A pet parent guide to calming CBD for dogs

Will CBD Help My Dog Calm Down?

Posted by Lianne McLeod D.V.M. on

A pet parent guide to calming CBD for dogs

You want to help your dog feel better, but you also want to avoid harsh chemicals or drugs. That's where CBD oil comes in. CBD is a natural option that comes from the hemp plant, part of the cannabis plant family. 

CBD may help lower several stress-related measures and help your dog cope better with either the separation event or other tough situations.

Lola Hemp Logo This calming CBD dog treat has helped countless dogs relax. Learn more.

Does CBD Calm Dogs Down?

CBD could help your dog calm down in a number of situations. It's an option that thousands of pet owners use effectively every day. 

Let's look at some of the calming applications CBD has for dogs.

Issues with Stress

CBD might help take the edge off when your dog faces stressful situations. For shelter dogs with high anxiety, CBD oil might help calm them down, thus, making them easier to adopt. It works by interacting with the body's stress response system, possibly lowering cortisol levels; the hormone responsible for the 'fight or flight' feeling.

Anxiety Support

Anxiety in dogs can manifest in many ways, from excessive barking to destructive behavior. CBD oil might offer a natural way to help manage these symptoms. It could work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain, much like some anti-anxiety medications do, but without the harsh side effects. You could notice less pacing, fewer accidents in the house, and an overall calmer demeanor.

CBD Product Options for Dogs

Dog CBD comes in many forms, making it easy to find what works best for your pet. Let's look at the different ways you can give CBD to your dog:

 

Is cbd oil a good way to calm dogs - image of a dog getting a drop of cbd oil from an oil dropper

1. CBD Oil for Dogs

CBD oil for dogs is perhaps the most popular and versatile option for administering CBD to your dog. It comes in a bottle with a dropper, making it easy to measure and adjust doses. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains more plant compounds. It may work better than regular CBD oil for dogs.

Calming CBD Oil for Dogs
Calming CBD Oil for Dogs Shop Calming CBD Oil

 

 

CBD Dog Treats

For many dogs, CBD dog treats are the most enjoyable way to consume dog CBD. These come in various flavors and textures, designed to appeal to your dog's taste buds. From crunchy biscuits to soft chews, you're likely to find an option your dog will love.

Giving CBD dog treats makes an excellent choice for dogs who are picky about taking supplements. The treats are also portable, making them convenient for on-the-go use.

 

CBD treats for dogs - a puppy receiving a cbd treat for calming

 

CBD Topicals for Dogs

While not as common as ingestible options, CBD topicals for dogs can be beneficial for specific issues. These products come in the form of balms, creams, or sprays that you apply directly to your dog's skin.

CBD topicals for dogs are primarily used for localized issues like skin irritations, hot spots, or joint pain. They allow you to target specific areas of discomfort. For example, you might apply a CBD balm to your dog's paws if they're sore from walking on hot pavement.

 

Choosing the Right Dog CBD Product

You want to be sure you're getting a CBD product that's safe, effective, and right for your furry friend.

Reading Labels

Look for information about the type of CBD used. Is it full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate? This should be clearly stated on the label.

Check the ingredients list. Ideally, you want to see simple, natural ingredients. Be wary of products with lots of additives or artificial flavors. If your dog has any allergies or sensitivities, double-check that none of those ingredients are present.

The label should also tell you how the CBD was extracted. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard because it doesn't leave behind any harmful residues.

Certificates of Analysis

Now, let's talk about Certificates of Analysis (COAs). These are lab reports that show exactly what's in the product. Any reputable CBD company should provide these, either on their website or upon request.

When you look at a COA, check for a few key things. First, does the CBD content match what's on the label? The COA should confirm the amount of CBD in the product.

Next, look for the THC content. For legal reasons, and to be safe for your dog, this should be less than 0.3%.

The COA should also show test results for contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants. You want to see "ND" (Not Detected) or "< LOQ" (Less than Limit of Quantitation) for these.

Don't be afraid to ask questions if anything on the label or COA is unclear. A good company will be happy to explain its CBD products to you.

