CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety in 2022

How CBD Helps Dogs With Anxiety

Anxiety affects canines. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, the most common causes of anxiety are aging, separation, and fear⁽¹⁾. 

Human and animal studies show that CBD may potentially help with anxiety and other anxiety-related disorders^(2-3). 

Furthermore, anecdotal reports from some dog owners suggest that CBD oil may help with dog anxiety⁽⁴⁾. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active constituent of cannabis. While this compound is an essential element of medical marijuana, it is derived from cannabis plants, which include marijuana and hemp plants⁽⁵⁾.

CBD is non-psychoactive, although it has structural similarities to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC, another cannabis plant compound, causes a euphoric high⁽⁶⁾.  

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is prevalent in mammalian species. ECS can be seen everywhere in the body and functions by maintaining homeostasis in the immune system, nervous system, and other organ systems⁽⁷⁾. 

Homeostasis is a process by which biological systems maintain steadiness while adapting to changing external conditions⁽⁸⁾. 

Cannabidiol interacts with cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2. These receptors participate in multiple biological processes, including the regulation of pain, inflammation, and anxiety⁽⁹⁾. 

 Compared to humans, dogs have large numbers of cannabinoid receptors in their brain stem, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum⁽¹⁰⁾.   

Medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brain. Cerebellum is the area at the back and bottom of the brain.

Due to the high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their brains, canines are sensitive to the effects of cannabinoids, making them susceptible to THC toxicity. In addition, dogs are relatively smaller than humans⁽¹¹⁾. 

However, a study from the journal Animals stated that cannabidiol may help counteract the adverse effects of THC when administered concurrently⁽¹²⁾. 

Although some pet parents have reported success in administering CBD oil to help their anxious dogs, there is still no scientific data on how using the compound affects canines with such a condition⁽¹³⁾. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Dogs With Anxiety

Jerry Klein, the chief veterinary officer of the AKC (American Kennel Club), said that CBD is used in dogs for the following⁽¹⁴⁾: 

• cardiac benefits
• anti-inflammatory properties
• appetite stimulation
• anti-nausea effects
• possible cancer benefits
• antianxiety impact   

CBD’s calming effect is only one of the compound’s purported therapeutic properties. However, note that, when administered in higher doses, CBD may cause dogs to feel slight drowsiness⁽¹⁵⁾.  

Still, CBD’s benefits should not be overlooked. The vice-chairman of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, Jeffrey Powers, shared that CBD has helped control his dog’s noise anxiety⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Dog anxiety and noise aversion are the most common reasons pet owners seek information about CBD and the various ways to administer it to their furry friends⁽¹⁷⁾. 

As the interest in and use of cannabidiol in companion animals increase, there is a critical need for research evaluating the effectiveness and safety of CBD when used for dog anxiety. 

One study from the University of Kentucky examined the impact of feeding CBD-containing treats on dogs’ response to a noise-induced fear response test⁽¹⁸⁾.

The result showed that CBD did not have an anxiolytic (antianxiety) effect in dogs supplemented with 1.4 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight. Results also suggest that the compound may attenuate the effects of trazodone on plasma cortisol⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps the body respond to stress. Trazodone is an antidepressant medication for behavioral disorders in cats and dogs. 

The authors of the study suggested increasing CBD doses to determine and analyze any potential anxiolytic effect on canines.  

 How Long Does CBD Take to Help Dogs With Anxiety?

CBD’s onset of action varies depending on several factors, including the method of administration used. However, it is not clear how long it takes for CBD to help with canine anxiety.

The onset of CBD oil for humans usually takes 30 to 90 minutes⁽²⁰⁾. Still, dogs are not “small people,” so you cannot expect the same duration and result.    

If you want to try cannabidiol for your anxious dog, you can add CBD oil to your dog’s food or administer it directly to your pooch’s mouth. 

Most CBD oil and tincture products come with a calibrated dropper. You can use it to dispense the content for easier administration. 

Meanwhile, CBD dog treats like soft chews are available in various flavors, such as sweet potato, green apple, bacon flavor, and peanut butter flavor. 

