Best CBD for Anxious Dogs
February 2024 update
We’ve tested more than 40 CBD oils from all the major brands, analyzing the most important data like CBD lab results, origin and cultivation practices of hemp source, safety assessments, and impartial customer feedback.
We also reviewed factors more dedicated to CBD for anxious dogs, such as the presence of specific cannabinoids and supplements that have been clinically shown to help ease canine anxiety.
So let’s dive in, and see how each product measures up on these factors, so you can make a confident and informed decision to choose the best CBD oil (or treat) for your anxious pooch.
Top 5 CBD Oils for Dogs with Anxiety in 2024
Best CBD Oil for Anxious Dogs
Anxiety Effectiveness: 9.7 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC, CBDa, CBDV, CBG, CBL, CBN, Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: +11%
- CBD Concentration: 110%
- Calming ingredients: Organic Chamomile
Transparency Score: 9.3 / 10
- Hemp Source: Colorado
- Growing Practices: USDA Certified Organic
- Safety Testing: Pass
- Lab Report Recency: July 2023
Reputation Score: 9.9 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.9 / 5
- # of Reviews: 593
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What Stands Out
Honest Paws Calm Oil checks every box we look for when it comes to CBD for anxious dogs.
It is the only CBD to include all of the major cannabinoids, that promote absorption and greater efficacy, all from naturally occurring full-spectrum CBD.
It also includes organic chamomile for added calming properties and, along with its organic MCT carrier oil, makes for one of the smoothest tasting CBD oils we’ve tried.
The one downside with Honest Paws CBD oils is the pricing for their smallest CBD concentrations. The Calm Oil’s 125 mg bottle costs about $0.34 per mg of CBD.
However, its 1000 mg oil is one of the lease expensive on our list at $0.10 per mg. Even more surprising is that this concentration is priced right around the industry average.
So, if you’re looking for an all-encompassing CBD oil that’s made from only organic and non GMO ingredients, and has the backing of hundreds of owners who have seen great improvements in their dog’s anxiety, Honest Paws Calm Oil is our top recommendation.
If you decide Honest Paws Calm Oil is the right option, feel free to use our coupon code COFD (or use this link) for 20% off your first purchase, which includes a 30 day money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
Runner Up
Anxiety Effectiveness: 8.5 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC | CBDV | CBG | Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: + 11%
- CBD Concentration: 107%
- Calming ingredients: Organic Ashwagandha
Transparency Score: 9.4 / 10
- Hemp Source: USA
- Growing Practices: USDA Certified Organic
- Safety Testing: Pass
- Lab Report Recency: August 2023
Reputation Score: 9.5 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.7 / 5
- # of Reviews: 266
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What stands out
Pet Releaf’s Stress Releaf offers a quality full-spectrum CBD extract, with a smooth-tasting MCT carrier oil, and organic ashwagandha for added calming effects.
Where it differentiates most from our top pick Honest Paws is (1) slightly lower price point, (2) fewer cannabinoids present, and, (3) less convenient sizes.
It does still offers the benefits from a full-spectrum CBD extract, and organic ashwagandha is added for greater calming effects.
We ordered the Stress Releaf 300mg oil on Friday, February 9th 2024 (with express shipping), and were pleasantly surprised to see the package arrive the following Tuesday, of the 13th.
The Stress Releaf tincture came in a small box, which included the ingredient list, general dosing instructions, and, among other things, a QR code to scan for its lab reports. We were happy to find the specific COA for our tincture (Lot: 0923FS307), which reported a consistent cannabinoid and safety profile consistent to that of its 600mg tincture.
*An important note on administration guidelines: never put a glass dropper in or around your dog’s mouth, as this has the potential to cause serious harm, especially with anxious or hyper dogs. This is not uncommon, as most CBD oils come with a glass dropper, but we are mentioning this as no administration guidelines were provided.
Instead, add it to their food, or use you own plastic syringe if you do want to give them the oil sublingually.
