Disclaimer: The information provided in our articles is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian before starting any CBD products for your dog’s health and well-being.
My dog hates being apart from us. Whenever she is, she barks, howls, cries, and does everything she can to be with us. Luckily, we were able to manage her separation anxiety before it got out of hand – but what if dog owners don’t realize how bad their dog’s separation anxiety is until it’s too late? Or what if you get a rescue dog who already suffers from anxiety?
Anxiety is common for dogs. In fact, 17% of all dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Our pups’ mental health is more complex than we realize, and they’re just as prone to depression and anxiety as we are.
Fortunately, CBD oil helps dogs manage anxiety. Even if the 4th of July is coming up, CBD can help dogs with fireworks and promote calmness. It’s a safe, natural supplement to help them relax and ease their anxiety for a happier life.
Product
Details
Best Overall
Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture: CBDistillery
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
FULL SPECTRUM CBD HEMP EXTRACT - NET CONTENT: 30 ML
Extra Strength
CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture: CBDfx
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
HEMP OIL - NET CONTENT: 30 ML
Best Potency Range
CBD Oil Drops for Dogs: Honest Paws
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
CBD FROM ORGANIC FULL-SPECTRUM HEMP OIL 125MG
- NET CONTENT: 30 ML
Best Price
CBD Pet Oil: Medterra
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
CBD HEMP EXTRACT 300 MG - NET CONTENT: 30 ML
Flavorful Treats
Calm Soft Chews: Honest Paws
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Organic Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil 40mg
- NET CONTENT: 120 g
Premium Choice
Batch CBD Oil Tincture: Batch
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
HEMP EXTRACT - NET CONTENT: 30 ML
Best Organic Ingredients
CBD Dog Treats for Stress + Anxiety: Penelope’s Bloom
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
Full Spectrum CBD Oil 300mg - NET CONTENT; 300 g
Best Value
CBD Oil for Dogs: HolistaPet
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
BROAD SPECTRUM CBD - NET CONTENT: 15 ML
Best Nutrient-dense
Pet CBD Oil: NuLeaf Naturals
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, Organic Virgin Hemp Seed Oil - NET CONTENT: 15 ml
For Sensitive Pups
Organic CBD Oil: Joy Organics
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
HEMP EXTRACT 450 MG - NET CONTENT: 30 ML
Best CBD for Dog Anxiety
Here’s the best CBD for dog anxiety, all of which are extracted from hemp with a range of cannabinoids to help your pup.
1. Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture: CBDistillery
CBDistillery’s products offer a healthy and balanced life for everyone, even your beloved pups. They began in 2016 to offer premium CBD oils at more affordable prices and offer further discounts with a subscription.
Their organic CBD oil for dogs is extracted with CO2 and blended with MCT oil by expert botanists to create full-spectrum CBD oils that are easy for your dog to absorb and digest. They have a reputation for transparency and rigorous testing processes, so rest assured that their oils are safe and effective for dogs with anxiety and other health issues.
It might not be the best option for fussy eaters though, since it’s unflavored, but it would work well when mixing it into food.
CBDistillery has thousands of positive reviews from customers delighted that their once anxious pups are now relaxed and able to chill out and sleep soundly.
Pros
- High-quality full-spectrum oil
- Extracted via CO2
- Oil’s formula crafted by an expert botanist
Cons
- More costly
- Some low traces of THC
Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture: CBDistillery
The price of “CBDistillery” varies, so check the latest price at
2. CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture: CBDfx
CBDfx is a popular brand amongst humans, featured in various magazines. But they’ve released some products that are suitable for dogs too!
Their hemp is sourced from Kentucky, and the CBD oil is extracted via CO2 for a full-spectrum oil with CBN and a blend of terpenes for added effect. Although it’s not flavored like a treat, CBDfx enhances the taste to make it more palatable and easier to disguise in food.
However, it’s worth noting that this oil only comes in strong concentrations between 1000mg and 6000mg, with each coming with 150mg to 300mg of CBN, so it is less suitable for smaller pups. Although the price may seem expensive at first, it’s good value for money, considering the strength and range of cannabinoids in each drop.
