Best CBD for Dog Anxiety: 9 Options to Calm Your Pup

The first time I left my Beagle at home alone after going back to work following my maternity leave, he got so anxious that he broke out of his crate, howled himself hoarse, destroyed three shelves worth of books, tore up a pillow, and had an accident all over my bedroom floor—and that was just how destructive he got the first time.

Things got progressively worse each time I tried to leave him alone, ultimately culminating in him breaking through one of our downstairs glass windows and escaping the house. (Thankfully, my neighbors heard the glass shatter and rescued him.)

It turns out that my dog had separation anxiety, a condition that is triggered when our pets become upset that they’re separated from their favorite people. It’s especially common in shelter dogs or rescues, but it can affect any dog, especially if there’s a big change in the family dynamic.

According to a 2016 study, as many as 17 percent of all dogs suffer from separation anxiety (1). Symptoms can include drooling, shaking, house soiling, barking and howling, chewing, digging, pacing, destruction, and, as was the case with my pup, dramatic escape attempts. 

Regardless of what triggers your dog’s anxiety, the good news is, there are steps you can take to help your pet. This might include working with your veterinarian or a professional trainer to  use reward-based behavior modification techniques.​ You can also help your dog feel more calm and relaxed by giving them anxiety supplements or CBD for pets.  

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Overall CBD Bites for Dog Anxiety: Honest Paws CBD Calm Bites
• Best CBD Oil for Dog Anxiety: FOCL Premium CBD Pet Drops
• Best USDA Organic Full-Spectrum CBD Oil: Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Cats and Dogs
• Best CBD Pet Tincture for Dog Anxiety: Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture
• Best Fast-Acting CBD Situational Use Chews: ElleVet Calm and Comfort Chews
• Best CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety: Penelope’s Bloom Stress+Anxiety CBD Treats for Dogs
• Best CBD Soft Chews for Dog Anxiety: Medterra CBD Calming Pet Chews
• Best High Potency CBD for Dog Anxiety: King Kalm 600MG CBD with Copaiba & Krill Oil and DHA
• Best Veterinarian Formulated CBD for Calm Behavior: Pet Releaf Stress Releaf

Best CBD for Dog Anxiety: 9 Options to Calm Your Pup

From tinctures to treats, here are seven options to consider when shopping for the best CBD for dog anxiety.

Best Overall CBD Bites for Dog Anxiety

Our pick: Honest Paws CBD Calm Bites

Get 15% off your order with code VETSTREET

From meeting new people to going on car rides, there are a number of situations that can trigger anxiety in dogs. Luckily, these peanut butter-flavor CBD bites from Honest Paws will be hard for your dog to resist. Made with USDA organic ingredients, such as barley, oats, peanut butter, coconut oil and 5 mg of full-spectrum CBD hemp oil per bite, these treats are free of GMOs and fillers like soy, corn, sugars, and added colors. They’re also gluten-free and NASC-certified to meet the strictest of quality standards. 

Highlights:

• For all dog breeds and ages
• Made with all USDA organic ingredients, no fillers
• NASC-certified product
• Ingredients are grown without pesticides and are non-GMO
• Peanut butter flavor
• Comes in a resealable, portable package
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Save 15 percent with auto-refill

Things to Consider:

• Crunchy treats might not work for older dogs with sensitive gums or missing teeth
• Number of treats you should feed depends on your dog’s weight

Best CBD Oil for Dog Anxiety

Our pick: FOCL Premium CBD Pet Drops

Save 20% off your order with code VETSREET20

Just like us humans, dogs can derive a variety of benefits from CBD oil. And FOCL’s specially formulated CBD drops for pets top our list when it comes to helping support calm and comfort for anxious dogs. Made according to the highest quality control guidelines, FOCL Premium CBD Pet Drops are available in concentrations of 300 mg or 600 mg strength. So whether your dog is a little anxious or a lot, there’s a soothing CBD solution for your pet. Choose from delicious flavors designed to appeal to your dog’s palate, like peanut butter, wild salmon, or savory chicken. The included dropper ensures your dog gets the right dose every time. And FOCL’s stringent third-party testing, transparent reporting, organic ingredients, and THC-free formula provide plenty of peace-of-mind…which means giving your dog FOCL CBD oil is less stressful for you, too!

Highlights

• FOCL’s premium CBD pet drops are made from organic hemp combined with potent botanicals
• Available in 300 mg or 600 mg concentration
• Contains no THC or GMOs
• All ingredients are human-grade and organic
• Product can be placed on your dog’s tongue or directly into their food
• Free shipping on all orders
• Handy bottle travels easily

Things to Consider

• Consult with your veterinarian if your dog is on other medications before introducing CBD
• Best if used directly on your dog’s tongue, but the CBD can also be mixed into your dog’s food or soaked into a dog treat

Best USDA Organic Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Our pick: Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Cats and Dogs

From their headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky comes the top-rated CBD company in the entire state. Co-founded by two cousins, Cornbred Hemp for dogs and cats is USDA organic certified so you can feel good giving it to your pets. Because this is a full-spectrum CBD product, it contains CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural hemp plant compounds. In addition to being third-party tested and using the flower only, Cornbred Hemp contains vegan corndog flavoring your pet will enjoy.