Product Photos
Best Calming CBD Oil for Small Dogs
Anxiety Effectiveness: 9.3 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC, CBDa, CBDV, CBG, Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: + 22%
- CBD Concentration: 108%
- Calming ingredients: no
Transparency Score: 8.7 / 10
- Hemp Source: USA
- Growing Practices: Organic
- Safety Testing: Pass
- Lab Report Recency: October 2023
Reputation Score: 7.5 / 10
- Review Rating: 5 / 5
- # of Reviews: 25
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What stands out
Lolahemp’s Hemp Oil for Pets is a top-tier CBD oil that offers the best price when it comes to smaller concentrations.
Their 150mg CBD oil costs $30, compared to $42 for Honest Paws 125 mg concentration. Pet Releaf’s doesn’t offer as low of concentrations for their Stress Releaf oil, with 300mg being the lowest.
As with the first two on this list, Lolahemp boasts an impressive full spectrum oil with a high concentration of supportive cannabinoids (in addition to CBD).
When we opened Lolahemp Hemp Oil (150mg / 15ml) for the first time we noticed the oil was very clear in color. We were concerned that it may be a blend of isolates, but after trying the product, we could taste the full spectrum notes. That said, it was still very smooth, as are most CBD oils that use a MCT carrier oil.
While the tincture did come with a QR code that took us right to the products’ COA page, there was no specific batch number on either the tincture nor the lab report. We have reached out to Lolahemp for comment on this.
Nonetheless, the testing date of the report – October 13th, 2023 – matched up with the timeline of our order date – February 2nd, 2024.
As with most CBD droppers, this one was also made from glass, so never administer the oil sublingually (directly into the mouth) using the provided dropper. The dropper was clearly marked from 0 to 1 ml, in 0.25 ml intervals, making it easy to measure the exact dose.
Best Budget CBD Oil for Anxious Dogs
Anxiety Effectiveness: 7.9 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC | CBDV | CBG | Δ9-THC
- Cannabinoid Density: + 14%
- CBD Concentration: 103%
- Calming ingredients: no
Transparency Score: 7.6 / 10
- Hemp Source: Colorado
- Growing Practices: organic
- Safety Testing: Pass
- Lab Report Recency: March 2022
Reputation Score: 9 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.8 / 5
- # of Reviews: 156
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What stands out
We ordered the 480 mg of Receptra’s Pet CBD oil and found that the product in real life reflected the quality shown in its lab report and its organic, Colorado grown hemp advertised on their website.
While its most recently provided lab report showed no levels of CBDa, nor does it use supplementary calming ingredients, it is still a quality full-spectrum CBD oil option at a reasonable price.
When we opened the plastic wrapped bottle and figured out the tricky child-proof opening mechanism, we got to a golden brown CBD oil that tasted like a cannabinoid-rich hemp extract, without the overpowering bitterness of some of the other oils we tried.
We were disappointed, however, when we scanned the QR code and got an “error page”. We have reached out to Receptra about this.
Despite some of its shortfalls, Receptra’s Pet CBD oil is a slightly cheaper option, while still offering a quality CBD oil for dogs and pets.
Best CBD Dog Treat for Anxiety
Anxiety Effectiveness: 7.9 / 10
- Cannabinoid Diversity: CBC | CBG | CBN
- Cannabinoid Density: + 13%
- CBD Concentration: 112%
- Calming ingredients: Yes
Transparency Score: 6.9 / 10
- Hemp Source: Oregon & Colorado
- Growing Practices: USDA Organic
- Safety Testing: Incomplete
- Lab Report Recency: August 2022
Reputation Score: 9.8 / 10
- Review Rating: 4.8 / 5
- # of Reviews: 467
- Money-back-guarantee: 30 days
What stands out
Innovet Advanced Calming Chews are packed with more supportive cannabinoids than most CBD dog treats. In terms of efficacy, dog treats do not compare to the better CBD oils, but they can be still be a convenient approach to administering CBD to your dog throughout the day.
The first thing we noticed when opening Innovets Advanced Calming Chews was just how many came in the package. While most chews come in packs of 30, this container included 180 chews, each with 2.5mg of CBD.