You may initiate a conversation with your veterinarian regarding the use of CBD products⁽²¹⁾. Note that veterinarians are not allowed to voluntarily discuss CBD use with their clients due to potential penalties and license suspension. 

How Long Will CBD Help Dogs With Anxiety?

No study has determined how long CBD takes to help with canine anxiety. However, reports indicate that the low bioavailability of cannabidiol via oral administration to dogs and humans is due to the first pass effect⁽²²⁾.  

The first pass effect happens when a substance gets metabolized at a particular location in the body, decreasing drug absorption. 

Bioavailability refers to the ingested drug portion that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. 

A 2020 animal study using a canine model mentioned that the oral administration of oral CBD products resulted in an elimination half-life between one to four hours. The CBD dose given was 1.4mg/kg (milligram of CBD for every kilogram of dog body weight)⁽²³⁾. 

Half-life is the length of time for the concentration of a particular drug to decrease to 50% of its starting dose in the body. 

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

In 2021, a study from the American Journal of Veterinary Research indicated that repeated daily oral CBD administration was well tolerated by 20 healthy adult beagles⁽²⁴⁾.  

Meanwhile, research from the journal Animals hypothesized that an oral CBD-rich hemp supplement administered to healthy dogs and cats every 12 hours was not detrimental, based on CBC (complete blood count) and biochemistry values⁽²⁵⁾. 

Still, you should look for high-quality CBD pet products for your dog’s health and overall wellness. Many CBD brands in the market claim to have the best CBD dog treats and other CBD-infused products. 

Ensure that the products you are buying come with certificates of analysis (CoAs) and lab results provided by a third-party lab. This way, you can determine the cannabidiol content’s potency and concentration. 

Lab testing is also vital to check whether there are harmful contaminants, such as pesticides, residual solvents, and heavy metals, in the product.  

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Dog With Anxiety

While there is no scientific data on the risks and side effects of CBD usage for dogs with anxiety, the compound is thought to have the same potential side effects experienced by humans. Potential side effects include⁽²⁶⁾.

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Lowered blood pressure 

Research from the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association indicated that healthy dogs may be able to clinically tolerate cannabidiol. Still, side effects like diarrhea may be experienced⁽²⁷⁾.  

How to Safely Administer CBD to Dogs

The best way to safely administer CBD to dogs is through the mouth. Still, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian experienced in cannabis use before giving CBD products to dogs.

However, note that not all states in the U.S.A. permit the use of cannabis and its derivatives, including cannabidiol. In addition, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recognize CBD as a medical treatment.

For these reasons, make sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s rules and regulations regarding the use of CBD oil for dogs to avoid possible legal consequences.

To learn more about CBD and how to administer the compound to your dog safely, you may want to join the Veterinary Cannabis Society. 

Their official website provides their members access to webinars, podcasts, and peer-reviewed articles to inform and educate people on the safe use of cannabis in veterinary medicine. 

Quality Factors You Should Look for in CBD Dog Treats

Most CBD companies, such as Holistapet and Honest Paws, aim to have the highest quality pet CBD products, including CBD calming treats and calming chews. 

Some brands even offer a money-back guarantee if their products do not deliver as promised. However, cannabis in any form is a highly pharmacologically active drug⁽²⁸⁾. Dog owners should be cautious when choosing the right product for your dog.

Below is some pertinent information to help you select the appropriate CBD dog treat for your furry friend: 

1. Go for CBD dog treats that are derived from organic hemp. If possible, always opt for non-GMO, gluten-free treats, or treats that contain natural ingredients (organic ingredients).

Most CBD brands claim that they grow hemp plants from their farms. Grown hemp must not contain more than 0.3% of THC. 

Hemp-based CBD treats have little to no THC, making them generally safe⁽²⁹⁾.

2. Know the different hemp extracts and choose the one that suits your dog’s needs. The AKC suggested going for broad-spectrum CBD oil over full-spectrum hemp oil⁽³⁰⁾.

The reason for it is that full-spectrum CBD oil has THC content.

3. Visit your chosen CBD company’s website and check if a third-party lab tests all their products. Their page must include the lab report as well as the certificates of analysis (CoAs).

Lab testing is essential to ensure that their products do not have preservatives, artificial flavors, or worse, harmful contaminants.

