We reviewed 40 CBD brands and here are the top 9 for anxious dogs
Top 9 CBD oils for dog anxiety (at a glance):
1. Honest Paws Calm Oil (use COFD for 20% off)
2. Batch CBD Oil for Pets
3. Penelope’s Bloom (use SaveMore for 15% off)
4. HP Calm Bites
5. Charlotte’s Web for Pets
6. CBDfx Pet Oil
7. CBDistillery Pet Oil
8. HempMy Pet
9. Medterra Pets CBD (use COFD for 15% off)
Dog-specific CBD company Honest Paws scored highest for both CBD quality and customer feedback in our 2023 review. This Calm Oil uses a rich, full-spectrum CBD oil and is infused with soothing chamomile extract. All organic, US grown, and a 4.9 star rating from hundreds of reviews makes HP Calm Oil the clear winner for best CBD oil for dogs suffering with anxiety.
Ranking factors behind the best CBD for dog anxiety
We rate CBD oils for dogs with anxiety by extract quality and unbiased customer reviews.
- CBD extract quality
The best CBD oils for canine anxiety come from full-spectrum hemp, which means they contain a whole plant extract. These contain supporting cannabinoids, in addition to CBD, which promote better absorption in dogs.
In addition to CBD, we look for higher levels of CBC, as “both CBD and CBC displayed significant antidepressant-like effect in the used animal models.”, according to the National Library of Medicine.
- Customer reviews
Owners are the best people to observe pets’ well-being and say whether CBD is working for canine anxiety. We analyze independent reviews from Google and Facebook, not the ones that brands display on their website, to give you an unbiased view.
Full CBD for dog anxiety reviews in 2023
1. Best CBD oil for dog anxiety
Honest Paws Calm CBD Oil
Honest Paws Calm Oil was an easy choice as the best CBD oil for dog owners looking to help their pup manage anxiety.
Its full-spectrum hemp oil is organic, grown in Colorado, and contains all 7 supportive cannabinoids, making it more effective and easily absorbed. High levels of the anti-anxiolytic cannabinoids CBC and CBN, and the inclusion of organic chamomile, provide additional calming properties.
The 3rd-party reviews for Honest Paws are just as impressive as their product. The brand boasts a 4.9 / 5 star rating from over 600 happy pet owners.
Honest Paws is so confident in the efficacy of their CBD for dogs that they offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
Consistent dosing is easy, as the CBD content on Calm Oil label accurately matches its lab reports by 97%.
At a cost of $0.10 per mg of CBD in the 1000mg size, just $0.01 more than industry average, Honest Paws Calm Oil is our standout winner for dogs with anxiety.
Label accuracy: 97%
Supportive cannabinoids: 7 / 7 (view Honest Paws Calm lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 125, 250, 500, 1000
Owner reviews: 4.9 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $48, subscribe and save 15%
2nd best CBD oil for dog anxiety
Batch CBD oil for Dogs
Batch CBD is made with 100% organic, non-GMO, Wisconsin grown hemp, and its Alaskan salmon oil flavoring and organic MCT carrier oil make it more palatable and easier on your dog’s stomach.
It ranks as the 2nd best CBD oil for dogs with anxiety, thanks to its high concentration of cannabinoids, including CBC and CBN, which are known to have additional anti-anxiolytic properties. It is a true full-spectrum CBD, with 6 of the 7 supportive cannabinoids we look for.
While Batch CBD may not have as many reviews as other brands, the 5/5 star rating from its 44 reviews is a testament to its effectiveness. The company stands behind its products with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can try the product risk-free and see if it works for your anxious pup.
One thing to keep in mind is that Batch CBD is only offered in the 750mg size and does not use additional therapeutic ingredients like chamomile.
At $0.09 per mg, Batch CBD is a more affordable option than some other high-quality brands, while offering a superior CBD oil, making it a great value for owners of anxious dogs.