CBDfx has received hundreds of positive reviews, with customers happy that the oil has had a strong impact in reducing anxiety.
Pros
- Full-spectrum extracted with CO2
- Includes a blend of terpenes for added effect
Cons
- Higher price
- Only for large dogs
- Not specialists in CBD oil for dogs
CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture: CBDfx
The price of “CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture” varies, so check the latest price at
3. CBD Oil Drops for Dogs: Honest Paws
It should come as no surprise that an oil called ‘Calm’ is ideal for this problem, formulated specifically to ease anxiety and calm your dog.
Honest Paws began when the founder’s dog required a lifetime of medication and side effects but discovered CBD oil fixed the problem altogether. Today, Honest Paws is a well-known brand with a group of animal lovers committed to improving your pet’s health.
Honest Paws produces three CBD oils to address different problems. Well is the best CBD oil for dogs with cancer, helping cognitive and immune support, while Mobility is the best CBD oil for dog arthritis.
But it’s Calm that helps dogs with anxiety: a full-spectrum oil with all the cannabinoids they need to soothe their mind, along with chamomile for its calming properties. Chamomile doesn’t improve the taste though, so it’s best mixed in with food.
All oils are made in the USA with organic hemp and third-party tested for safety. Four concentrations are on offer (125mg to 1000mg), each with hundreds of positive reviews from customers delighted that their dogs are able to relax without the stress of anxiety.
Pros
- Three different oils available for various problems
- Full-spectrum oil
- Blended with chamomile for added effect
Cons
- Chamomile doesn’t improve taste
CBD Oil Drops for Dogs: Honest Paws
The price of “Honest Paws CBD Oil Drops” varies, so check the latest price at
4. CBD Pet Oil: Medterra
High-quality CBD oil doesn’t have to be expensive – that’s why Medterra produces quality CBD oil for an affordable price. Medterra is passionate about the benefits of CBD oils and so extended its line to include CBD oil for dogs to help pet owners keep their dogs happy and healthy.
Medterra hemp is grown in Kentucky, where the CBD is extracted and blended with organic MCT oil. It only goes on sale once the oil is third-party tested and meets Medterra’s high standards.
But the best part is how Medterra works with veterinarians for the perfect CBD oil for pets. Not only has this led to flavoring the oil with either delicious beef or chicken, but it also ensures the oil is safe for dogs. They have even partnered with Baylor College of Medicine’s first clinical study to show CBD’s efficacy in pets.
It’s worth noting that Medterra CBD pet oil is a CBD isolate oil, and so comes without the full range of cannabinoids and a lessened effect. Still, there’s a choice of three concentrations (300mg to 1200mg), with hundreds of delighted customers leaving reviews to prove how it’s helped anxious dogs.
Pros
- Affordable but high-quality
- Beef and chicken flavors
- Partnered with Baylor College of Medicine to show the effectiveness of CBD oil for dogs
- THC-free
Cons
- Doesn’t contain full range of cannabinoids
CBD Pet Oil: Medterra
The price of “Medterra CBD Pet Oil” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Calm Soft Chews: Honest Paws
These soft chews from Honest Paws are made by the same group of animal lovers who created Calm CBD oil. Like treats, CBD dog chews are flavorful and soothing options for your dog to chew on and calm down.
With a tasty chicken flavor, your dog will be distracted from its anxiety and enjoy the chew, giving CBD time to work its magic in about twenty minutes. Each chew has 40mg of hemp oil with 5mg of CBD as well as L-Theanine and L-Tryptophan, two amino acids with relaxing properties for a stronger effect.
All chews are third-party tested to be safe and effective and have garnered hundreds of reviews from customers thrilled to see chews reduce anxiety and calm their dogs, even with fireworks booming in the background.
Pros
- Tasty chicken flavor
- Works with other relaxing amino acids
- Effects in about 20 minutes
Cons
- Only 5mg in each chew
Calm Soft Chews: Honest Paws
The price of “Honest Paws Calm Soft Chews” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Batch CBD Oil Tincture: Batch
Although Batch has only been around for a few years, they create excellent CBD oil for dogs with anxiety.
