Can CBD Oil Help Dogs with Anxiety?
If your dog struggles with anxiety—whether it’s fireworks, vet visits, or being home alone—you’re not alone. We talk with pet parents about this every day in our stores.
CBD oil may help reduce anxiety in dogs by promoting a sense of calm—without the heavy side effects that can come with some medications. While research is still emerging, many customers have seen meaningful improvements in their pets’ comfort and behavior.
If you’re looking for a natural way to support your dog, CBD can be a helpful place to start.
Looking for options? Explore our curated selection of CBD for dogs
Common Causes of Dog Anxiety
Dogs experience stress for all kinds of reasons, including:
- Separation from their people
- Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms
- Vet or grooming visits
- Car rides or travel
- Moving to a new home
- New pets or family members
- Past trauma (especially in rescue dogs)
No matter the cause, the goal is the same: helping your dog feel safe and settled.
How CBD Helps Dogs Feel Calmer
CBD (cannabidiol) works with your dog’s endocannabinoid system—the system that helps regulate mood, stress, and balance.
Pet parents who offer CBD often notice:
- Less pacing, panting, or whining
- Easier transitions during stressful moments
- More relaxed, restful behavior
- A smoother daily routine overall
CBD isn’t a sedative—it simply helps take the edge off.
Want to understand how it works? Read more about natural calming solutions
How CBD helped one rescue dog
As a rescue pup, Bennie had a rough start and continued to suffer from significant anxiety all his life, including having frequent nightmares. When his human first gave him hemp CBD, she was initially skeptical that this natural product could make a difference. Prone to panting, pacing, and barking, Bennie’s anxiety had been problematic for all the dozen years they’d spent together. After his first dose of CBD, Bennie seemed to quickly become more relaxed. When other family members, who had no idea that Bennie had been given hemp CBD, remarked on his calmer, happier demeanor, it was a testament to what hemp CBD can do to reduce a dog’s anxiety and calm restlessness.
CBD for Fireworks, Storms & Stressful Events
Dogs and cats can spend the 4th of July and other holidays celebrated with fireworks cowering in fear. CBD can reduce the anxiety that thunderstorms and fireworks can trigger. We recommend planning ahead using the following steps…
- Close your windows and curtains to help muffle the sound.
- Play some calm music or TV to maskthe sounds.
- Before noon: tire your dog out with along walk or vigorous play
2 PM: offer the first dose CBD
6 PM: 2nd dose CBD
10 PM: 3rd dose and tuck themin their crate or safe-feeling spot
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Will CBD Make My Dog High?
No—CBD will not make your dog high. Pet CBD is derived from hemp and contains little to no THC (the compound that causes a high). Quality pet products contain 0.3% THC or less.
Keep in mind:
- THC can be toxic to dogs
- Always choose products made specifically for pets
When properly dosed, CBD supports calm—not intoxication.
CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil: What’s the Difference?
Though they’re both made from industrial hemp, so neither product causes a high, CBD oil and hemp oil are very different, especially for calming purposes. Hemp oil is made from pressed hemp seeds, which do not contain CBD. Pet CBD oil is extracted from CBD-rich industrial hemp flowers, leaves, and stalks.
To address your dog’s anxiety, choose products that explicitly state that they contain CBD and how much.
How do you find the best CBD oil for dogs with anxiety?
CBD advertising and labeling can be very confusing and even misleading, so to find the best hemp CBD for your dog, you will want to shop carefully. Check how and where the hemp is grown, and make sure it’s free of heavy metals and pesticides. It’s essential to buy only CBD that’s lab-tested for potency and purity.
Comparison shopping also takes a sharp buyer’s eye. It’s more important to compare the amount of CBD in the product, usually stated in mg, than the actual amount of the product because there are a variety of potencies available. If you are dosing a large dog, offering CBD long-term, or dosing frequently, a higher potency CBD may be more cost-effective in the long run.
How do you find the best CBD oil for dogs with anxiety?
When considering CBD for dogs with anxiety, most people think of CBD oil. Bottled CBD oils with droppers are good options because they make it easy to measure the correct dose. You can give CBD oil directly in the mouth or add it to food or a treat.
Oils will vary by potency and by the amount of terpenes in them. Full-spectrum CBD is extracted from the whole hemp plant; beyond just CBD, hemp plants contain additional cannabinoids and aromatic compounds (terpenes) which interact positively with CBD, giving it a boost! When these trace compounds are included in the product, it creates an “entourage effect,” which is when the constituent parts work together to magnify the benefits. The downside is that full-spectrum products tend to have a “grassy” taste, which may be off-putting to pickier animals. Full-spectrum products are guaranteed to have 0.3% THC or less.
CBD isolate, on the other hand, is refined to the point where only the CBD itself is left, making it flavorless. This makes it great for picky animals, especially cats. The lack of an entourage effect means that some animals will need slightly more CBD to achieve similar effects. CBD isolates contain 0% THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD falls between the two. It is more refined than full-spectrum, so it’s THC-free and has a milder taste. It has a reduced entourage effect due to lower levels of trace compounds, but in contrast to an isolate, it still contains enough plant material to effectively increase benefits.
CBD treats for dogs are convenient, and it’s likely that your pup will love them. However, they can get expensive if you want to give CBD treats to a large dog or if you’re planning on long-term use, so you may want to do some CBD price comparisons.
How Much CBD Should You Give Your Dog?
A general guideline:
- 1–5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight
Start in the middle and adjust based on your dog’s response.
- Effects usually appear within 30–60 minutes
- Your dog should feel calmer—not sleepy or “out of it”
If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to help you find the right starting point.
Need help with dosing? Ask one of our pet nutrition experts
Can CBD Be Used with Other Medications?
CBD is generally well-tolerated, but if your dog is on medication, it’s best to check with your veterinarian first.
Holistic and integrative vets are often especially familiar with CBD.
A Thoughtful, Natural Approach to Calming Support
CBD isn’t a cure-all—but it can be a powerful tool when combined with the right nutrition, routine, and environment.
At All The Best Pet Care, we believe in helping you find what works for your individual pet—with carefully selected products and real, knowledgeable support.