4. Compare the CoA with the CBD company’s claims. Ensure that the amount of CBD in their products is accurate so that your dog can get the full benefits of CBD. 

The Right CBD Dosage for Your Dog’s Anxiety

There is no available CBD dosage to provide anxiety relief for dogs. However, if you want to determine the dosing of cannabis for pets, accurate labeling is the primary necessity. Without this information, calculated doses mean nothing⁽³¹⁾.  

Research showed that canines with anxiety-related disorders are more likely to be aggressive toward people and engage in phobic and compulsive behaviors⁽³²⁾.  

On February 2, 2021, a study on the effects of Cannabis sativa L on canine’s aggressive behavior utilized one drop of CBD oil per 2kg of body weight to each dog that participated⁽³³⁾. 

You may want to consider the calculated dose used in that study. However, the results are inconclusive. 

In addition, larger dogs may require a higher CBD dose than smaller dogs. Thus, it is best to speak with a veterinarian before deciding to give CBD to your anxious pet. 

Veterinary professionals may be hesitant to talk about CBD and its purported health benefits. However, feel free to initiate a discussion with them⁽³⁴⁾. 

CBD Dog Treats Ingredients

Most CBD products, including dog treats, may contain carrier oils that may contribute to the purported health benefits of CBD. MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil from coconut oil is a common carrier oil⁽³⁵⁾. 

It is vital to assess the ingredients of CBD pet products to be aware of the possible allergens and additives that may have adverse effects on your anxious dog. 

If your dog is gluten or dairy intolerant, make sure to avoid CBD treats with these ingredients. 

In addition, be careful not to confuse hemp oil with hempseed oil. People use them interchangeably. However, they are different from each other.

Although hempseed oil does not contain cannabinoids, it is rich in nutrients and fatty acids that may benefit your dog⁽³⁶⁾. 

Other Alternative Treatments for Canine Anxiety

Apart from CBD products like CBD treats for anxiety in dogs, these alternative options may also help calm anxious dogs. 

1. Chamomile is a herbal supplement used as a mild sedative to help with anxiety in dogs⁽³⁷⁾.  

2. Superfoods or nutrient-rich foods may help improve your dog’s overall health and wellness⁽³⁸⁾.

According to studies, separation anxiety is associated with severe canine skin problems⁽³⁹⁾. Flaxseed, a known superfood, may help your pooch achieve healthier skin and hair coat^(40).

3. Glucosamine is a compound that may help alleviate joint pain in dogs⁽⁴¹⁾. Anxiety is sometimes indicative of pain⁽⁴²⁾.

4. Chondroitin helps with the nourishment of the tissues that line the joint⁽⁴³⁾. Anxiety may result from chronic pain⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

5. Turmeric is a flowering plant that may help with pain and inflammation⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Animal behavioral scientists in the U.K. and Brazil suggested that canines with noise sensitivity should be regularly assessed for pain. They hypothesized that a dog’s fear or noise anxiety may be due to underlying pain⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Canines may be sensitive to loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, motorbikes, and gunshots.

6. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. It is vital for the functions of the nervous system and immune system⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Tryptophan has been shown to influence behaviors related to stress, fear, aggression, and anxiety in numerous mammalian subjects⁽⁴⁸⁾.

7. L-theanine is found in tea leaves. It is a type of amino acid that has relaxing effects in humans and animals⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

Legality of CBD

Colorado expanded their state law on marijuana in 2012. The state legalized the adult use of recreational cannabis after Amendment 64 was passed, modifying the Colorado constitution⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

Still, it is not clear whether the Centennial State allows the use of CBD for dogs.

On the other hand, licensed veterinarians in Nevada can recommend and administer hemp and cannabidiol products, provided that the THC content is not more than 0.3%⁽⁵¹⁾.    

Meanwhile, cannabis is still illegal in veterinary medicine in California, although the state legalized it for adults over 21 years old⁽⁵²⁾. 

On September 27, 2018, the state government approved California Legislature Assembly 2215 concerning veterinary professionals, cannabis, and animals⁽⁵³⁾. 

The bill permits veterinarians to discuss medicinal cannabis use with pet owners. Still, it is illegal for them to prescribe cannabis products for pets.