Label accuracy: 93%
Supportive cannabinoids: 6 / 7 (view Batch CBD lab report)
CBD sizes (in mg): 750
Owner reviews: 5 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $25, Subscribe and save 25%
3. Best broad-spectrum CBD oil for dog anxiety
Penelope’s Bloom
Penelope’s Bloom is a great option for pet owners looking for a CBD oil to help manage their dog’s anxiety. While it’s not a true full-spectrum CBD oil, it still boasts a high cannabinoid count with 5 of the 7 we look for, the highest of any THC-free option.
It uses organic, non-GMO hemp grown in Wisconsin, and contains chamomile for additional calming effects. It’s available in 4 convenient sizes and is priced below the industry average, making it an affordable option for pet owners.
As a newer brand, PB does not have as many reviews as other brands, but the testimonials they have so far are positive.
Label accuracy: 97%
Supportive cannabinoids: 5 / 7 (view Penelope’s Bloom lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 250, 500, 750, 1000
Owner reviews: 4.2 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $75, subscribe and save 20%
4. Best CBD dog treats for anxiety
Honest Paws Calm Bites
Calm Bites are a great option for dog owners who want the same great CBD as Honest Paws Calm Oil but in the convenient form of a treat.
Made using organic, non-GMO ingredients, no artificial flavors, and just 6 ingredients – CBD, MCT oil, barley flour, coconut oil, oats, peanut butter, and whole dried eggs – you can feel good feeding your pup these healthy chews.
While its Calm Oil (and CBD oils in general) has a better absorption rate in dogs, this is a tasty and convenient alternative which can be used independently or combined with HP Calm Oil.
Label accuracy: 97%
Supportive cannabinoids: 7 / 7 (view Honest Paws Calm lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 150
Owner reviews: 4.9 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $48, subscribe and save 15%
5th best CBD oil for dog anxiety
Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract
Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract Drops for Dogs ranks as the 5th best CBD oil for dogs with anxiety due to its use of a cannabinoid rich, full-spectrum CBD from US-grown hemp. We also like that it comes in a chicken flavor and unflavored option.
Unfortunately, testimonials from pet owners are lackluster, with a rating of just 3.2/5. Unresponsive customer support was a common complaint.
We also found its lab reports to be inconsistent, with different CBD levels reported compared to the advertised amount on the label.
With this in mind, we don’t believe it’s fair to be the most expensive CBD oil on our list, but it does offer more supportive cannabinoids than the majority of its competition.
Label Accuracy: 85%
Supportive cannabinoids: 6 / 7 (view Charlotte’s Web for Dogs lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 510, 1700
Owner Reviews: 3.2 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $74, subscribe and save 20%
6th best CBD oil for dog anxiety
CBDfx Pet Tincture
CBDfx Pet Tincture has many great testimonials, along with accurate CBD labeling, giving you peace of mind that your dog is getting a consistent dose every time. Additionally, it is made in the USA, comes in 4 convenient sizes, and comes in both a bacon flavor and chicken flavor.
The main downside of CBDfx Pet Tincture is its broad-spectrum formulation, which contains only three of the seven cannabinoids we look for in a CBD oil for dogs.
While it is a good THC-free product, it has the same cost as Penelope’s Bloom, which is also THC-free product that contains five of the seven supportive cannabinoids.
Label accuracy: 95%
Supportive cannabinoids: 3 / 7 (view CBDfx for dogs lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 250, 500, 1000, 2000
Owner reviews: 4.6 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on all orders
7th best CBD oil for dog anxiety
CBDistillery Pet Tincture
CBDistillery Pet Tincture uses a full-spectrum CBD, containing five of the seven supportive cannabinoids we look. Additionally, at just $0.07 per mg of CBD, CBDistillery Pet Tincture is the least expensive full-spectrum CBD oil on our list, making it a great option for pet owners on a tighter budget. While it does not contain CBN, an anti-anxiolytic cannabinoid we mentioned earlier, it does contain a higher than average amount of CBC.
There are some downsides to consider, however. Our main concern is that its lab reports and label advertising of CBD levels are not closely matched, which can make it difficult for pet owners to accurately dose their dog. Additionally, unlike most CBD oils on this list, CBDistillery Pet Tincture is not organic or made in the USA.
