Best CBD for Dog Anxiety

We reviewed 40 CBD brands to find the best for anxious dogs

November 3, 2023 update

CBD oil has been shown in studies and from dog owner’s stories to be a safe and effective option for reducing canine anxiety. But with so many brands and products to choose from, finding the best CBD for dogs can be an overwhelming endeavor.

That’s why we researched and summarized how CBD interacts with dogs and how you can choose the best CBD for your dog’s anxiety.

Honest Paws ranks at the top of all CBD for dog brands we reviewed in 2023, thanks to their unrivalled CBD quality and pet owner testimonials. Their CBD Calm Oil uses a rich, full-spectrum CBD extract, with organic MCT infused with soothing chamomile extract.

The CBD comes from organically grown US hemp, and the brand’s 4.9 / 5 star average rating from hundreds of third-party reviews makes this to clear winner as the best CBD oil for dogs suffering from anxiety.

The relationship between CBD and dog anxiety

Anxiety conditions can trigger both mental and physiological actions in dogs, heightening their stress and inflammatory responses.

Dogs, and all mammals, modulate these responses through something called the endocannabinoid system, which consists of the CB1 and CB2 receptor.

  • CB1 receptor: principally involved in psychological functions, such pain perception and mood regulation
  • CB2 receptor: principally involved in physiological functions like inflammation and immunosuppressive actions

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to increase the levels of endocannabinoids in the body. This helps stimulate the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptor, which can improve its ability to modulate both stress and inflammation.

How we review CBD for dog anxiety

Our team analyses and monitors the CBD lab results and real pet owner testimonials of the most popular brands to provide you with informed recommendations.

We also read the latest CBD research to ensure the information we provide is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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.

  • Unbiased 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 fluffy reviews that brands display on their website.

Full CBD for dog anxiety reviews in 2023

1. Best CBD oil for dog anxiety

Honest Paws Calm CBD Oil

CBD quality

Full spectrum

Great

Customer reviews

580+ ratings

4.9/5

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

CBD quality

Full spectrum

Great

Owner reviews

75+ ratings

4.9/5

This CBD oil from batch is made from 100% organic, non-GMO, Wisconsin grown hemp. It comes in Alaskan salmon oil or chicken flavoring using an organic MCT carrier oil.

CBD Quality:

Batch CBD Pet Oil ranks as the 2nd best CBD oil for dogs with anxiety also thanks to its high concentration of cannabinoids. With 6 of the 7 supportive cannabinoids we look for, its not as rich as Honest Paws Calm Oil, but it is still a great full-spectrum CBD oil for dog owners looking to manage their pup’s anxiety.

Pet Owner Testimonials:

While Batch CBD may not have as many reviews as other brands, their 4.9 / 5 average star rating from its 77 reviews is a testament to its effectiveness.

Additional info:

One thing to keep in mind is that Batch CBD is not a brand purely dedicated to dogs, and does not use additional therapeutic ingredients like chamomile. The brand does stands behind its products, however, being one of only a few to offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

At $0.09 per mg, Batch CBD is a more affordable option than some other high-quality brands with a better quality CBD oil, making it a worthy contender on our list.

Shop Batch CBD Pet Oil

Label accuracy: 93%

Supportive cannabinoids: 6 / 7 (view Batch CBD lab report)

CBD sizes (in mg): 375, 750, 1500

Owner reviews: 4.9 / 5

Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $25, Subscribe and save 25%

3. Best THC-free CBD oil for dog anxiety

Penelope’s Bloom CBD Pet Oil

CBD quality

Good

Customer reviews

18+ ratings

4.0/5

Penelope’s Bloom is a good option for pet owners looking for a CBD oil without any THC.

CBD Quality:

Being a THC-free CBD, Penelope’s Bloom CBD Pet Oil will be slightly more processed than the oils mentioned previously. However, PB boasts the highest cannabinoid count among this group of products, with 5 of the 7 we look for.

This is thanks to its use high-quality, organic, and non-GMO hemp grown in the USA. Their Pet Oil also contains chamomile for additional calming effects.

Pet Owner Testimonials:

Penelope’s Bloom does not have as many reviews as we would like to see. From the 14 reviews we did find from third-party sources, all were positive when it came to the quality and effectiveness of the brand’s CBD. Communication with customer service was the common factor among less happy customers.

Additional info:

Available in 4 convenient sizes and recently launched a peanut butter flavor option. They also offer CBD dogs treats, balms, and more on their website, and is priced below the industry average, making it an affordable option for pet owners.

Shop Penelope’s Bloom CBD Pet Oil

Label accuracy: 97%

Supportive cannabinoids: 5 / 7 (view Penelope’s Bloom lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 250, 500, 750, 1000

Owner reviews: 4.0 / 5

Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $75, subscribe and save 20%

4. Best CBD dog treats for anxiety

Lola Hemp Calming Hemp Soft Chews

LolaHemp Calming Hemp Soft Chews 180mg CBD package

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Great

Customer reviews

20+ ratings

4.9/5

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.

LolaHemp Calming Hemp Soft Chews 180mg CBD certificate of analysis - 08-10-2023

LolaHemp Calming Chews lab report

5. Best CBD isolate oil for dogs with anxiety

Medterra CBD Pet Oil

Medterra CBD Pet Oil Unflavored 750mg tincture

CBD quality

Isolate

Okay

Customer reviews

363+ 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

6th best CBD for dog anxiety

HempMy Pet Hemp Extracts

HempMy Pet Hemp Extracts 250mg CBD tincture and package

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Great

Customer reviews

No reviews

NA

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%

7th best CBD for dog anxiety

CBDistillery Pet Tincture

CBDistillery Wag Distilled CBD Pet Tincture for Pet Wellness 150mg tincture and packaging

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Customer reviews

600+ 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

Charlotte’s Web Hemp Drops for Dogs

Charlottes Web Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for Dogs Chicken Flavor CBD tincture and packaging

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Customer reviews

70+ ratings

3.6/5

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%

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.

A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel study - two dogs during testing

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

Honest Paws Calm CBD Oil for dogs 1000mg best anxiety
  • 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

Disclaimer

When products are purchased through our site, we may receive a commission. This allows us to stay up-to-date on the research behind CBD for dogs as well as brand reviews. While we update the site regularly, always check manufacturers’ websites for the most up-to-date information. All cbdoilfordogs.com product recommendations are based on our experts’ opinions with thorough consumer research, including our list of the best CBD oils for dogs.