Does CBD Really Make Dogs Calm? The Science Behind CBD for Canine Anxiety

Are you tirelessly searching for ways to help your anxious furball? I’ve been there too watching my Greyhound shake like a leaf during thunderstorms. Many pet parents are turning to CBD as a potential solution for their dog’s anxiety. But does CBD actually make dogs calm? Let’s dive into what the science says, share some real experiences and help you decide if CBD might be right for your nervous pooch.

What Exactly is CBD and How Does It Work for Dogs?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound extracted from hemp plants. Unlike THC (the stuff that gets humans high), CBD contains minimal THC (less than 0.3%) and won’t make your dog loopy or intoxicated.

Here’s how it works in your dog’s body:

• CBD interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a complex network of receptors throughout their body
• The ECS helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and stress responses
• CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in your dog’s brain and body
• This interaction may influence the production of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood

As Dr. Joseph Wakshlag from Cornell University explains, “CBD seems to have a place in the treatment of certain conditions in dogs, including anxiety in some cases.”

Real Success Stories: When CBD Helped Anxious Dogs

Some pretty amazing success stories exist. The AKC shares the story of Lady Amelthia, a Greyhound who was absolutely terrified of thunderstorms. Her anxiety was so severe that:

• She would destroy crates trying to escape
• Holding her only made her panic more
• ThunderShirts only reduced her anxiety from “100 to 90” on the scale
• Veterinary-prescribed trazodone brought it down to “50”

When her owner tried CBD oil, Lady Amelthia’s anxiety plummeted to just a “5” on the scale. That’s a huge improvement!

In a Cornell University study, 83% of dogs given CBD chews before stressful events showed decreased anxiety-related behaviors. That’s promising, right?

Why CBD Might Not Calm Your Dog

But here’s the thing – CBD isn’t a miracle cure for every anxious dog. According to research from the University of Kentucky, CBD wasn’t significantly better than placebo for noise anxiety, and actually performed worse than trazodone in some measures.

So why doesn’t CBD work for all dogs? Several reasons:

1. Individual Differences in Dogs

Just like people, dogs can respond differently to CBD based on:

• Their unique endocannabinoid system
• Genetic factors
• Age and size
• Underlying health conditions

2. Dosage and Administration Issues

Getting the right dose is tricky:

• Too little CBD might not have any effect
• Too much CBD can sometimes create a biphasic response (where it stops working)
• The timing matters – CBD may need to be given 30-60 minutes before anxiety triggers
• Some CBD products are best absorbed with food, others on an empty stomach

3. Quality and Purity Problems

Not all CBD products are created equal:

• A Cornell study of 29 CBD pet products found only 10 contained what they claimed on the label
• Four products contained heavy metal contamination
• Two products had no cannabinoids at all!

How to Choose the Right CBD Product for Your Anxious Dog

If you’re considering trying CBD for your dog’s anxiety, here’s what to look for:

Quality Matters

• Look for products with the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Seal of Quality Assurance
• Choose products with third-party certificates of analysis
• Avoid human CBD products which may contain ingredients toxic to dogs (like xylitol)

Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate

• Full-spectrum products contain other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes
• CBD seems to work better when combined with these other compounds (called the “entourage effect”)
• But avoid products with more than 0.3% THC

Dosage Guidelines

Start with about 0.1 to 0.2 mg per kilogram of your dog’s weight, given twice daily. For example:

Remember to start low and gradually increase if needed. And always consult your vet before starting CBD, especially if your dog takes other medications.

Potential Side Effects of CBD in Dogs

While CBD is generally considered safe, some dogs may experience:

• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Dry mouth (increased thirst)
• Changes in appetite
• Temporary drops in blood pressure
• Diarrhea (usually with high doses)

More concerning is that CBD can affect liver enzymes, specifically cytochrome P450 and alkaline phosphatase. This is important because these enzymes help metabolize many medications. Using CBD could potentially:

• Cause other medications to build up to toxic levels
• Reduce the effectiveness of some medications
• Interfere with prescription anti-seizure drugs

Beyond CBD: A Comprehensive Approach to Canine Anxiety

We’ve found that CBD works best as part of a comprehensive approach to anxiety. Consider combining it with:

Behavior Modification

• Desensitization training for specific triggers
• Counter-conditioning to create positive associations
• Regular exercise and mental stimulation

Environmental Management

• Creating safe spaces in your home
• Using white noise machines during storms
• Maintaining consistent routines

Veterinary Support

• Prescription anti-anxiety medications when needed
• Checking for underlying medical conditions
• Regular health monitoring

Our Experience Using CBD for Dog Anxiety

I’ve tried CBD with my own anxious rescue dog, and our experience was mixed. For mild anxieties like car rides, the CBD oil seemed to take the edge off. However, for severe thunderstorm phobia, it wasn’t enough on its own – we needed to combine it with other strategies.

What we’ve learned is that patience and consistency are key. It took about two weeks of regular use before we noticed sustainable improvements, and finding the right dose took some trial and error.

The Bottom Line: Does CBD Make Dogs Calm?

The honest answer is: sometimes, for some dogs, in some situations.

CBD shows promise for helping with canine anxiety, but:

• It’s not a guaranteed fix for every anxious dog
• Quality and proper dosing are crucial
• It works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan
• Always consult your veterinarian before starting

The research is still evolving, and while some studies show positive results, others have been less conclusive. What seems clear is that CBD may help reduce anxiety in many dogs, but individual results vary significantly.

Talk to Your Vet Before Starting CBD

Most vets are now open to discussing CBD options, even if they can’t officially “prescribe” it. They can help you:

• Determine if CBD might help your specific dog
• Check for potential interactions with medications
• Recommend reputable products
• Monitor your dog’s response

CBD isn’t a miracle cure, but for some anxious dogs, it might just be the natural support they need to feel calmer and more balanced. With proper research, quality products, and veterinary guidance, CBD could be worth exploring for your anxious furry friend.

Have you tried CBD for your dog’s anxiety? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

While many veterinarians support and advise on the use of CBD for dogs due to its potential to help with pain, anxiety, and seizures, they often cannot legally prescribe or recommend it directly due to federal regulations.

Yes, you can give your dog CBD every night, and it may be beneficial for their well-being by promoting relaxation and calmness.