Label accuracy: 88%
Supportive cannabinoids: 5 / 7 (view CBDistillery Pet Oil lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 150, 600
Owner reviews: 3.9 / 5
Shopping perks: Subscribe to save 30%
8th best CBD oil for dog anxiety
HempMy Pet Hemp CBD Oil
HempMy Pet Hemp CBD Pet Oil is a good option for pet owners looking for an organic, full-spectrum CBD oil to help manage their dog’s anxiety.
It is different from many of its competitors as it uses a hemp seed carrier oil. While the hemp seed carrier oil may not be as easy on dogs’ stomachs as other carrier oils, it’s a unique feature that sets this product apart from other CBD oils for dogs.
A downside of HempMy Pet Hemp CBD Pet Oil is the lack of third-party reviews for this product on the web. However, the product does have independent lab certificates.
Another downside is the price point. While HempMy Pet Hemp CBD Pet Oil is a high-quality product, it costs as much as our top pick, Honest Paws, but does not have as rich of a cannabinoid profile.
Overall, while HempMy Pet Hemp CBD Pet Oil may not be the most affordable or highly rated CBD oil on the market, it’s still a good product that pet owners can try thanks its full-spectrum CBD and unique hemp seed carrier oil.
Label accuracy: 95%
Supportive cannabinoids: 4 / 7 (view HempMy Pet lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 250, 1000
Owner reviews: NA
Shopping perks: Subscribe and save 30%
9. Best CBD isolate oil for dogs with anxiety
Medterra Pet Oil
Medterra CBD Pet Oil is a solid option for pet owners looking for a CBD isolate product to help manage their dog’s anxiety. As an isolate CBD, however, it ranks as the 8th best for dogs with anxiety due to its lack of full-spectrum benefits.
This CBD isolate product comes in 4 strengths – 150mg, 300mg, 750mg, and 1200mg CBD – and in 3 flavors – beef, chicken, and unflavored. The brand has many positive reviews, which speaks to its effectiveness for managing various ailments in dogs.
One of the standout features of Medterra CBD Pet Oil is its price point. Compared to broad-spectrum or full-spectrum products, this CBD isolate product is more affordable, making it a great option for pet owners on a budget.
Label accuracy: 95%
Supportive cannabinoids: 1 / 7 (view Medterra CBD Pet Oil lab report)
CBD sizes (mg): 150, 300, 750, 1200
Owner reviews: 4.3 / 5
Shopping perks: Free shipping on order over $75, subscribe for 30% off
CBD oil for dogs with Anxiety – FAQ’s
- How does CBD oil work with anxiety?
- How much CBD should I give my dog for anxiety? (dosages)
- What size CBD oil should I buy?
- Should I buy CBD oils or CBD dog treats for dogs with anxiety?
- How do I give my dog CBD oil for anxiety?
- How do I tell if my dog’s CBD oil is working?
- Can dogs overdose from CBD oil?
- Does CBD oil for dogs have any side effects?
- Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs with anxiety?
How does CBD oil work with anxiety?
In studies where participants undergo experimentally-induced anxiety, researchers have found that anxiety states affect the immune system, causing increased levels of inflammation.
Often called the “fight-or-flight” response, it’s common for dogs and humans experiencing anxiety to undergo this heightened level of stress, which can exacerbate symptoms further.
When consumed, CBD and other cannabinoids interact with a part of the immune system called the endocannabinoid system. This part of dogs’ bodies is particularly related to the control of inflammatory signals, meaning that CBD can have a direct effect on internal inflammation levels.
Reducing inflammation can reduce associated anxiety symptoms.
How much CBD should I give my dog for anxiety?
When it comes to anxiety, many dogs only need a low dose of CBD to feel the benefits. CBD dosages for canine anxiety can also vary widely spending upon a dog’s size and the severity of their anxiety condition.
