If your dog gets anxious or destructive every time you leave the house, they might be dealing with separation anxiety — a common issue for many pets. While there are several ways to manage this condition, many pet owners are turning to CBD calming products for dogs as a natural option. But how effective is it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety happens when a dog becomes overly stressed or distressed after being separated from their owner or someone they’re deeply bonded with. It’s not just a little whining — it’s a full emotional response that can seriously affect a dog’s behavior and well-being.

Why Are Dogs More Prone to Separation Anxiety than Other Pets?

Dogs are social animals and they naturally form close bonds with humans. According to the article “Intergenerational Transmission of Human Parenting Styles to Human–Dog Relationships”, distinct human–dog interactions and a dog’s attachment style are associated with different dog-directed parenting styles. So when their caregiver disappears — even temporarily — it can trigger strong emotional reactions.

Common Causes of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

A case-control study titled “Risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs” (200 subjects with separation anxiety and 200 controls) identified several overlapping causes:

• Pathologic overattachment to the owner
• Negative early experiences (e.g., early separation from the mother)
• Traumatic experience while alone
• Change in family circumstances
• Genetic predisposition

Signs Your Dog Might Be Suffering from Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety doesn’t always look the same in every dog. According to Dr. Barbara L. Sherman in her column “Separation Anxiety in Dogs”, you should watch for symptoms like:

• Excessive barking, howling, or whining when left alone
• Destructive behaviors (chewing furniture, scratching doors)
• Accidents in the house, even if they’re house-trained
• Urination/defecation in the house
• Hypersalivation
• Pacing, panting, or drooling
• Acral lick
• Vocalization

How to Calm an Anxious Dog Without Medication

A study called “Alleviation of separation distress in 3 breeds of young dogs” examined 12 stimulus conditions to reduce separation distress using food, toys, and human or canine contact. Based on those findings, here are some practical tips:

Situation	Recommended Actions
🏡  While at Home	Provide regular exercise and play. Avoid reinforcing clingy behavior. Praise calm, independent behavior. Practice “place training” and departure cue desensitization. For aggressive behaviors, apply sit-stay training near departure points.
🎒 When Preparing to Depart	Set up the environment (radio, lights) 30 minutes before leaving. Avoid interaction 30 minutes prior. Leave your dog in a warm, safe space. Provide enrichment items (e.g., toys). Keep departures calm and brief.
🚪 On Return	Don’t punish your dog for anything that happened while you were gone. Stay calm and low-key. Ignore your dog until calm, then greet gently.

If medication has been suggested, note that “ A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel”, a study conducted by  Waltham Petcare Science Institute, reports Clomipramine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, is known to reduce destructive behavior, but it can also cause side effects like vomiting or sedation.

Similarly, fluoxetine administration may also cause lethargy, inappetence, seizures and depression in some dogs.

This makes natural remedies for dog anxiety, such as CBD, an appealing complementary option.

How CBD May Help Dogs With Separation Anxiety

Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system that helps regulate stress, mood, and inflammation. CBD interacts with this system in similar ways. As noted in a research article called “Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety?”, this interaction could reduce stress behaviors in dogs.

What Science Says

In the study above, ten healthy dogs were separated from their caregivers after receiving either 2.0 mg/kg/day of CBD for two weeks or a placebo:

• All dogs vocalized more when alone.
• Dogs receiving CBD vocalized significantly less than those on placebo, suggesting a potential calming effect.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs with Anxiety?

The study “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel” shows that:

• Short-term oral doses up to 20 mg/kg daily, and even single doses of 62 mg/kg are well-tolerated in healthy dogs.
• A six-month study using 4 mg/kg/day found no significant adverse effects.

Dogs receiving CBD were described as:

• Less stressed
• Less sad
• Less tense
• More comfortable during separation events

How to Use CBD Oil for Dogs with Anxiety

Choosing the Right Product

• Use CBD products made specifically for pets
• Look for brands with third-party lab results (Certificates of Analysis or CoAs)

What’s the Best CBD Dosage for Pets?

We suggest six drops for every ten pounds your pet weighs. Here’s a complete guide to CBD dosage for dogs and below you can see our recommended CBD dosages.

Still, while safe CBD for pets appears promising, it’s best to:

• Start low and adjust as needed.
• Always check with your vet if your dog is on other medications.
• Follow the brand’s instructions.

Ready to Help Your Dog Feel Calmer?

Explore our Organic CBD Oil for Pets, which is third-party tested and supports your dog’s emotional balance.

References

Masataka N. Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety? Heliyon. 2024 Feb;10(3):e25851. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25851. PMID: 38356586; PMCID: PMC10865324.

Hunt Alysia B. G., Flint Hannah E., Logan Darren W., King Tammie. A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Volume 10 – 2023. Volume 10 – 2023. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604

Kuo, C. H., & Kessler, S. (2024). Intergenerational Transmission of Human Parenting Styles to Human–Dog Relationships. Animals, 14(7), 1038. doi: 10.3390/ani14071038

Pettijohn TF, Wong TW, Ebert PD, Scott JP. Alleviation of separation distress in 3 breeds of young dogs. Dev Psychobiol. 1977 Jul;10(4):373-81. doi: 10.1002/dev.420100413. PMID: 873068.