Pricing comes out to about $0.10 per mg of CBD, which is well below the average of $0.17 among all chews we reviewed from the 40 most popular brands.
The chews smelled good and felt fresh. They also advertised a robust list of added supplements aimed at enhancing the calming effects, including thiamine, chamomile, passion flower, theanine, ginger root, valerian, tryptophan, magnesium, St John’s, and ashwagandha.
We did have two concerns, however, when inspecting the CBD lab report:
1. When we scanned the QR code of our Calming Chews, we were taken to Innovet’s general COA page, and the lab report for our order was not provided (LOT#: 090723). Instead, the most recent lab report available was dated back to August of 2022.
2. In this outdated lab report, the last page of the 4 page COA was missing, so we could not find the heavy metals test results. We have reached out to Innovet with both of these concerns.
Unfortunately, when it comes to CBD treats and chews, this isn’t an uncommon practice among brands, which is just one of many reasons we recommend CBD oils over CBD dog treats.
What size CBD oil should I buy?
Many CBD pet brands provide a range of product sizes to ensure you find the most cost-effective option for your dog’s specific needs. Given that CBD dosages are determined by weight, larger dogs typically require significantly more CBD oil than their smaller counterparts.
Dogs experiencing persistent anxiety or stress-related conditions might need higher daily doses compared to dogs dealing with occasional anxieties, such as fear of loud noises, who may only need CBD sporadically.
For owners of larger breeds or dogs with continuous anxiety challenges, opting for CBD oils with a higher concentration can be wise. Although these products come with a higher upfront cost, they often result in more savings over time due to a lower price per mg of CBD, making them a smart choice for long-term use.
Choosing between CBD oil and CBD dog treats for anxiety
We typically suggest CBD oils over treats for a couple of key reasons.
Firstly, when CBD is taken with high-fat meals, it can enhance the body’s absorption rate by up to fourfold, which is crucial for managing anxiety more effectively.
Secondly, CBD oils offer more flexibility compared to treats. Pet owners can precisely measure the amount of CBD their dog needs, mixing it into their dog’s preferred meals, snacks, or administering it directly.
However, CBD dog treats have their advantages, especially for anxious pups. Many pet parents appreciate the ease of using pre-prepared treats, and the direct infusion of CBD into these snacks can minimize the potent taste of the hemp plant, making it more palatable for your dog.
Where to buy CBD for anxious dogs in the USA:
In the USA, there are several places to purchase CBD oil for dogs, both online and in-store, but some sources are more reliable than others:
- Online CBD Retailers (Most Recommended): Benefits of buying directly from a brand’s website include (1) access to expert sales advice, often with experience dealing with anxious dogs, (2) subscription options for regular discounts, (3) a broader selection than what’s available in physical stores, (4) many offer a satisfaction guarantee or your money back, but be sure to read the fine print as some will say “only if package is unopened”, and (5) the convenience of shopping from home, which can be particularly useful for managing your dog’s anxiety with minimal stress.
- Pet Supply Stores (Somewhat Recommended): Chains like Petco or PetSmart stock CBD oil for dogs. Look in the supplement or pet health aisles, though the variety is often limited compared to online selections.
- Local Pet Stores (Possibly): Independent local pet shops might carry CBD oil for dogs. It’s wise to call ahead to confirm availability, especially if you’re seeking specific support for your dog’s anxiety.
- Veterinarian Clinics (Rarely): Although a growing number of vets are discussing CBD oil as an option for pets, most clinics don’t sell it directly. It’s worthwhile to consult your vet for advice or product recommendations.
- Amazon (Not Recommended): Amazon prohibits the sale of CBD oil for pets and humans, as stated in its selling policies. Despite this, many sellers try to list such products, often under misleading labels like ‘Hemp oil’ or ‘anxiety oil.’ These listings can be deceptive, with uncertain CBD content or quality, making them a risky choice for treating your dog’s anxiety. Always prioritize sources that provide clear, verifiable information about their products.
