If you’ve heard about CBD oil, then you’ve likely heard about its impressive anti-anxiety properties. CBD is quickly gaining a reputation as an anxiolytic, but humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from CBD. Dogs can also retain the benefits of this supplement. 

If you want to give CBD oil to your dog for anxiety, then it’s essential to consider how to dose CBD oil for your dog correctly. 

Can You Give CBD Oil to Dogs?

It may sound crazy to give your dog a compound found in cannabis plants, but studies show that dogs can safely use CBD oil with no adverse effects (1). 

While CBD might be an active compound in cannabis, it isn’t the cannabinoid responsible for the plant’s psychoactive high. THC, another cannabinoid, is behind the intoxicating effects of cannabis. With CBD being non-psychotropic, you can feel safe knowing that giving your dog CBD oil isn’t going to cause them any distressing mind-altering effects. 

How to Give CBD Oil to Dogs

Giving CBD oil to your dog is as easy as adding a few drops to their dinner or giving them a new snack. 

Many CBD pet food products on the market make it easier for you to incorporate CBD into your dog’s routine. Our customers love CannaLove™ CBD K-9 Soft Chews.

These beef-flavored chews are infused with CBD and are a simple way to provide  your dog CBD’s therapeutic effects.

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?

While deciding what CBD dose to give a person is relatively straightforward, it can be challenging to determine how much CBD oil to give dogs. They can’t verbalize their symptoms, and you must make sure you give them a safe dose. 

The good news is that recent studies involving CBD oil in dogs’ treatment can explain how much CBD is the right amount. 

A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 2.5 mg of CBD oil per kg was an effective and safe dosage for dogs (2). 

In one 2017 study looking at CBD for treating osteoarthritis in dogs, the researchers administered either 2 mg of CBD oil per kg or a placebo (3). Dogs received this CBD dose every 12 hours over four weeks. The study results showed that the CBD oil dosage effectively reduced pain levels, and the dog owners reported that the CBD treatment twice daily showed no adverse side effects.  

A CBD oil dosage of 2 to 2.5 mg per kg used up to twice a day can be safe and effective as a treatment for your dog. With our K-9 Pain Relief Hemp CBD Oil, you can provide the proper dose to your dog.

Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety in dogs can manifest in various ways, and it’s essential to be aware of the signs of anxiety in dogs so that you can treat their anxiety early. 

Signs that your dog might be anxious:

• Excessive barking, mostly when left alone
• Damaging furniture or excessively digging up your yard
• Excessive urination 
• Not eating
• Lethargy
• Shivering 
• Panting without reason
• Regularly trying to escape
• Self-harm, e.g., excessive biting, itching, or licking

How Does CBD Reduce Anxiety?

CBD has shown an impressive ability to reduce anxiety. CBD can increase serotonin levels in the brain by activating the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A (4). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with improving mood and is often used in anxiety treatments (5). 

CBD may also reduce anxiety levels by lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and higher cortisol levels have been associated with increased feelings of anxiety and stress (6). Research tells that CBD may be able to interrupt cortisol secretion and lead to a reduction in cortisol levels (7). 

Can CBD oil Reduce My Dog’s Anxiety?

Unfortunately, there haven’t been any studies involving CBD as a treatment for anxiety in dogs. Researchers have shown that CBD oil can reduce anxiety levels in humans, mice, and rat studies. Based on these findings, it may indicate CBD’s potential to reduce anxiety in dogs. 

One study found that CBD oil significantly reduced anxiety levels in teenagers with a social anxiety disorder (8). Another study found that CBD oil acted as effectively as clinical antidepressants in reducing depression in mice (9). 

CBD has effectively reduced pain and seizures in dogs, which shows that CBD can be an effective treatment in dogs (10, 11). 

Future studies involving CBD as a treatment for dogs’ anxiety will help researchers make definitive conclusions about its effects. But for now, the potential to reduce your dog’s anxiety is positive. 

The Bottom Line 

Studies show that doses of 2 to 2.5 mg of CBD per kg can be both safe and effective in dogs, and there are plenty of ready-made CBD dog snacks that can make dosing CBD for your dog a breeze. 

While more research into the anti-anxiety effects of CBD in dogs is needed, early research is promising. As with any new treatment, be sure to consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

CannaLove™ CBD K-9 Soft Chews could work for your dog’s anxiety. You can even combine these soft chews with CannaLove™ Anxiety Relief Shampoo if your dog has trouble relaxing.