References

  1. Patikorn, C., Nerapusee, O., Soontornvipart, K., Lawonyawut, K., Musikpodok, K., Waleethanaphan, K., & Anantachoti, P. (2023). Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal intervention studies. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1248417.

  2. Tittle, D., Wakshlag, J., Schwark, W., Lyubimov, A., Zakharov, A., & Gomez, B. (2022). Twenty-Four Hour and One-Week Steady State Pharmacokinetics of Cannabinoids in Two Formulations of Cannabidiol and Cannabidiolic Acid Rich Hemp in Dogs. Medical Research Archives. https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v10i7.2907.

  3. Morris, E., Kitts-Morgan, S., Spangler, D., Gebert, J., Vanzant, E., McLeod, K., & Harmon, D. (2021). Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD)-Containing Treats Did Not Affect Canine Daily Voluntary Activity. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.645667.

  4. Scholfield, C., Waranuch, N., & Kongkaew, C. (2022). Systematic Review on Transdermal/Topical Cannabidiol Trials: A Reconsidered Way Forward.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0154.

  5. Wakshlag, J. J., Schwark, W. S., Deabold, K. A., Talsma, B. N., Cital, S., Lyubimov, A., ... & Zakharov, A. (2020). Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and related metabolites in canine serum after dosing with three oral forms of hemp extract. Frontiers in veterinary science, 7, 505.

  6. Draeger, A. L., Hoffman, L. K., Godwin, P. R., Davis, A. J., & Porr, S. A. (2021). Pharmacokinetics of a single feeding of pelleted cannabidiol in horses. Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal, 4(2), 1.

  7. Kogan, L., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., Hellyer, P., & Rishniw, M. (2019). US veterinarians' knowledge, experience, and perception regarding the use of cannabidiol for canine medical conditions. Frontiers in veterinary science, 5, 429875.

  8. Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide To CBD: Explore The World Of Cannabidiol. Fair Winds Press.

  9. Hunt, A., Flint, H., Logan, D., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604.

  10. Corsetti, S., Borruso, S., Malandrucco, L., Spallucci, V., Maragliano, L., Perino, R., D’Agostino, P., & Natoli, E. (2021). Cannabis sativa L. may reduce aggressive behaviour towards humans in shelter dogs. Scientific Reports, 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82439-2.

  11. Kogan, L., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., Hellyer, P., & Rishniw, M. (2019). US Veterinarians' Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00338.

  12. Yu, C., & Rupasinghe, H. (2021). Cannabidiol-based natural health products for companion animals: Recent advances in the management of anxiety, pain, and inflammation.. Research in veterinary science, 140, 38-46 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.08.001.

  13. García, G., Kube, S., Carrera-Justiz, S., Tittle, D., & Wakshlag, J. (2022). Safety and efficacy of cannabidiol-cannabidiolic acid rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.939966.

  14. Campora, L., Miragliotta, V., Ricci, E., Cristino, L., Di Marzo, V., Albanese, F., ... & Abramo, F. (2012). Cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2 expression in the skin of healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis. American journal of veterinary research, 73(7), 988-995.

  15. Corsato Alvarenga, I., Wilson, K. M., & McGrath, S. (2024). Tolerability of long‐term cannabidiol supplementation to healthy adult dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 38(1), 326-335.

  16. Wakshlag, J. J., Cital, S., Eaton, S. J., Prussin, R., & Hudalla, C. (2020). Cannabinoid, terpene, and heavy metal analysis of 29 over-the-counter commercial veterinary hemp supplements. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 45-55.

  17. Certificate of Analysis | ACS Laboratory. (2022). Acslab.com. https://www.acslab.com/certificate-of-analysis

 

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AUTHOR

Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a former writer for The Spruce Pets, contributing articles for 11 years. Before Dr. McLeod began writing about pet care, she worked several years in small animal practice. She has written extensively about the care and keeping of exotic pets and pet health care. She now researches water quality and chronic disease at the University of Saskatchewan. Lianne McLeod earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Simon Fraser University. She continued her education and received a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Now, she splits her time between her family, research and writing about pet health for all the animal lovers out there.


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