While there is no single CBD dosage guideline, most studies and brands recommend anywhere from 1 – 4 mg of CBD per pound of your dog’s body weight, with a starting dose of 1mg/lbs. So, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, a 20 mg dose of CBD is be a good place to start.
A daily routine or a single dose?
Whether you give your dog CBD every day or only at certain times will largely come down to how often they experience anxiety.
Some people reserve CBD for certain events such as 4th July fireworks or long road trips. Others will only give their dog CBD when leaving them alone in the house.
In clinical studies involving dogs with inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis or seizures, dogs who were given a consistent daily dose of CBD showed the most promising results.
What size CBD oil should I buy?
Dog owners take different approaches to CBD supplementation for dogs with anxiety. Often the amount of CBD oil a dog needs will depend upon their size and weight, as well as the specifics of their anxiety condition.
Dogs with ongoing anxiety issues may be more likely to benefit from a daily dose of CBD, given consistently over several weeks or months (or indefinitely). In these cases, a medium-to-large size CBD oil will offer the best value.
If a dog has an acute phobia that only occurs in isolated situations, a single dose of CBD given at the point of need, may be more appropriate. Smaller bottles of CBD are likely to be enough for this purpose.
Should I buy CBD oils or CBD dog treats for dogs with anxiety?
In short, CBD oil is generally better due to the fact that the fat in the carrier oils (such as MCT oil or hempseed oil) can increase the body’s absorption of CBD during digestion.
Oils can also give owners greater ability to vary the dosages. If you want to increase from 20 mg’s to 30 mg’s, you can simply measure the CBD oil in the tincture, versus having to break a CBD treat up by hand.
Treats, however, are easier to carry around and use when out of the house. Dogs who are suspicious of medications may be more receptive to CBD treats, as well, although CBD oils can also be added to their dog food instead of being directly dropped into their mouth.
How do I give my dog CBD oil for anxiety?
Most people add a few drops of CBD oil to their dog’s food each day. This means you don’t need to add an extra routine into their schedule.
But there are several ways to give a dog CBD for anxiety, which can result in slightly different effects.
If you’re using CBD oil to help ease a dog’s phobias, you may want to try giving them a larger dose between 30 mins and two hours prior to the phobia trigger. You can drop the oil directly into a dog’s mouth or rub CBD into their gums.
How do I tell if my dog’s CBD oil is working?
For most dogs, it’s unlikely that CBD supplementation will be enough to resolve an anxiety condition. Instead, CBD should be used in combination with routines and behavioral training techniques designed to help dogs develop methods to cope with stress.
Common strategies include crate training and desensitization, where owners identify triggers for a dog’s anxiety and re-associate those stimuli with positive things like treats and rewards.
Many owners report that CBD helps their dogs become less sensitive to anxiety triggers and/or more receptive to training.
When your pet first starts taking CBD supplements, keep a close eye on them to determine if they are benefiting from it.
Can dogs overdose from CBD oil?
Overdosing on CBD oil is not a practical possibility, because CBD and other hemp compounds don’t produce any psychoactive or toxic effects.
When scientists did test the upper limits of CBD consumption (in a morally questionable mid-twentieth century experiment on monkeys), they found that prolonged exposure to extremely high amounts of CBD could cause damage to the liver.
However, dogs would need to consume many times the recommended dose to approach this threshold.
Does CBD oil for dogs have any side effects?
While there’s no evidence of overdosing from CBD, some owners have reported mild side effects after giving their dogs CBD oil. These side effects might be due to the CBD extract, the high-fat carrier oil, or both.
The most commonly reported side effects of CBD oil in dogs are:
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Diarrhea
Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs with anxiety?
Pet CBD is a natural supplement that hasn’t gone through the FDA-approval process necessary to become a prescribed treatment by vets.
That means that vets in most states aren’t able to recommend CBD oil for dogs with anxiety in a professional capacity.
That said, laws surrounding CBD are quickly changing, and many animal healthcare experts are happy to discuss the pros and cons of CBD supplementation with pet owners.
Always consult your veterinarian before beginning any new treatment plan with your dog.
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