All CBD dog treats and oils are made from Wisconsin hemp and produced in a controlled environment by engineers. In-house specialists blend the full-spectrum CBD oil with MCT oil for easier digestion before sending it off for third-party testing.
But the best part is its taste. Batch’s oil comes with a choice of two delicious flavors: salmon or bacon. Both are so popular with dogs that dog owners don’t even have to hide it in their food and can drop it straight in their mouths.
Although it’s premium oil with a higher price tag and only one concentration available (750mg), it’s still an effective tool to help your dog with anxiety. Batch is proud to highlight many reviews from customers who have seen marked improvements in their dog’s behavior since using the oil.
Pros
- Formula created by in-house specialists
- Blended with MCT oil for digestion
- Comes with delicious salmon and bacon flavors
Cons
- Higher price
- Only one concentration available
Batch CBD Oil Tincture: Batch
The price of “Batch CBD Oil Tincture” varies, so check the latest price at
7. CBD Dog Treats for Stress + Anxiety: Penelope’s Bloom
Penelope’s Bloom is named after the founder’s dog, who discovered the wonders of CBD oil for dogs while recovering from spinal surgery. Today, Penelope’s Bloom creates high-quality oils for dogs at a decent price.
Made from organic hemp, this product is infused with MCT oil to create a full-spectrum oil with a full range of cannabinoids. But this goes one step further by including chamomile for its calming and relaxing properties. This doesn’t impact the taste though, so dog owners still have to hide it in pups’ food if they’re fussy.
But once they’ve taken it, the fast-acting formula will quickly ease their anxiety as well as any other issues they may experience, such as inflammation or joint pain.
The oil has been third-party tested and comes in four concentrations (250mg to 1000mg). With hundreds of glowing reviews, customers are delighted to see that dogs are calmer and have even shown improvements with fireworks outside.
Pros
- Full-spectrum oil
- Infused with MCT oil and chamomile for additional benefits
- Four concentrations
Cons
- Low levels of THC
CBD Dog Treats for Stress + Anxiety: Penelope’s Bloom
The price of “Penelope’s Bloom CBD Dog Treats for Stress” varies, so check the latest price at
8. CBD Oil for Dogs: HolistaPet
All pet owners strive to give their pets long, happy lives, and HolistaPet is here to help make that a reality! They have fast become leaders in CBD oil for dogs, helping half a million US pups in five years.
Their CBD pet oil offers good value for money and is a versatile product that addresses numerous problems, including mobility support and pain control, as well as anxiety management. As it’s a broad-spectrum CBD oil, you can rest assured that it’s THC-free but has a healthy range of cannabinoids.
All CBD oil is extracted via CO2 before being blended with hemp seed oil and third-party lab tested for safety and efficacy. There are five options for concentrations (150mg to 3000mg) to suit any size of dog, each coming at an affordable price.
Note that it becomes even more affordable if you’re a HolistaPal+ member! And it might be worth becoming one since customers are thrilled with the calming effects on their once anxious dogs.
Pros
- CBD oil extracted with CO2
- 0% THC
- Five concentration options
Cons
- Doesn’t contain full range of cannabinoids
CBD Oil for Dogs: HolistaPet
The price of “HolistaPet CBD Oil for Dogs” varies, so check the latest price at
9. Pet CBD Oil: NuLeaf Naturals
NuLeaf Naturals are experts in plant medicine who have decided to help your pup as well! It may be a more costly option than some, but it’s not the most expensive oil out there.
With subcritical and supercritical CO2 extraction, NuLeaf uses hemp seed oil to create a full-spectrum oil full of cannabinoids and terpenes to help your pup overcome anxiety.
There are three concentrations available (300mg to 1800mg) to suit a range of dog sizes, as well as a 60-day guarantee during which they’re willing to guide you and your dog as you start treatment. NuLeaf boasts thousands of positive reviews, with customers reporting that their dog no longer suffers from anxiety during thunderstorms and fireworks.