Highlights:

• The product is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility that is 100% free of eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, and milk
• 100 percent money-back guarantee within 30 days
• Uses  organic sugarcane ethanol to extract their Flower-Only™ hemp CBD extract, with no stems or leaves included in the process
• Contains certified organic coconut oil
• No harsh or bitter after-taste
• Each serving contains 25 mg CBD/0.5 mg THC

Things to Consider:

• Amount dispensed depends on the weight of your pet
• Most pets enjoy the corndog flavoring

Best CBD Pet Tincture for Dog Anxiety

Our pick: Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture

Save 20% off your entire order with code VETSTREET20

Pet-safe CBD may be a great way to calm a panicky pup, but not if dosing your dog turns into its own anxiety-inducing battle. Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture solves this by blending its super-potent, small-batch CBD oil with all-natural ingredients like wild Alaska salmon oil and bacon oil to pique your pet’s palate. The simple formula is perfectly balanced to hide the bitter taste often associated with CBD oil. And because Batch CBD is extracted exclusively from the flowers of a hardy, organically grown hemp strain, it’s fast-acting and effective. So your dog can start enjoying the relaxing benefits of this tasty tincture right away. Each bottle contains 750 mg of CBD and comes with a graduated dropper that holds up to 25 mg, so you can give your pup the precise dose they need to feel calmer. 

Highlights:

• Batch CBD oil is crafted with 100% organic hemp grown, harvested, processed, and packaged in Wisconsin
• 750 mg of powerful broad-spectrum CBD per bottle
• Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny Program
• In-house and third-party lab tested for safety 
• Can be mixed with food or administered under the tongue
• Contains less than .1% of THC, so won’t get your pet “high”
• Free shipping on orders over $25
• 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee

Things to Consider:

• Dosage depends on your pet’s weight; Batch recommends starting with 3-5 mg CBD per every 10 lbs, administered 1-2 times per day
• Once you learn your pet’s optimal dose, subscribe for automatic delivery every 30 or 60 days to save 25%

Best Fast-Acting CBD Situational Use Chews

Our pick: ElleVet Calm and Comfort Chews

Get 20% off with code vetstreet20

Sometimes a dog may not need daily stress support provided by a high-quality CBD product. In times of situational stress, such as during thunderstorms or fireworks, car rides, or nail trims, ElleVet’s Calm and Comfort Chews with CBD and CBDA may help. Dubbed an ’emergency use’ product, each chew contains 46 mg of CBD and CBDA, both of which are non-psychotropic cannabinoids. Available in a convenient 4-pack for travel or a 38-count canister, both are pork flavored for maximum satisfaction. This is the type of product you keep on hand ‘just in case’ and thank yourself later.

Highlights:

• Ideal for dogs who don’t need daily stress support
• Can be given as needed in advance of a stressful or anxiety-inducing event
• Easy to dispense pork-flavored chewables
• Each container features a batch number with corresponding Certificate of Analysis.
• Amount of chew to dispense depends on the weight of your dog

Things to Consider:

• Do not exceed two doses within a 24-hour period
• Must be given 1-1/2 hours before the triggering event for best results
• Best if taken on a full stomach
• A bit pricey

Best CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety

Our pick: Penelope’s Bloom Stress+Anxiety CBD Treats for Dogs

If your dog is food motivated, you might find it easier to give them CBD dog treats for anxiety as opposed to a tincture or oil. Made from pesticide-free, organically-grown, non-GMO hemp, these treats are available in two concentrations to suit your pet’s needs: 300 mg (10 mg per treat) or 600 mg (20 mg per treat). In addition to full-spectrum CBD, you’ll find other calming ingredients like chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root extracts in these sweet potato-flavor treats. Did we mention they smell like freshly baked oatmeal cookies? Plus, they come in environmentally friendly packaging that you can reseal and take on the go. 

Highlights:

• Made with human-grade, vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, pesticide-free CBD
• Also contains calming extracts and L-theanine help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
• Made in the USA and baked in small batches
• Choose from two CBD concentrations (300 or 600 mg)
• Available as a bundle or subscription at discounted price
• Come in resealable, portable, environmentally-friendly packaging
• For dogs of all life stages
• Other treat options include Heart+Immunity and Joint+Mobility 

Things to Consider:

• Number of treats to feed your dog depends on their weight
• A dog with severe anxiety might need the 600 mg formulation
• Not NASC-Certified

Best CBD Soft Chews for Dog Anxiety

Our pick: Medterra CBD Calming Pet Chews

Get 15% Off Medterra CBD for Pets. Use Code CALMPET

Medterra makes CBD products for humans and pets, and that includes these bacon-flavored soft chews that are sure to pique your dog’s interest. Each chew contains 10 mg of CBD (double the standard dose of most treats), and contains other calming ingredients, such as valerian root and L-Tryptophan, to keep your pet calm and combat anxiety. 