What’s the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD oil for anxious dogs?
When considering CBD oil for your anxious dog, you’ll come across terms like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Here’s what they mean:
- Full-spectrum CBD is the least processed form, containing CBD, a trace amount of THC, and other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. This type is recommended because it offers the complete benefits of the hemp plant.
- Broad-spectrum CBD has been slightly more processed to remove THC but still includes CBD and at least one other cannabinoid, maintaining some of the plant’s synergy without the THC.
- Isolate CBD is the most refined form, resulting in a pure CBD powder with no other cannabinoids present.
We advocate for full-spectrum CBD oils since they harness the full power of hemp’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, that synergistically work better together than they do alone.
This phenomenon, known as “the entourage effect”, is similar to how eating a whole orange is more beneficial than just taking a vitamin C tablet. The whole orange provides additional nutrients that enhance the body’s use of vitamin C.
The most consistent results in clinical studies of anxiety reduction and CBD have been studies that are using a full spectrum CBD extract.
CBD brands invest significant effort into developing hemp strains rich in a variety of cannabis compounds. Thus, two full-spectrum CBD products that look alike may have different compositions.
To truly understand what’s in a CBD extract, consult the product’s certificate of analysis from a third-party lab. This document will detail the exact composition of the CBD oil, ensuring you choose the best option for your dog’s anxiety.
Study review: A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel
Summary:
- Researchers gave dogs a medium dose of broad-spectrum CBD oil, and other dogs a placebo oil containing no CBD.
- They then observed the dogs’ stress hormones, heart rates, and overall behavior while they were left alone in a room for 45 minutes, and taken on a 10-minute car ride.
- Dogs who were given CBD oil showed fewer stress behaviors, seemed less agitated, and had bigger reductions in the stress hormone cortisol.
Diagram illustrating test day timeline, including CBD/placebo administration, baseline recording, baseline sample collection, test session, and post-test sample collection. (image source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604/full)
This study, published in February 2023 in Frontiers in Veterinary Science by researchers from Waltham Petcare Science Institute in the UK, tested the effects of CBD for anxious dogs who were left alone for 45 minutes and in a crate during ten-minute car rides.
The researchers gathered 40 dogs of various breeds and ages. There were Labradors, Beagles, and Norfolk Terriers, aged between one and nine years old.
The dogs were evenly split into test and control groups.
Each dog was equipped with a special, pet-safe chest monitor and smart collar, which together recorded biological signs of stress.
The study used a single 4 mg/kg dose of broad-spectrum CBD oil capsules (a medium-quality form of pet CBD oil, with fewer natural active compounds than the oils we recommend).
To test the effects of CBD on dogs experiencing separation anxiety, dogs were left in a familiar room for 45 minutes.
As for testing CBD on dogs during car rides, dogs were put into a crate and driven around for 10 minutes.
Dogs’ stress levels were observed by monitoring their serum cortisol, immunoglobulin A, and glucose levels, as well as their heart rate, heart rate variability, distance traveled, body position, and activity levels. Behaviors were also observed – such as how much they whined, paced, panted, and acted in an agitated manner.
(A) Separation test room setup showing position of vet bedding (center, with a dog on top), then clockwise from top: cardboard box, water bowl, dog bed, crate, and toys. (B) Car test setup showing metal crate secured in rear of the car. Video cameras were positioned at the front and rear of the crate. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604/full
Results:
Dogs in both the CBD and placebo groups experienced heightened levels of stress hormones during the car ride, but not when left alone in a room.
When comparing the dogs who were given CBD to the placebo group, the researchers found that dogs who’d been given CBD showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared to baseline, and were judged to be more calm and relaxed by trained observers. IgA and glucose levels, as well as heart rate and heart rate variability, were similar for both groups.
Disclaimer:
When products are purchased through our site, we may receive a commission. Always check manufacturer websites for the most up-to-date information. All our product recommendations are based on our experts’ opinions and thorough consumer research, including our list of best CBD oils for dogs in 2024.