming for Skin & Coat Wellness
Bathing your pet with grooming products that include full-spectrum hemp extract is a gentle way to support skin hydration and overall coat health. These topicals interact with receptors in the skin to help maintain balance and resilience in the face of environmental stressors.
- Replenish Hemp Dog Shampoo combines full-spectrum hemp extract with ingredients like lemongrass, coconut oil, and olive oil to help cleanse and nourish the skin while promoting a healthy-looking coat.
- Restore Hemp Groom Spray offers a convenient way to maintain moisture between baths. With full-spectrum hemp extract, Tremella mushroom extract, and rosehip seed oil, it supports daily skin comfort and barrier function.
Hemp Balm Sticks & Salves for Skin Nourishment
Topical hemp salves and balm sticks can be a great addition to your pet’s wellness routine, especially for areas that need extra moisture or support. Because receptors are found throughout the skin, these products can interact locally to help maintain skin comfort and hydration.
- Soothe blends full-spectrum hemp extract with ginger and honey to support the skin’s natural barrier and maintain comfort in dry or sensitive areas.
- Remedy includes ingredients like eucalyptus, peppermint, and arnica, offering botanical support for rough or uneven patches.
- Nourish is the first hemp + reishi balm stick for pets, ideal for complete skin + paw care, especially on dry or weather-exposed areas.
For comprehensive support, combining a topical hemp product with a high-quality hemp oil for dogs can help address both internal balance and external comfort. This dual approach supports multiple body systems at once, like the skin, nervous system, and immune system.
Tips for Applying Topical Hemp Balm for Dogs
When using a topical hemp balm or salve, try to apply it as directly to the skin as possible. If your pet has a thick coat, gently part the fur and apply the product to the base of the hair follicles.
All of our salves are made with human-grade, natural ingredients and are safe if accidentally licked. For best results, let the product soak in for 5–10 minutes before your pet has access to the area. Think of it like a nourishing skin balm, designed for comfort, moisture, and barrier support.
Hemp Dog Treats: A Convenient Wellness Option
Hemp-infused treats offer a simple and enjoyable way to add full-spectrum hemp extract to your pet’s daily routine. Like hemp oil added to food, treats must pass through the digestive system, which can affect how quickly the hemp is absorbed. Still, they remain a valuable option, especially for pets who prefer snacks over oils or have dietary sensitivities.
Blanche’s Edibles are vegan, grain-free treats made with organic coconut and coconut oil, offering a plant-based alternative designed for pets with dietary sensitivities. Available in small and large bags with 125mg or 250mg of full-spectrum hemp extract.
Hemp dog treats are ideal for daily use or as part of a broader wellness plan. If you plan to use them before a change in routine (like travel or grooming), be sure to offer the treat 45–60 minutes in advance to allow time for digestion and absorption.
Choosing the Right Hemp Product for Your Pet
Now that you understand the different ways to give your pet hemp, you can feel more confident choosing a product that fits their needs and your routine.
If your goal is to support internal balance, such as promoting comfort, mobility, or general wellness, hemp oil for dogs offers a convenient and versatile choice. Topical hemp options like salves and grooming products are ideal for skin-focused care, while hemp-infused treats provide a simple, enjoyable method for consistent use.
Many pet parents choose to combine oral and topical approaches to provide both internal and external support. Whatever method you select, be sure to choose a high-quality hemp product from a trusted source that provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify purity and safety.
Explore our Hemp Guide for Pet Parents. This quick guide is designed to help pet parents understand the basics of using hemp and decide whether it might be a good fit for their pet’s wellness routine. If you have more specific questions or need personalized guidance, our amazing customer service team—including experienced vet techs and holistic pet experts—is always available to help you and your pet find the right support.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s wellness routine.