Pros
- Full-spectrum
- Thousands of positive reviews
- Supportive team
Cons
- More expensive
- Not specialists in CBD oil for dogs
Pet CBD Oil: NuLeaf Naturals
The price of “NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil” varies, so check the latest price at
10. Organic CBD Oil: Joy Organics
Joy Organics know that dogs are more than just pets – they’re family members, and that’s why they deserve the best.
Their broad-spectrum hemp extract is blended with organic olive oil making it perfect for any dog with digestive issues. It has a THC-free formula to minimize any worries about toxicity but is still rich with cannabinoids for good effects. As a fast-acting CBD pet oil, this is ideal if your dog isn’t constantly anxious and just needs occasional help.
There are two concentrations on offer (450mg and 900mg), and happy customers are delighted that their pups are finally able to control their anxiety and lead happier lives.
Pros
- Family-owned business
- THC-free
- Fast-acting formula
Cons
- Not pet CBD specialists
- Fewer reviews than others
Organic CBD Oil: Joy Organics
The price of “Joy Organics CBD Oil” varies, so check the latest price at
Best CBD for Dog Anxiety: Buying Guide
With CBD soft chews, oils, and treats, there are so many CBD oils out there, how do you know which ones to get? Here are some of the key things to focus on when deciding which pet CBD oil tincture to get.
Quality of CBD Extract
The most common method of extraction is via CO2, either supercritical or subcritical. As the cleanest method, this is the best method for dogs.
Other methods include using olive oil and dry ice, but alcohol or solvent extraction is best avoided. This is the cheapest method and frequently causes issues with the final result, such as removing cannabinoids, flavonoids, or terpenes from the formula.
CBD Spectrum
When cannabidiol is extracted, it comes with a range of cannabinoids that interact with your dog’s body to regulate anxiety. However, not all formulas keep the full range of cannabinoids.
There are two typical types of spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD oil retains all cannabinoids from the hemp plant, whereas broad-spectrum CBD oil doesn’t contain all of them. However, broad-spectrum oils have no traces of THC, the psychoactive compound that’s toxic to dogs.
For anxiety, it’s best to pick a full-spectrum CBD oil for all the cannabinoids. But if you’re set on a broad-spectrum oil, ensure it contains CBC and CBN cannabinoids for the best effect.
Ingredients
Cannabidiol is perfectly safe for your dog, but there doesn’t need to be much else in even the best CBD oil other than carrier oils. However, some include ingredients with additional health or calming benefits, like chamomile. If there’s much more than CBD and a carrier oil though, it might be worth being skeptical.
Potency
Which potency to choose depends on the size of your dog. A pet CBD oil tincture can range anywhere from 250mg to 3000mg. If you have a tiny dog like a chihuahua or terrier, you should opt for a smaller dosage, but a German Shepherd or Great Dane would need a higher dosage.
NASC Quality Seal
NASC quality seals are awarded to companies that have passed an independent third-party audit. This means they comply and adhere to certain criteria, producing quality CBD products that are up to scratch and safe for your dogs.
Lab Testing
It’s important that brands are transparent. CBD products need to be tested by a third-party lab to ensure that products are safe and contain effective ingredients. After all, you’re giving your dog a drug, so you want to make sure it’s as safe as possible.
Customer Reviews
Pet owners love swapping tips and sharing experiences with each other, and customer reviews are no different. If oil isn’t doing the trick or is harmful, you can guarantee there will be a review about it online. Fortunately, the best CBD oil receives positive comments, reassuring you that you’ve made the right decision.
How CBD Works for Dogs with Anxiety
It’s easy to tell when your dog has anxiety, even if there’s seemingly no particular reason. For my dog, it didn’t take much to trigger symptoms of anxiety; it could be bigger dogs, busy crowds, or motorcyclists with huge, bulbous helmets that make them look more like aliens. If your dog gets panicky or barks excessively because of anxiety, CBD oil can help them manage this.
Cannabidiol is derived from hemp and contains cannabinoids that interact with dogs’ endocannabinoid system, regulating pain, mood, and other functions. This leads to increased levels of serotonin in the brain, alleviating anxiety.