Highlights:

• In addition to CBD, contains multiple calming ingredients, including chamomile, valerian root, and L-Tryptophan
• 10 mg of CBD per treat (bag contains 30 soft chews)
• Bacon flavored
• Safe for dogs and cats
• Clinically tested
• Save 30 percent more and get free shipping if you subscribe for regular deliveries

Things to Consider:

• For animal use only
• Not for dogs or cats under 12 weeks of age
• Contains multiple ingredients and flavors
• Not NASC-Certified
• Number of treats to feed depends on your dog’s weight

Best High Potency CBD for Dog Anxiety

Our pick: King Kalm 600MG CBD with Copaiba & Krill Oil and DHA

Get 15% Off Site-Wide with Code VETSTREET

King Kanine is a pet-exclusive wellness company that offers a variety of CBD products in different doses, but this one is one of the strongest they offer, making it a good choice for dogs that have more severe anxiety. Not only does the oil contain 600 mg of CBD to help soothe your dog’s anxiety, but it also contains copaiba essential oil, krill oil, DHA, and EPA. A standard dose provides support for mild issues, while a medicinal dose can help with severe anxiousness.

Highlights:

• Professionally formulated
• Third-party lab tested
• Contains multiple calming ingredients to be more potent
• Handy chart gives recommendations for standard and medicinal doses
• Purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Extra-strength for potent calming effect

Things to Consider:

• Most expensive product on this list
• Not designed for small dogs
• Dosage will vary by your pet’s weight and severity of symptoms
• Not NASC-Certified

Best Veterinarian Formulated CBD for Calm Behavior

Our pick: Pet Releaf Stress Releaf

Pet Releaf is a veterinarian-formulated, USDA organic full-spectrum hemp extract with cannabidiol. From separation anxiety to thunderstorms and grooming sessions, Stress Releaf Hemp Oil comes in 300 mg and 600 mg dosages. Each batch is made in Colorado and third-party lab tested for guaranteed potency. Pet Releaf products are free of pesticides and herbicides

Highlights

• Received the quality seal from NASC (National Animal Supplement Council)
• Made in the United States
• Veterinarian formulated
• Also contains organic ashwagandha to promote calmness
• Available for smaller or medium/large dogs
• Transparent labeling and compliance with all regulations and third-party testing
• Independent labs used for testing

Things to Consider

• Split the recommended usage between morning and evening
• This oil is a bit on the pricey side

Treating Dog Anxiety with CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound derived from the hemp plant. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a communication system in the brain and body that influences a pet’s mood, behavior, and other important functions. That’s why it can potentially help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and make your dog feel a little calmer. 

While there hasn’t been a lot of peer-reviewed research proving the effectiveness of CBD for anxiety in dogs, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from pet owners who have found CBD helpful in reducing their pet’s anxiety (2, 3).

CBD is not necessarily a fit for every dog, so talk with your veterinarian about treating dog anxiety with CBD before giving your dog any new product. CBD can interact with some medications, and dogs with certain underlying diseases may not be able to metabolize the CBD product properly. Your veterinarian can also help make sure you pick the right product and dose for your pet. 

Best CBD for Dog Anxiety: What to Look For

Pet CBD products are available in the form of oils, tinctures, treats, and chews. The best CBD for dog anxiety depends on your pup’s individual needs and preferences.

CBD oils and tinctures come with a measured dropper to help you give a precise dose to your dog, either by putting drops on their tongues, against their cheeks, or in their food. Generally, oils have higher concentrations of CBD, so you’ll need to pay close attention to the correct CBD oil dosage for dogs with anxiety. Oils tend to be the most direct way to get your dog anxiety relief. However, not all dogs like the taste of oils, which can make it more difficult to administer. 

For other pet parents, CBD chews and treats may be more convenient. You can easily offer your dog one or two as a treat before you leave or even on the go. Treats and chews often work better for dogs that are picky—most treats have added natural flavors to encourage your dog to eat them. 

Multiple studies have shown there are no major adverse effects from giving CBD to dogs (4, 5). CBD also cannot get your dog “high.” However, it’s important to thoroughly research the CBD product you’re thinking of giving to your pet, because not every manufacturer is equal or reputable. Look for pet CBD brands that are open and upfront about their ingredients and how they source them, as well as their testing policies. It might also be a good idea to get a product that’s formulated or endorsed by veterinarians. 

You can also look for companies that have a NASC Quality Seal, which means that the company passed an independent third-party audit and demonstrated ongoing compliance with certain criteria to ensure quality and safety standards for your dog, as well as labeling requirements. 

How to Give CBD for Dog Anxiety

It’s difficult to know exactly how much CBD for dog anxiety to give because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not released an approved standard for CBD dosing for pets. The correct dose for your dog depends on your pet’s weight, their age (since age can slow down their metabolism), and their anxiety levels.

That’s why it’s important to consult your veterinarian and to carefully follow the directions on the packaging of the CBD product you use. Some products are absorbed faster than others.