Best CBD for Dog Anxiety

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 our clear pick as the best CBD oil for dog anxiety thanks to its superior CBD quality and fantastic customer testimonials.

CBD Quality:

Its full-spectrum CBD is organically grown in Colorado, packed with all 7 of the supportive cannabinoids we look for. This cannabinoid rich tincture means better CBD absorption, less-processed extraction, and ultimately a more effective product.

With higher levels of the anti-anxiolytic cannabinoids CBC and CBN, along with the inclusion of organic chamomile, HP Calm Oil stands alone as the best CBD oil for calming effects.

All ingredients in Honest Paws CBD oils are organic, non-GMO, and contain no artificial flavors. Add in the fact that the amount of CBD in the lab reports match the labeling by 99% (with some brands as low as 80%), and you can see that this brand takes their reputation seriously.

Pet Owner Testimonials:

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, again, more than any other CBD brand.

Additional info:

Honest Paws is so confident in the efficacy of their CBD for dogs that they offer a 30-day money back guarantee.

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.

Shop Honest Paws Calm Oil >

Label accuracy: 99%

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 dogs with anxiety

Batch CBD Pet Oil

3. Best THC-free CBD oil for dog anxiety

Penelope’s Bloom CBD Pet Oil

Lola Hemp Calming Hemp Soft Chews are made with a full spectrum hemp extract that is rich in cannabinoids, containing 5 of the 8 we look for.

These CBD dogs treats also contain other anxiolytic supplements, including tryptophan (50mg), chamomile (25mg), valerian root (25mg), passion flower (25mg) in each soft chew for additional calming support.

The remaining ingredients are ascorbic acid, banana puree, brewers yeast (grain & soy free), calcium propionate, chia seed, chickpea flour, coconut oil, glycerin, ground peanuts, mixed tocopherols, peanut butter, sunflower lecithin, sweet potato, tapioca flour.

CBD concentrations come in a 90 mg and 180 mg option, with each pack containing 30 chews.

As far as the CBD dog treats we reviewed, it was one of the few to contain 5 total cannabinoids, and its 180 mg certificate of analysis showed very accurate CBD levels.

Between this high-quality full spectrum CBD and the additional calming supplements that have been included, we consider Lola Hemp Calming Hemp Soft Chews to be the best CBD treats for anxious dogs in 2023.

Studies involving CBD and anxiety in dogs

In a recent 2023 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, dogs were given CBD while being left alone in a room for 45 minutes, and also during a 10-minute car ride. Compared to the placebo group, dogs given CBD displayed lower stress behaviors and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Studies involving CBD and anxiety in other animals

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.

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 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 (least processed)
• Broad-spectrum = CBD + some cannabinoids, with THC removed (somewhat processed)
• Isolate = CBD only (highly processed)

Overall hemp quality is also a big factor in how potent and well-rounded an extract is. For all our recommendations, we prefer 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.

An analogy we like to use is consider CBD to vitamin C.

Eating an orange is the equivalent to taking a full-spectrum CBD. It’s unprocessed, and contains other vitamins and nutrients your body is used to absorbing.

Now consider taking a vitamin C tablet, which in this case is like taking a CBD isolate. Sure, it may have just as much vitamin C as the orange, but how much of it is your body actually absorbing, and what other benefits is it missing.

How much CBD should I give my dog for anxiety?

Short answer: between 0.25 to 2 mg of CBD per pound of your dog’s body weight. Start low, with a dose of 0.25 – 0.5 mg per pound (depending on the severity of your dog’s 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.

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 the type and frequency of which they experience anxiety.

• For situational anxiety: such as 4th July fireworks or long road trips, a single dose 30 minutes prior will do
• For more general anxiety: compare the effects of a single daily dose versus two daily doses

*Note: CBD’s half-life in dogs is between 4-8 hours, depending on their metabolism.

*Note: the majority of studies on CBD for dogs used two daily doses.