This therapeutic effect lessens hyperactivity, feelings of stress and fear, and behaviors that accompany it, like barking, trembling, and destructive behavior.
All dogs are different, so you can’t guarantee that pet CBD oil will help with anxiety, but there’s always a good chance. If you’re in any doubt, talk to your vet since they will know what’s best for your dog and can ensure the anxiety isn’t a symptom of something more serious.
Recommended Dose
How much CBD to give your dog depends on its breed, size, and how hyper it gets. Since there’s no official recommendation, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. However, the rule of thumb is to administer between 1mg to 2mg for every 10 lbs, although this can increase to 5mg if necessary. Start with a lower dosage and gradually increase it until you find the sweet spot.
Don’t worry about giving too high a dose since dog CBD oil is made from hemp. CBD made from the marijuana plant contains THC, a psychoactive compound that produces a high. THC is toxic in dogs, so we don’t recommend marijuana for dogs. Instead, dog CBD oil is extracted from hemp and comes with either negligible levels of THC or none at all.
Benefits of Using CBD for Dog Anxiety
Some are cautious about even the best CBD oil since it comes from a cannabis plant. But the good news is that it’s all-natural and sometimes safer than other medications used to treat anxiety. In fact, without any toxic THC to worry about, studies have shown no major adverse effects from CBD products.
CBD’s main benefit is how it’s effective in alleviating anxiety. A recent review in 2020 showed it has an anxiolytic effect, meaning it reduces levels of anxiety and promotes calm. Although we don’t know for sure how it achieves this, one study suggests that it could be down to increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
CBD oil doesn’t just reduce anxiety whenever your dog is struggling. It can even help if it’s a chronic recurring problem. A 2015 review found that regular use of CBD oil can effectively reduce various anxiety disorders, like separation anxiety.
FAQs
There are lots of products out there, but since this is still a new treatment, there are many questions pet owners have when looking for the best CBD oil. Here are some of the most common ones.
How to Give CBD to Dogs Suffering from Anxiety?
CBD dog treats are an easy way to give anxious dogs a daily dose of CBD. Just offer them a treat, and they’re usually tasty enough to take you up on the offer – even picky eaters!
Oils are trickier, but it’s not difficult to learn how to give CBD oil to dogs. Most tinctures come with a dropper to give a precise dosage, whether it’s directly in their mouth or disguised in food for fussy eaters.
Which Is More Potent Against Anxiety: CBD Oils or Treats?
CBD oil is usually more potent against anxiety since they’re more concentrated and mixed with a carrier oil that helps the body absorb cannabinoids more effectively. CBD treats are still effective, though. If your dog is a picky eater and responds more to treats, they’re still a perfectly viable option.
Which Factors Determine the Good-Quality CBD Oil?
There are numerous factors that make a good-quality CBD oil. It should be extracted via CO2 and be either full-spectrum or at least contain CBD, CBC, and CBN. It should also have a sufficient concentration for the size of your dog, be third-party lab tested, and come with a range of positive customer reviews.
Can CBD Oil Work as a Sedative?
Cannabinoids in CBD oil interact with your dog’s endocannabinoid system to increase serotonin levels and promote calmness and alleviate anxiety. Best CBD for hyper dogs helps to stop them from being triggered by stressors.
This can make dogs sleepier, more relaxed, and less likely to be hyper and anxious. Although it’s not the same as a sedative, it can still help them manage extreme moods and anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are treasured members of the family. If any other member of the family had issues with their mental health, we would do anything we could to help. And dogs are no different.
Some might say they’re just animals, but dogs have more complex emotional needs than you might first assume. Their anxiety can be easily triggered, either by an upsetting past or something stressful, and it’s our duty as pet owners to help them manage it.
There are various strategies to help dogs with anxiety, but when it’s particularly bad, one way to calm them down and manage it is with CBD oil. There are many products out there, but with proper research, you can find the perfect product for your pup. With patience, love, and the best CBD for dog anxiety, you can help your dog overcome their anxiety and live a happy, carefree life.
