Best CBD for Dog Anxiety

We reviewed 40 CBD brands and here are the top 9 for anxious dogs

Spring 2023 update | 8 min read

CBD oil has been shown in studies and from dog owner’s experiences to be a safe and effective option for reducing canine anxiety. But choosing the right CBD can be a challenge.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best CBD products for dogs with anxiety, including their features and benefits, so you can make an informed and confident choice.

9 Best CBD Oils for Anxiety 2023 lined up side by side

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.

How we review CBD for dog anxiety

Our team is made of pet owners and research experts who take canine CBD recommendations seriously. Our process involves analyzing the lab results, as well as unbiased customer reviews, of 40 popular brands.

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.

How CBD works for anxiety

Anxiety conditions trigger fear and stress responses. This means that dogs suffering from anxiety issues often experience high levels of inflammation.

Studies show that CBD interacts with receptors in dogs’ bodies that control the inflammatory response, helping pups return to a normal state of calm. CBD may make dogs more receptive to training during times of heightened stress.
Read more info on the science behind CBD for dogs.

Full CBD for dog anxiety reviews in 2023

1. Best CBD oil for dog anxiety
Honest Paws Calm CBD Oil

CBD quality

Organic full-spectrum

Great

Owner reviews

630+ ratings

4.9/5

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.

Use COFD for 20% off Honest Paws Calm Oil

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

CBD quality

Organic full-spectrum

Great

Owner reviews

44+ ratings

5.0/5

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.

Get lowest price on Batch CBD for Dogs here

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

CBD quality

Organic broad-spectrum

Great

Owner reviews

10+ ratings

4.2/5

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.

Get lowest price on Penelope’s Bloom here

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

CBD quality

Organic full-spectrum

Great

Owner reviews

630+ ratings

4.9/5

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.

Use COFD for 20% off Honest Paws Calm Bites

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

Charlottes Web Hemp Extract for Pets

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Owner reviews

85+ ratings

3.2/5

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

CBD quality

Broad-spectrum

Okay

Owner reviews

330+ ratings

4.6/5

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

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Owner reviews

368+ ratings

3.9/5

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

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Owner reviews

No reviews

0/5

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

CBD quality

Isolate

Okay

Owner reviews

346+ ratings

4.3/5

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

Best CBD oil for dogs with anxiety

The science of CBD and anxiety in dogs

With the success of CBD supplements that reduce anxiety in humans, it’s no surprise that dog owners and animal healthcare experts are now using CBD to soothe anxiety conditions in dogs.

Unlike many dietary supplements, CBD has real clinical studies suggesting it can lower internal inflammation associated with anxiety and stress.

Research suggests that giving dogs CBD can calm nervous dogs, making them more receptive to new routines and behavioral training.

Recent studies on CBD and anxiety in animals

There are currently no studies that record the effect of CBD on anxious dogs, but because CBD works in similar ways across dogs and other animals, researchers can gather data by testing CBD on humans and mice.

When researchers analyzed the effects of CBD on rats in a 2012 study, they found that CBD increased available serotonin in the brain, which could reduce the potential for depression or anxiety.

A wide-ranging 2015 review of studies on CBD and anxiety found that regular supplementation is associated with reductions in many kinds of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Another 2019 clinical study involving over 50 adults found that a medium-high dose of CBD significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.

A more recent 2020 review of studies on how CBD affects fear and anxiety in animals found that it can produce “anxiolytic, anti-stress, anti-compulsive, and panicolytic-like effects.”

Anecdotal evidence on CBD for dogs with anxiety (owner testimonials):

I have an 11 year old French Bulldog and she loves Penelope’s Bloom treats. She tends to have anxiety when we have people over so we give her a treat and she calms right down. These treats have been a game changer for all of us! She literally goes over to the cabinet when we have company and just looks at us for a treat. They also work great for her vet visits, even her vet is amazed at how calm she is.” Chris Zastrow, Penelope’s Bloom customer

I have a three year old Chihuahua who has battled anxiety for quite some time. There’s no real trigger, but it hits hard and he gets so worked up he gives himself a panic attack. We have tried many things to no avail. I came across Honest Paws looking for a CBD treatment. He’s been on Honest Paws Calm for dogs under 25lbs for just over two weeks. He went from having multiple episodes a week to none so far!” – Shannon Gorman, Honest Paws customer

CBD spectrum

CBD oil can help to reduce inflammation in dogs, but some products have more potential to help with anxiety than others.

Most experts agree that the best CBD oils for dogs contain a range of cannabinoids alongside CBD. This helps dogs receive the full benefits of hemp.

CBD oils with a wide range of hemp compounds are called full-spectrum. Most brands use the term “spectrum” to describe how many cannabinoids are contained in a CBD oil:

  • Full-spectrum = CBD + all the cannabinoids found in the original plant
  • Broad-spectrum = CBD + some cannabinoids
  • Isolate = CBD only

Overall hemp quality is also a big factor in how potent and well-rounded an extract is.

For dogs with anxiety, we always recommend full spectrum CBD oils.

CBC, CBN, and other cannabinoids

CBD has shown to be particularly effective at reducing anxiety, but there are actually several active compounds found in hemp which are known to have a soothing effect.

Two of those other compounds – called cannabinoids – are CBC and CBN.

Like CBD, these cannabinoids lower inflammation across the brain, digestive system, and central nervous system.

CBN (cannabinol)

Studies using rats have shown that CBD can produce pain-relieving and sedating effects, without causing a high. Many cannabis experts recommend CBN-rich oils to aid sleep and calm.

CBC (cannabichromene)

Researchers believe that CBC is particularly effective and stimulating the release of anandamide – one of the primary pain-fighting compounds produced in dogs’ bodies.

Other studies have shown that CBC-rich hemp extracts can produce an anti-depressant effect in mice.

All of our top pick CBD oils in this category contain higher-than-average amounts of CBC, CBN, or both (according to independent batch testing results).

The entourage effect

This effect happens when CBD oil contains a large number of distinct hemp compounds. Cannabinoids and terpenes combine to provide a more broad and consistent effect than if they were isolated and taken alone.

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.

Disclaimer

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