What size CBD oil should I buy?

For the sake of value, tinctures with higher amounts of CBD will have a lower cost per mg of CBD. For example:

Honest Paws Calm Oil 500 mg: $79.95 (or 16 cents per mg)
vs.
Honest Paws Calm Oil 1000 mg: $99.95 (or 10 cents per mg)

—

Charlotte’s Web Hemp 500 mg: $59.99 (or 12 cents per mg)
vs.
Charlotte’s Web Hemp 1700 mg: $149.99 (or 9 cents per mg)

Dog owners take different approaches to CBD supplementation for their dogs anxiety, however. The amount can depend on 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, administered consistently over several weeks or months (or indefinitely). In these cases, a medium-to-large size CBD oil will offer the best value.

If your dog has an acute phobia that only occurs in isolated situations where a single dose of CBD is given at the point of need, a smaller bottle of CBD may serve this purpose better.

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) increases the body’s absorption of CBD up to 4 times during digestion.

Additionally, CBD 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 have the upper hand in terms of convenience. They are easier to administer during non-meal times, or can be a great option if you want a calming alternative to regular dog treats.

How do I give my dog CBD oil for anxiety?

The best way to give your dog CBD is by adding the appropriate amount to their food each day. This means you won’t need to add an extra routine into their schedule, ensures they will be receptive to the oil, and reduces any chances of an upset stomach.

While some sources advocate recommend dropping the oils directly into your dogs mouth so it can be absorbed sublingually / more directly into their bloodstream, studies have shown that this does not increase the absorption. This is likely because dogs will swallow the oil before giving the CBD a chance to be absorbed through the mouth.

Dropping CBD oil right into your dogs mouth also comes with potential issues. First, they may hate the process and resent taking it. There is also the chance of them biting the tincture and causing injury to themselves. Finally, if they lick the dropper, their saliva can create unwanted bacteria in the CBD bottle.

If you really want to try sublingual administration, we recommend dropping the CBD onto your clean finger first and then rubbing it directly onto 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 dogs at a dose of 62 mg/kg (over 30 times our highest recommend dose), the found it was as well tolerated as the placebo oil.

*Note: All dog-specific CBD oils we recommend contain less than 0.3% THC which is safe and optimal for dogs. Avoid giving human CBD to dogs as these products can contain higher THC levels that are unsafe for dogs.

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.

The most commonly reported side effects of CBD oil in dogs are:

• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Diarrhea

If you notice more serious side-effects, call your veterinarian.

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, a 2019 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science that polled 2130 veterinarians on their opinion on CBD for dogs, 62% of vets felt comfortable discussing CBD, but 85% rarely or never initiated conversations about CBD with their clients.

Of the veterinarians that did, 75% found CBD to be helpful in reducing canine anxiety.

Recap: How to choose the best CBD for dog anxiety

1. Full-spectrum: The first thing to look for is a full-spectrum CBD that is rich in supportive cannabinoids. These cannabinoids have their own therapeutic properties and can also help with the absorption of CBD itself.
2. Testimonials: Read testimonials from dog owners who have tried the brand’s CBD on their own dog. Look for third-party sources, and not the reviews on a particular brand’s website.
3. Lab reports: Ensure the brand can provide up-to-date independent lab reports detailing the CBD extract, including the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids, as well as the safety of the product.
4. Oils over treats: For higher absorption and better value, go with a CBD oil instead of a CBD dog treat.
5. Bonus: look for organic, US grown hemp and other ingredients. This bodes well to the integrity of the brand and generally leads to a more effective CBD product.

Our top recommendation: Honest Paws Calm CBD Oil

• 7 of the 7 most beneficial cannabinoids in this organic, full-spectrum CBD from US grown hemp

• 4.9 / 5 star average rating among 600+ reviews, the highest-rated product among pet owners

• Get 20% off your first order with COFD. Enter discount code at checkout